BUGS BUGS BUGS!

WOW the BUGS ARE MEAN this summer.

We have been experimenting again trying to combat bugs in an economical, healthy and environmentally friendly way.
As the summer wears on we have found that this year the flies are much more persistent.
We have been using Young Living Animal Scents Ointment applied in a thin layer from the knees/hocks down (concentrating on the joints and coronet bands) and bellies chests and groins to keep the flies at bay.
We have also changed up our fly spray recipe a bit in an effort to keep the flies at bay.
*Side note – we DO use commercial fly sprays at the barn in times on extreme need – however we were dismayed to discover that many commercial brands not only contain propylene glycol (antifreeze ingredient?) but are also extremely harmful to fish and aquatic environments.

2/3 water
1/3 mineral oil
2 tbl dawn dish soap
10 drops geranium
10 drops clove
10 drops aroma siez blend
10 drops thyme

this can be used on people and dogs as well…be aware however that some of these oils are photosensitive and may cause a sun reaction on more sensitieve individuals. We have not had any negative reactions thus far.

Alison Nygren is our essential oils rep for Spirit Horse Center – she can be reached at alisonnygren@gmail.com

Equine bodywork-What is it all about?

by Lise A Lunde – of Black Gold Massage hosted by Spirit Horse Center.

Lise is a Nurse Practitioner in Cardiac Medicine, an Equine Massage Therapist and an avid horsewoman. We are privileged to have Lise working with us at Spirit Horse Center as the Program Director for our Similar Spirits Women and Horses Program as well as our Equine Masseuse. Lise enjoys spending her free time with her horses trail riding, endurance riding and doing dressage.

 

There are a variety of types of bodywork available for our equine partners including chiropractic care, pain release therapy, aroma  therapy, energy work, Reiki, acupuncture and acupressure and massage therapy. Well, now there is one more to choose. It is called the Masterson Interactive Method of
Bodywork.

The Masterson Method was developed by Jim Masterson, and is directed at alleviating soreness, strain and tension in the horse’s body. The Masterson Method is based on the use of touch to find and help release accumulated tension in key junctions in the horse’s body. These key junctions have an effect on the horse’s movement and performance and include the poll-atlas junction, the neck-shoulders-withers  junction and the hind-end junction.

The Masterson Method is an interactive therapy. The horse is an active partner in this bodywork.  The bodywork incorporates touch, response from the horse and release of tension in the key junctions. Recognizing the response of the horse and adjusting the level of touch and pressure is the key to this method of bodywork.  The horse is an active participant because his response and release is what makes it work.

Having recently had the opportunity to become an advanced student- in- training in the Masterson Method, I have been impressed at how subtle some of the bodywork is and how expressive the horse can be in responding. As I continue to have the opportunity to learn the technique by working with a variety of horses I have  experienced:

1. A new way of listening to what the horse is saying
2. Observing the visual signs of release of tension in the horse
3. Observing more comfort, suppleness, mobility and improved performance
4. Development of a bond of cooperation with the horse

To learn more about the Masterson Method go to Mastersonmethod.com or contact me at lisealunde @aol.com

Chase those “buggy blues” away with our homemade insect repellent recipe using essential oils!

Can be used on horses, dogs, kids humans etc. Should also be a great short term tick repellent.

Alison Nygren is our Young Living Essential Oils Sales Representative at Spirit Horse Center. You may email her at alisonmnygren@gmail.com to place an order. We also have catalogs and informational brochures at Spirit Horse Center.

Before we begin with our flying insect repellent recipe we offer a great tip for gnat protection. We smear a very light layer of Animal Scents Ointment in the affected areas (ears chest bellies etc). The application generally lasts 2-3 days. This serves two purposes. Healing any raw areas and further repelling gnats. Works and smells great!

Basic Flying Insect Repellent Recipe
Two things to note about this recipe:
1) We arent into precise measurements. We make this on the fly (haha pardon the pun) in the barn aisle.
2) As the insect populations change by time of day or time of year this recipe can be modified to selectively combat insects that are more intense at specific times for example adding extra peppermint when the flies are bad etc etc.

You will need:
Peppermint Oil & Purification blend Oil, an average size spray bottle, plain mineral oil (can be found at Fleet Farm in the Health and Beauty Section) Dawn Dish Soap and Tap Water.
Fill bottle 2/3 full with tap water
Add Mineral oil  to the bottom of the neck of the bottle.
Add a squirt of dish soap (approx 2 tbl)
Add ten drops of peppermint

Alternate add ins:
5 drops Idaho Tansy – flies
5 drops lemongrass – gnats and mosquitos
10 drops melalueca – flies and mosquitos
5 drops Aroma Life – flies
5-10 drops of lavender – all flying insects and soothing to bitten areas
5-10 drops clove – flies later in the season

Add ten drops of Purification blend
Shake well before use.
Apply liberally to bellies, groin,legs and tails.

*additional helpful tip – grapefruit and peppermint applied neat onto kids and dogs makes a great short term tick repellent.