Recent content by Barefoot4

Puffy Leg syndrome is very common, and movement is the key! The lymphatic system needs to be kept healthy to keep draining excess fluid away. There are some really good herbs which you can add in feed which will keep the lymphatics toned and cleansed. Have a look here - www.equinatural.co.uk.

Brewers Yeast and SkinSoothe by EquiNatural (www.equinatural.co.uk) - incredible difference. Our chronic sufferer is now sporting a 6 inch mane and full glossy tail, and hardly even rubs his nose on his box when he comes in. All natural herbs, and smells yummy.

Psyllium husks are brilliant - completely natural, one of nature's most effective colon-cleansing dietary fibre supplements. We have exactly the same problem - lush prime-arable dairy pasture and within days, my lot need psyllium. 20g in feed for a week or so and everything's back to normal...

We have found that treating topically is only half of the solution - sweetitch is an internal problem caused by an over-reactive response by the immune system, so it's essential to make sure that the liver is cleansed and detoxing properly, and keeping blood cleansed and purified. It's...

Hi there, I noticed your post after replying to AllySmalice's post re 'My Horse has a cough'. I spent over £400 on ventapulmin for my old cob a couple of winters ago, and after 3 weeks he was no better despite major changes to his management. Then I discovered BreathePlus from EquiNatural...

Hi AllyS, no need to wet the hay first before steaming - just stuff your bin full and switch on. A tip though is while it's steaming away, pour a boiling kettle-full over the top which adds extra steam power! A bedding I like is elephant grass - wierdly, shavings make ME cough, never mind my...

A good herb to add to his feed is Golden Rod. It's a kidney tonic, for when the kidneys are under pressure and specifically useful for urinary tract cleansed and healthy due to the increased urination. You can get it from www.equinatural.co.uk then click on individual herbs, then you'll find...

I find my photosensitive boy is better in a black net field relief mask, and preferably with ears. Can't remember the brand name but there are some really nice ones out there now - some with a half nose net coming right down over the nostrils. It may not be photosensitivity tho - pollens...

I have two headshakers - one from pollen allergy, one from photosensitivity. It took me 2 spring and summers to get to the root of both, and there are regrettably no cures, but it can be managed to a degree. An immediate answer is to ride out with a nosenet and a field relief mask. My...

Hmmmn, I'd be concerned for long-term use, and my vet certainly doesn't recommend it. I'd definitely recommend a regular liver detox if you stay on this route. There are natural alternatives, such as devil's claw root and cat's claw root combined to work synergistically, which not only...

The thought of this horrifies me, but in fairness I have not ever seen it in horses, only humans. However, being involved in human muscular and skeletal work, if nerves 'die', the involved joint undergoes premature and excessive traumatic degenerative changes that will lead to eventual...

Hello AllySmalice, Your chap sounds exactly like my elderly cob, who's middle name is Allergy! He's not been diagnosed with COPD but his airway is definitely compromised, and without doubt if he's presented with the wrong allergens he gets an asthmatic response. His herd pal (who has no...

You poor thing - it's awful to feel backed into a corner. Your chap is the absolute spitting image of my connie, except mine has 2 white socks on near side. Mine had a horrid start to life, brought over from Ireland aged 5, half his ear ripped off on the journey, rope burns over his nose. He...

Ditto every other poster who's been there. My boy and me have been together for 10 years now and we've had real ups and downs but our bond - well, mine - is way too strong to let him go. Lessons I've learnt that have kept us together are - don't beat yourself up over what you don't feel like...

I have two headshakers - one due to sweetitch/flies and midges and the other due to light sensitivity. Not pollen! Both completely 'cured' and rideable by using nosenet and field fly mask on sweetitch, and just fly mask on sunlight boy. Very very occasionally still get a shake from sweetitch...