A Review from my New Book- Natural Equine Remedies

 This is from a natural horse author who I sent my book too, her comments and my rebuttal

 I am in black text  she is in blue

First of all, I do want to say you do have some really good info in your book. Thank You

I also would suggest you get a bit tougher skin as there are going to be people who don’t agree with what you have written.  Although my book got some amazing endorsements, there were three people who I have networked over the years who would not endorse.  One because I listed Buck Brannaman under natural horsemanship, one because she didn’t like my salt suggestion ons and one guy because I did not mention him directly in the book….

I know this book will step on toes , I am a advocate for the horse not Egos - Seen way too many horses crippled on commercial feeds just saw two this week sad very sad-I do TheWork of Byron Katie It is my job to like me or not- Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Horse owners need to know the difference and to help their horse

So, here is some of the info you had that doesn’t sit well with me:

You explain that horses are foraging animals and are meant to eat many small meals a day, but your program revolves around feeding hay pellets….Pellets are not natural, they are processed and they do not allow a horse to chew in the proper motion let alone wear down the teeth in any way.  I believe that grass and/or grass hays are the staple of a natural feed program. how can a horse eat free-choice with pellets?  I do however, suggest using Bermuda grass pellets in a very, very small amount as a supplement carrier (pellets soaked of course).Ok seems like you did not read about Standlee and how they process their feed pellets pg 11 has a higher enzyme activity and all my clients horses digest real well This is the only pellet I suggest- the others are crap.The horse gains weight, we only feed to get Big sky in them plus to see their horses on a daily basis and in small amounts

You advocate using grains, barley, oats and corn.  Grains are rarely needed except in very hard working horses and is extremely detrimental to easy keep/metabolically challenged equines.  Corn has the highest glycemic index of all the grains and not only a danger to Ems horses but cause a quick release of glucose, surge of insulin and adrenaline which causes all horses to crash for an hour or so..   I agree but horse people will not change over to the standely hay pellets and like to feed this is much better than commercial plus horse that work and in small amounts, corn in small amounts keep horses warm at night if their digestion is working then no worries on Em? which is a magnesium efficiency anyway seen it go away just on the Big Sky- Everything is about digestion in the horse keep the gut moving and balanced no problems will occur.

This is from Judy Sinner Dynamite rep Corn is controversial for many people. It contains less fiber and lots more energy per pound than oats, and corn thus has an undeserved reputation for being a heating feed. In fact, oats generate more b.t.u.'s (heat units) in digestion than corn does! Corn is an excellent feed for horses. Be sure to measure it by weight, not by volume, as it is very dense. Barley likewise is a denser, more energy -packed feed than oats, containing less fiber. Many horses become hyper on oats, because oats contain an alkaloid called avenin that is a central nervous system stimulant. Horses susceptible to avenin do really well on rolled barley instead of oats, possibly with some added corn. Oats and corn half and half by weight works well for many horses, or you can feed 1/3 each of corn, oats and barley, again by weight. Or barley and corn, or straight barley. You need to observe your horses' response, and also determine which grains are highest in quality in your area.
I only suggest in winter time only and for added fat Blackoil sunflower seeds

You say do NOT force feed salt.  This I disagree with because if hay is high in Potassium as much is, this reduces a horse’s natural craving for salt—they will not seek it out free-choice.  I do also however suggest having loose, white natural sea salt out 24/7.  Redmond salt is also high in iron which is high in most horse’s diets and water That is why it is free choice on a natural diet. Salt adds water plus will throw off mineral absorption, I only feed free choice and Redmond only

Laminitis, page 52.  You suggest giving both Bute and Benamin right away.  This can be extremely detrimental and push the horse further into the episode.  Products such as BTB Plus, a quality herbal Devil’s Claw is just as effective, doesn’t have negative side-effects and can be used long term.- I was quoting  the online.wiley.com article - Horse people are going to do this anyway on the onset so will a vet- my protocol is written on page 53

Homeopathy is my first love, but I follow a more classical approach.  In many instances, you suggest using a wide number of remedies numerous times which I look at as a cookie-cutter approach.  Homeopathy is safe, but can cause aggravations if used incorrectly.  This is especially true when dealing with chronic issues.That is why I state the days taking it  usally no more than 5 days and dowse the horse for answers

I agree with the over-vaccination and used to used nosodes as a preventative.  But I learned from Dr Dupree (www.homeopathyfortheanimals.com) that even this can cause issues as any homeopathic remedy can change the horse’s internal balance.  Therefore, I advocate using nosodes during an outbreak in your area or if the horse does come down with the disease. Right and I direct the reader to Dr . Wessners site

Page 68-vegatables.  I do not agree that fresh vegetables over tax a horse’s digestive system….  Yep and thank God there are alot that do not feed hard veggies on a daily basis I have one client that does and her horse colics at least 4 times a year. Horses are not root animals , plus the veggies have high amounts of vitamins , with very little enzymes to break down so now the horse has to over work to break down -in moderation it is ok I know I will not win on this one so if your horse colics or has recurring ulcers take a look at the diet

Page 43-colic. You state to never let a colicky horse roll because it can twist an intestine Again taken from a content site.  I believe that you should never let a colicky horse VIOLENTLY roll, but laying down and gently rolling can actually help them to start to move gas and/or manure.  Our mini, Cooper had an impaction colic from mesquite beans.  He actually layed upside down, then gently rolled back and forth.  Along with homeopathics, he was pooping within an hour.

Yep I get calls at 3 in the am telling me how the High trac saved their horses lives from colic. If they lay down fine but getting the hightrac in is most important

I was not looking for a endorsement I was looking for a review good or negative,thank you for taking the time to read.

Ask anyone that knows me my skin is thick lol