Yorkshire Animal Physiotherapy

Really interesting piece. Horses react and behave like they do for a reason. They always have a reason. Also what’s interesting is the effects the dentistry work had on the teeth. Only a short video but worth a look

Damage from Equine Dentistry MsE September 2016- In our Equine CranioSacral Worskhops program we dissected the head, in our ECD One Day Equine Cranium Dissection Workshop of a 5 year old, ...

Just sharing a genuinely brilliant piece of writing:

Horses need horsemen. It's that simple. I get asked the same questions over and over again and nobody gets it. What level rider is this horse suitable for? I'll tell you, the best one she can get, the best horseman that's willing to buy her. The horse will only ever be as good as the rider. It doesn't matter if it's trained to jump hoops of fire, you're gonna bring it down to your level in no time. Your kid doesn't need a $15,000 horse if they haven't already had $15,000 worth of lessons. You can't buy a violin that will gift you the skill of playing. It's the same for horses. There is no magic horse, only a love for the animal, and a commitment to learning.

Most of you are so unfair and demanding of the horse you miss the forest for the trees. "I want a horse that rides out alone!!" well guess what, you better be ready to spend a year developing that relationship, that bond, that trust, she's not a bike, you can't buy trust.

"I want a horse that can sit and be the same after time off" well friend, this is a commitment to a relationship, not a classic car you take out of the garage twice a year. You can't buy what your looking for.

"I want a horse my kids can ride" you better be ready to teach your kids how to be horsemen, because if the horse has to do it, you'll likely see the inside of an ambulance, or a morgue.

You can't buy trust, you cannot buy what comes with building a relationship with an animal over years of dedication.

Written by
Brittnee Woodward-Whitehead

🌱🌱** ATYPICAL MYOPATHY **🌱🌱

Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of horses suffering from Atypical Myopathy this spring. Sycamore seedlings seem to be particularly prevalent and toxic this year.

With spring now well and truly underway, please check your pastures for sycamore tree seedlings. Seedlings and fallen seeds contain a toxin called hypoglycin A (HGA) that can cause Atypical Myopathy (sycamore poisoning) in horses when ingested. The toxin HGA slows or stops energy production in muscles and the heart.

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent ingestion of sycamore seeds & seedlings, and therefore help to prevent Atypical Myopathy:

• Ideally move your horses to pasture where sycamore trees are not in danger of dropping seeds in the autumn or for seedlings to come up in the spring, although we are aware this is not always possible (the “helicopter” seeds can travel up to 200 yards). Alternatively, fence off any areas of the pasture where sycamore seeds have fallen or seedlings are starting to grow.
• Remove sycamore seeds from pastures and pull up (if possible) sycamore seedlings – seedlings should be carefully disposed of because dead seedlings (including seedlings killed using herbicides) are still poisonous.
• Provide supplementary hay/haylage, especially when grazing is poor. However, avoid leaving wet hay on the ground as this can increase the risk
• Provide supplementary concentrate feeding.
• Reduce time spent at pasture.

Not all horses on problem pastures are susceptible (probably depending on genetic factors), but currently it is not possible to tell which horses are high risk.

Atypical myopathy signs include:

- General weakness - difficulty walking and breathing
- Sudden collapse and inability to stand
- Depression - holding head low
- Muscle tremors / trembling
- Signs of colic (but often still have a good appetite)
- Brown or dark red urine

Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. Sadly the disease is frequently fatal (over 50% of affected horses do not survive), especially if the horse becomes recumbent and unable to get up. However, treatment can be successful in mild cases and if started early enough – if horses survive the first few days then they have a higher chance of surviving, however full recovery can take several months.

If you suspect your horse is showing signs of Atypical Myopathy, please contact your vet immediately – remember that the earlier they can diagnose the disease and initiate treatment, the better the chances of survival.🐴🌱

Wishing all my clients a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous new year. Thank you for your continued support with my work. Enjoy the time with your family, friends and your special animals little and large.
As usual first day off and I’ve caught the bug that’s going round, feel awful but at least I’ve got the time off to recover 🤣 but as always if you are worried about your horses let me know and I’ll come out bug or not, I’ll just keep my distance! The photo was taken a few years back of my wonderful quarter horse Cowboy Jo in the snow xx

Rest in peace a very exceptional horse woman
………. Our Queen