Holistic Horseworks Talks with April Love

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In this episode, April, addresses a question about a horse that refuses to pick up one of its feet.
April suggests that the issue is not a training problem but rather a discomfort or pain-related concern. She advises looking at the horse's other feet and checking for signs of laminitis, soreness, or injuries.
If the horse is avoiding putting weight on one foot, the focus should be on understanding why it's uncomfortable shifting its weight rather than forcing the foot to be lifted.
For front hooves, April recommends positioning the horse uphill to shift more weight to the hind end or providing a soft surface for the other foot to stand on, encouraging the horse to lift the desired foot. She shares a beneficial hoof-soaking recipe for various foot issues.
Regarding hind hooves, April suggests considering potential soreness in the SI joint, which can affect the horse's willingness to lift a hind leg. She demonstrates a technique for picking up the hind leg that reduces stress on the SI joint.
SI Joint Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8CBET7o4go
Davis soaker boots: https://amzn.to/46WvA8J
Liquid Trace Minerals: http://bit.ly/3O8XYwN

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• See the global clinic schedule: https://bit.ly/3CZiaee
• Visit the HHW website: www.holistichorseworks.com

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Does your horse feel sluggish to you? Many riders may think the horse is just being stubborn, but it’s more likely the horse is unable to move freely, rather than choose not to .

Recently at a barn, while I was working on horses I looked up and noticed there was a big tall thoroughbred in the arena who just didn't want to go and I could tell his hips and neck, and the rest of his body was out of alignment making proper movement possible. The rider was whipping him, and forcing the horse to do the move again and again in the heat, trying to get him to do the move correctly, and I had to turn away. The horse was not physically able to do what the rider wanted because it caused him pain to do so.

This hurts my heart when I see this again and again and the horse is mislabeled lazy or stubborn. How would you feel if someone says, ‘Hey, let's go for a run or a bike ride.’ And you're like, “Yeah, I really don't want to.” Then they whip you and make you do it anyway.
But if you do my bodywork program, and you do the horse yoga, your horse will be light and free. I used to do 50-mile endurance rides. Other riders noticed that I never needed to kick my horses to get them moving.
So when they're sluggish and lethargic, and heavy in the hind, and heavy on the forehand, you need to look into the body issues of why.

In summer, it may also be electrolytes out of balance. Giving a horse too many electrolytes will cause diarrhea. If you work them really hard, just give them electrolytes a little the night before and later that day. I prefer the Dynamite Dyna Spark which is in a liquid electrolyte in an organic molasses base and the horses just love it!
Also, do the horse yoga to make sure everything's working well. And then look into how much they're eating and drinking. Because when you don't feel good, they aren't going to want to perform.
When everything is out of alignment in the horse, it’s like riding a concrete block. Loosen them up with the horse yoga and the horse will be happy when they see you coming to ride.

To keep learning about horses:
• Sign up for our email list: https://bit.ly/44t9Q1V
• Get the free Horse 101 ebook: https://bit.ly/3ChKAQr
• Shop videos & courses: https://bit.ly/43vhsku
• See the global clinic schedule: https://bit.ly/3CZiaee
• Visit the HHW website: www.holistichorseworks.com

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In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, I talk about itchy horses

It’s summertime and many horse owners are noticing their horses rubbing their tails or their faces, even to the point of rubbing themselves raw. They're very sensitive to flies and other things in their environment. The issue may be an autoimmune disorder or allergies. It can be environmental but it may also be a cranial sacral problem.
Click here to see my page about autoimmune issues in horses caused by a past pull back when tied trauma - causing future health issues.
You can start by trying to control the fly population using Diatomaceous Earth in the pasture on the fresh poop piles, and within 21 days, you'll have fewer flies.
You may notice that some horses have a lot more flies than others. This horse has a lower immune system and is probably mineral deficient. Low copper can lead to having a higher parasite load. I add the Dynamite liquid trace minerals to their feed 2 FULL dropper full for 10 days and this usually clears up and may help some horses that do a lot of head tossing when being ridden.
For itchy skin, rubbing out mane, threadworms in the neck area, I use DoTERRA essential oils such as tea tree oil or melaleuca, and lavender. Fill a 32-ounce spray bottle with water, and put about 15 or 20 drops of each oil. And you can spray it on the horse, rub it in and let it dry. It's very good for sunburn, or bugs, and for helping skin to heal.
If the area is RAW then mosquitos and other bugs may be drawn to bite as well as lay eggs in that area. I then also use Desitin (yes, the diaper rash ointment) that comes in a big tub, to treat the areas where their skin is irritated. This lays down zinc to prevent bugs from irritating it more. You do not want the creamy tube as it just runs off in the heat. This is also great for tummies and bug sores along the underbelly and on gelding sheath or mares teats to keep bugs off. Also excellent for horses that get scratches or mud fever in the pasterns. See my horse 102 book on Amazon Holistic Alternatives
If the allergies are so bad that your horse is on steroids, then you need to look on my cranial sacral page on my Holistic Horseworks website. Because allergies and autoimmune is all about the cranial issue. Go back to the source for long-term solutions.

To keep learning about horses:
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• Get the free Horse 101 ebook: https://bit.ly/3ChKAQr
• Shop videos & courses: https://bit.ly/43vhsku
• See the global clinic schedule: https://bit.ly/3CZiaee
• Visit the HHW website: www.holistichorseworks.com

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There will come a day when it's time to let go of your horse, dog, or other pet.
So, how can you decide when it is time to let them go? Sometimes animals stay for their humans, even if their body is causing great suffering.
In this episode, April talks about how to make the transition easy for both the humans and the animals.

To keep learning about horses:
• Sign up for our email list: https://bit.ly/44t9Q1V
• Get the free Horse 101 ebook: https://bit.ly/3ChKAQr
• Shop videos & courses: https://bit.ly/43vhsku
• See the global clinic schedule: https://bit.ly/3CZiaee
• Visit the HHW website: www.holistichorseworks.com

Thanks for listening!
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In this episode, April Love tackles a crucial concern for horse owners this summer: how to safeguard our equine companions from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Join us as we delve into expert insights shared from firsthand experience.
Discover a natural solution that clears your horses' lungs and supports respiratory health, helping them thrive even in smoky conditions. We'll reveal an intriguing technique that balances organs and meridians, promoting overall well-being and resilience. And when the smoke settles at night, we'll share effective tips to help your horse's body eliminate any toxins.
Listen now and ensure the well-being of your horses in the face of these seasonal environmental challenges!
Resources:
Natural Cellular Defense (NCD) Drops
Respiratory Support from Silver Lining Herbs
How to Do a Bladder Meridian Sweep (Video)

To keep learning about horses:
• Sign up for our email list: https://bit.ly/44t9Q1V
• Get the free Horse 101 ebook: https://bit.ly/3ChKAQr
• Shop videos & courses: https://bit.ly/43vhsku
• See the global clinic schedule: https://bit.ly/3CZiaee
• Visit the HHW website: www.holistichorseworks.com

Thanks for listening!
#holistichorseworkstalks