Equilite - Nature's Best Botanical Blends

Go Eventing! by Jennie Brannigan

2011-04-13T10:38:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone in horse land. I am excited to say that I am now safely back in my home base of West Grove, Pa. The horses are happy and out in pastures grazing and have come out of there spring events well! I have had an interesting spring season with the kick off being in Wellington, Florida this January to get some extra help with our showjumping coach Katie Prudant. With some showjumping lessons and rounds under my belt I headed to Aiken to start off the Eventing season. It was great to get my upper level horses, Walkabout and Cambalda, back in action and though I wasnt running them fast to start off the season I was thrilled with how they were going. Some young horses I had in training had some good results at their events and Indie made the move up to preliminary winning his first two! Thats when things got a little more exciting. When schooling a young horse XC I had a big slip and fall on a turn immediately breaking my collarbone in two and leaving me out of action for a bit. I was lucky to have a great Doctor and he was working with our team physician Craig Ferrel who is an amazing doctor. I had surgery on it and one screw, six pins, and one plate later was back in action. With the help of some Sore No-More and a bone stimulator I rode in the USEF training sessions with Mark Phillips a couple weeks later. I have to say that though some people thought I was a bit crazy Craig did approve my riding for these sessions. I was thrilled with how my horses were going and with the help of my boss Phillip and coach Mark made a plan to get me back into the eventing ring. Ping didn’t event while I was broken, while Will and Indie both evented once with Phillip, and Ryan Wood rode a young one for me and did a great job. A few weeks later I was sitting in the start box on Cambalda sitting second in the 50 plus CIC*** at The Fork Horse Trials. Though I was a bit nervous about my time off Ping/Cambalda jumped around like a pro putting in one of 9 double clear rounds that moved me into the lead. Ping got iced and Sore No More’d and was jogging like a champ the next day. I have to say that after putting him on the Aleira by Arenus he is breathing better and felt like he had more energy going into the showjumping at The Fork. He jumped a clear round after the 5 riders before me had a rail down and I was nervous to say the least. I am so thrilled with how the horses are going. It was a great comeback weekend and Indie was third in the preliminary while Walkabout was 7th in the intermediate. We packed all the horses and equipment up and headed back home and here I sit! Thank you all for having a look into my spring season and I hope everyone is doing really well. Go Eventing! Jennie Brannigan

New Year's : Examples of Resolution and Resolve

2011-01-03T13:51:00.002-05:00

The Greek horseman Xenophon was born in 431 B.C. Yet as old and cherished as we hold his teachings, they pale in comparison to the 4,000 year-old history of celebrating the New Year – mankind’s oldest holiday, dating back to ancient Babylon. New Year's resolutions began around 150 B.C., connected to the mythical Roman king, Janus, whose dual faces saw both past and future. This is the season when we look back on what we’ve done and to possibilities ahead. So I asked Facebook friends what “Rider’s Resolutions” they had for 2011.

There were the usual self-improvement goals…
“I plan to make time to ride more.”
“Keep it natural...mentally and physically.”
“To keep encouraging responsible breeding.”
“To advance to second level dressage by the end of the fall show season.”
“To try to stay on! Can't take another broken back.”

And simple prayers …
“Helping my mare to overcome pain associated with EPSM.”

But the most inspiring resolution might be that of SUNY-Suffolk university student, Kristen Pierce, who is determined to start her New Year by saving a horse’s life.
She’s raising money to pull one lucky animal from an auction pen by selling handmade chocolate horse head lollipops at participating tack shops, feed stores, and online via PayPal.

“My resolution is to save the life of a horse. I'll be pulling a horse from slaughter from the Camelot auction in New Jersey on January 19. I'm holding a fundraiser to raise money for its quarantine and transport,” Kristen says. “It's going to be so hard to choose just one.

Kristen, 20, says the inspiration behind her Random Act of Kindness came from a dog: “A friend had to give up her dog. They were going to send it to a kill shelter and I just wouldn't let that happen, so I stepped in and took matters into my own hands, brought the underweight dog into my home, had her examined by a vet at my expense, and helped find her a home. I had posted on a local equine message board about the dog's information and was contacted by a woman, Jesslynn, who offered to help.”

After an hour on the phone together, “We realized we had a lot in common, involving horses and animals in general. Jesslynn had pulled two horses from Camelot auction. One was sent to a rescue in upstate New York and the other went to eastern Long Island. We are now teaming up to rehabilitate the horse that was sent to Long Island, and find her a forever home. She is a 3-year old TB filly who was raced eight times and won over $20,000. I guess she wasn't doing well enough for her owners not to throw her away to an uncertain future.”

Underweight and covered with rain rot, Jesslynn and Kristen have named the filly, Hope. “She is getting plenty of groceries and TLC. She is a very sweet filly and I know she will find a great home.

“Jesslynn inspired me. In one week, she helped me, a complete stranger, find the dog a new home, and rescued two horses! She is a hard-working college student, like myself, so if she can do this, why can't I? I've always wanted to directly make a difference in saving a horse's life and I am honored to be able to do this for one lucky horse.”

If Kristen’s resolution inspires you, too, buy a lollipop (or send a donation) via PayPal to lovethatponyy@yahoo.com.

Behind Kristen’s resolution is a sentiment as old as the tradition itself: “If s/he can do this, why can’t I?”

A Driving Horse Is Only As Good As Its "Push"

2010-10-29T14:10:00.002-04:00

One of the wonderful bonuses of my job is the chance to forever learn more about the horse

Whereas most people clinic maybe a handful of times a year with horsemen they admire, I can -- thanks to my role as a journalist -- ask as many if not more questions than the average enthusiast and, if I'm lucky, I'll get an answer that makes me go, "Wow, now that's really interesting."

I had one of those "wow" moments during the World Equestrian Games, conducting an internet radio interview with 8-time US National Four-in-Hand Driving champion, Chester Weber, while he was in Lexington, Kentucky. Chester opened my eyes to seeing driving horses from a new perspective and consequently, I have developed an even greater appreciation for what they do and how they do it.

How many of us look at driving horses as "pulling" a carriage? How many, without thinking twice, use the very word, "pull," to describe their job? I know I did, and you probably do, too. Oh, how wrong we are.

What driving horses really do is push, not pull. Think about it. The equine engine is in the hindquarters, and it's that powerful back end, coupled with the strength of the topline, that drives a horse forward. Horses don't pull from their forehand. Their shoulders and neck may be closest to the collar, but it's the powerful top and back pushing them up and into the harness and driving the energy to move the rig forward.

I hadn't really thought of it that way until then, and ya know? Chester's right. We ride our horses forward by encouraging them to 'come from behind' and driving is not all that different.

Consequently, the equine driving athlete needs a strong, sound back and hocks to provide the push. That means muscle-building hill work, and more importantly, great pre- and post-work care to keep soreness to a minimum. After all, how enthusiastically will your horse school if he starts to put two-and-two together that working with you today means he'll be stiff and sore tomorrow?

For a happy back, make a liniment brace (like Sore No-More original liniment, or Sore No-More shampoo) part of your routine. There's no better reward after working up a sweat than a good bath, and a brace rinse will be a relaxing, cooling reward for hot, tired muscles. An herbal liniment brace, like Sore No-More, is safe and drug-free.

Over time, schooling, competing and age can increase wear and tear on joints, causing not only aches but decreased mobility, too. A brace will cool legs and joints down after work, but feeding a joint support supplement will nurture your horse from the inside out. Look for supplements that offer glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, as well as trace minerals that can support normal bone strength (one such product is Steadfast Equine, by Arenus).

A driving horse is only as good as the "push" from its back and hindquarters. I know I'll never look at these athletes the same way again, and the only "pull" I will feel is towards a greater commitment towards keeping them sound and fit to do their job.

A record with help

2010-10-22T01:11:00.003-04:00

Recently, Christoph Schork of Global Endurance Training Center in Utah, set a new world record by achieving his 200th endurance win. No other rider worldwide had crossed that threshold.

Yes, a lot can be attributed to the training, breeding and selection program at GETC. Dian Woodward and Christoph are meticulous in their work. Nothing will be left to chance.

A big part of Christoph's success can be attributed to the selection of products they use. From food to supplements for the horses, everything contributes to the big picture.

Sore No More products have helped GETC horses maintaining their soundness for many years now.

Here, Christoph on Stars Aflame. The team achieved the 200th win together at the Las Cienegas 100 mile race last month.

GETC horses are treated meticously with SoreNoMore Liniments, Gelotion and Poultice during and after endurance races. Ani-Motion and PreProbiotic supplements have been proven extremly valuable and essential. These products kept and keep our horses sound and surely helped Christoph set this world record.

To read up more on Christoph reaching this landmark of 200 endurance wins, please read up on the following blog contributions:

http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootlegging/0/0/christoph-schork-attains-his-200th-career-win

http://globalendurance.typepad.com/global-endurance-blog/2010/09/celebration-and-reflection.html

Bryce Canyon XP - another success story

2010-09-08T23:03:00.017-04:00

With 9 horses and 3 riders, Global Endurance Training Center staff left their home base in Moab Utah last week for the 5 day Bryce Canyon XP endurance ride.

A long time favorite because of outstanding scenery, generally great weather and outstanding management.

Horses treated with
SoreNoMore Gelotion are happy

The trailers were loaded with 22 bales of hay, 200 lbs of grain and special power feed as well as SORENOMORE® gelotion, liniments and poultice.

Because of excessive rainfall in July and August, this years trail were rockier than usual. Good hoof protection are an absolute necessity, legs, ligaments and tendons are doing overtime.

GETC staff members took extra care by using SORENOMORE® liniments and poultice for preconditioning legs and wrapping them daily after each race.

Warm up before the start in the morning

The results for Global Endurance Training Center entered horses were again worth the efforts put out: 4 First places and 3 Best Condition Awards. All of the GETC horses finished top 5 every day.

Stunning scenery at Bryce.

GETC Staff members contribute a lot of their success to the meticulous care of the horses lower legs and hooves. SORENOMORE® products play an important role in the overall program employed by Christoph Schork and Dian Woodward, the owners of Global Endurance Center. Nothing is left to chance.

No surprise that Christoph has now 199 endurance wins, more than any other rider in the world. Soon, we all hope, the landmark level of 200 wins will be reached. No one has ever crossed that threshold.

Leaving Moab, Utah

Equilite™ and SORENOMORE® are essential for success. It's being proven every day by the riders of Global Endurance Training Center.

http://www.globalendurance.com/

Where it all began: The Tevis Cup

2010-08-25T23:59:00.029-04:00

Tevis 2010

Garrett Ford and The Fury at the Haeggen Cup Showing day after Tevis. The couple ended up winning the prestigious Haeggen Cup.

The author arriving at the finish line in 12th place.

Christoph on Double Zell.

Both horses are EQUILITE users.

Day before the start of Tevis

Tevis is the oldest endurance ride in the world. It has been in existence now for 56 years. Since the first Tevis ride, the sport of endurance riding has spread all over the world and is now the fastest growing equestrian sport. At the Global Endurance Training Center in Moab, Utah, we are specializing in training horses and riders for this tough sport. We presently have 40 horses in training, many will get leased out for Tevis and other big endurance rides throughout the years.

This year, the Global Endurance Center Team arrived with 6 horses at Tevis, we had riders from Texas and Arizona and Europe entering. Last year, GETC finished 5 out of 6 entered horses. Tevis typically only sees completion rates of around 50%.

The ride starts before sunrise at dawn. Almost 200 horses are lined up at the start line, most waiting patiently before the official start at 5.15 am.

The whole course sees a total altitude change of 36000 ft, 14.000 uphill, 22.000 downhill. The start is at about 7000 ft, the finish line in Auburn at 1000. Temps in the lower canyons are often in the 100 degrees plus range. Footing is often rough, lots of rocks, technical difficulties like Cougar Rock, narrow trails with exposure and little room for error.

Arguably the most intense and toughest endurance ride in the world, riders need reliable crew to finish. These crews are ready at the three crew accessible vet checks with food for horses and riders, ice to cool their legs, Sore No More liniments for muscles and legs and moral support and stats.

At Global Endurance Training Center, we are entering a combined 200 plus endurance races each year with our horses and riders from all over the world. Our horses are ridden hard in training and competition, one of GETC staff member has more individual endurance wins than any other rider in the world. That's a record. But without taking meticulous care of the foundation of our horses, namely the hooves and legs, these success stories would not get written. that's why we are taking meticulous care in hoof and leg care. Products like Equiflex, Easycare hoof boots and Sore No More are being widely used at our training center. We found these products the best on the market for our horses. Our success is based not only on knowhow and experience, but even more so on the products we use to help our horses to succeed.

EQUILITE has been a loyal companion on Tevis for the last years. We would not want to start big races like Tevis without their products in our trailer.

http://www.globalendurance.com/

Chester Weber and EQUILITE a Winning Combination

2010-07-13T09:11:00.002-04:00

Congratulations are well deserved to EQUILITE Ambassador, Chester Weber.

In addition to eight, count ‘em eight U.S. National Four-in-Hand Championships, he can now add a 2010 victory in Canada’s most important combined driving event, the Bromont International at Quebec’s Olympic Park. He does well on foreign soil. In 2008, Chester became the first American driver, ever, to medal at the World Driving Championships, winning Individual Silver at Beesd, The Netherlands.

I mention this because I remember when he was just a kid. Literally. In 1993, when then-USET president Finn Caspersen, himself an ardent whip, brought the World Pair Driving Championships to America for the first time, Chester was a boy competing among the most seasoned drivers in the world. But even then, Chester’s skill went well beyond his years.

The press labeled him a “wunderkind,” and the weight of representing a nation’s aspirations in an international arena would be a heavy load for any young person. It didn’t help that the world’s television crews were trained upon him when, after a less-than-perfect cones phase, his exit was peppered with epithets, prompting a censor-driven scramble by media sound crews.

But rather than give up, the boy grew into a horseman. One with such a good eye for equine talent that, on a trip to Europe, he plucked a hapless rogue out of a herd en route to slaughter and turned him into one of the finest team driving horses America has seen in probably the last 50 years. That gelding, named Jamaica, was later named USEF Horse of the Year.

I am utterly confident that anyone who knows how to spot a good horse, and knows how to control them through the tests of combined driving, also knows how to take care of them. In conversations with Chester over the last year, he’s demonstrated that he will spare no option to assure that his equine athletes are comfortable, sound, and ready for the next event’s demanding phases. Combined driving – with its marathon and cones phases -- is like an Iron Man for equines, only tougher. That presentation phase also requires that you look utterly flawless while doing it.

It’s nice to know Chester chooses Arenus’ EQUILITE products to meet the elegance, exactitude, and high energy that define combined driving’s unique trio of demands. He says his barn team has had “excellent” results using EQUILITE/SORE NO-MORE®, natural liniments and poultice, and especially likes the back brace for his driving horses.

It’s exciting to think that he still has many years of success ahead. One can only imagine how profound a chapter in American driving history he will ultimately write.

Here’s to a bright future, Chester, for you and EQUILITE/SORE NO-MORE®, serving old friends like Jamaica, and new hopefuls, like Reno W. Any horse would be lucky to have you driving or caring for them.

2010-07-06T11:22:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite books recently was “Orphans Preferred,” looking at the history of the Pony Express, which galloped into history’s brief spotlight 150 years ago this year.

Relying on fresh horses assured speedy delivery for the Pony Express, and that metaphor came to mind when SORE NO-MORE® recently announced it would replace Lobelia with the fresh power of Comfrey in its new TrackSide ™ liniment formula. Swapping herbal horses, so to speak, to deliver quick relief to strains, sprains, and sore muscles in racing and high performance horses.

Why Comfrey? Since Medieval times, Symphytum officinale has been used in healing. Also known as Knitbone -- for its ability to bind bone fractures when applied topically as a pulverized root or through ingestion as a tea -- Comfrey is also credited with alleviating bruising, encouraging growth of connective tissue and cartilage, and serving as a source of vitamin B12 and protein (some strains of Comfrey contain as much protein (35%) as soy beans).

An agent found in the plant, allantoin, also enhances and accelerates epidermal cell proliferation (i.e., skin- and wound-healing).

Gardeners among us might be interested to know that Comfrey is a beneficial addition to organic compost and mulch piles, by increasing the efficient decomposition of solid waste.

Like Lobelia, (found in the original SORE NO-MORE liniment), Comfrey supports muscle tension and localized inflammation. However, it eliminates questions or concerns about ‘performance enhancement’ that have surrounded lobeline (an environmentally-caused Lobelia alkaloid), detected during blood plasma testing. Hence, SORE NO-MORE ® TrackSide™ can be used without judgment in racing and FEI-competitive environments. No problems when it comes to ‘zero tolerance’ regulatory conditions.

Like the Pony Express, it’s not about one horse being better than the other. It’s about the best choice for getting the job done, under the conditions faced.

I have to appreciate that. I grew up not far from Saratoga Springs, NY, which every August becomes the Thoroughbred racing capital of America. And my office is littered with racing and Olympic memorabilia… Daily News front pages from the tragic Ruffian vs. Foolish Pleasure match race; Sports Illustrated covers of Affirmed; a See Rachel (Alexandra) Run poster; models of Snowbound signed by Bill Steinkraus and Gem Twist signed by Frank Chapot.

I am surrounded by daily reminders of how powerful an athlete the horse is, and there’s no doubt that racehorses and FEI horses give it their all. The average speed of a Thoroughbred racehorse is more than 35 mph and legends like Man O’ War and Secretariat performed at closer to 40 mph; American Quarter Horses reach nearly 50 mph.

Physicist Andrew Sigal created a formula in 2000 for calculating equine speed. He found the results – that a horse can run this fast -- remarkable: “This is as fast as a car, yet it is an animal that is running this fast.”

But unlike an automobile, when a horse delivers a high-octane performance, over-exertion can lead to injury. When soft tissue injuries, like muscle, tendon or ligament strains, and inflamed joints flare up, the body’s natural response is to form a protective matrix around the affected area. Then blood vessels become blocked, drainage is hindered and painful edema can result.

Left untreated, these conditions hamper performance and can lead to permanent damage and disability. So liniment should be an important part of any horseman’s protective protocol.

The ‘zero tolerance’ issue surrounding Lobelia put a lot of people – and horses – between a rock and a hard place. Use what they love after performing. Or risk losing the chance to perform.

At the risk of mixing my Pony Express and U.S. Cavalry metaphors, it’s good to seek Trackside ™ ride to the rescue. There’s nothing more breathtaking than watching a superior member of the species Equus demonstrate why it is one of the fastest, strongest, most beautiful and intelligent mammals on the planet. There is nothing that makes the heart pound faster than a good gallop, whether from the saddle or along the rail.

And there’s no more secure feeling than thinking that there’s still a way to reward these athletes after their job is done, to keep them in front of their adoring fans, and to do it using herbal ingredients that keep us all a little more in sync with the rhythm, not only of hoof beats, but nature, too.

Digestive Health

2010-04-14T08:47:00.007-04:00

By Hilary Moore
Equilite Ambassador

The more I read about digestive health in the sport horse, the more I hear the following:

1. The majority of dressage horses seem to be prone to ulcers. Whether the number is 50-60% or 80-85%, every medical study quotes a number above half!

2. The standard routine of a sport horse includes a feeding routine that leads to ulcers: Periods of time when the horse has an empty stomach because he is not grazing and/or eating anything, (during work, horse shows and daily stabling) and large meals that include low fiber, high-carb feeds.

3. Feeding bute can lead to ulcers.

4. As we all know, stress can cause ulcers. Horses in competition, heavy training, etc. are under heavy enough stress during these periods to be susceptible to ulcers.

So how do we deal with this common problem in sport horses? I have found that Equilite has the answers - again!

1. Whenever possible, I feed Equilite's Ani-Motion instead of bute. It helps with joint support and inflammation, but is only made of "friendly" ingredients like: Devil's Claw, Yucca, Chamomile, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla, White Willow Bark and Rose Hips.

2. Prevention is key! Ulcer medication can be $40 per day and last over a month!!! That is why I feed Equilite's PrePro whenever I think my horses might be prone to ulcers - when they are wormed, sick, getting medicine, etc.

The last thing I have done, in response to the continued findings that high-starch is not necessary or beneficial for most horses, is start to feed a higher fat/protein to starch ratio at every meal.

The great thing about all of these things is that they can't hurt - they are just natural changes to your horse's program that only increases your chances for a happy, healthy horse.

April 22 is Earth Day for Equestrians, Too

2010-04-12T14:42:00.004-04:00

2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, but it's not just our earth we need to take a closer look at. I was talking today with Lucinda Dyer, author of "Eco-Horsekeeping: Over 100 Budget-Friendly Ways You and Your Horse Can Save the Planet" (www.horseandriderbooks.com), about this upcoming "green day" and how small changes in our horsey habits can mean one big change in our planet’s future.

Lucinda made the personal choice to recycle and conserve more than 20 years ago while she was living in Los Angeles, but even then, she saw a "disconnect" between how people were green at home, but not necessarily at the barn. Like most people, she told me, she'd always had an environmental sensitivity. She even mixed her own natural fly sprays to use on her horses (some of those recipes are in her book), we agreed that even more awareness is still necessary. The amount of chemicals in our horse barns is staggering, and our outdoors equestrian lifestyle still leaves many of us - horse men and women - in a position where we use things, like sun block, without really understanding their consequences.

(Lucinda gave me a great website where you can type in your specific brand of sunscreen and find out more about their rankings for efficacy, what chemicals really are in them, etc. Find that at the end of this blog.)

So... amid the usual April 22 Earth Day eco-festivities, I agree with Lucinda that it’s important for those of us in the horse community to take a moment and consider the part we can play in conserving the world’s natural resources.

Let’s take something simple like water, a resource we don’t think twice about using to bathe our horses, hose down the barn driveway, and water our arenas.

The next time you leave the hose running in the wash stall while you chat with a friend, consider these facts:

∙ Almost one billion people (one in eight) have no access to safe water supplies.

∙ More than 3.5 million people die each year from water-related disease; 84 percent are children. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation kills children at a rate equivalent to a jumbo jet crashing every four hours.

∙ An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than a person living in the slums of a developing country uses in an entire day.

So celebrate this Earth Day by making a few easy changes at your barn that can dramatically reduce your use of water:

Fix anything (faucets, toilets, hoses) that drips. A faucet that drips one drop per second will waste a staggering 2,700 gallons a year.

∙ Make sure all hoses have nozzles that let you adjust the spray and a “trigger” that shuts off the flow of water while you’re conditioning tails or soaping up dirty legs.

∙ Before you turn on that hose, ask yourself, “Does my horse really need a bath or will a good grooming do?”

∙ Find a second use for leftover water in buckets—water plants around the barn, soak hay, or control dust in the round pen.

Find out more about the world’s water crisis and what you can do to help at www.water.org
a US-based nonprofit organization committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries.

This and other eco-horsekeeping tips from Lucinda Dyer are available for reprint. Contact Rebecca Didier (rdidier@sover.net) at Trafalgar Square Books for more information.

And for that info about sun screens? Go to www.ewg.org, for the Environmental Working Group and its Sunscreen Safety Guide: what's in them, whether it really works, and why. You'll also find a list of which ones test on animals. (And yes, there's an App for that, called the Bunny App, which will provide your phone with a list of companies that do or don't test on animals). Happy Earth Day. Go forth and ride green.

Spring has sprung!

2010-03-29T13:26:00.010-04:00

By Equilite Ambassador,

Hilary Moore

I am starting to think that "Beware the Ides of March" really refers to the pollen, allergies and bugs that descend upon us as the snow melts. Some of my horses interpret spring fever as an actual illness that involves severe reactions to the mere touch of an insect and massive swelling around the eyes and throat.

So, as the flowers start to poke through the melting snow, I pull out the Garli+C and start all of my horses on a 1/2 scoop every 12 hours. Even as my allergies get worse, the horses seem to keep their problems in check. With respiratory and immune support, those allergy-induced throat swellings are much less of a problem.

The longer I feed it, the more everything in the barn starts to smell like a good Italian restaurant - my barn owner is a foodie, so she loves serving their feed. The horses and their manure stink just enough to keep the bugs away from everything, but the trade is that now their coats are already starting to look shiny and show-ready.

As their training increases, I feel more comfortable that the immune support that the Garli+C gives them will help keep them healthy - especially when they are travelling more frequently to horse shows and clinics.

The horses love it so much, I might just keep them on it year-round for the immune/respiratory support.

Now, if only the garlic flakes in the spice aisle cured my allergies - we would be all set!

Rites of Spring - The First Bath of the Season

2010-03-24T12:46:00.003-04:00

with L.A. Pomeroy

Imagine going weeks without a shower. Horses do. Especially when not competing or on a regular training schedule during the winter or off-show season. So it feels good to them – and for us -- when that first Bath of Spring arrives.

A friend and I took advantage of a stretch of 70-degree, sunny weather here in the northeast to give a thorough currying, and warm water baths, to her trail horses, a Paint gelding, Rue and buckskin QH mare, Della.

It reminded me that a good shampooing is great for the coat and skin, and hands-on contact with each horse’s nether regions gave us a chance to check for bumps, scrapes or scratches and, we soon learned, to do a thorough tick search. We found ticks on Rue’s chin (no surprise, it’s closest to the ground as he grazes), but also an insidiously engorged one inside Della’s thigh near her udder (that tick had apparently traveled until it found more delicate skin and veins closer to the surface). One of my new favorite tools is the little tick-remover being sold in pet and feed stores, costs about $6 and totally eliminates both the “yuck factor” and the risk, with tweezers, of not removing the entire tick.

My other favorite thing is chemical- and SLS-free shampoo. Sodium Laural Sulfate is used in animal testing to carry other chemicals into the circulatory system, it’s been proven unsafe around the eyes of infants, has been linked to cancer, and dries out/ irritates skin. It’s the last thing I want to put on a horse when the goal is a nourished, clean skin and coat. I’ve had friends who braid professionally tell me how terrible shampoos with SLS are for mane and tails, too (you can’t braid hair so brittle it breaks).

So coming from someone who just bathed a couple of horses and could practically see the smiles on their faces afterwards, here’s a few reminders…

1. Please use warm water! Unless it’s a fund-raising “Penguin Plunge” most of us won’t wade into a cold pool or ocean. If your horse is hunching up in back as the water’s spilling over his hindquarters, or pulling back from a hose on her neck, they’re probably telling you the water’s uncomfortable. We used warm water, and Rue and Della relaxed and “let it flow.”

2. Working your fingers deep into their coat is akin to a good massage. Della’s head dropped and you could tell she loved feeling those fingers working on her top line and all those spots she can’t reach herself. So why not choose a shampoo that will not only be chemical-free, but good for massage or as a post-bath brace? That’s where SORE NO MORE Massage Shampoo comes in. No SLS, it’s super rich in cocoa fat and coconut oil (so it’s good on itchy skin and eczema) plus it’s an all-in-one shampoo and SNM liniment so the horse gets the massage benefits, too.

Hey, if it's going to be months before a good shower, make it worth the wait.

Translating Equine Emotions With Temple Grandin

2010-03-04T14:17:00.008-05:00

with L.A. Pomeroy

More than 10 years ago I had the opportunity to meet animal behaviorist and functioning autistic, Temple Grandin, Ph.D., author of such best selling books about our relationships with animals as Thinking In Pictures, Animals in Translation, and Animals Make Us Human. Temple was speaking at Tufts University, and at the time, I was working for Zoo New England, and she was kind enough to share additional information with me after her lecture on humane restraint methods for antelope. I have always thought that her unique straddling of two worlds - autism and animals - offered valuable insight into understanding both better.

Fast forward to March 1, 2010, and Temple's notoriety has skyrocketed since the release of the HBO movie on her life, starring Claire Daynes. She was speaking on autism and animal behavior at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, and we again had a chance to sit together, and talk. I'd like to share some of her observations about core behavior in all animals, whether or not they have emotions, and how those core emotions and behavior translate into how we relate to our horses.

LA: Do animals have emotions?
TG: Yes! Only the proof of this has been buried in neurobiology research. Animals and humans have the same neurotransmitters. While our emotions and theirs may not be entirely the same, those emotions come from the same place, the subcortical ares of the brain. That's similar in all animals, including humans. It's just b.s. to say animals don't have emotions.

LA: What are an animal's core emotions?
TG: Fear.
Anger/Rage.
Panic.
Seeking.
And I'd also add Lust, Caring, and Play.
These were identified in a 1998 study by Jaak Panskeep, on Affective Neuroscience. The brain oscillates between Seek and Fear modes.

LA: Why?
TG: Because new things are both attractive and scary. Animals orient to either the seek or flee/fear response. When they are introduced to something new, there is a decision they have to make between those two responses.

LA: What about how we, as handlers, respond?
TG: When troubleshooting a behavior, the most important first step is to figure out which emotion is motivating the animal. People do not rule out medical problems as the root of behavior often enough and this is a HUGE mistake. Some of the most common medical issues behind what is blamed as bad behavior is dental problems, gastro-intestinal problems, acid reflux,and earaches.

LA: What about horses?
TG: Horses need lots of mouth activity, i.e. grazing, to fulfill their Seeking behavior. They also need social interaction, preferably by having a companion.

Fear can be measured in horses by noting these key traits:

1. Showing the whites of the eyes.
2. Holding the head high.
3. Quivering skin and/or sweating.
4. Tail swishing.

I am very concerned that many animals today, especially pets, do not get enough socialization. Animals that are reared alone are more likely to attack other animals or humans.

Learn more of Temple's observations on animals and fear, and some of the simple steps we can take to minimize stress, at the Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Forum on www.HolisticHorse.com.

Spy Coast Farm’s Rolette Wins EQUILITE™ 2010 Grooming and Conditioning Award

2010-02-26T10:00:00.004-05:00

with L.A. Pomeroy
Wellington, FL (February 26, 2010) – Irish Grand Prix rider Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm’s Dutch Warmblood mare, Rolette, won the EQUILITE^™ 2010 Grooming and Conditioning Award during the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival. Rolette, a Dutch mare by Lester, was awarded EQUILITE™ brand products from award sponsor Arenus, makers of animal health products and supplement blends including Sore No More^®.
Sweetnam, a Country Cork, Ireland native, began his Grand Prix career at age 16 and has shown in North American and Europe. He moved to Wellington, Fl four years ago and now has students competing at every level of show jumping. Sweetnam owns Sweet Oak Farm located on the property of Spy Coast Farm, was pleased that the mare was recognized for her grooming and conditioning.
While the FEI World Cup Grand Prix featured a multitude of beautiful horses, Rolette’s magnificent coat and outstanding condition drew the attention of the judges. Sweetnam was presented her EQUILITE™ Grooming and Conditioning Award for Rolette during the awards ceremony to the delight of 4,800 fans.

“Rolette is quite striking,” said Stacey Small, creator of the EQUILITE™ line of products. “It was easy to tell that Sweetnam keeps Rolette is in excellent condition; her coat is well cared for.” Each week during the Winter Equestrian Festival, a horse, barn or trainer is chosen for their horse’s exceptional coat and level of conditioning by a team of independent judges. The winner receives a prize of EQUILITE™ brand products including two time product of the year, Sore No More^® liniment.

Sweetnam was presented the award by Stacey Small, Simone Pophal, Arenus Business Manager and Peter Thompson, Arenus National Sales Manager during the Grand Prix ceremony. Arenus is a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses. The EQUILITE™ line is part of the Arenus family of products. Arenus is a growing division within Novus Nutrition Brands, a global company dedicated to Health and Nutrition Through Science^™. To learn more about Arenus products, or find an Arenus event near you, call (866) 791-3344 or visit www.arenus.com.

Leg grease for a dressage horse?!?!

2010-02-11T09:13:00.008-05:00

By Hilary Moore
Equilite Ambassador

I grew up in the eventing world, so I am no stranger to leg grease. Anyone who has been in a "tight spot" on cross country knows that a little grease on your horse's chest/legs might give you that last little inch of wiggle room to clear the fence. So, I was excited when I heard that Equilite had created Sore No More Sports Salve. Their leg grease has the added benefits of the Sore No More line... if only they had made it before I quite riding cross country course that requires leg grease!

So why would a dressage rider still be so excited about the Sore No More Sports Salve?

Cut to this winter in the Washington, D.C. area, where we are in the running for the most snowfall this winter (63.5" and counting). The repeated blizzards of 10-30" have been renamed "Snowpocalypse" and the entire equestrian community has changed gears for the past few months... even the horse statues are getting covered in snow!

Goodbye: Regular turnout, weekly trail rides, uninterrupted training schedules and show-quality coats.

When the horses go out in turnout, they look like they are charging through water. Three feet of water. Unfortunately, this stuff is frozen and even harder on the horses than the liquid version - the same yucky hooves and skin problems from water PLUS bumps and bruises from the unmelted stuff.

If only someone made a product that protected my horses legs from ice scrapes & bruises, their heels from cracking, relieved their skin from the irritation of knee-high snow. Sounds like Equilite's Sore No More Sports Salve does have a place in my dressage barn!

...Two months, 63.5"+ snow and a few tubs of Sports Salve later...

All the horses are surviving the "Snowpocalypse" and no snow-related problems yet (I would knock on wood, if it all wasn't covered in snow).

Equilite's Sore No More Sports Salve has now found a place in the barn, right next to the horses' turnout gear. Hopefully, we won't run out before the roads to the tack shop get cleared.

Olympic Gold Medalist Ulla Salzgeber and Wakana Win Equilite 2010 Grooming & Conditioning Award at Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI

2010-02-09T14:10:00.002-05:00

with L.A. Pomeroy Wellington, FL (February 9, 2010) – Wakana, the 10-year-old equine partner of Germany’s Olympic Gold Medalist Ulla Salzgeber, was awarded the Equilite 2010 Grooming & Conditioning Award during the jog at the Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI. Thanks to Wakana’s shining chestnut coat, glistening blaze and four gleaming white socks, the German mare won a giant tote filled with products from Equilite, sponsors of the Grooming & Conditioning Award and makers of herbal animal health products and supplement blends including Sore No More®. The Exquis World Dressage Masters, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, featured 16 of the top dressage riders and horses in the world. The competition holds the distinction of being the only CDI 5* -- the highest level of dressage competition – to be held in the Western Hemisphere. The ground jury at the CDI Jog, consisting of judges and a veterinarian, chose Salzgeber’s Wakana to win the Equilite Grooming & Conditioning Award. Salzgeber, along with Wakana’s groom, were thrilled to win the award. “It was great that Ulla and Wakana won the Equilite Grooming & Conditioning award at the Exquis World Dressage Masters,” said Stacey Small, CEO of Equilite. “Wakana is a beautiful mare and her groom certainly keeps her looking stunning. The mare is also in excellent condition, and I can see why the CDI judges chose her.” The Equilite winning gift bag contained an array of products, including Equilite’s award-winning Sore No More liniment. “Sore No More has twice been voted Product of the Year by the Horse Journal. We are very proud of our Sore No More family of products, which includes Sore No More Liniment, Gelotion, Cooling Clay Poultice, Massage Shampoo, The Sauce and Sore No More Sports Salve,” Small said. “Our products are safe to use and we proudly make them in the US with human grade ingredients.” For more information on Equilite products, visit their website at www.equilite.com or call 1-800-942-5483. For more information on the Winter Equestrian Festival, visit their website at www.equestriansport.com.
About Equilite

Equilite is part of the Arenus family of products. Arenus is a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses. A growing division within Novus Nutrition Brands LLC., a global company dedicated to animal performance, health and longevity.

Equilite Recognizes Reiners With Grooming & Conditioning Award at Snowbird Slide

2010-02-09T14:05:00.002-05:00

With L.A. Pomeroy

Jacksonville FL (February 9, 2010) – Florida Reining Horse Association (FRHA) member Pamela Dickinson, and her horse Nitro Dunit, rode away the winners of the Equilite Grooming & Conditioning Award during the FHRA Snowbird Slide show held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Equilite, makers of award-winning herbal animal health products and supplement blends including Sore No More^®, awarded Dickinson and the well-groomed and conditioned Nitro Dunit with a giant recyclable tote filled with Equilite products.

Dickinson has been a prominent member of the FRHA for many years and is known for being a consistent performer and a threat in the show pen. In addition, Dickinson is consistently one of the best turned-out competitors in the show pen.

“A big congratulations to Pamela and Nitro Dunit for their success at the FRHA Snowbird Slide. They looked absolutely great at the show and it is always wonderful to watch consistent competitors,” said Stacey Small, CEO of Equilite. “We have provided Pamela with a variety of Equilite products, everything from our award-winning Sore No More liniment to Sore No More Massage Shampoo, which helps prevent itchy tails and leaves horses with silky and shiny coats.”

The FRHA is an affiliate of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with over 400 members. FRHA members range in skill and experience from green and rookie rides to NRHA Hall of Fame competitors. “We have many reining association riders who rely on Equilite products to keep their horse’s performing at their peak,” said Small. “Our Sore No More liniment is great for daily leg maintenance as well as helping sore backs and tight muscles.”

All of Equilite’s products are made with horses and riders in mind, as they contain no sugars, no fillers and no chemicals. “Our products are safe to use and we proudly make them in the US with human grade ingredients,” Small said, adding that Equilite is an environmentally conscious company.

For a complete list of Equilite products, visit their website at www.equilite.com or call 1-800-942-5483. For more information on the Winter Equestrian Festival, visit their website at www.equestriansport.com.

Gold Chip Stables WEG Hopeful Joins "Our Barn"

2010-02-03T14:09:00.004-05:00

with L.A. Pomeroy

Just as herbs work in combination with each other for the best whole effect, so should good advice from a variety of experts. Joining the Equilite family as its newest ambassador is eventing rider, Heather Morris. She's been kind enough to share a little about herself, and about her horses:

"I represented California at the North American Young Rider Championships CCI** for the first time in 1998 and in 1999, bringing home the Team Gold Medal on my horse, Rebel Express. Rebel and I had continued success, finishing 11th at the Foxhall CCI** in 2000, earning her the Markham Trophy for the highest placed young rider. We then competed successfully through the Advanced level and in 2004 took on the challenge of the Rolex Kentucky CCI****. After a heart problem occured on cross-country she is now retired from competition.

In 2006 I won the CCI* at Galway with Genial who was also the Preliminary Horse of the Year. Then in 2007 Genial won the CCI** at Galway and in 2008 he won the Colorado Horse Park CCI**.

In 2009, I won the CIC** on Slate River, both at Poplar Place and Weatherford, won the Advanced at Rebecca Farms on First Mark while finishing 2nd on Slate River in the CCI **. I then Finished 1st and 2nd at Poplar PLace CIC*** and finished the year with an 11th place at Fair Hill on Slate River.

I was awarded a Training Grant by the USEF, a trip to Burghley and also the Amanda Warrington Training Grant while being put back onto the Developing Riders list again this year. I have been the Assistant trainer at Mike Huber's Gold Chip Stables since 2002. My goals for this year include Rolex in April. I have hopes of the World Games this year and long-term goals of the Olympics in 2012."

Welcome, Heather, and visit this blog often for updates on her progress on the Road to Lexington (and the Worlds)!

Find Your Favorite Equilite Products at Valley Vet Supply During Equine Affaire-CA

2010-02-02T10:24:00.003-05:00

with L.A. Pomeroy

Ready to stock up for spring with your favorite Equilite Sore No-More products?
No....?

Then be sure to stop by the Valley Vet Supply booths, #766-767, during Equine Affaire-Pomona, CA, this Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 4-7, at The Fairplex.

Equilite products, literature, and sample pillow paks will be available. Bring your shopping cart and super-sized tote bag! It's going to be a great chance for good deals on products like Sore No-More liniment, two-time top choice by Horse Journal magazine (considered by some to be the Consumer Reports of the horse world).

And after all that shopping, put your feet up and catch one of the terrific lectures on chiropractic and herbal alternative therapies with Dr. Bill Ormston.
You'll find him speaking on several of the Fairplex stages on Thursday and Friday

You & Your Horse: The Mind/Body Connection

2010-01-30T11:50:00.004-05:00

The mind/body connection is essential to getting the most from our horse. We ‘ride every stride’ to assure the best athletic performance but also need a willing, attentive attitude to assure our aids are communicated effectively.

Equilite Ask the Expert and homeopathic/chiropractic veterinarian Dr. Bill Ormston, DVM, will present five in-depth lectures looking at Equine Gait and Analysis, and Alternative Therapies, at Equine Affaire-Pomona, California, February 4-7, to help owners learn how to better make these valuable connections.

On Thursday, February 4, Dr. “O” will present lectures on Chiropractic 101: Introduction to Basic Chiropractic Technique, and Improving Your Horse’s Movement & Performance with Proper Saddle Fit.

On Friday, February 5, he will address How to Determine if Your Horse Would Benefit From a Chiropractic Exam; Using Herbs & Botanical to Assist in Training & Other Issues Encountered by You & Your Horse; and Biomechanics of the Equine Gait: Techniques for Watching Your Horse Move & Determining If It Is Moving Correctly.

Dr. Ormston is one of the most sought-after veterinarians and speakers on alternative equine health care and chiropractic in America today. He graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988, received certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) in 1998, and received his Doctor of Veterinary Homeopathy from the British Institute in 2002. His mobile mixed animal practice in Dallas, Texas, Jubilee Animal Health, cares for pets and horses using mostly alternative methods. An international lecturer on animal chiropractic, bio-mechanics, and gait analysis, he has authored a book on blending traditional and alternative care in pets, and is a regular contributor to Holistic Horse Magazine and other publications.

See Dr. O in person at Equine Affaire-Pomona, CA, meet with him at the Valley Vet Supply booth #766-767, or find more of his expert advice on treating equine behavioral and bio-mechanical issues on the Ask The Expert page at www.equilite.com.

Going to Equine Affaire-Pomona, CA This Feb 4-7?

2010-01-28T16:07:00.003-05:00

What's an expo like Equine Affaire without a little shopping, a few demos, and a whole lot of horsin' around?

For those of you who will be in Pomona, California, February 4-7, for the 10th anniversary of Equine Affaire, the largest equestrian trade show in North America, stock up on your Equilite supplies at the Valley Vet Supply booths #766-767 and say hello to Valley Vet's Kathy Klover.

And with a little luck, you could get a chance to run your own horse health and behavior questions by Equilite Ask The Expert, Dr. Bill Ormston, DVM (better known simply as "Dr. O). Dr. Ormston graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988, received certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) in 1998, and received his Doctor of Veterinary Homeopathy from the British Institute in 2002. His mobile mixed animal practice in Dallas, Texas, Jubilee Animal Health, cares for pets and horses using mostly alternative methods. He has lectured internationally on animal chiropractic, bio-mechanics, and gait analysis, authored a book about blending traditional and alternative care in pets, and is a regular contributor to Holistic Horse Magazine and other publications.

He'll be speaking Feb 5 on the Seminar Stage, Building 8, at The Fairplex in Pomona during Equine Affaire. Stay tuned for more details!

The Horse | Haiti Veterinary and Animal Outreach Update

2010-01-28T14:32:00.001-05:00

The Horse | Haiti Veterinary and Animal Outreach Update

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Mom Never Mentioned This Kind of Hickey

2010-01-26T15:00:00.005-05:00

In high school, one of the surest signs that you were doing things you probably didn't want your mother knowing about were those telltale neck marks we used to call 'hickeys.'

But I'm pretty sure this dressage rising star is going to singlehandedly rewrite our perception of that word and make Hickey synonymous with good grooming, great horsemanship, and gracious sportsmanship...

When Hilltop Farm’s Cabana Boy, and trainer Chris Hickey, accepted the Equilite 2010 Grooming & Conditioning Award during the Gold Coast Dressage Association Opener CDI in late January, Chris gave credit for Cabana Boy’s sparkly coat and fantastic condition to his groom: “Cabana Boy looked great today thanks to his groom, Yvette LaRue, who does a great job and takes pride in the way she cares for her horses.”

Yvette fondly calls Cabana Boy her “baby” and was thrilled that he took home Equilite’s top honors for his shiny coat. Chris, who represented U.S. dressage at the last Pan American Games, and Cabana Boy were awarded a giant tote overflowing with Equilite products, including its award-winning Sore No More®.

Yvonne says that part of his shine is due to “lots of currying.” Chris adds that Cabana Boy’s excellent condition is a result of turn out, a mid-day workout and a daily workout on a walking mill. “When he’s at Hilltop he hacks up and down the hills and that really helps.”

Cabana Boy’s sire, Contucci, a Hanoverian stallion who stands at Hilltop, was awarded the Dressage Sire of the Year title. Hilltop owner, Jane MacElree, was equally thrilled that Cabana Boy earned the grooming and conditioning award and also praised his groom. “Yvette does a fantastic job of turning out horses and they always sparkle,” Jane says.

“It is a pleasure to sponsor the Equilite Grooming & Conditioning award and we offer our congratulations to Chris, Yvette, Jane and Cabana Boy,” says Stacey Small, CEO of Equilite. “The recyclable Equilite tote they won was filled with products, and I am sure Yvette will be thrilled with the selection. Our products will help her to continue keeping all of Hilltop Farm’s horses looking wonderful.”

Sorry Mom, but this is one Hickey I think all of us can be proud of.

The only thing that isn't frozen is my bottle of Ricochet!

2010-01-22T17:15:00.006-05:00

By Hilary Moore
Equilite Ambassador

Keeping horses show-ready is a lot easier when it is warm enough to shower them, but even when it is biting cold outside... the show must go on! All I can say is: Thank you Ricochet Horse Spray.

At first, this cold spell has had me a bit panicked - with the start of the schooling show season, 2 horses for sale, several furry monsters in need of a major clipping and an upcoming clinic. Until I pulled out a bottle of Equilite's Ricochet Horse Spray. Sure, I use it at the summer shows for my go-to coat polish. Would it get the horses' winter coats just as shiny/healthy?

So, after an arm-breaking curry job, followed by a serious brushing with a hard and soft brush in each hand, I finished with a generous layer of Ricochet wiped smooth with a towel.

5 days and a large quantity of Ricochet later, I have a lot of shinier, healthier-looking horses...

The clipping was much easier, since their hair was much smoother and conditioned.

The horses for sale are polished without that residue some sprays leave all over that make it impossible to hold anything (including the reins!) - not so great when the rider is a prospective buyer.

The schooling shows have been going well and the only thing my students were not nervous about was how their horses looked!

A lot of the funky skin issues that come from wearing a blanket all day/night are non-existent - I also think the polish allows the blankets to slide more easily over their hair.

...Now, all that is left is getting through the upcoming clinic. Wish me luck (or just send me some more Ricochet)!

Before Ricochet:
After Ricochet:

When We Mean "Green"

2010-01-21T13:05:00.005-05:00

Recently, I was reminded what "green" can mean to horse people.

While speaking at a 4-H/university extension service event for horse lovers, I met a mother and daughter, who told me they had recently been given their first, free horse. The girl looked about nine years old, and her mother told me how much they loved horses and were eager to learn more, especially now that they had one of their own. I asked the little girl what kind of horse it was, and her mother answered excitedly, "She's four years old." Then she paused and looked at me quizzically. "They told me she's green. But I don't know what that means."

To the non-horse world, "green" is synonymous with the natural and organic movement. And we as horse owners are benefiting from how that shapes our horse care, including more safe, natural botanical and herbal blends and supplements to choose from.

We also can't forget what "green" has always meant to us: an inexperienced horse, still finding its balance and learning its cues.

When I explained to the young mom what had probably been meant when describing the horse as green, her face brightened: "That's okay. We'll learn together."

Thanks for reading the inaugural debut of my blog here at Equilite.
I hope that's what we can do here: Learn together.

Learn about our "green" choices, so we can live as in sync with our environment as we try to when riding our horse, and use what we learn, to educate and improve the lives of the "green" horses, and horse lovers, we meet along the way. Come back soon and often.