Traditional veterinary medicine, much like in the human world, is often based on treating symptoms rather than the cause, or the underlying problem. Alternative horse therapies, on the other hand, are ancient forms of treatment that take a holistic approach to the whole body, mind, and spirit of the horse, to treat the underlying causes of problems manifesting in the body, and promote an overall sense of well being.

There are many types of alternative horse therapy treatments used to treat a large range of problems that your horse may be experiencing. It is recommended that alternative treatments be used regularly as a preventative treatment, rather than having to use them as a treatment after damage has been done. Below are some of the most commonly practiced alternative therapies for equine treatment, and well being.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, as an alternative therapy, which uses tiny needles inserted into meridians, or certain parts of the horse body, to maintain the horses balance, as well as promote good overall health. The examination and treatment requires close observation of the horse to identify the points of the body that need the treatment.

Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic treatments also need close observation of the horse, after a close observation the horse body is then manipulated to improve the flexibility of the horses spine, and joints. Horse chiropractic therapy is much the same as human chiropractic therapy and can increase the performance of a horse by moving joints into place to assist with overall performance.

Body Work
Bodywork is the term used for massage therapy, which treats soreness in the horse muscles. Unlike chiropractic therapy; bodywork concentrates on the horses muscles, rather than joints. This therapy is used to promote efficient movement by taking away the soreness in the horse muscles.

Homeopathy
Using naturally occurring substances diluted down to minute particles are the basics of homeopathy medicine. This therapy is used for treating diseases in a horse body. Homeopathy is an ancient Chinese form of medicine, which has been used successfully with horses and humans alike to treat a large range of diseases, and illnesses. Homeopathy is usually used along with other alternative therapies, such as chiropractic, bodywork, and acupuncture.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses fragrances that can affect the mood of a horse, assist in healing, and promote a sense of wellness. Aromatherapy is often used alongside herbs in a horse diet, to reduce irritation of the digestive tract, for better overall health, and well being.

Other Physical Therapies
There are many physical therapies being introduced to treat pain in horse tissues, and bones. Some of these therapies are known as magnetic therapy, laser therapies, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound, and are often used by veterinarians.

In most cases, the horse body can heal itself without medicines, synthetic, or alternative. But when natural therapies are used, they provide quicker healing times, and a feeling of overall well being, which will put the horses body into the healing mode faster, and possibly reduce healing times considerably.

Buying a used western saddle is often a great choice. Quality saddles maintain their value over time, so you can buy top brand previously owned saddle for the same price as you would a lower quality new one. Your dollar goes a lot farther in the used market and a good quality saddle fits both you and your horse better than something cheaply manufactured.

High quality leather western saddles are usually well cared for, so when they’re sold theyâ??re often in great shape. Sure, most used saddles will have a scuff here and there, but that adds to their character. It shows theyâ??ve been put to the test and theyâ??ve held up to the rigors of riding, unlike some of the poorly constructed new saddles out there.

During your search, take the opportunity to try as many different types, brands, and models of saddles as you can. This will help you narrow down the choice of what will suit you best. Of course, a saddle needs to fit the horse too, so keep that in mind.

So where should you start looking? Start anywhere there are horses. Horse owners and stables may be thinking of changing a saddle they have or making space by selling one theyâ??re not using. Youâ??d be amazed what you can find just by asking. If the place or person you visit doesnâ??t have a used saddle for sale, they may know someone who does.

Look first for used western saddles in places where you can see, touch, and inspect them. Look in tack shops or stores selling western tack. Just because a store sells new items doesnâ??t mean that they donâ??t have used tack. Plenty of people upgrade their western saddles and many tack shops will take a used saddle in as a trade in. Some tack stores also have used saddles for sale on consignment.

Local used tack sales can be a great source for used saddles. Keep an eye out for sale announcements by local horse groups and at horse shows and other events. Check the newspapers and the local classified publications.

The Internet is also a fantastic place to find a quality used western saddle. On the Internet you’re not limited to just your local area which significantly opens up your potential choices. Online sales sites such as eBay, TackTrader.com, and Equine.com provide a wide selection in the used market. Many tack stores also have websites and list their used tack for sale online.

In the online world, a picture says a thousand words, reading the small print matters, and asking questions is a must. You usually wonâ??t be able to inspect the saddle before you buy, so make sure you have detailed photos and find out as much as you can prior to buying. Some sellers will give you a try-out period so make sure to ask. Watch out for shipping costs as well â?? you could get a great bargain on a top-of-the-line saddle but pay a pretty penny to get it from there to here.

When trying to track down the perfect used saddle, take your time. Figure out what you need and donâ??t buy on impulse or because something is a bargain. Your main goal is to get a durable, solid quality western saddle that fits you and your horse the best. Youâ??ll save money in the long run, and your horse will thank you for taking the time to pick the perfect saddle.

http://www.TheEquineExpert.com – Make a horse owner or rider happy next tiem you see him or her by showing up with a present that you customized yourself for that special person at TheEquineExpert.com

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A veterinarian (from Latin veterinae, “draught animals”) is an animal doctor, a practitioner of veterinary medicine. Although veterinarians hold doctoral degrees in veterinary medicine, not all veterinarians enter clinical practice. Those that work in clinical settings practice medicine in specific fields, such as companion animal or “pet” medicine, reptile medicine, ratite medicine, livestock medicine, equine medicine (e.g. sports, race track, show, rodeo), or laboratory animal medicine. Other veterinarians research areas of human medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmacology. Research veterinarians were the first to isolate oncoviruses, Salmonella species, Brucella species, and various other pathogenic agents. They also helped conquer malaria and yellow fever; solved the mystery of botulism; produced an anticoagulant used to treat human heart disease; and developed surgical techniques for humans, such as hip-joint replacement, and limb and organ transplants.

Like all physicians, veterinarians must make serious ethical decisions about their patients’ care. There is ongoing debate over the ethics of performing certain controversial procedures, like declawing cats and docking tails, cropping ears, and debarking dogs. In some countries, these procedures are illegal, and therefore their practice is contentious. The Veterinarian’s Oath was adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates July 1969, and amended by the AVMA Executive Board, November 1999. It goes as follows:
“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.”

Some veterinarians work in a field called regulatory medicine â?? ensuring the nation’s food safety by working with the USDA FSIS, or work by protecting us from imported exotic animal diseases by working for the USDA APHIS. The emerging field of conservation medicine involves veterinarians even more directly with human health care, providing a multidisciplinary approach to medical research that also involves environmental scientists.

More than 3,800 veterinarians in the USA currently work at veterinary schools where they teach student vets what they need to know to graduate â?? teaching is another career path for a veterinarian.
Veterinary school is a tertiary educational institution, or part of such an institution, which is involved in the education of future veterinary practitioners (veterinarians). The entry criteria, structure, teaching methodology and nature of veterinary programs offered at veterinary schools vary considerably around the world. In the U.S., a doctorate of veterinary medicine degree (D.V.M.) (Or in the Veterinary Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania, a degree of veterinary medical doctor (V.M.D.) is awarded) is a four-year program. The program generally consists of 21D2 to 3 years of mostly traditional classroom coursework followed by the clinical rotations. Currently, unlike human medical school, a subsequent internship and/or residency are not required, but are optional to those who choose to seek further education and possible accreditation. Unsurprisingly, the number of veterinarians pursuing internships and/or residencies will continue to increase as the understanding of veterinary medicine continues to grow greater. A good veterinarian enjoys working with animals and their owners. Admission into veterinary medical school is so competitive that in the United States it is far easier to gain acceptance into either a medical school or a top Law School than to meet the GPA requirements for most veterinary schools. This situation occurs mostly because there are far fewer schools, allowing the schools to be much more selective. According to the US Department of Labor, only 1 in 3 applicants were accepted into a veterinary program in 2002. Prerequisites for admission include the undergraduate studies listed under veterinary medicine and extensive veterinary experience (typically about 500 or more hours) in private practice or other veterinary environment. The average veterinary medical student has an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 and a GRE score of approximately 1800. US graduates are awarded either a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or the less common Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree, depending upon the traditions of the veterinary school.

Public health medicine is another option for veterinarians. Veterinarians in government and private laboratories provide diagnostic and testing services. Some veterinarians serve as state epidemiologists, directors of environmental health, and directors of state or city public health departments. Veterinarians are also employed by the US Agriculture Research Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Library of Medicine, and National Institutes of Health. The military also employs veterinarians in a number of capacities â?? caring for pets on military bases, caring for military working animals, and controlling various arthropod-borne diseases or other such things.

Veterinary medicine is the application of medical, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to companion, domestic, exotic, wildlife, and production animals. Veterinary Science is concerned with the scientific basis of animal production, health and disease. It requires the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge in several disciplines and uses technical skills towards the solution of animal production, health, management and welfare problems.
Veterinary medicine is informally as old as the human/animal bond but in recent years has expanded exponentially because of the availability of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for most species. Animals nowadays often receive advanced medical, dental, and surgical care including insulin injections, root canals, hip replacements, cataract extractions, and pacemakers.

Veterinarians assist in ensuring the quality, quantity, and security of food supplies by working to maintain the health of livestock and inspecting the meat itself. Veterinary scientists are very important in chemical, biological, and pharmacological research.

In many countries, equine veterinary medicine is also a specialized field. Clinical work with horses involves mainly locomotor and orthopaedic problems, digestive tract conditions (including equine colic, which is a major cause of death among domesticated horses), and respiratory tract infections and disorders.

As in the human medical field, veterinary medicine (in practice) requires a diverse group of individuals to meet the need of patients. In addition to veterinarians, many veterinary hospitals utilize a team of veterinary nurses and veterinary assistants to completely care for healing, critical and well animals. Veterinary nurses are generally registered as “veterinary technicians” in most states and are legally qualified to assist veterinarians in many medical procedures. Veterinary assistants, who are not licensed by most states, but can be well-trained at facilities such as The School for Veterinary Assistants, are also becoming increasingly in-demand in the veterinary industry due to a wide range of treatments and services being offered to meet the higher expectations of pet owners in the United States.

Buying your first or new horse can be a very exciting but nervous time. Will I find what I’m after? Will it be the right horse for me? What is the real reason it’s for sale? Does it have any health problems? HELP…… I don’t want to be ripped off!

RELAX………..here are a few handy hints that can reduce the stress in choosing your new equine partner.

Whether you are looking at buying your first horse or your 3rdor 4th there are a few safe guards you can take to help ensure it is an exciting time in both your lives.

So you have decided to buy a horse, congratulations! Now that you have taken this first step there are a few things you need to decide.

What are your plans with your new horse? Do you just want to go trail riding? Do you want to compete? If so, in what equestrian sport? Western, Dressage, Jumping, Polo, Pony Club, Eventing, Rodeo, Show riding, breed classes???

Do you have a breed preference? What height horse is best suited to you? What sex animal do you prefer? Will it be run with other horses? Are you experienced enough for a young horse? How much are you willing to spend?

Sometimes it can be difficult to pin point exactly what type of horse is best suited to you and your equestrian pursuits. It is advisable to seek out the opinion of a more experienced horse person, someone you trust and has lots of horse knowledge.

Unless you are buying for a particular breed or show ring activity, the coat color is of no importance! I have seen lots of people make mistakes having brought a horse because of their coat color.

I personally have never been a big fan of grays (sorry to all the gray lovers out there), but I will tell you that some of my best horses have infact been gray!

There are quite a few different horse buying guides and sources around. Check out the internet, local paper and local saddlery shop. Don’t forget to ask your friends and horse acquaintances. These people will normally know who is for sale, why they are for sale and what the horse is like.

So you have found a horse that sounds great on paper and have contacted the owner to organize a viewing time. See if you can have a knowledgeable horse person go with you.

Try to arrive a little earlier than the agreed time. This way you will see if the horse has been worked before you get there and hopefully allows you to see the horse being caught and tacked up.

Get the owner to show you the horse being ridden first, and then get your friend to have a try and see what they think. If the horse doesn’t seem to be suitable at this point or it scares you half to death, then don’t get on!!! If you don’t feel comfortable now then you won’t when you get it home.

Ask lots of questions. Even if you think they are silly. You won’t know unless you ask. View any registration papers and competition results.

Have a good look at the horse, pick up all four feet, look in their mouth, under their tail, in their eyes and note anything that looks abnormal. If you don’t know what you are looking at get your friend to look.

If after you have put it through its paces and you think it maybe the right horse for you then I suggest two things, it maybe an idea to put a deposit down (if the owner agrees) and get a vet check done.

A vet will view the horse and conduct a few tests to see if it is healthy and sound. Remember to get an independent vet, one that hasn’t seen the horse before.

It may also be wise to have another viewing of the horse on a different day. Even if you arrived unannounced, at least this gives you an idea of what the horse is like naturally.

Talk to people who may have seen the horse before, they should be able to tell you anything that they have noticed.

See the horse loaded on to a trailer, lead the horse around yourself, try putting the bridle on, any think else you may have to do on a regular bases.

Once you have done all this and you still think the horse is suitable then it maybe necessary to negotiate the price. This is entirely up to you.

But remember that a lot of owners won’t budge on the price, especially if they know it’s a good horse (Although I have picked up a couple of great horses for half price their value, having been in the right place at the right time).

Remember to have all the registration forms transferred over to your name (or at least signed over) before you take the horse home. Also get a receipt saying you have paid for the horse in full before you leave the property.

Congratulations!!! You are now the proud owner of your new horse. May it be a long and satisfying journey together.

Happy Horsing

Tina Williamson B App Sci (Equine)

Join the teachers and visionaries from the movie in a special FREE teleseminar series starting early January 2009. You are invited to join the experts and the maker of the documentary each week for 5 weeks and learn about the latest thinking in horse training and horse human relationships

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Averett University is located in Danville, Virginia. This college offers an equine science degree that can be worked into to almost any other major the school has to offer. The degree is also available as a minor to any major so that students are able to continue their training while attending college. The program provides a large knowledge base in horsemanship and is a gateway into the equine industry.

The program offers a bachelorâ??s degree in equestrian studies as well as a minor. The college has a firm foundation in horsemanship and students learn to exude professionalism. Those students that are interested in management positions in the equine industry will benefit from the business program that the school has to offer. The equestrian center is one of the best facilities on the East Coast. With over 100 acres the school features an indoor arena, dressage and jumping arenas, round pens and a cross-country course. The university also offers horses for training, however, students must bring their own saddle and grooming supplies.

Averett gives students the opportunity to attend professional clinics, workshops and seminars. They are also able to allow students to participate in competitions at no cost. The university is affiliated with the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and invites many guest clinicians to speak and hold workshops. Many of these guests are Olympic level trainers. Students are able to make excellent professional connections within this program. The university also offers dressage and combined training for those students that are interested in competing.

Students who are interested in gaining hands on experience will enjoy the internship opportunities that are available to them. They are able to work in:

* Dressage barns

* Training barns

* Breeding facilities

* Camps

* Tack Stores

* Dressage

* Show Management

* Equine certification programs

* Teaching beginning jumping

Graduates of the program have many career options available to them including:

* Small business ownership/entrepreneurship

* Tourism

* Sales

* Pharmacy

* Tack

* Feed

* Equipment

* Preparatory for Large Animal Veterinarian

* Preparatory for USDF and CT certification exam

* Instructor/trainer

* Competition rider/trainer

* Equine journalism

Recent graduates have attended veterinarian school, are instructing and training, managing boarding facilities, web master from national equine organizations and therapeutic riding instructors.

Eucalyptus is more than just that crafty stem of leaves used in wall decor and other home made crafts. Although these decorations add a fresh scent and attractive accent to your home, eucalyptus is also available as an essential oil that may benefit you in other ways. Eucalyptus oil has a clear, thin appearance that provides a fresh, cooling, and soothing application with a soft earthy aroma. Eucalyptus oil is most commonly used to treat skin irritations such as insect bites, blisters, irritations and other wounds. The use of Eucalyptus oil is also widely used to treat congestion and respiratory distress as well as other medical disorders. Sinus pressure can be relived naturally by simply massaging a small drop of Eucalyptus oil onto your temples and on your â??third eye’ or where your nose meets your forehead, being careful to avoid contact with the eyes. Eucalyptus oil will also provide relief to sore muscles when added to massage oil. Isn’t it amazing what one little plant can do?

Essential oils are very complex and are often referred to as the “Life Force” of the plants from which they are derived. These essential oils are stored in the plants cells, ducts and glandular hairs that extend along the flowers, through the leaves, stems, bark and down into the roots. These plants are often considered a gift from Mother Nature to provide us with a unique medicinal healing, along with a protective, regenerating and intoxicating essential oil that is exceedingly beneficial to all human kind. A single essential oil is so highly concentrated and very powerful. These concentrated essential oils can contain hundreds of molecularly designed components that are adjusted just right to induce an assortment of reactions in the human body. Even one or two drops of an essential oil can produce significant results, which is why it’s very important to use these essential oils only as directed.

You should always consult with your physician or aroma therapist prior to using ANY essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or have any existing medical conditions. The top ten uses for Eucalyptus essential oils are as follows:

Eucalyptus oil can be used as an antiseptic gargle.

As a stimulant, Eucalyptus oil can increase cardiac activity.

Eucalyptus oil can be applied externally to treat croup and other spasmodic throat problems.

When used as an ingredient with catheter oil, Eucalyptus oil can be used to lubricate and sterilize urethral catheters.

Equine veterinarians use Eucalyptus oil to treat influenza in horses.

Veterinarians also find Eucalyptus oil helpful in treating dogs with distemper, along with other animals suffering with septicemia, or blood poisoning. It can also be helpful in aiding with parasite infestations.

Eucalyptus oil is used widely by the natives in the country of origin as a remedy for fevers, asthma, whooping cough and other maladies.

Works as a diuretic to treat Dropsy.

Works as a deodorizer and excitant when applied locally for foul-smelling mucous discharges, e.g. vaginal, gonorrheal, septicemia, gangrene and cancerous ulcerations.

When applied externally, Eucalyptus oil can provide relief in a variety of other respiratory distresses.

If used internally in large doses, Eucalyptus oil can turn into an irritant to the kidneys and suppress the nervous system by eventually arresting the respiratory system on the medullar center. Eucalyptus oils, along with other essential oils must be used as directed to avoid possible overdoses that can be very harmful. Eucalyptus overdose symptoms include: drowsiness, convulsions, muscle weakness, shallow or rapid breathing, difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness. If an overdose is suspected, call your local Poison Control Center immediately for guidance. You must be able to provide the Poison Control Counselors of the patients age, weight and condition, along with the name of the product and when possible the ingredients and the strengths of the ingredients. You may also be asked what time dose was taken and in what amount for the Poison Control Counselor to better assist you. If you are instructed to go to the Emergency room, be sure to bring the bottle along with you. You can call Poison Control at anytime from anywhere in the United States at 1-800-222-1222.

I was passing a local field the other day, in my car coming home and an extremely distraught rider came flying out of the field in floods of tears. I nearly added to them by running her over, she was so distraught. Getting out of the car in a hurry she dragged me into the field to see her horse, a stunning red, with a fracture just below the front fetlock. In fact the only thing holding the bottom of his leg on was a strip if skin, it was horrific. ‘Red’ must have been in acute distress, as was his owner. She was too distraught to think straight. I called the Vet but I feared the worst. The Vet arrived pretty quickly and as I suspected the news wasn’t good.

I was very upset myself then. I went straight home and to my computer to write this article. There was little that could be done for poor ‘Red’ but I realized that many riders might not know what they could or should do for an injured horse whilst waiting for the Vet, so here’s some advice.
Horses can injure themselves in fields, whilst being ridden or competing. Should your horse sustain a really bad injury ‘The Center For Equine Health’ gives the advice below on treating severe cuts, limb fractures or injuries where the horse is unsteady on its feet.

Severe lacerations with bleeding.
Using a clean dressing, apply pressure with your hand directly over the source of bleeding.
Gently clean the wound with a cold water hose only if it is really dirty or has stones, or anything else stuck to it.
Do not apply any medication, disinfectant or ointments to any wound that may require suturing or stitching, because these may cause tissue damage that can interfere with the suturing procedure. As a general rule, the less done to the wound before the veterinarian gets there, the better.
If the horse is likely to be transported to a veterinary clinic or if there’s going to be a delay before the veterinarian arrives, apply a clean pressure bandage directly over the wound. Use plenty of padding between the injury and the bandaging material. Elastikon and or Vetwrap should be applied firmly enough to lessen bleeding but not so firmly as to cut off circulation. Always leave some of the padding material showing at the top and bottom of your wrap. Tourniquets are not recommended for use by untrained people.

Limb fractures or injuries with instability.
Stabilize the injured limb in the first few minutes after a bad bone injury. This will prevent further injury to the affected limb and its blood supply and will reduce the animal’s pain.
If a proper splint is not available, you can make one with a pillow and several rolls of Elastikon tape or Vetwrap type bandages. Wrap the pillow around the leg and apply the tape pulling the pillow as tight as you can while wrapping. After several rolls of tape have been applied, the bandage will become very stiff, thereby stabilizing the leg. This is only a short-term solution which will need to be replaced with more permanent stabilization as soon as possible.
If you do feel you have to use tranquilizers in a severely injured horse, use a very low dose. These animals easily fall into shock and higher doses of tranquilizers can make low blood pressure problems worse. I personally wouldn’t recommend you use one unless there is absolutely no choice, like the animal is continuing to hurt themselves.

I truly hope that you never need this information. I will never forget the site of such a beautiful horse so badly injured, but if you do I hope it helps. My last piece of advice is that you make all those you ride with aware of this information so that if the worst does happen you can help each other out.

Traditional veterinary medicine, much like in the human world, is often based on treating symptoms rather than the cause, or the underlying problem. Alternative horse therapies, on the other hand, are ancient forms of treatment that take a holistic approach to the whole body, mind, and spirit of the horse, to treat the underlying causes of problems manifesting in the body, and promote an overall sense of well being.

There are many types of alternative horse therapy treatments used to treat a large range of problems that your horse may be experiencing. It is recommended that alternative treatments be used regularly as a preventative treatment, rather than having to use them as a treatment after damage has been done. Below are some of the most commonly practiced alternative therapies for equine treatment, and well being.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, as an alternative therapy, which uses tiny needles inserted into meridians, or certain parts of the horse body, to maintain the horses balance, as well as promote good overall health. The examination and treatment requires close observation of the horse to identify the points of the body that need the treatment.

Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic treatments also need close observation of the horse, after a close observation the horse body is then manipulated to improve the flexibility of the horses spine, and joints. Horse chiropractic therapy is much the same as human chiropractic therapy and can increase the performance of a horse by moving joints into place to assist with overall performance.

Body Work
Bodywork is the term used for massage therapy, which treats soreness in the horse muscles. Unlike chiropractic therapy; bodywork concentrates on the horses muscles, rather than joints. This therapy is used to promote efficient movement by taking away the soreness in the horse muscles.

Homeopathy
Using naturally occurring substances diluted down to minute particles are the basics of homeopathy medicine. This therapy is used for treating diseases in a horse body. Homeopathy is an ancient Chinese form of medicine, which has been used successfully with horses and humans alike to treat a large range of diseases, and illnesses. Homeopathy is usually used along with other alternative therapies, such as chiropractic, bodywork, and acupuncture.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses fragrances that can affect the mood of a horse, assist in healing, and promote a sense of wellness. Aromatherapy is often used alongside herbs in a horse diet, to reduce irritation of the digestive tract, for better overall health, and well being.

Other Physical Therapies
There are many physical therapies being introduced to treat pain in horse tissues, and bones. Some of these therapies are known as magnetic therapy, laser therapies, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound, and are often used by veterinarians.

In most cases, the horse body can heal itself without medicines, synthetic, or alternative. But when natural therapies are used, they provide quicker healing times, and a feeling of overall well being, which will put the horses body into the healing mode faster, and possibly reduce healing times considerably.