Ferrell Hollow Farm

Soaking Pools for Horses

The conditions here in Middle TN became dry very early this spring.  We are well below the average in rainfall, the spring grass has dried up, and the ground is hard and cracked.  The horses feet could suffer in these conditions without an appropriate amount of moisture.  One way to do just that is to put in "soaking pools" around the horses water troughs.  The draft horses especially, drink a tremendous amount of water every day, so it is very logical thinking to add the soaking areas where they will be several times thru out the day.  We have just put in soaking areas in two of our pastures.

Here I decided to use a corner off of the existing gravel path for the soaking area.  Using our skid steer, we dug the ground out just a bit so it is recessed.

Buddy & Slim come over to investigate the action, and find that they love how soft the fine gravel feels!

The water trough is within a few feet of the run in shelter, where the horses spend most of their time during the warm, buggy days.  The area is lined with landscape timbers anchored with one foot pieces of rebar hammered in to keep them from shifting.

When the trough is filled, we let it run over so it can flood the area.  When the horses come over for a drink, they will be stepping in the wet gravel, exposing their feet to moisture!

The big boys, Slim & Buddy love their soaking area!

Here is a smaller soaking area around a 50 gallon water trough and water hydrant-very easy to fill and flood daily!

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

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

 

2012 Natural Fly Control Measures at FHF

Relatively mild winter weather, above average temperatures and lack of rainfall this spring are all expected to create a worse than normal fly season in our area.  Ferrell Hollow Farm has implemented many natural methods of fly control over the years and continues to research and try new things to keep our senior retirees comfortable.

Diatomaceous Earth: This is a fine white powder that can be sprinkled on manure piles to decrease the breeding fly population.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Use only the organic, raw vinegar with the "mother".  This can be poured over the feed meals or in the water buckets or troughs at a rate of 1 cup per day, introducing the flavor slowly.

Vitamin B1: Thiamin has been thought to be a natural insect repellent.  We are feeding 1,000 mg a day to all of the horses.

Fly Spray: We use natural fly sprays made with high quality essential oils, sprayed at least once a day.

Fly Gear: Fly masks, fly boots, and fly sheets can be quite helpful in keeping the horses comfortable during the day.  I find the soft breathable mesh material and belly bands to be the most comfortable for the horses.

 
Willie, age 32, and Maggie, age 31, outfitted with fly gear for the day!

Fly Traps: The only effective control I've found against biting horseflies are traps such as the Epps Biting Fly Trap and we have made several varieties of our own versions to keep it more economical.  One trap in each horse pasture has been necessary.

Epps Biting Fly Trap in front of Buddy and Slim's run in shelter.

Fans: All of our pastures have large run in shelters with electricity so that we can run fans to keep the air circulating during the heat.

Shade Screens: Hanging shade screens in each run in shelter cuts down on the sun streaming in the sheds, which not only deters insects, but keeps the horses more comfortable during the heat of the day.

Siegfried enjoys his large run in space outfitted with fans and a large shade screen!

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 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

 

Soaking Problematic Horse Feet

Today was the day to do a Clean Trax soak on Mary's front feet.  CleanTrax is a deep penetrating hoof cleanser used on tough hoof infections, and does not harm healthy tissue.  It is a lengthy process to use this product.   The horses feet need to be cleaned first (I pick them out then put the foot in a pan of water, add a couple of drops of dish detergent and scrub the foot).  Once the solution is mixed, the horses foot is placed in a reinforced bag, the solution added and the bag sealed to lock in the vapors for 45 minutes!

Mary is a 26 y/o Standardbred, retired from life as a NYC carriage horse. She quietly nibbles at hay while her feet soak.  I use duct tape to reinforce the seams on ziploc bags and vetwrap to seal them closed.

Once it is time to take the feet out of the solution, the next step is to place empty bags back on the feet, seal them again, for 45 minutes so the vapors can continue to penetrate the crevices of the hoof.

It is very helpful to have a horse, such as Mary, who is calm and stands nicely for the entire treatment :)

It was necesssary to clean Mary's front feet with the Clean Trax as a preparation for canker treatment that is beginning this week.  Hoof Canker will be a topic for another blog entry ;)

Cindy Daigre is the founder and director of Ferrell Hollow Farm, an Equine Retirement facility in 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 Body Care Products, Herbal Blends, Seed Mixes and has written several articles for Natural Horse Magazine.  http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

 

 

The Vet visits the Drafts of Ferrell Hollow Farm!

I called my specialist vet, Dr. Wright, of TN Equine Hospital, out to take x-rays of Siegfried, Buddy and Slim today.  The results we found were surprising to both of us!

Siegfried, 23 y/o Percheron, has had a history of chronic laminitis for 20 years, and I thought that is what had been plaguing him lately, despite a strict management for Insulin Resistant horses and some very expensive supplements! X-rays of his front feet show significant high and low ringbone, with his left front foot the worst.  X-rays of his hocks showed only minor arthritis.  While I has thrilled that laminitis is not an issue right now, I was crushed that the ringbone was so signifcant and has caused him so much discomfort as of late :(

Slim, 22 y/o Percheron, has been showing signs of significant arthritis since he arrived in late December and has been difficult to trim on his front feet. X-rays of his front feet show severe high and low ringbone, the vet said one of the worst cases he has seen :( 

Buddy, 11 y/o Percheron, I already knew he had a right hind fetlock and hock fracture with severe osteoarthritis, but I wanted x-rays done to see where we stand right now.  He has responded well to the joint supplement I have had him on and has had many more sound days than lame days!  X-rays of his front feet show a chip in the left front fetlock, which was surprising news :(

Mary, 26 y/o STB, has severe hoof canker and has been seen by Dr. Wright more than once for it over the past year.  I wanted him to assess where she is now and discussed a possible new topical treatment that might be available to help her.

While having the vet out usually results in a large out of pocket expense, in this case, provided much needed diagnostic tools to not only diagnose the horses issues, but alter how they are managed, in this case with supplementation changes and new anti-inflammatory drugs to get them as comfortable as possible when they are getting their feet trimmed.

Ringbone is bone growth in the pastern or coffin joint of a horse, and in severe cases, the growth can encircle the bones, giving ringbone it's name!  It is not uncommon to see degrees of ringbone in large horses who have had long working careers.  It is often difficult to return a horse with ringbone to soundness and in many it leads to retirement.

 

One of the most heart-warming sights I get to witness almost every morning, is Buddy laying down resting, with Slim standing over him :)

Siegfried, all done with his x-rays!

Cindy Daigre is the owner of Ferrell Hollow Farm, a unique retirement farm for senior and special needs horses in Middle TN.

http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

 

Happy Birthday Willie!

Today one of our long term residents turns 32 years old!  Willie arrived at Ferrell Hollow Farm in 2004 and spent most of his life in New York, moving a few times as his owners job changed.  I've always said Willie marches to the beat of his own drum, he is his own man, that is for sure.  He has thrived here and looks wonderful this spring.  As soon as he sheds out completely, he will be as shiny as a copper penny!  We look forward to many more years of caring for this special boy!

Ferrell Hollow Farm is a unique retirement farm for senior and special needs horses in Middle TN.  To find out more about them, please visit 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

Happy Birthday Maggie!

One of our special ladies turns another year older today!  Maggie is 31 years old today :)  She sure looks fantastic for her age, and the fact she can no longer eat hay doesn't she!  We hope to celebrate many more years with her :)

Maggie is one of the senior residents at Ferrell Hollow Farm's Retirement Farm in Middle TN!

www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

 

 

The Senior Horses see the Dentist!

Routine dental check ups are a very important part of horse ownership.  Like anything else, it is less costly and better for the horse if preventative measures are taken yearly, rather than waiting until a problem arises!  Horses at Ferrell Hollow Farm are seen a minimum of once a year for dental check ups.

I am happy to say that my dentist completely understands my hesitation of using any form of sedation on the seniors and none of them needed any!!  That is usually the case, but I was unsure of our new drafts :) 

Siegfried was a complete gentleman and never moved an inch.  Mary has become my dentist's favorite as he loves the old style Standardbreds :)  She was a doll, of course ;)  Francis---well, poor old Francis--his vision is certainly not what it used to be ;(  He has cataracts in both eyes and his sight is slowly failing him.  He just had a hard time understanding what was going on, poor thing.  Willie has excellent teeth for a 32 year old, and Maggie has not lost anymore teeth-whew!  Eagle was a gem and never flinched-he has a slight wave to his teeth, but overall pretty good.  Tess is only missing 1 tooth from 3 years ago, and needs floating to keep the tooth above it from getting too long, since it has nothing to wear on it.

Then it was the big boys turn :)  I had told Ben that I had 2 new horses, drafts, that needed to be seen.  They both drop their feed and Slim chews very slowly.  I was sure they needed a tune up since I did not know when they were last done.  He joked that his speculum might not be big enough to fit over Buddy's head, but sure enough it did!  Both Buddy and Slim were complete gentlemen--I was a very proud momma--they stood perfectly still--no head slinging, or pushing from either of them :)

Equine dentist, Ben Bowman, working on Buddy's teeth--notice how relaxed this massive draft is!

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. www.ferrellhollowfarm.net

 

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