Everything Horse magazine Everything Horse Magazine, December 2015 | Page 38

knowledge, training and experience to become an effective herbalist. How about DIY herbalism? Many of us want and need to save our money, and may understandably surf the net to discover what remedies can help our horses or ourselves. There are several firms run by reputable, qualified people with trained helpline staff, who can recommend remedies for many conditions in both animals and people. We can visit a health food shop for ourselves, which will also have ranges of herbal therapies which can heal disorders or support our health. My own experience, however, despite my family background, is that you can't beat consulting a qualified medical herbalist for anything other than minor ailments. Bear in mind, too, that minor ailments can escalate into not-so-minor ones if inappropriately treated. Google 'National Institute of Medical Herbalists' and you will find a practitioner in your area. Treating animals When it comes to treating animals, the situation is different. Only vets are allowed by law to diagnose what is wrong with your animal, but other therapists can treat him or her on referral from a vet in accordance with that vet's diagnosis. Most vets will agree to this but I find that some medical herbalists do not want to treat animals. They may say they are not allowed to treat them but they are - with a referral. Go to Google again and key in 'veterinary surgeons medical herbalists natural therapists', and you will find that there is no national shortage of veterinary practices which offer complementary therapies as well as conventional veterinary services. They will usually act on a second-opinion basis, again on referral from your vet so, with a bit of digging, you'll find a qualified herbalist who may also be a vet. Tracking-up Magazine Issue 29 – November 2015 In our new issue: THE HORSE CALLS THE SHOTS, Susan McBane: RENVERS, Anne Wilson: RIDING IN FLOW, Inga Wolframm: IBERIAN DENTAL EXPERIENCE, Garry Draper: RIDING WITHOUT HANDS, Paul L. Dawson: SAFER RIDING, Jan Ladewig: EQUINE MOVEMENT, Lesley Skipper: ROGUE RIGHT LEG SYNDROME, Sylvia Loch: HELPLESS AT RIDER'S MERCY?, Uwe Spenlen, plus equine influenza, beating obesity, equine behaviour, books, reader offers and more. Tracking-up is a non-profit, quarterly magazine. Printed copies are £5.30 per issue or £19.10 for a 4-issue subscription. Digital copies are £4.00 per issue or £14 for a 4-issue subscription. Clearly print your name and address (and email for digital) plus 'TUA28', on the back of your cheque payable to 'Tracking-up' and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ. For the current issue of the Tracking-up visit www.tracking-up.com Herbs in your pasture Horse owners with their own land might like to sow herb strips in their paddocks, usually on the highest, driest, sunniest area, and good seed merchants and consultants can help with suitable mixes. Mixing herb seeds in with grass seeds, however, usually results in the herbs being smothered by the stronger grasses. Next month: homeopathy. ADVERTISE HERE MEDIA PACK AVAILABLE Email [email protected] 38 Everything Horse UK • Issue 27• December 2015 December 2015 • Issue 27 • Everything Horse UK 39