"My Thoughts on Horse Vaccination"

Howdy Friends,

 

Often I've been asked about my thoughts on horse vaccinations. Thoughts on vaccinations, as do many homeopathic, holistic and natural practices such as "all forage diets," no stalls," no shoes" often cause quiet vigorous debates. I've resisted writing about vaccinations because it is so scary to so many horse lovers, owners and caregivers, I simply did not want to get into the debate. My own opinion though is we way, way over-vaccinate – to the health detriment of our horses (dogs, cats and children too).

Kessy love kisses

Recently I had the thrill, honor and privilege of interviewing Dr. Will Falconer, one of this country's most respected homeopathic veterinarians, for a story in Natural Horse Magazine. Like most homeopathic veterinarians his career began as doctor of veterinarian medicine. He is one of many homeopathic veterinarians or holistic practitioners I've interviewed over the years, and I've noticed a common thread of ideas, thoughts and concerns running through the minds of all these educated and experienced folks. In one way or another they all found they wanted to do better. They wanted to find ways to truly help their patients live healthier, more thriving lives. Another common thread running through all their comments during our interviews was their concerns about vaccinations. My interview with Dr. Falconer finally caused me to pen my thoughts on vaccinations.

I'll start with a quote from Dr. Falconer. "People simply do not relate or understand the harm that over vaccination does to the system. If there were one thing I could wave a magic wand and fix, it would be the attitude toward vaccinations." Dr. Falconer explained that repeated vaccinations impair and confuse the immune system.

"Most vaccinations for horses are for viruses, and veterinarian immunologists have proven scientifically that, once vaccinated for a virus, resulting immunity lasts a very long time, perhaps a lifetime." Dr. Falconer explained that repeated vaccinations not only confuse the immune system, but often cause it to turn on itself, and even attack healthy red blood cells.

"The horse is the most over-vaccinated animal, even more than dogs and cats, and repeated vaccinations do more damage than any other management practice. Repeated vaccination causes a plethora of ill effects that people fail to connect to the vaccine including allergies, skin conditions, thrush and even changes in temperament. These are long-lasting effects that take their toll. If people would just have one awakening in their journey to have a vital, thriving animal, I wish it could be that they would understand we now know, all vaccinations for viruses last a very long time, and repeated vaccinations to an already immune horse adds nothing, but it does compound the ill effects. In the late 1970’s, vaccine researcher Dr. Ronald Schultz discovered that rabies and the core vaccines last for the life of the animal in nearly all cases."

I chose to use Dr. Falconer's quotes because he succinctly put some of the concerns that I've heard many times from others. So many ailments in our horses can be linked to repeated vaccinations, as Dr. Falconer said above, and more than listed here. However, many veterinarians advise only, "Watch for symptoms for a few days," or words to that effect. While the truth is underlying chronic health issues that cause moderate to severe pain, lethargy, disinterest, or even poor temperament are chronic health issues related to vaccines that can show up weeks or months later and last a lifetime.

Worry about thrush, white line and founder? We all know that toxins in the horse migrate to the foot. There are toxins in vaccines that never really leave the body. Toxins put into vaccines purposely to "stimulate the immune response." If it were not so horrendous that phrase would be silly, reminds me of the equally silly oxymoron, "corrective shoeing."

Another problem with vaccinations is the way they short circuit the immune system. The immune system comes about 75% from the gut. Healthy digestive system, healthy immune system. But it is also supported by defenses throughout the body. The first line of defense is the nose, the throat and even tears. Each of these begins to attack the invader and signal the immune system to defend, attack and repel. Each of these areas of defense helps to educate and bolster the immune system. When we inject vaccinations directly into the body we skip all the front line defenses, thus robbing the body of that knowledge and power. Another thing Dr. Falconer, and others I've interviewed, said was how we are seeing so many horses coming up with wide varieties of allergies. Immunologists have linked this to confused immune systems.

“A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccination. Almost without exception there is no immunologic requirement for annual revaccination. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal…… Furthermore, revaccination with most viral vaccines fails to stimulate an anamnestic (secondary) response…. The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy…”EXCERPT FROM - Current Veterinary Therapy, Volume XI, published in 1992 (a very well-respected, peer-reviewed textbook that is updated every four years). The authors are veterinary immunologists Dr. Ronald Schultz (University of Wisconsin) and Dr. Tom Phillips (Scrips Research Institute).

Immunology has recognized for a great many years that viruses provide a long-lived immunity. This is why your physician is not sending you postcards to repeat your small pox or polio vaccinations annually.

So why do so many veterinarians prescribe and recommend repeated vaccinations? That is a question only they can answer. Money? Profit? They truly believe it is best for their clients? The interesting thing is how many of them are beginning to question it. The whole vaccine issue is so difficult to get a handle on. Veterinarians are not taught much about immunology, just as they are not taught much about nutrition.

Many horse owners struggle with peer pressure inflicting fear, self doubt. Or you need to vaccinate to show, do you really? Many folks believe they need vaccination certificates to travel, not true, I believe I'm accurate in saying no states require certificates of vaccination, only the Coggins test, and perhaps a veterinarian's health certificate. Some boarding barns require vaccinations, can this be negotiated? I would move my horse.

These are just my thoughts, I'm sharing them in the hopes you might think about it, and do some research of your own. There is plenty of information out there today. I believe in the "once is enough treatment for vaccinations." It is far better to learn how to help your horse build the strongest possible immune system that can defend against invaders, viruses included. Tetanus is the only vaccination that needs to be repeated every 7 years. 

  

For me and my mare Kessy, she'll never have another vaccination, or shoe. Oh, and she has not been chemically wormed in 4 years either, just did a fecal count, no worms.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

"Dr. Falconer, DVM, Certified Veterinary Homeopath – Vaccinations, Natural Diets and More"

Howdy Friends,

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Falconer, DVM, Certified Veterinary Homeopath for my column "Holistic Hall Of Fame" in "Natural Horse Magazine." What a dynamic, knowledgeable and caring man he is. For 22 years he's been providing a truly 100% homeopathic services for his clients. He has a large internet business as well and blog where he shares easy to understand, and implement, natural care, diets and health care for our animals. He also conducts phone consultations. On his website www.vitalanimal.com you will find recommended diets, thoughts and practices for your animals proven to promote top health and vibrancy. You can read my story in the upcoming April/May/June issue, but I had to chat about him here on the Coffee Clutch.

Dr. Falconer teaching a class

Practicing as a veterinarian for seven years in the 1980's had proved both rewarding and satisfying. He had even become a partner in the large and small animal practice. He loved helping, but he realized there had to be a different way to practice. He yearned for answers to the cause and effect of the illnesses he saw in his four footed patients. His search led him to Dr. Richard Pitcairn and his Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy. Dr. Falconer was part of the very first course ever organized.

Dr. Falconer promotes healthy, natural care giving and diets for our pets and horses. "We need to look to their natural way, evolution and lifestyles and do our best to provide that. For our horses that means no stalls and forage diets. For our cats and dogs it means raw, not canned, bagged and processed feeds full of unnatural chemicals, toxins and worse." To those who say we've changed the makeup of our domesticated animals by breeding Dr. Falconer has this advice. "We have bred for appearance, not digestive changes. Our pets and horses have the same nutritional needs and digestive requirements that have, for thousands of years, evolved to serve them perfectly. It is folly to believe we are doing them justice by changing what they must eat for our own convenience." Friends you can read much more on this on his website. and his Facebook Page.

I do need to share a bit of our conversation on vaccinations. I have long been in the camp that believes we over vaccinate our children, our pets and especially our horses. For those folks who insist that repeated vaccinations are a must because the veterinarians say so – and homeopaths, and holistic vets and people who worry about it are just spouting theory without proof, Dr. Falconer, DVM looks at and shares the "proof."

For decades now Dr. Falconer has worked with veterinarian immunologists, those who do the research and have no axe to grind and no financial gain or interest. "Most vaccinations for horses are for viruses, and veterinarian immunologists have proven scientifically that once vaccinated for a virus resulting immunity lasts a lifetime." Dr. Falconer explained that repeated vaccinations not only confuse but often cause the immune system to turn on itself, and even attacking healthy red blood cells. "The horse is the most over vaccinated animal, even more than dogs and cats, and repeated vaccinations does more damage than any other management practice."

Over vaccination causes a plethora of ill effects that people fail to connect from allergies, to skin conditions, thrush and even temperament. These are long lasting effects that take their toll. "If people would just have one awakening in their journey to have a vital animal, I wish it could be that they would understand we now know, all vaccinations for viruses last a very long time, perhaps a lifetime, and repeated vaccinations to an already immune horse adds nothing, but it does compound the ill effects."

In his twenty-two years as a full time practicing homeopathic veterinarian the one treatment he sees that does the most harm, causes the most trouble is vaccines. "People simply do not relate or understand the harm that repeated vaccination does to the system. If there were one thing I could wave a magic wand and fix, it would be the attitude toward vaccinations." Dr. Falconer explained that repeated vaccinations impair and confuse the immune system.

Dr. Falconer's homeopathic practice and website, is devoted to teaching people to feed naturally, and get out of vaccines and poisons, such as flea, tick and fly control, so they do not need to call on him as a doctor and they can keep their animals healthy. He has done much to change for the better many lives and I hope you'll visit his website.

Gitty Up  Dutch Henry

"Natural Horse Magazine-Feature Friday"

Howdy Friends,
 

Natural Horse Magazine is one of the finest, if not the finest magazine available to equine enthusiasts who endeavor to care for their horses, naturally. A quarterly publication, both on line and in print, each issue is packed with valuable information, resources, contacts and knowledge, and pages graced with stunning photographs. Each issue is a journal on equine wellness, and should be kept for future reference. In the manner of full disclosure, I have a column in Natural Horse Magazine, "Holistic Hall of Fame."

Natural Horse Magazine was founded by Randi & Gene Peters in January 1999 as a result of the holistic rehabilitation of one of their mares. Prior to this rehab, the mare had developed several problems, one of which was a severe reaction to fly bites that traditional treatment could not cure. After attending an holistic veterinarian's seminar on herbs and homeopathy, his examination of the mare's real problem (immune system derangement from over-vaccinating), was revealed and through homeopathy, her health was restored. It became Randi and Gene's vision to offer an educational resource on holistic horse care and Natural Horse Magazine was created.

On Auguest1st, 2012 Randi and Gene Peters, co-founders of Natural Horse Magazine, handed its reins to one of the industry's most recognized holistic equine experts, Lisa Ross-Williams. Lisa is not new to the world of educating people about the advantages of caring for their horses in a natural manner she hosted a radio show on the topic for a number of years, was an editor of Equine Wellness Magazine, has been the Associate Editor for Natural Horse Magazine for a number of years, owns the successful Equi-Spirit Toys Company, and is the author of the bestselling book, "Down-to-Earth Natural Horse Care," which I reviewed HERE, and recommend every equine caregiver have as resource.

"Our focus is on humane and natural alternatives to today's traditional means of horse care, including topics in alternative and complementary medicines and therapies as well as wholesome nutrition, cooperative training, natural care and maintenance of the horse and his environment, book and video reviews, special events, a youth section, and more," Lisa explains. "We are proud to be working with many prominent, naturally-inclined equine professionals who share our goal of educating horse lovers about natural ways FOR the horse."

In today's busy, busy world many of us simply don't have the time to read magazines. Friends, I highly suggest you subscribe to Natural Horse Magazine, read and explore the articles. Your horse will thank you.

Have a look at their web site HERE    And their Facebook page HERE

Gitty Up, Dutch Henry 

Feature Friday – "World Walking Horse Association"

Howdy Folks,

For decades our beloved Tennessee Walking Horse has been made to suffer horrible abuse called "Soring" at the hands of so-called trainers, to create unnatural and painful, leg and body action known as "Big Lick."  All in the name of winning money and ribbons. Even though there has been much public outcry and disgust regarding the inhumane treatment of these magnificent horses, the only United States registry for the TWH not only continues to allow, but supports the practice of soring by its actions of indifference, denial, and money. People who own TWHs had no choice but to register with that organization, even knowing some of their money may go to support Big Lick or even worse, someone with multiple Horse Protection Act violations. – Until now.

"In the fall of last year, Marty Irby voiced a dream that many have had. A Walking Horse breed registry that actively supported and promoted barefoot and flat-shod, natural, sound horses. Sara Livingston listened, and then stepped forward and planned, The World Walking Horse Association (WWHA). She's been the driving force in the creation and logistics of organizing the nonprofit. She is the behind-the-scenes powerhouse that runs WWHA," explained Mindy Lightner, VP of Communications.

 

Founded in 2013 the WWHA is indeed a breed association, and has as its mission to "record and preserve the pedigrees of the Walking Horse while maintaining the integrity of the breed, its versatility, and most importantly its inherently, natural, evenly timed, four beat walking gaits." And to among other things, "Promote the natural ability and gait of the barefoot and flat-shod horse by humane and classical training."

WWHA, as an organization is committed to the passage of the "Prevent All Soring Tactics Act" (PAST Act) – which would help eliminate soring. – The other, and until now the main Tennessee Walking Horse breed registry, came out in opposition of the PAST Act and even removed people from their organization who have supported its passage. Obviously continued horrendous torture of the horses they profess to "love, protect and support," is important to that other registry. As is the money they reap from the suffering of the voiceless horses.

"It's way past time to support and encourage sound horses, and put an end to the torture and suffering. Friends Of Sound Horses (FOSH),National Walking Horse Association (NWHA), and other competition organizations have spent years working their tails off to support and promote sound, barefoot and flat-shod gaited horses. Up until now, they have had to do that without the direct unconditional support of a sound, natural global breed association. We, (WWHA) are the final piece of the puzzle, or the final cog needed in the well oiled machine. 

The question really isn't 'why now?', the question is, 'why has it taken so long for this to happen'? Sound Natural Walking Horse owners deserve to believe that their money is being spent wisely for humane pursuits, and they deserve to be able to breed, show, and register their horses without worrying about unintentional support of Big Lick or Sore Horse programs," said Mindy.

Well said Mindy! Thank you, Marty, Sara, every member, and everyone at WWHA for all you are doing to provide a realistic alternative to a breed registry that publicly rationalizes torturing horses in its pursuit of dollars.

Friends, check out WWHA on the web www.worldwha.com  - And on Facebook (HERE)

Tell your friends, there is now a safe place for Tennessee Walking Horses.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

"Feature Friday- book review - Down-To-Earth NATURAL HORSE CARE by Lisa Ross-Williams"

Howdy Folks,

 

Lisa Ross-Williams will tell you she was born "horse crazy."As a young girl, her first horses were beautiful Breyer Horses who galloped happily around her bedroom amid walls papered with posters and pictures of horses of every size, breed and color. She was 10 when her first real life horse entered her life; Liza was a 10 year old Arabian mare. For 6 years they shared a wonderful life together and Liza taught Lisa much about the spirit of the horse. Later in life another Arabian came to her, his name was Rebel. He came with a few issues that sent Lisa on a search to find better answers than the seemingly conventional ways of feeding, caring for, and housing. Nothing she was seeing seemed "Natural" to the horse for Lisa. Rebel's needs and benefits charted Lisa's path on a lifelong pursuit of seeking the truly "Natural" way.

Along the way many other horses continued to be Lisa's teachers. As she and her husband continued to learn they realized they needed to share that information. To that end they formed their company "If Your Horse Could Talk" http://www.naturalhorsetalk.com/index.html  in 1998, and began a highly respected radio show.

Lisa on the air

As more and more important information about the "Natural" needs of horses began to come together Lisa eagerly shared what she learned, and still needed to do more. It made sense to her, and many friends had encouraged her, to put what she learned in a book. So she set out to assemble over 10 years of research, contacts and information in one book. In 2011 she published, Down-To-Earth NATURAL HORSE CARE, an easy to understand and fun to read book.

The title is perfect and describes exactly what you'll find between the covers – "Down to earth, Natural horse care."  Within those covers lies a wealth of realistic and helpful, easy to understand information on caring for your horse, or horses, naturally.

Everything from housing, to hoof care, feeding and nutrition, and more, is expertly detailed. And yet in such a way that it is easy to understand. Everything you need to know to change, implement or improve upon your current horse care practices is right there. Plus Lisa explains why the natural way is so very beneficial to all horses. And she points out in most cases you'll save time and money.

The book walks you through a journey of understanding starting with "A Natural Way of Living" giving easy, affordable and fun ways to create a natural paradise for your horse. "Equine Health" delivers tips on everything from dentistry, to truly natural feeding, things to do, and avoid. "Natural Hoof Care" explains how it's much more than, "just a trim."  "Natural Horsemanship," is a piece of the "Whole Horse Puzzle." In the segment "Myths and Facts" Lisa clears up many misconceptions.

There is a wonderful "Resource Guide" included that will be at your fingertips to help you find many more answers and helpful contacts.

This book puts it all together, how we might care for our horses in way that makes sense, "Naturally." It is a valuable resource for novice and seasoned horse owners alike, and I highly recommend it to everyone. 

Lisa & Kenny's equine family- from left- Rebel, Simon, Bam Bam, Riley, Smokie, Elvis, Trooper & Cooper

Thank you Rebel, for helping Lisa begin her journey.

I often use my own little quote, "It's for the horse." And while Lisa wrote this book for humans, the guidelines and information in it are truly, "For the horse."

You can purchase Lisa's book here - http://www.down-to-earthnhc.com/ 

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry