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Sunday, 4 September 2011
Thursday, 1 September 2011
HISTORY, ROMANCE AND MYSTERY OF THE ARABIAN HORSE
ANCIENT HISTORY
The Arabian, the oldest purebred horse breed in the world, was considered a gift from God by the Bedouin society. It had its start in the area now known as Syria, Iran, Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula.Arab is a Semitic word which means desert or an inhabitant of the desert. The lineage of the Arabian horse traces back five thousand years, and although slightly bigger today, the modern Arab is very similar to the original specimen.
The specific characteristics of the Arabian all have significant meaning to the Arab nation. The large forehead is believed to hold Allah’s blessings, the high tail carriage is a symbol of pride, while the arched neck and high crest symbolize courage. The dished profile, big prominent eye, large nostrils and fine muzzle are recognizable characteristics. The broad chest, short, strong back and sloping shoulder give him strength and a floaty motion.
The breed appear as bays, chestnuts, greys, roans and seldomly blacks. They are normally between 14.1 and 15.2 hands high and weigh from 800 to 1000 pounds when fully grown.
A good, affectionate disposition and affinity for humans make it easy to bond with them. Inborn hardiness gives them exceptional stamina and makes them a popular choice for endurance races. Their good disposition makes them very suitable for therapeutic riding.
The Arabian became essential to the Bedouin people, and by 1500 B.C. the Arabian horse had been completely domesticated. Bedouin leaders were as familiar with the history of their horses as they were with their own verbal history. They depended on the speed, stamina and agility of the Arabian horse in warfare, to enable them to capture the enemy’s sheep, camels and goats. Mares were preferable in this type of warfare (Ghazu), because, unlike stallions, they do not nicker when they see other horses (the enemy’s), warning the enemy of the impending attack.
Unlike many breeds, the mares are held in higher esteem by the Bedouin than the stallions. The supreme mares exhibited exceptional courage in battle.
In ancient races, the winner of the race received the best horses in the loser’s herd. When a mare was given as a gift, the recipient considered it a great honor.
About 3,500 years ago the civilizations of Egypt mixed with the cultures of Mesapotamia. The Egyptian Empire needed the Arabian horses with their speed, endurance and hardiness to reach its borders and rule the vast region.
At the time of Mohammed and the beginning of Islam around 600 A.D., the Arabians and their horses spread to the Middle East, North Africa, Spain and China. The Arabian horse was now spreading to Europe. Under Mohammed’s encouragement to the Bedouin soldiers to love their horses, the Bedouin and their steeds became almost invincible.
In 868 Ahmad Ibin Tulin, a Mameluke, ruled over Egypt and until 1798, when the Mamelukes were overthrown by Napoleon, the Mamelukes paid intense attention to the breeding of fine bloodstock. In 1798, when Napoleon overthrew the Mamelukes, these beautiful horses captivated Napoleon with their prancing and snorting. When the French left, Egypt was under rule of the Albanian, Mohammed the Great, who founded one of the greatest Arabian stud farms of all time.
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Tuesday, 16 August 2011
THE BEAUTIFUL, VERSATILE AMERICAN SADDLEBRED
ARGUABLY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HORSE BREED IN HISTORY (AND IN THE OPINION OF MANY, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL EVER CREATED BY GOD), THE SADDLEBRED’S VERSATILITY AND USEFULNESS IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED.
Because the top of the breed is more well known in the show ring, the Saddlebred (unjustly) carries a lable of a breed which can only be trained and ridden by the most professional horsemen.
Truth is, almost all (a rough estimate would rate it at 90%) of these exciting horses are as docile (and more intelligent) as most other breeds. Few breeds are as responsive to training, and trainers who are familiar with Saddlebreds seldomly get along with other breeds. The reason these horses create the image of “wild excitement”, is because they are capable of creating the most exciting image of all animals, when called upon to do so. Yet they are among the most adaptable of all equine breeds.
There is hardly a purpose which the Saddlebred cannot serve, depending upon the way it has been trained. And despite being one of the most beautiful horse breeds ever in existence, the intelligence and docile disposition of this breed makes it almost unique.
These photos will give the reader a cross section of the many purposes which the Saddlebred can adapt to.
A BEAUTIFUL SADDLEBRED OF HIGH QUALITY BEING HANDLED BY A SMALL GIRL, PROVING THE WONDERFUL DISPOSITION OF THIS BREED.
BECAUSE OF ITS EXTREME BEAUTY, NATURAL MOTION AND SUPERB DISPOSITION THE SADDLEBRED IS AN EXCELLENT DRESSAGE HORSE. AS A DRESSAGE HORSE IT CREATES A PICTURE FEW OTHERS CAN COMPARE WITH.
ARGUABLY THE ULTIMATE PICTURE OF BEAUTY IN HARNESS. FEW BREEDS, IF ANY, CAN MATCH THE PICTURE THE SADDLEBRED MAKES IN HARNESS, YET THEY ARE WELL BEHAVED AND DISCIPLINED BECAUSE OF THEIR NATURAL DISPOSITION
IT IS NOT HARD TO FIGURE OUT WHY MANY HORSEMEN ARE IN LOVE WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL HORSE
THREE GAITED. CAN ITS BEAUTY BE MATCHED?
BECAUSE OF ITS INTELLIGENCE AND DOCILE DISPOSITION, THE SADDLEBRED IS AN EXCEPTIONAL TRAIL HORSE
A COMBINATION OF BEAUTY, DISPOSITION AND ADAPTABILITY – IN ITS ROLE AS TRICK HORSE
EVEN GOING WESTERN – AND STILL EXCELLING IN ITS ROLE
THE MOST WELL KNOWN ROLE OF THE SADDLEBRED – THE EPITOME OF THE EQUINE WORLD: THE FIVE GAITED SADDLEEBRED. ARGUABLY THE MOST EXCITING, ELECTRIFYING EQUINE IN HISTORY. TO THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THIS BREED, ITS THRILLING PERFORMANCE IS UNEQUALLED.
BEAUTIFUL, EXCITING, BUT SUITABLE FOR A LADY. AN UNEQUALLED COMBINATION OF DOCILITY AND BEAUTY. IMAGINE THE THRILL THIS LADY GETS FROM DRIVING SUCH A UNIQUE ANIMAL
SADDLEBREDS ALSO MAKE EXCELLENT JUMPERS
CAN ANOTHER BREED MATCH THE SADDLEBRED FOR BEAUTY, VERSATILITY, ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE, DISPOSITION.
CAN ITS OWNERS BE BLAMED FOR CALLING IT THE ULTIMATE EQUINE?
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Thursday, 11 August 2011
HISTORY OF THE MAGNIFICENT S.A.VLAAM
HISTORY OF THE S.A.VLAAM
Strange as it may seem, the Vlaamperd (Flemish Horse) did not develop in Flanders, but in South Africa. During the 19th century a distinctive type of horse came into being in the former Cape Province, namely the "Hantam Horse", which was developed through the use of good quality Arabian and Thoroughbred stallions imported by Lord Charles Somerset in 1820's.
After the end of the Anglo - Boer war in 1902, some Friesian stallions were imported to South Africa by a Cape Town funeral undertaker. Apparently there was a prohibition on the exportation of Friesian horses from Holland by the Dutch authorities at the time. To evade this regulation, the Friesian horses were shipped from the Belgian harbour of Antwerp. As a consequence, these Friesian stallions were called "Vlaamse perde", referring to the port of their departure. The name became generally accepted in the common language and also became the preferred term when referring to the offspring of these early imported stallions. These Friesian stallions were used on the Hantam and other local mares and the progeny eventually became the foundation stock of a new South African breed.
It must however be stressed that the Friesian was not the only breed to play a role in the creation of the SA Vlaamperd.
An imported East-Friesian/Oldenburg stallion by the name of "Kemp" had a great influence on the breeding of the Vlaamperd in South Africa. There also was an infusion of some Cleveland-bay blood and even today, some of the Cleveland-bay can still be observed in certain Vlaamperd horses.
A famous stallion, "Scheepers", bred and owned by the family van der Merwe of Kwaggasfontein, Sutherland (1930's) and sold in 1942 to Mr. H. Serdyn from Riebeek West in Boland, had the greatest influence on the breeding and development of the Vlaamperd.
The Vlaamperd breed had its origin in the Western Cape, which is considered to be the mecca of this breed.
The Vlaamperd is a truly dual-purpose horse. In harness it is almost peerless, with its graceful conduct and stylish high stepping action, while as a saddle horse its eminence is well-known to the most fastidious riders.
The Vlaamperd is extremely adaptable in single and double harness, as a team of four and a team of eight. Its beautiful appearance and docile disposition, together with other qualities, make the Vlaamperd a very popular breed, for showing as well as for festivals, weddings and tourism. The main colour found in this breed is black, though pale-black and dark brown are allowed with mares.
The ideal however remains a black horse. The Vlaamperd's height is between 14.2 hand and 15.2 hand. It is a lightweight horse with a fine bone structure.
The SA Vlaamperd Breeders' Society was formed in Bloemfontein in 1983. The South African Vlaamperd is an established, independent breed and is considered a precious asset of South Africa that deserves greater recognition.
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| VLAAM MARE 1970'S | MODERN VLAAM MARE 2011 |
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| 4 IN HAND | SINGLE HARNESS |
Thursday, 21 July 2011
PART 2 OF ACUPUNCTURE IN HORSES
(THIS BLOG POST FOLLOWS ON OUR PREVIOUS POST [PART 1] WHICH WAS POSTED ON 2011-07-11)
CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
First, the owner/rider of the horse is questioned on the nature of the complaint. Then, the correct diagnosis is established using a detailed clinical examination of the locomotor apparatus including muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Based on the gathered data, it is decided what type of treatment is the most appropriate to address the particular clinical problem. While acupuncture can be very useful in managing uncomplicated soft tissue injuries, many other conditions such as acute joint and tendon injuries, or soft tissue trauma with bleeding, swelling and/or infection should be treated using conventional veterinary care rather than with acupuncture. Indeed, any hoof or dental issues, as well as saddle and bridle related problems should be addressed before considering veterinary treatments including acupuncture.
First, the owner/rider of the horse is questioned on the nature of the complaint. Then, the correct diagnosis is established using a detailed clinical examination of the locomotor apparatus including muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Based on the gathered data, it is decided what type of treatment is the most appropriate to address the particular clinical problem. While acupuncture can be very useful in managing uncomplicated soft tissue injuries, many other conditions such as acute joint and tendon injuries, or soft tissue trauma with bleeding, swelling and/or infection should be treated using conventional veterinary care rather than with acupuncture. Indeed, any hoof or dental issues, as well as saddle and bridle related problems should be addressed before considering veterinary treatments including acupuncture.
In acupuncture, fine metal needles are inserted into certain body areas, called acupuncture points. The needles are left in place for 5 to 15 minutes, while being occasionally manually stimulated. Alternatively, acupuncture points may be stimulated by injecting specific solutions. Usually, two to four treatments are sufficient to bring about a significant improvement.
Generally speaking, acupuncture treatment is well accepted by horses; some animals can even become visibly sedated as they experience the pain-relief and muscle relaxation during the treatment. Occasionally, a twitch can be used for a limited period of time in unruly or otherwise difficult horses.
SAFETY OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
In any veterinary or medical treatment, precautions should be taken to minimise any eventual risks and adverse reactions. Generally speaking, acupuncture treatment is safe, provided that it is carried out by a veterinarian knowledgeable in modern veterinary equine medicine, as well as in the art and science of acupuncture.
In any veterinary or medical treatment, precautions should be taken to minimise any eventual risks and adverse reactions. Generally speaking, acupuncture treatment is safe, provided that it is carried out by a veterinarian knowledgeable in modern veterinary equine medicine, as well as in the art and science of acupuncture.
You can read this article and a complete manual on horsemanship in the horsemanship manual EASY HORSE. Learn more on www.greenhorsetrainingbook.org
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Monday, 11 July 2011
LEXINGTON JUNIOR LEAAGUE HORSE SHOW 11 - 16 JULY 2011 HORSE SHOW VIDEO
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Saturday, 9 July 2011
PART 1 OF ACUPUNCTURE IN HORSES
ACUPUNCTURE IN AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSES
by
Dr Jan Still
by
Dr Jan Still
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method originating in Eastern-Asian countries. It has been practiced both in China and, increasingly so, also in many European countries and Northern and South America. Acupuncture is highly effective in alleviating pain and certain other medical conditions in man and animals.
According to traditional theories, acupuncture alleviates pain and cures disease by harmonising the flow energy Qi in the body. Modern scientific research has confirmed that acupuncture operates via selective stimulation of the nervous system. A variety of chemicals such as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are released in various parts of the nervous system in response to acupuncture stimulation. These and other physiological changes induced by acupuncture then assist in pain-relief and other forms of healing.
INDICATIONS FOR THE USE OF ACUPUNCTURE IN HORSES
So-called soft tissue injuries characterised by pain, stiffness, muscle spasm or wastage, altered movement or lameness are the main indication for the use of acupuncture in horses. Acupuncture has been used successfully in managing various riding problems, in which horses resist (and often just cannot) carry out certain tasks because of the underlying pain and discomfort. The major indications for acupuncture in sport horses, including American Saddlebreds, are:
So-called soft tissue injuries characterised by pain, stiffness, muscle spasm or wastage, altered movement or lameness are the main indication for the use of acupuncture in horses. Acupuncture has been used successfully in managing various riding problems, in which horses resist (and often just cannot) carry out certain tasks because of the underlying pain and discomfort. The major indications for acupuncture in sport horses, including American Saddlebreds, are:
SORE NECK
Manifested by loss of flexibility and resistance to bend sideways; high or low carriage of the neck; tripping of front limbs etc. In American Saddlebreds in particular, neck muscles are often tender and in spasm, causing numerous performance-related problems.
Manifested by loss of flexibility and resistance to bend sideways; high or low carriage of the neck; tripping of front limbs etc. In American Saddlebreds in particular, neck muscles are often tender and in spasm, causing numerous performance-related problems.
SORE BACK
This is a very common yet not always timely recognised condition. Sore back can be a major cause of discomfort to the horse and a reason for numerous riding problems. General loss of mobility; change of temperament; tail swishing; uncontrollable running away; bucking; or rearing and many other signs can indicate pain in the back region. Low back area in particular is under stress in American Saddlebred horses. This condition can be associated in particular with reduced propulsion from behind, as well as with generalised lack of suppleness.
This is a very common yet not always timely recognised condition. Sore back can be a major cause of discomfort to the horse and a reason for numerous riding problems. General loss of mobility; change of temperament; tail swishing; uncontrollable running away; bucking; or rearing and many other signs can indicate pain in the back region. Low back area in particular is under stress in American Saddlebred horses. This condition can be associated in particular with reduced propulsion from behind, as well as with generalised lack of suppleness.
INCORRECT LIMB MOVEMENT AND LAMENESS
Acupuncture treatment is efficacious in managing soft tissue injuries located in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle areas. These injuries can be a cause of uni- or bi-lateral limb stiffness, shortened stride, “choppy” or uneven gait, or lameness.
Because of the breed-related nature of the movement and methods of training, muscle strain and other types of injuries in the low neck and shoulder are common in American Saddlebreds. Other frequently encountered problems are stiffness in the upper neck and hamstring muscles on the back of the hind limbs. Strained muscles or ligaments, or irritated (‘pinched”) nerves are diagnosed and treated effectively with acupuncture in these situations.
GENERALIZED BODY PAIN AND STIFFNESS
Some horses showing poor performance or difficult behaviour are subsequently diagnosed with generalized muscle pain and spasm. This distressing condition can develop as a result of excessive body strain associated with training, competitions, or as a consequence of accidents. There seems to be a constitutional predisposition for the condition in particular horses.
Some horses showing poor performance or difficult behaviour are subsequently diagnosed with generalized muscle pain and spasm. This distressing condition can develop as a result of excessive body strain associated with training, competitions, or as a consequence of accidents. There seems to be a constitutional predisposition for the condition in particular horses.
SOFT OR HARD MOUTH
Some horses develop extreme sensitivity in particular nerves of the head. The sharp pain can cause a range of riding problems such as excessive sensitivity on the bit, bridle lameness, head throwing or shaking, as well as resistance when turning the horse to a particular side.
Some horses develop extreme sensitivity in particular nerves of the head. The sharp pain can cause a range of riding problems such as excessive sensitivity on the bit, bridle lameness, head throwing or shaking, as well as resistance when turning the horse to a particular side.
SENSITIVE CHEST
The condition is manifested by excessive sensitivity of the horse when the girth is tightened. Often, the affected horses tend to run uncontrollably away or refuse to go forwards.
The condition is manifested by excessive sensitivity of the horse when the girth is tightened. Often, the affected horses tend to run uncontrollably away or refuse to go forwards.
As a rule, whenever a horse starts to refuse to carry out his usual tasks in training or in competition, or when he behaves in an unusual/distressed way, an underlying pain within the musculoskeletal apparatus should be suspected. It is crucial for the horse’s well-being, as well as for the rider’s safety to properly manage the underlying causes of pain. Successful pain management, whether using acupuncture or other veterinary methods, can be highly rewarding in terms of the horse’s improved performance. More details about these and other issues can be found on my website www.animal-acupuncture.co.za
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