Fairhope Stables

Credits: Showmanshipathalter.com

Did you know that horses can get many of the same illnesses that humans get. One of the most common illnesses is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) which is the equivalent of type 2 diabetes in humans. They can also get Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) which is the equivalent of type 1 diabetes in humans.

This means that for many horses feeding grass or sugary treats such as apples and carrots could kill them. Just like with most people suffering from diabetes, it’s usually associated with a fat horse but don’t be fooled because even skinny horses and humans can suffer from diabetes too so don’t assume that when you see a skinny horse it’s safe to feed them treats!

How does diabetes kill horses exactly? Well, like with people it greatly affects the extremities and in horses. The inflammation detaches their coffin bone from the hoof wall causing it to rotate and in some cases pierce through the sole of their foot making them walk directly on bone and get severe infections and die a horribly painful death. Next to colic, laminitis caused by too much sugar in the diet is the most common cause for euthanasia.

So when you see that beautiful horse or cute pony out there, be kind and don’t feed it!
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Saviez-vous que les chevaux peuvent contracter de nombreuses maladies similaires à celles des humains ? L’une des plus fréquentes est le syndrome métabolique équin (SME), équivalent du diabète de type 2 chez l’humain. Ils peuvent également développer une myopathie à accumulation de polysaccharides (PSSM), équivalente au diabète de type 1 chez l’humain.

Cela signifie que pour de nombreux chevaux, les nourrir d’herbe ou de friandises sucrées comme des pommes et des carottes peut s’avérer fatal. Tout comme chez la plupart des personnes atteintes de diabète, cette maladie est souvent associée à un cheval obèse, mais ne vous y trompez pas : même les chevaux et les humains minces peuvent souffrir de diabète. Ne pensez donc pas qu’il est sans danger de donner des friandises à un cheval maigre !

Comment le diabète tue-t-il les chevaux exactement ? Eh bien, comme chez l’humain, il affecte fortement les extrémités. L’inflammation détache la troisième phalange de la paroi du sabot, ce qui provoque sa rotation et, dans certains cas, sa perforation de la sole. Le cheval marche alors directement sur l’os, ce qui entraîne de graves infections et une mort atroce. Après les coliques, la fourbure due à une alimentation trop riche en sucre est la principale cause d'euthanasie.

Alors, si vous croisez un beau cheval ou un adorable poney, soyez bienveillant et ne le nourrissez pas !

This is one of my favorite quotes as a teacher.
Not everyone stays long enough to really hear what is being taught. This doesn't just mean staying for years, though that may be the case.
Let's face it: training horses and bettering ourselves takes the time it takes.

For the student who is prepared to continue despite the heartache and the confrontation with the Self on a seemingly constant basis—the one who simply continues to "show up"—there are rewards. It grants the ability to grasp something that is Real.
Something so worthwhile it makes the heart sing and enables a fractured relationship to reach upwards to a higher level. (And yes, I am still very much a student, too.)

At times I have felt like walking away, but deep in my soul I know that the trials are there for a higher purpose.
They are not stop signs; rather, they are our guides, showing us very clearly what needs to be done.

Are you up for the task?

It is a journey of self-discovery, because a true master never hands you the answers.

"The Teacher does not give you the truth. He gives you the method by which you may find the truth for yourself."
— Nuno Oliveira