Five ways to boost your fitness for horse riding

Fran Griffith - Rider Biomechanics

Whole Horse Dissection

Kohnke's Own

An fun and interesting video about gastric ulcers. Saddleworld NT sell Kohnke's products. I use a couple of their supplements but haven't tried the gastro coat.

'C U in the NT' tourism slogan causes social media stir

Let’s use the C word! (Colic) And can Bowen help? Here in the NT we have a pretty good grasp of the English language, and we’re not afraid to let the rest of the world know, as the recent unofficial tourist campaign demonstrated. Link for anyone who missed it http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-08/c-u-in-the-nt-tourism-slogan-causes-social-media-stir/8004430 While the rest of the country chuntered into their chai latte’s, we just kinda laughed, cracked another cold one, and got on with enjoying this extraordinary place we call home. But there is one word that strikes fear into even the staunchest horsey Territorian’s heart: colic. ‘Colic’ is a general term for abdominal pain in the horse, and usually refers to a condition affecting the horse’s colon. Colic is the leading medical cause of death in horses. The vast majority of colic is ‘idiopathic’, ie, apparently spontaneous and of unknown cause. In the NT, the rate of colic is generally fairly low, due to the majority of horses being kept at pasture, rather than stabled. Our major risk factor is dehydration, secondary to travel in hot conditions. Symptoms of colic to look out for are: • Restless; • Pawing at the ground; • Stamping and kicking at its belly; • Looking at its flanks; • Curling of the upper lip; • Frequent lying down, and getting up almost immediately; • Rolling from side to side; • Lying on its back; • Lying down carefully, then slumping onto the ground; • Abnormal postures, eg, sitting like dog, standing with hind legs stretched back, as if stretching out to urinate; • Straining to defecate and/or decreased bowel movements. • Distention of the abdomen; • Off food; • Lethargic; • Depressed; • Sweating due to pain; • Shock due to pain, including laboured breathing, violent and uncontrolled movements. Link to some hot weather trailering tips: http://www.thehorse.com/articles/21445/20-hot-weather-trailering-tips Can Bowen help? If you suspect your horse has colic then the answer is ‘no’, treat it as an emergency and call your vet. However, when a horse is recovering from colic, Bowen can assist it to regain homeostasis (when all the body’s systems are working in balance). If a horse has mild or chronic low-grade colic, Bowen can help reduce muscle-spasm, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for intervention. And of course, a horse with all of its systems working in harmony is far less likely to succumb to colic in the first place.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Horses

Photos from Windhorse Bowen's post

Well what a lovely afternoon joining Jodie Ward on one of her training rides as she gets fit for the Mongolian Derby Is She Crazy? Jodie's Mongol Derby. Followed the ride with Equine Bowens for the horses and one for Jodie too. Awesome to be a part of the venture 😊

Horsetalk.co.nz

Interesting!

Timeline Photos

Here at Windhorse Bowen we are super excited to announce we are proudly sponsoring Jodie Ward in her bid to ride in (win!) the Mongol Derby! As some of you know, I've been to Mongolia twice on horse riding tours, and love the place. There’s just something about a country with endless space, fast horses, hot wranglers and ice cold vodka … but I digress. The Mongol Derby is one tough endurance race. Many people apply each year but only 40 are selected to go, so even being picked to ride is impressive. To quote the website: The Mongol Derby is the longest and toughest horse race in the world. The 1000km course recreates Chinggis Khaan's legendary empire-busting postal system. Riders change horses every 40km and stay with the local herders or camp under the stars. Every year 40 professional, semi-professional and enthusiastic amateur riders compete for the derby crown. To stand a chance of finishing riders must balance survival skills and horsemanship. They must endure the elements, semi-wild horses as well as unfamiliar food and terrain. Completing the World's longest horse race is an achievement few can boast. I’ll be helping Jodie and her horses, DanDan and O, stay in shape as they train for the race in August. I met Jodie and the horses yesterday for their first Bowen sessions, and was pleased to see them all looking relaxed in the photo from this morning. Thanks so much for letting me help out Jodie, I’ll look forward to seeing you all again soon! Check out her page at Is She Crazy? Jodie's Mongol Derby Philippa

Applied Posture Riding

A great article on why hamstrings are so important for riders (who knew?!), with easy stretches - and the ones to avoid.

Timeline Photos

Bowen in the field. Fly spray comes in handy ...

Timeline Photos

When you are told that after 14 years of extreme hunting, Bowen would work best with some lifestyle modifications ...