An Holistic Approach to Equine Influenza

September 2007

As a Naturopath and horse owner myself I though this information and these few simple procedures may have benefit.

Viruses and bacteria are nature's way of ensuring survival of the fittest, so with a little understanding of their purpose we may be able to dispel some fears surrounding them.

The nature of Viruses and Bacteria is that they are opportunistic, so by following a common sense approach we are able to limit their "opportunity" to invade the host.

Invasion only happens when the host is "susceptible"; that is the "energy body" is somehow diminished. For both horses and people this susceptibility can be physical, emotional/mental or at the level of spirit/will; (for example if we are forced to do something we really hate doing for a prolonged period our "spirit" will be depleted thereby affecting our energy/immune system)

Equine flu, similar to Bird flu is more common where the animals and birds are housed not in keeping with how nature intended. Remember the "biological systems" of the horse have remained the same for thousands of years but our expectations of the horse have changed dramatically.

A healthy, positive mind free of stress is probably the most important factor for wellbeing not only for humans but also our animal friends; along with making sure your horse's environment is kept as natural as possible. Also make sure your horse is given stress free exercise, ideally has other horses for company, has plenty of fresh water and that his/her paddock is kept clean.

A spell of warm whether following rain is a breeding ground for new viruses so I would also recommend giving each horse half to 3/4 bulb of fresh chopped garlic together with about 1 cubic inch of ginger (these can be processed together and mixed with nightly feeds) for about 3 days (no longer than 5 days at a time). Spring is the perfect time to take your horse our walking to give him/her access to grasses and weeds (herbs) not available in the paddock.

You horse is a herbivore and instinctively picks what he/she needs not only for food but also for medicinal purposes (as a student I conducted my Herbal research on these observations and was amazed at the healing properties of the "weeds" my horse chose. I have also seen some amazing medical recoveries by horses merely given access to these local weeds.

After many years of observation, research and study I now know that to regain health it can be the simple changes we make that have the greatest impact. The Holistic approach means that these "simple" changes can be something practical that we administer on the physical level or changes made by our approach, attitude or our "intention" with our horse. The holistic approach also means that when we have a problem we are open to any or all of these factors potentially being involved.

Contact us for more information.