Conference noted::equitation

    I have just started (yesterday) to add Fenugreek/Garlic to my
    daughter's pony's feed.
    
    We find it difficult to keep weight on him.  He was very thin up to
    three weeks ago when as if by magic the spring grass was through and he
    has no put on weight.
    
    I had an old herbal book in the house that stated Fenugreek helps to
    maintain weight and condition.  It is especially good for brood mares.
    
    I couldn't find Fenugreek on it's own it was mixed with the garlic. 
    Two teaspoons per day.
    
    I don't think we willknow if it has worked until the winter when
    history has porved he drops alot of weight.
    
    Regards
    Sandra
    

	Hello,
	My name is Hiroko Ito from Japan. 
	I'm not good at English, but usually love reading this topic.
	I cannot understand about any remedies, but I am afraid of this.

>We find it difficult to keep weight on him.  He was very thin up to
>three weeks ago when as if by magic the spring grass was through and he
>has no put on weight.
 
	I'm afraid that he has worms.
	Would you mind seeing him a vet?   

Regards,
HIROKO

    	I would also suggest you have his teeth checked. If he can't
    	thoroughly chew his grain or hay, he won't get any nutrition
    	from it.
    

    
    We had his teeth done about a month ago.  The Dentist was quite
    disgusted with me, we have had him three years and we never thought to
    get the dentist in......I felt so bad about it, but being novice owners
    we didn't know about this aspect.   It was only when he started
    quidding I then knew to call the dentist.
    
    We have him on Competition Mix due to the hard work he is doing and now
    that the grass is through he is looking in good condition.  Hopefully
    the herbal supplement will help keep the weight on when winter comes.
    
    By that time his teeth will again have been checked.  Our dentist
    recommended every six months since he is now only just turned six
    years.
    
    Thanks for the input, I love the Equitation Notes there is just so much
    information and help around.   Thanks folks.
    
    Regards
    Sandra
    

    Please don't overlook the deworming suggestion. Veterinarians recommend
    deworming several times per year on a 6 to 8 week schedule in most
    place. In mild climates, some recommend a 4 to 6 week schedule as the
    worms are active year round. Most worms have a 4 week cycle from larvae
    to adult and horses are consdtantly being reinfected.
    
    While herbal rememedies are very useful, they won't resolve problems
    caused by worms.

    Our wee pony is wormed every 6-8 weeks, usually around shoeing time.
    
    Our ponies do alot of road work so they have there shoes
    checked/changed every 7-8 weeks. When I check my diary for the farrier
    visit this is also our flag to worm.  The pharmacy we use to buy our
    wormers is most helpful.  They keep a record of orders and are most
    helpful, especially when it comes to double dosing etc,.
    
    This is why I'm keen to try herbal remedies because we have looked at
    all aspects of his health, Teeth, Feeding including buying the best hay,
    Worming, bedding and his daily routine.
    
    We have been offered a trial of a herbal mixture for worrier's. 
    Athough he is a calm wee pony he may not show it outwardly.  But as I
    said we only encounter the problems in the winter so I think I'll give
    it go then and if it works, then we will have at last cracked the nut -
    We hope !   The farmer who advised us was explaining about grazing and
    types of seed used.  In the wild horses/ponies would naturally pick up
    some herbs during their grazing, while most horse grazing land is grass
    only.  He explained that meadow/wild seed mixes are now on the market
    to help in this area, but can take some time to establish and must be
    managed correctly.  Unfortunately we are not in the position to try our
    his ideas as we are under threat of losing our fields for house
    building.  It would not be cost effective to re-seed at this stage for
    us.
    
    Regards
    Sandra
    
    

�                    <<< Note 1971.6 by MASALA::SMCRITCHIE >>>
�                                  -< I agree >-

�    This is why I'm keen to try herbal remedies because we have looked at
�    all aspects of his health, Teeth, Feeding including buying the best hay,
�    Worming, bedding and his daily routine.

You might want to also consider supplementing probiotics; that is, gut
bacteria and enzymes.  It's possible that worming kills of some of the
beneficial gut flora and supplementing might balance the effects of the
worming.  From what I've read, lactobacillus is a key bacteria which could
be supplemented (yogurt is one source of lactobacillus). 

Probiotics come in pastes, powders, and granules for both daily and 
periodic treatment and can contain just bacterias or both bacterias and 
enzymes.

I would recommend that you research this option but it seems like this 
would be something else to consider along with the herbal treatments.

    Hello,
    
    Thanks for the info.  I have seen one product I think may be along the
    lines your refering to called Ye-Saac or something like that.
    
    The people who own the yard the yard we use are in the veterinary
    business I will ask them about some products.
    
    I'll let you know how we get on.
    
    Thanx Again
    Sandra

    
    	Hi,
    
    	I would guess this would be the correct spot for this.... 
    	Does anyone have any experience with feeding Bee Pollen for a
    suppliment? I'm quite curious about it, as my pasture is not the
    greatest and it is suppose to be good for horses that don't have the
    luxury of good pastures.
    Thanks, Becky