PEMF | My Personal Experience

If you’ve been to a horse show recently, I can almost guarantee that you have at least heard of, if not tried, PEMF therapy. This type of therapy has been around for quite a while, but it has only just gained popularity in the horse world. After hearing about PEMF from a lot of the prominent show barns in the area, I decided to give it a shot just to see what all of the excitement is about.

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 Before I go any further into this post, I do want to make a disclaimer of sorts that I am currently preparing to do undergraduate research on the effect of PEMF therapy on performance horses. Therefore, this post is going to serve as a sort of pre-research survey on my particular experience with PEMF after trying it on my personal horse. After my research has been completed, I am planning on writing a follow-up post compiled with all of the data collected from the study (and hopefully published paper) to help you make a decision on whether or not PEMF is the right therapy for you and your horse. I hope to be able to answer the golden question: does PEMF therapy actually work? 

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What Is PEMF Exactly?

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves pulsing electromagnetic fields from the coils connected to the machine into the tissue to promote healing. I won’t bore you to death by going into depth about the science of it all in this post, but the basis behind this type of therapy is this: the electromagnetic fields promote healing through the restoration of proper cellular energy. PEMF is claimed to:

• boost cellular metabolism
• promote faster healing  and reduce recovery time
• relieve soreness
• relax muscles
• improve speed and strength
• improve overall comfort and wellbeing

All of these claims are great, but what I find most interesting is that PEMF therapy has been widely used in both animals and humans for the specific clinical indications including bone healing, healing of chronic wounds, general pain, osteoarthritis, and inflammation. 

If you are interested in learning more about PEMF therapy, you can click here.

Why Did I Choose PEMF?

I am a huge believer in the wonders of chiropractic work for performance horses. I can, without a doubt, say that it works. Other than that, I haven’t ventured out into the world of alternative therapies. What can I say? I am a little stuck in my old ways when it comes to that.

The claimed benefits of PEMF caught my eye. Diesel has been having some SI soreness and stifle catching recently, which I am attributing to an increase in workload. I thought PEMF could be the key to resolving these issues as it is claimed to decrease body soreness and speed up recovery after strenuous exercise. What’s even better is that it is a little cheaper than chiropractic so it would allow me to use it more often in between chiropractic sessions to keep his soreness in check. 

The Verdict?

I can say without a doubt that Diesel definitely enjoyed the process. He licked and chewed the entire time it was being done and even started to doze off towards the end. There was never a point during the treatment where he seemed uncomfortable or ouchy. He seemed downright pleased with the whole experience.

That’s the spot!

After the treatment, I did feel that Diesel was much looser throughout his body and was definitely more relaxed than before treatment. He felt more willing to stretch down and through his body when ridden the day after. However, I don’t think that it necessarily helped with the stifle catching. I actually found that his stifle seemed to catch a little more the day after. I am guessing that the treatment could have possibly relaxed and loosened the muscle surrounding the stifle causing it to “slip” a little more than normal. I don’t think that it actually made the problem worse per se – just exposed how weak his stifles actually are. That is definitely a work in progress (say hello more cavaletti work and transitions)!

I will say that my trainer’s jumper got treatment as well, but she didn’t seem to notice any difference before and after treatment. However, he does not particularly show any difference before and after chiropractic treatment as well. Take that as you will. 

Overall, I feel that it is hard to say without a doubt whether PEMF will benefit your particular horse or not. It definitely seems to be dependent on the individual as to how much they can benefit from it. I am interested to see what the results of my study show. After all, numbers don’t lie!

If you aren’t already, follow my blog to see the follow-up post and let me know down in the comments if you have ever tried PEMF!

The Herbal Horse’s Healthy Hair | Product Review

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a sucker for a well-groomed horse and am a little obsessed with my horses’ grooming routines. What can I say? I love squeaky clean ponies!

I have been holding off on reviewing the products I bought from The Herbal Horse oh so many months ago, but after putting them to the test over the past few months, I am now ready to give y’all the low down.

A few months ago I made the leap and decided to give The Herbal Horse’s products a try after stumbling upon their website one late night. And let me tell you, I was in heaven! I honestly wanted to try everything they make, but since I am not a millionaire yet, I had to rein in my excitement and narrow it down to just a few items. Today I am going to review my favorite item from my mini haul: Herbal Horse’s Healthy Hair Salve.

The Herbal Horse’s Healthy Hair Salve is a 100% natural product that is intended as a deep conditioning treatment. While I have used it strictly on my ponies’ tails, it can be used on horses, people, and dogs! It is offered in sizes ranging from 1 oz to 16 oz and comes in cute recyclable containers.

I ended up buying two 4 oz containers – one for each of the ponies to use. I thought it would be a great experiment to use the product on a horse that has a thin tail (Diablo) and a horse that has a thick tail (Diesel) to compare both the results and how fast I went through the containers. Even though their tail thickness differed, each container has lasted me around three months of almost daily usage.

The salve itself smells absolutely amazing and is easy to handle. It isn’t sticky or messy, which makes distributing it into the tail effortless. All you have to do is hold it in your hands for a few seconds to warm it up and it is ready to. Unlike show sheen, it doesn’t make the hair slippery or slippery feeling. It leaves their tails shiny and soft without making it look greasy.

Look at that beautiful tail!
Photo credit: Emily Gann Photography

After a few months of using the product daily, I feel confident saying that this product really works! Both of their tails look super healthy and shiny! If I had to choose between this salve and other tail conditioners on the market, I would definitely choose this one! What is there not to love? It is effective and 100% all natural. I love the product so much that it is now a permanent staple in my grooming routine!

Let me know if you have ever tried a Herbal Horse product down in the comments! I am always interested to hear what other people think of the products I review!

So You Want A Corgi, Huh?

If you haven’t been living under a rock, odds are that you have seen one of the thousands of articles flooding the internet showcasing my favorite dog breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgis. It’s hard NOT to scroll through Instagram or Facebook without coming across another adorable picture of a corgi, but who’s complaining, right?

Tumblr / Via yurinai.tumblr.com

Who on Earth can resist a Corgi?  With those big ears, stubby legs, and fluffy butt, they are cute as can be.  Pick up a book on dog breeds, or visit a breed-selector website, and you will find that Corgis are incredibly smart, easy-to-train, and are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department. They are loyal to their people, can live peacefully in many different environments, are good watchdogs, and don’t require acres of running room. Toss in a convenient size and the fact that they can be happy in most climates, and they sound like the perfect dog.

But no dog breed is the right match for everyone.  The question is, is a Corgi the right dog for you?   

Here are five things to know before getting a corgi:

1. Corgis shed – A LOT!

corgiguide.com

Get ready to break out the vacuum cleaner because these puppies shed – A LOT. Before you know it, there’s hair on the floor, hair on the couch, hair on your clothes, and hair in the places you never imagined hair could ever be. You never knew a dog could have so much hair! You have that oh-so-fluffy double coat to thank. You better invest in a good vacuum cleaner and Furminator if you’re ever going to see your floor again.

2. Corgis are super smart.

This may sound like a great thing when it comes to teaching them basic commands and tricks like sit, down, and stay. However, you definitely won’t be smiling when your corgi learns that he or she doesn’t have to come when called if they’re not on a leash. Because they are so smart, Corgis can inadvertently be taught many unwanted behaviors and can even learn to manipulate their owners to their advantage. That is why regular training sessions and a firm boundary is crucial for these smart pups!

3. Corgis need regular exercise.

While you may not need a large yard to own a Corgi, regular exercise is a must for these athletic pups! Herding dogs such as Corgis are known to have a high need for both mental and physical stimulation in order to keep them healthy and happy. All Corgis need regular walks and playtime to be happy, but some may need a little more than others to keep them sane. Not only that, but regular exercise is essential for preventing obesity. An obese Corgi is susceptible to a slew of health problems. You better break out those walking shoes!

4. Corgis can be sassy/bossy!

And you thought your teenage daughter was bad! Even the most submissive of Corgis have a tendency to talk back, use “selective hearing”, and bark to demand treats, food, or attention. They require an owner who is calm, assertive, and is willing to set firm boundaries. If you are a pushover, your Corgi is sure to become a spoiled brat. Hmm.. doesn’t that sound familiar, parents?

5. Corgis have a tendency to bark – A LOT!

It’s true that many Corgis make excellent watchdogs.  As herding dogs, one of their historic jobs was to notice anything “different” and alert the owners.  This means your Corgi is likely to bark if the doorbell rings, a car pulls up your driveway, a phone rings, or it’s 5 minutes past his preferred dinner time. If you can’t handle a dog that barks or feels the need to express their emotions via vocalization, then a Corgi is not for you!

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If you read this list and found it to be endearing rather than off-putting, then a Corgi might just be the thing for you! 😁 

2018 Holiday Gift Guide | Equestrian Edition

Are you looking for a gift for that special equestrian or just want to treat yourself this holiday season? Look no further than this list of my favorite products and equestrian-based businesses!

Ellany Equestrian Belts

Similar to the belts made by the well-known brand Ruespari, the belts sold by Ellany Equestrian are made with high-quality elastic fabric and hardware. Not only are they affordable for those on a budget, but they are sleek and stylish enough to make the transition from the schooling ring to the show ring. It also doesn’t hurt that the colors they offer are sure to please anyone, and the belt is adjustable to fit most waist sizes. Did I mention they offer belts with rose gold hardware? Check out their site now for some awesome Black Friday deals!

Price: $38-$45

Sox Trot Socks

An equestrian can never have enough pairs of socks! These socks are thin enough to not disrupt the fit of your tall boots, yet durable enough to last through long days of wear at the barn. They come in some fun patterns, but if you’re more of the conservative type, they offer great solid colors as well.

Price: $7-$10

Dreamers and Schemers Socks

Yes, really, another recommendation for socks. You can never have enough pairs of socks! The socks from Dreamers and Schemers are extremely comfortable and come in a wide variety of cute patterns. The socks feature a lightly padded footbed to add cushioning and protection in high friction areas. The socks are also made of a stretchy material to help give a custom fit.

Price: $18

The Herbal Horse

The Herbal Horse offers a wide selection of amazing hand-crafted and organic products for both you and your horse. The Healthy Hair salve, Shine Bright coat spray, Aloe Vera shampoo, and Muscle Soothe lotion are, in my opinion, some of the best organic products on the market. I wouldn’t use them on my boys or myself if I didn’t think they were wonderful! You really can’t go wrong with any product you choose. Get 25% off with the code BFCM2018.

Price: $3.50 and up

Myst Equine Products

I am a believer in trying out products from awesome small businesses, and this business is no exception. Myst makes some fabulous dry shampoo that is sure to knock your socks off this holiday season. It smells great and works well on horses ranging from bays all the way to those high maintenance greys. They also offer a great selection of other coat products that are sure to leave your equine partner looking their best. Check out their website for more details!

Price: $19-$24

Sport Horse Essentials

If you haven’t noticed by now, I have a slight obsession with grooming products. Sport Horse Essentials is yet another small business that makes some amazing grooming products. All of their products are non-toxic and all natural, so you know their your pony is only getting the best. Also, their wide variety of products are sure to please even the pickiest of equestrians. Right now, their individual products are 30% off and their waterless shampoo is 50% off!

Price: $16 and up – check out their gift baskets for some awesome deals!

The Artful Equine

If you or your favorite equestrian are in the market for a stellar set of brushes, look no further than The Artful Equine. These custom horse brushes are some of the best brushes I have ever used, and they are absolutely stunning. Each brush is handpainted custom to your specifications. Want a portrait of your horse? Done! Want a brush with your farm logo on it? Done! Anything is possible with these brushes. You won’t ever lose your brushes ever again with these beauties.

Price: $15 and up depending on number of brushes

Saucy Piaffe

From quality leather halters with custom nameplates to custom engraved brushes, Saucy Piaffe has all of your personalized product needs. Their products are top-notch, but my personal favorites are their leather halters. Not only is the quality of the leather great, but so is the quality of the custom nameplate that comes on it. They offer two models – the padded leather halter or the ergonomic fancy stitched leather halter. You really can’t go wrong with either!

Price: $80-$140

Triple Crown Custom

If your favorite equestrian is in need of a new cooler, rain sheet, blanket, or scrim, look no further than Triple Crown Custom. All of their blankets are very high quality and meant to last meaning that you and your horse should be able to enjoy your custom blanket for years to come. Not to mention, all of their blankets and stable accessories are made right here in the USA.

Price: $145 and up

Back On Track Mesh Sheet

You can’t go wrong when purchasing any of Back On Track’s products. Every single product they make is sure to be a home run with ponies and humans alike! Although they are all great, my personal favorite is the mesh sheet! It helps warm up the muscles pre-workout to help your pony get the most out of their workout and provides relief to sore muscles after a strenuous workout. Both ponies absolutely adore their BOT apparel and I do too. 

Price: $199

Have you ever tried any of these products or shopped with any of these businesses? Feel free to leave your reviews below and tell me what you think! Happy holidays, everyone!

What Have I Learned? | Blog Hop

Over the past few days, I have read quite a few blog posts answering the question “What have I learned?”, which was first started by Sara. Reading all of these wonderful and inspiring posts from fellow bloggers really got me thinking about what I have learned in the past few months that have had the biggest impact on my riding.

 

The theme of the past few months for me riding wise has been “it’s all in the details”. Diesel’s inexperience has really made me take a step back and work on fine-tuning my riding all over again. It has also taught me some things that I guess I never really thought much into before now:

• Creating and maintaining a good quality canter is more important than trying to “find” a distance.
• Continuing to work Diesel through bad behavior is more effective than stopping the exercise to regroup.
• Your outside aids are just as important as your inside aids.
• Working your horse on the bit does not mean you have to have strong rein contact. You can be soft and still maintain contact.
• Softening your hand while working your horse in contact is a more effective reward for good behavior than just dropping the contact altogether.
• Ride every step. You have to be the driver – not the passenger.

While all of these things are great, I have saved the most important thing I have learned, and am still learning, for last. It is best summarized in this quote:

“Riding, like life, doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.” – unknown

I have been a perfectionist for my entire life. One of the hardest but most important things that I have learned and am still learning every day is that it is okay not to be perfect all the time. Messing up and making mistakes is part of the learning process, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of that. The most important thing is enjoying the ride.