Ferrell Hollow Farm

Dealing with Hoof Abscesses

When a horse does not want to bear weight on a particular foot and has difficulty moving around, an abscess is one of the first things that come to mind.  Such is the case with Siegfried today.  At breakfast I found him near the fence, not wanting to move.  I took his meal to him and it took him quite some time to walk to his shelter, where he likes to be during the day.  Hoof trimming was very difficult for him, as really the foot that hurt was the only one he was willing to pick up for any period of time.

During my afternoon check, he had ran out of water in the shelter and gotten outside and found himself in a bind--near the gate, unable to go any further.  He calls to me when I get to him.

My typical protocol for abscesses is to feed anti-inflammatory and circulatory herbs along with homeopathics and biochemical tissues salts to ease the pain, and help bring the abscess to a head.

It was much easier to clean the feed pan and use it to soak the foot, than to get his big draft foot in a soaking boot!

Fortunately Siegfried is a good boy, loves water and to get his feet wet!  Warm water, with a bit of tea tree and lavender oil will help clean the foot and fight infection.

Feel better SOON big guy!! :)

Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in Middle Tennessee focusing on the unique concerns of Senior and Special Needs horses. In addition, she provides Equine Nutritional Consultations, has developed a specialized line of Natural Horse & Body Care Products, Herbal Blends and Seed Mixes for Horses, and has written several articles for Natural Horse Magazine.  www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

 

Calendula Special *2 days only!*

For 2 days only, when you order a Calendula Balm, you will receive a FREE sample of our NEW Calendula Cream, soon to be debuted!  If you have sensitive skin or require fragrance free products, this one is for you!  This offer lasts thru midnight Tuesday April 10th, 2012!  All proceeds from the sales help us care for the special needs horses we have adopted and retired at Ferrell Hollow Farm!  Our vet is coming this week for x-rays of 3 of the drafts feet and hocks, and to assess our mare with hoof canker.

Ferrell Hollow Farm’s Calendula Balm is very beneficial for healing wounds, soothing dry, cracked or chapped skin in both people and animals and taking the sting out of bug bites!  It has a very mild, natural scent with no essential oils added, making it exactly what those with sensitive skin need.

Cindy Daigre, owner of Ferrell Hollow Farm’s Equine Senior Retirement Farm, is continually inspired by the beauty of the gardens she lovingly cares for and regularly creates unique herbal blends based on the plants surrounding her home. As with all of our products, only cruelty-free ingredients are used.

http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net/Store.html

A Day at Ferrell Hollow Farm

Saturday March 17, 2012

One woman, 10 horses, 8 cats, 2 dogs and 2 goats.  It just took 2.5 hours to care for all of them.  So?  The horses are spread over 6 pasture/paddock locations.  The cats are in 4 different areas.  Every horse receives a bucket meal with necessary supplements, and then enough hay until the evening meal comes around.  Poop is scooped or sprinkled with DE to deter breeding flies.  Nets and buckets are prepared for the next meal.  Everyone is checked over.  Yesterday we had a colicky horse related to ulcers.  This morning that is better. Whew!  A draft has active laminitis.  Another draft comes up lame and is blowing out an abcess.  If you've never worked with drafts, they are quite large and every thing is exaggerated with them.  The mare with hoof canker has a foot that is separating.  The gelding with the stifle injury is not quite as comfortable as he was a week ago.  The 2 Cushing's horses are way too hairy for our unseasonable 80 degree weather.

While this work load may not seem like much to some, realize that I am operating on less than 100%, still rehabbing from ACL reconstructive surgery 9 weeks ago, with continued physical therapy for at least another 2 weeks.

What does the rest of the day hold for this lady?  My house needs to be cleaned.  My farm house also needs to be cleaned-baths, kitchen, appliances, laundry room and windows cleaned before showing to prospective new tenants on Monday.

The laminitic horse needs a watchful eye and increased care, and the abscessed foot also needs more attention.  It is a 7 day a week job with long hours.  A labor of love.

If you would like me to work with you on getting your horse healthy thru a consult, but don't want to pay for it, don't ask.  If you would like me to board your senior, retired, special needs horse for less than my monthly boarding rate, I can't.  If you do however, see the value in these things, please contact me, as I would love to work with you and your horse(s).  This is how I make my living.  This is how I can take in special needs horses that need this level of care and pay for their upkeep myself.  It is not easy work.  It is a true labor of love.  These horses need me and I need them.  They are here to teach me things and I remain open to listening to them.

Please visit my website for more information and support our passion if you can, or share with others--thank you! Cindy Daigre

www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

Lavender Fact Sheet-for people and animals!

Lavender

 

 

 

Lavender is grown mainly for the production of essential oil of lavender.  Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils that can be extracted from aromatic plants. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in a water-and-steam distillation process to extract the oil. It is best to use organically grown plants, free from chemicals.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavenders flourish best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun.  All types need little or no fertilizer and good air circulation.

Using the Dried Flowers

Dried and sealed in pouches, lavender flowers can be placed among items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance. Flower spikes are often used for dried flower arrangements, potpourri and in sachets.  Floral water (hydrosols) can also be made from the flowers.

Using the Essential Oil

Lavender is a favorite for the herbal first aid kit and is typically for topical purposes; not given internally. It speeds the healing process of wounds by encouraging cell growth. A few drops of the essential oil of lavender can be diluted in water and used to clean wounds. It can also be mixed in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, for a relaxing massage.

Lavender has a very calm and soothing aroma which can be beneficial when inhaling it.

Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in Middle Tennessee focusing on the unique concerns of Senior and Special Needs horses. For more information on her equine business, including nutritional consultations and natural products, visit: www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

 March 2012

Rosehips: Rich in Vitamin C

 NEW Fact Sheet written by Cindy Daigre February 2012:

Rosehips: Natural source of Vitamin C

What are Rosehips:

Rose hips are the berry-like fruits of the rose bush left behind after the bloom has died.  Although nearly all rose bushes produce rose hips, the tastiest come from the Rugusa Rose.  Rose hips have a tangy, fruity flavor similar to that of cranberries and can be used fresh or dried.  The fruits begin to form in spring and are best harvested after the first frost, which makes them turn bright red and slightly soft.

Benefits of Rosehips:

Rosehips are one of the richest plant sources of Vitamin C, and with one to two percent by dry weight, rose hips have a higher Vitamin C content than citrus fruit! Rosehips also contain lycopene, (an antioxidant), Vitamin A, Essential Fatty Acids, and Biotin.  Bioflavonoids enhance vitamin C’s ability to strengthen blood vessels, and this encourages healthy hoof growth in horses. They are also beneficial for preventing illness or to restore the immune system after illness. Its natural antihistamine properties can also be useful for the allergy prone horse. 

Using Rosehips in Horses:

Rosehips are commonly used to make herbal teas, by boiling the dried or crushed rose hips for 10 minutes.  Use 2 tablespoons of berries per pint of water.  Always make sure to use rosehips that are clearly marked as being free from pesticides.  The tea can be poured over your horse’s meal once or twice daily.

As horses age, they are no longer able to manufacture vitamin C, so for senior horses, it is wise to supplement their vitamin C needs.  This can be done naturally with a daily dose of dried rosehips or tea in their meals!

*Rosehips are including in Ferrell Hollow Farm's Spring Herbal Blend which can be found at http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net/Store.html

Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in Middle Tennessee focusing on the unique concerns of Senior and Special Needs horses. For more information on her equine business, including nutritional consultations and natural products, visit: www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

February 2012

 

Pumpkin Seeds for Health

Pumpkin Seeds: Good for you and your animals

by Cindy Daigre

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are flat, dark green seeds. Subtly sweet and nutty with a chewy texture, they are one of the most nutritious and flavorful seeds around.

Nutrient Value

Pumpkin seeds provide a wide range of nutrients. They are a very good source of phosphorus, magnesium and manganese, and also a good source of trace minerals zinc, iron and copper. In addition, pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, Vitamins A, C and E, and amino acids Lysine, Methionine, Tryptophan.

One quarter-cup of pumpkin seeds provides 180 calories, 9 grams of Protein and 15 grams of Fat.  This serving size provides 46% of the daily value (DV) for magnesium, 52% of the DV for manganese, 24% of the DV for copper, 16% of the DV for protein, and 17% of the DV for zinc.

While higher in Omega 6 Fatty Acids, they do contain 2.5% of the daily value of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Natural Dewormer

The pumpkin belongs to the plant family Cucurbita, comprising of melons and squash like fruits. The seeds of many plants in this species are regarded as being very potent and effective teniafuges, which are de-worming agents that can easily paralyze and eliminate intestinal worms from the digestive system. The seeds of the pumpkin are excellent against intestinal parasites.

Pumpkins posses an unusual amino acid known as cucurbitin, which is the main reason for it’s anti-helminthic properties (capable of eliminating worms). This amino acid, cucurbitin is found concentrated only in the seeds of the Cucurbita species of plants.

The use of pumpkin seeds in herbal medicine is mainly as a natural and safe de-worming agent, as the seeds are able to rid the body of all intestinal parasites when used properly.  Pumpkin seeds offer a chemical free and natural removal of intestinal parasites with no known side effects.

Storage

Pumpkin seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark space. While they may stay edible for several months, they seem to lose their peak freshness after about two months.

Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in Middle Tennessee focusing on the unique concerns of Senior and Special Needs horses.

cindy@ferrellhollowfarm.com          www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

 

Herbal Skin Gel CLOSEOUT!

In an effort to streamline the natural products we make, Ferrell Hollow Farm will be discontinuing select horse products.  The Herbal Skin Gel is one of those.  While current supply lasts, this item has been marked down for clearance!

Ferrell Hollow Farm’s Herbal Skin Gel is very beneficial for soothing itchy spots, healing wounds, and soothing dry manes and tails!  Ingredients include Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Tea Tree, Rosemary, and Lavender.

http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net/Store.html

Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in Middle Tennessee focusing on the unique concerns of Senior and Special Needs horses. In addition, she provides Equine Nutritional Consultations, has developed a specialized line of Natural Horse & Body Care Products, Herbal Blends and Seed Mixes for Horses, and has written several articles for Natural Horse Magazine.

Buddy & Slim arrive to Ferrell Hollow Farm!

At 9:30 this morning, Steve Merka, with www.haulinghorses.com pulled up with our precious cargo!  Slim was in the back, so we got him off first.  As I walked him in the driveway, Siegfried came over for a closer look.  I saw Buddy come off the trailer and his right hind leg was very stiff, sore and ouchy.  We put them in a stall with hay and water to let them stretch and settle in for a few minutes, so I could formulate my game plan of walking them up thru another pasture and other horses to where they will reside.

Cindy & Slim

Fortunately I had several folks here today with me--Rachel, my farm helper, Alan, my husband, his sister Stacy and Tommy, my fencing handyman!  I asked Rachel which one she wanted to lead and she choose Buddy, thinking he would be slow due to his hock.  So out I go with steady old Slim, turning behind me to see Buddy leaping and hopping, full of himself!  Ooops guess she chose the wrong horse to lead ;) 

Rachel and Buddy

Stacy almost managed to keep Willie from coming over to check out Slim--Maggie never bothered to get in on the action.  Thru the final gate to the home stretch!  Alan was on camera duty while Tommy maned the gates.  Quite a spectacle we were!

Cindy & Slim on the left and Rachel & Buddy on right

Once we got them into their new paddock, we hand walked them for a little while and then set them free!  Buddy had a lot of nervous energy to lose, while Slim just followed. 

Buddy & Slim

They both dropped for a good muddy roll and proceeded to check out their new surroundings.  They have a nice view of the pastures and other horses--probably stimulation overload for Buddy on the first day, but they will quickly settle in.

Buddy has a beautiful high stepping action and is in the lead!

Buddy has been retired at a young age due to osteoarthritis in the right hock, and Slim is older and had just slowed down enough to not work anymore.  Both have spent most of their lives with Fantasy Carriage Company in Michigan and were well taken care of. They are both very sweet boys.  Buddy has quite an outgoing personality, while Slim is more laid back.

Buddy & Slim

We look forward to getting to know them and serving them in their retirement!  Thank you to all who have been supportive of this opportunity to share our lives with these two magnificent creatures :)

Cindy Daigre is the founder of Ferrell Hollow Farm, a unique retirement farm for senior and special needs equines in Tennessee.  www.ferrellhollowfarm.net or cindy@ferrellhollowfarm.com

 

Herbs for Horses: Wintertime

Ferrell Hollow Farm has chosen four amazing herbs to blend together for its Winter Herbal Blend.  It can help your horse ease into the seasonal transition of winter as the temperatures began to fall, and the grass dies back.

Burdock helps relieve dry, scurfy skin conditions and recurrent sores by cleansing the liver and kidneys.

Meadowsweet has been hailed as the “herbal aspirin” due to its salicylic acid content, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful for joint and muscle pain. It also protects the digestive tract and reduces excess acid, making it an excellent choice for ulcers and diarrhea.

Parsley is considered a digestive tonic that reduces flatulence, supports the kidneys and removes toxins that cause joint pain.

Rosemary has a wonderful fragrance, stimulates circulation and also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Winter Blend 2 pounds = 30 day supply $55.00

The Winter Herbal Blend can be purchased at http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net/Store.html

Cindy Daigre, owner of Ferrell Hollow Farm’s Equine Senior Retirement Farm is continually inspired by the beauty of the gardens she lovingly cares for.   As with all of her products, only cruelty-free ingredients are used. Products are hand made in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.

Francis, the black Percheron!

Francis is my 28 year old black Percheron gelding who I completely adore!  I adopted him a little over 2 years ago from Pets Alive, a no-kill sanctuary in NY.  He worked the streets of NYC as a carriage horse for 12 years and was retired to the sanctuary, but still needed a forever home.  Well thank goodness we found each other, because he is one awesome horse!

Despite his struggles with an old right hind deep digital flexor tendon injury, major scar tissue, ringbone, sidebone, and chronic laminitis, he is what I call a SUPERSTAR!  He is tough and happy and doesn't complain.

I couldn't wait for his trimmer to see him this morning.  You see, 2 months ago he was in so much pain from these chronic issues, I just couldn't seem to bring him back to soundness, despite all of my bag of tricks.  His issues have created a cycle of having good days and bad days, but semingly fairly steady for the past 2 years.  But the Fall is harder on him.  He is pre-cushings and the corisol levels rising can wreak havoc on his metabolic system and he was laminitic despite all I had done for him.  Then I tried giving him a supplement comprised of herbs, anti-oxidants and amino acids.  After one week of a loading dose, Francis was a new man!  His stride improved, his front feet moved fluidly in front of him, AND he was weight bearing on all 4 feet!  Something he has not done in forever!  That right hind tendon keeps him on the tip toe a lot of the time.  So WOW-he is moving like the champion I know he is and bossing Mary around even more than usual and feeling a bit frisky :)

So at least for now we are all very happy with his current condition and improvement and thankful every single day I have with him!

Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in Middle Tennessee focusing on the unique concerns of Senior and Special Needs horses.

She is continually inspired by the beauty of the gardens she lovingly cares for and regularly creates unique herbal blends based on the plants surrounding her home. As with all of our products, only cruelty-free ingredients are used.

In addition, she provides Equine Nutritional Consultations, has developed a specialized line of Natural Horse & Body Care Products, Herbal Blends and Seed Mixes for Horses, and has written several articles for Natural Horse Magazine.  www.ferrellhollowfarm.com