Trade Talk April 2011

focus on... Healthcare

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Welcome ContentsThe range of products under the

banner of ‘healthcare’ for horses is vast and diverse, from first aid essentials to fly repellents to wormers, and everything else in between. This issue of Trade Talk aims to provide some clarity, and profiles some of the main manufacturers operating within this sector.

There’s no denying the fact that horses are accident-prone, susceptible to a huge array of injuries, illnesses and infections, both inside and out. As well as being much loved ‘pets’, many horses are highly valuable, and as such it is only natural that horse owners will want to do all they can to protect their animals from harm. When choosing healthcare products to stock, and particularly if shelf space is limited, it is best to think in terms of essential and seasonal. Essential products to have on display all year round might include first aid kits and the necessary item replacements, wormers (if there is an SQP on site), and certain feed supplements and therapy items, depending perhaps on your customer base. Seasonal products meanwhile will include the likes of fly spray, fly masks, sunscreen and cooling wraps in summer to help keep the problems of warmer weather at bay, whilst in winter the demand items are likely to include anti-bacterial mud fever treatments as well as hoof preparations to fight any problems associated with moisture imbalance. Respiratory disease is also likely to be more of an issue in winter. Another thing to consider when selecting stock is natural versus ‘synthetic’ healthcare. Technology is constantly evolving to produce treatments that are highly effective and long lasting, but there will be some customers who will want to use a more chemical-free approach to treating certain ailments. Providing customers with a choice of at least two or three brands can therefore be the best solution.

EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY

Contact usT: +44 (0)1953 850678F: +44 (0)1953 851936E: [email protected]

DisClAimERWhilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this directory is both accurate and up-to-date, Trade Talk accepts no liability to any party for loss or damage incurred by reliance on the information contained in this publication or through omission or errors, howsoever caused.

4 First aid essentials

6 Healthy airways

8 D and H Group Fly Away Ltd 9 Horsessentials

10 LS Sales (Farnam) Ltd

11 Merial Animal Health

12 Stable Environment Tagg Equestrian

13 Virbac Animal Health

14 Fighting the flies

16 Muddy problems

17 Aromatherapy for horses

18 Directory


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Horses seem to have a great propensity for injuring themselves and others around them. A well-stocked and up-to-date equine first aid kit is therefore a basic essential for any yard, and should be readily at hand should any injury or emergency suddenly arise.

If the horse has received an injury, the first thing

the horse owner must do is decide whether or not

veterinary assistance is required. This depends

on the type, size, depth, location and severity of

the problem. However, for more minor injuries

the horse owner should be able to provide some

treatment themselves, with the help of an equine

first aid kit.

Every tack shop should have the essential first aid

items in stock, encouraging customers to replenish

every item after use to avoid getting caught out in

an emergency, and replace anything that has gone

past its sell-by date. Ideally, horse owners should

have at least two first aid kits on hand – one for the

stable and one for use when travelling.

First aid supplies must be kept in a dry, clean

and sturdy box or bag, which should be properly

secured to ensure that dirt and dust cannot

contaminate any of the contents. Kits should also

be kept well organised and should contain a full

checklist of items so the user can easily see what

is present and what is missing. As a retailer, it may

be beneficial to produce your own checklist of first

aid essentials to help horse owners remember

what they need.

Check list:

Thermometer•

An elevated temperature is often one of the first

signs that the horse is harbouring an illness or

infection. As a rough guide, the horse’s normal

temperature should be in the region of 98.5F to

101F (36.9C to 38.3C). A digital thermometer is

preferable, as it will beep when peak temperature

is reached and will save the last temperature

taken, making it easier to record. Mercury

thermometers work just as well, but care must be

taken to ensure that it is not cracked, as this may

cause an incorrect reading.

Antiseptic wound cleanser •

Antiseptic wound cleansers are ideal for washing

and cleaning skin infections, cuts and puncture

wounds. Any first aid kit should include at least

one type of antiseptic cleanser – common

First aid essentials

solutions include Hibiscrub (chlorhexidine) and

Pevidine (povidone-iodine), which should be

diluted with water before use in accordance with

the manufacturer’s instructions.

Wound powder, spray or cream•

These are a must for keeping wounds clean

and free from infection. There is a wide range of

products on the market, from herbal to the more

medicinal applications, but again it is best for

the horse owner to have two or more different

types in their kit so as to be prepared for different

situations. Antiseptic sprays are often brightly

coloured, which may make the horse look

unsightly but helps with targeting.

Cotton wool•

At least one large roll of cotton wool is a must for

any first aid kit – around 500g is best. Cotton wool

is useful for cleaning wounds, mopping up and

dabbing on powders, but advise customers that

dry cotton wool is not suitable for applying directly

to wounds or for use as padding under bandages,

as it will stick.

Veterinary poultice and gamgee•

Veterinary poultices can be used hot to increase

the blood supply to the affected area and draw out

infection, whilst also providing comforting warmth,

or cold for treating bruising, sprains and strains.

Licensed poultice dressings can also be used dry

as a wound dressing.

Veterinary gamgee meanwhile provides a soft,

low-adherent wound interface with excellent

absorbency and insulating properties. Gamgee

can be used to promote healing and protect

wounds from external trauma, either used as a

primary wound dressing or applied over a dressing

to relieve pressure points.

Bandages•

Sterile bandages are vital for keeping

wound dressings in place, and every equine first

aid kit should be stocked with a variety. Self-

adhesive bandages are the most practical as

they are easier to put in place. Human bandages

should not be used for horses as they are difficult

to keep in place.

scissors •

Scissors are essential. They should be sharp and

round ended, and kept for use only with the first

aid kit so that they don’t become contaminated.

Other useful items•

Other items that are useful for inclusion in a first aid

kit include:

A clean towel•Thick, waterproof tape (such as duct •tape)Baler twine•Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)•Epsom salts•A hoof pick•A torch•Disposable gloves•


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Healthy airways are fundamental to the fitness, comfort and performance of any horse or pony. The respiratory system is perfectly designed to cope with high levels of exercise, but is also very delicate and susceptible to infection. Horse owners must therefore be made aware of the importance of maintaining the right environment for the promotion of respiratory health.

Respiratory disease is one of the most common

causes of illness in horses, but can often go

unnoticed in the early stages, being not so obvious

as other common health issues such as lameness.

Left untreated however, what was once a minor

problem can quickly develop into a serious or

chronic health complaint. Problems in this area can

be divided roughly into two main areas – infectious

and non-infectious.

Infectious respiratory problems generally are the

result of a bacterial or viral cause. Equine Influenza

for example is a virus which is highly infectious,

although horses can be protected from this

debilitating condition by vaccination.

One of the major everyday culprits of non-

infectious respiratory complaints is dust and fungal

spores. The stable environment is potentially full

of these prospective irritants, from forage, feed,

bedding and arena surfaces, and so steps must be

taken to limit these effects. This includes keeping

the stable free from dust-trapping cobwebs,

ensuring good stable ventilation and maximising

turnout time.

Retailers can help by recommending feeding and

bedding products that are dust extracted and

highly absorbent (as the ammonia from urine can

also act as a respiratory irritant). Shavings or wood

pellets together with rubber matting for example

may be more suitable bedding than straw for

horses prone to dust allergies, and there are also

specialist oils available which can be added to

equine bedding to help with breathing.


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Healthy airways

Certain internal parasites are also known to

cause respiratory illness, as they migrate

through the lungs and respiratory system.

These include roundworm – common in

young horses – and lungworm, which

causes chronic coughing and is more

usually seen in horses that share their

paddock with donkeys. A proper de-

worming programme will usually keep these

parasites at bay.

symptoms of respiratory illness

If the horse owner suspects that there is

something wrong with their animal’s breathing,

they should always consult their vet, who will

be able to provide a proper diagnosis and

recommend suitable treatments. Symptoms

that the horse may be suffering include:

Thick or coloured nasal discharge •Shortness of breath•Laboured, wheezy or congested breathing•Heaving flanks•Low energy levels•Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw•Elevated temperature•



Hay soakers and hay steamers will also make

useful purchases for owners of affected animals.

Hay – particularly that which is of poorer quality –

can be a major source of dust, and should ideally

be soaked for around half an hour before feeding,

or alternatively haylage can be provided instead.

Forage should be fed from ground level, as this is

the more natural feeding position and allows the

respiratory system to drain.

Respiratory supplements meanwhile can be

added to the diet or provided in the form of a lick.

These may comprise natural or herbal blends

or more scientific formulations, all designed to

support respiratory immunity and aid lung function.

Menthol, eucalyptus and aniseed are ingredients

known to help keep airways clear and reduce

irritation, whilst the antioxidants selenium, vitamin

C and vitamin E can benefit the immune system

and help the horse to fight any infection.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Also known as Recurrent Airway Obstruction

(RAO) or ‘heaves’, Chronic Obstructive

Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a non-infectious

allergic disease of the lung. It causes the

airways to become constricted, making it

harder for the horse to breathe – resulting in

deeper or faster breathing than usual as well

as coughing.

COPD commonly occurs during the winter

when horses are stabled for longer periods of

time, although a summer form of the disease

– Summer Pasture Associated Pulmonary

Disease – is also possible, and often harder

to treat. The condition ranges in severity

from mild (only noticeable during exercise) to

very serious, where permanent damage may

be caused to the lungs (sometimes termed

‘broken wind’). Diagnosis of COPD can be

confirmed by a ‘scoping’ the horse, which

involves passing an endoscope into the

windpipe via the nose and collecting a sample

of fluid for testing.

Management of this condition involves

keeping the horse’s environment as dust-

free as possible. In addition, bronchodilators

(such as Ventipulman) or inhalers (for longer

term use) may be prescribed to assist with

breathing, and corticosteroids may be

required in more serious cases or if the horse

does not respond to other treatments.

focus on... supplements


D and H Group

Fly Away ltd

The VetSet range is a complete range of bandages, dressings and veterinary accessories offering exceptional value for money, better margin and opens a raft of opportunities when backed by excellent stocks, professional packaging and the renowned ‘VetSet reward scheme’. The generous reward scheme is an excellent idea - simple and worthwhile! Keep it yourself or use it to keep your customers coming back: collect 14 ‘Confidence Coins’ from the outer packaging and you will receive a generous £5.00 shopping voucher for a major high street store!

Excellent retailer and surgery support is available by way of special promotions, literature, staff training as well as bespoke first aid kits to ensure that horse owners and veterinarians can ‘care with confidence’. Following the success of the VetSet products in

veterinary surgeries across the UK, the range is now available to retailers and wholesalers through the D&H Group. Contact any of the team to discuss retailer opportunities or locate a wholesaler near you.

Fly Away is naturally different. New ‘Max Strength’ Fly Repellent is a triple strength natural formula to complement the existing natural fly repellent ranges. ’Max Strength’ is the strongest totally natural fly repellent ever. Still enhancing the coat’s natural shine and remaining invisible upon application. Contains citronella oil. HSE approved. Contains no FEI listed banned substances. ‘Max Strength’ gives the ultimate protection against all flying and biting insects, combating regional insect differences and aiding itch related problems. RRP: £11.99 for 500ml.

Seal to Heal from Fly Away is a transparent dressing for horses with minor wounds, cuts and grazes and also for those with mud related problems including cracked heels. This flexible barrier helps protect against the bacteria found in mud as well as dirt, flies and other irritants. Quick and easy to use. Forms a protective layer in 60 seconds. RRP: £9.99 for 100ml.

Available from all major wholesalers.

CONTACTs: Address: Unit 7, Thistle Grove Farm, Quandry Lane, Nr Belbroughton, West Midlands DY9 9UU Tel: +44 (0)1384 877857 Fax: +44 (0)8458 628580 Email: [email protected] www.flyaway.ltd.uk

CONTACTs: Address: Maple House, Hamlin Way, King’s Lynn PE30 4HG Tel: +44 (0)8452 702224 Fax: +44 (0)8452 703334 Email: [email protected] www.dandhgroup.co.uk

Horsessentials is a line of natural horse care products, designed for nature-conscious horse owners and riders. The company’s philosophy is simple: why should customers use on their horse a product that they would not use on themselves? Horsessentials products are highly concentrated in top quality, 100% natural ingredients, such as pure essential oils, plant tinctures, aloe vera and vegetable oils. The products do not contain synthetic colorants, synthetic fragrances or parabens. Wherever possible, the company uses natural bases and preservatives.The Horsessentials range includes coat and skin care products, muscle, tendon and joint care products, hoof care products and airways care products. Top sellers include a soothing gel for the skin, a shampoo for itchy skin and a relaxing gel for muscles.

Horsessentials products are manufactured in France. The company is currently looking for an agent for the UK and Ireland.

focus on... supplements


Horsessentials ltd

CONTACTs: Address: 3 Queen Street, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1RF. Tel +44 7919 350 440 or + 33 674 409 560 Fax + 44 2080 825 420 Email [email protected] www.horsessentials.com



Merial Animal Health Limited is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products including Eqvalan and Eqvalan Duo – equine wormers. Eqvalan paste for horses is licensed to treat more species and stages of parasite than any other summer or winter wormer, and Eqvalan Duo paste is licensed to treat more species and stages of parasite than any other spring or autumn wormer including tapeworm. Retailers and SQPs play an important role in advising horse owners on effective worming strategies and the potential for resistance is becoming an increasingly important subject. 2011 sees the evolution of Merial’s communication strategy, further developing programmes to help retailers build customer loyalty, by providing long-term support, services and solutions for equine worm management. Additionally, Merial has special offers to engage consumers in worming and high quality CPD for SQPs to keep informed on this hot topic.

LS Sales (Farnam) Ltd

Merial Animal Health Ltd

CONTACTS: Address: Sandringham House, Harlow Business Park, Harlow CM19 5TG Tel: +44 (0)1279 775858 Fax: +44 (0)1279 775888 Email: [email protected] www.merial.com www.smartworming.co.uk

CONTACTS: Address: Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Oxon OX15 4FF Tel: +44 (0)1608 683855 Fax: +44 (0)1608 683856 Email: [email protected] www.lesliesutcliffe.biz

LS Sales (Farnam) is committed to adding new and innovative products to the range in 2011. Tri-Tec 14 is the new fly spray (HSE 9215) now available in the UK from the USA, to lead the fight against infectious diseases such as Swamp Fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme Tick Disease and many more. Tri-Tec 14 kills the flies, culicoides, mosquitoes, ticks and lice that can carry infectious disease. The unique formula of Cypermethrin, Pyrethrins, Permethrins, strong polymers and UV sunscreen keeps it in place for 14 days making it effective, long lasting and economical. Available in three sizes: RRP: £19.99 for 473ml, RRP: £34.99 for 946ml, and RRP: £94.00 for a 3.8 litre container. Retailers large and small are welcome to order Tri-Tec 14 and any other products from the Farnam range from Leslie Sutcliffe or Battles.



Stable Environment Limited

NAF

CONTACTS: Address: PO Box 646, Halifax HX1 9HP Tel: +44 (0)1422 310483 Fax: +44 (0)1422 310378 Email: [email protected] www.stable-environment.co.uk

CONTACTS: Address: Wonastow Industrial Est West, Monmouth NP25 5JA Tel: +44 (0)1600 710700 Fax: +44 (0)1600 710701 Email: [email protected] www.naf-uk.com

The natural choice for animal skin care. All products are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Synergistically blended with highest grade pure essential oils, designed to promote healthy skin and well being. Formed to have multiple benefits, helping to minimise overall maintenance costs. Bright graphical pictures illustrate each products use, making them easily identifiable. Almost silent trigger action, with increased product release. Products available from; Wholesales B Jenkinson & sons Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1924 454681 www.elico.co.uk and Trilanco Ltd: +44 (0)1253 888188 www.equos.co.uk Larger trade orders can be purchased directly from the company, minimum order 500 units. Orders can be mixed. All dispenser products are packed in six’s and the 5-litre re-fill The Ultimate Fly Repellent & Skin Tonic is packed in two’s. Good profit margins. RRP is £8.99 for all dispenser products and 5-litre re-fill is £49.99, saving the end user more £10.00. 10% company profits go to Animals in Distress, Charity no 615886.

NaturalintX - the new name in equine first aid. The new NaturalintX first aid range offers a choice of veterinary approved, 100% natural dressings for wound management, together with naturally formulated applications to support the healing of minor wounds, cuts, abrasions and strains.NaturalintX Poultice - 100% natural, veterinary approved poultice for use on minor wounds and abrasions.NaturalintX Hoof Poultice - poultice for use on minor wounds of the foot. Designed to comfortably fit the horse’s hoof, enabling quick, easy application.NaturalintX Wrap - cohesive, elasticated support bandage, to hold dressings in place. Full range of colours.NaturalintX Dressing - highly absorbent, cotton padding to insulate the leg and support minor wound management. NaturalintX Cotton Wool Roll - super soft, made from 100% natural cotton fibres for maximum absorbency. NaturalintX First Aid Applications - naturally formulated products to care and support the healing of minor cuts, abrasions and bruising; including Aloe Vera Purple Spray, Arnica Gel, MSM Ointment and Wound Cream.



Fal Pro from Tagg Equestrian

CONTACTS: Address: Home Farm Barn, Winkburn, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 8PQ Tel: +44 (0)1636 636135 Fax: +44 (0)1636 636643 Email: [email protected] www.taggequestrian.co.uk


Virbac Animal Health

CONTACTS: Address: Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP Tel: +44 (0)1359 243243 Email: [email protected] www.equimax-gel.com or www.equimax-tabs.com

10 years after its entry into the equine market place with leading wormer brands Equimax and Eraquell, Virbac Animal Health continues to innovate within the industry. Virbac will be hosting the first Equine SQP CPD webinars in May ahead of the June 30th AMTRA CPD points deadline. These two seminars have been approved by AMTRA and will be worth 7 CPD points each or a total of 20 points if both are attended. “We are aware that a number of SQPs are still in need of CPD seminar points ahead of the June 30th deadlines,” says Callum Blair MRCVS, senior veterinary adviser for Virbac. “Opportunities to earn these points are running out and the cost incurred in attending seminars

can be significant particularly to SQPs in remote communities. Webinars provide the ideal platform for SQPs to attend a seminar without having to leave home or close the shop for a day.” The seminars will take

place in the evening and cost £15.00 (+VAT) each. Anyone wishing to attend these webinars should email [email protected] to register their interest including their name and

contact details.

The innovative Sweet Itch Plus Rug from Fal Pro incorporates X-Static, the silver textile fibre permanently woven into the fabric. The cut and fit of the rug acts to provide maximum coverage and protection from the sun’s rays and biting insects and the silver interactive layer offers many additional therapeutic benefits.Silver interactive technology has been shown to both repel and eliminate microbial and fungal infections. Silver aids in the effective stimulation of the circulation, promoting healing and reducing allergic reactions in sensitive horses making this the perfect rug for summer protection. Silver also cools the horse by conducting the heat away from the skin. This is the only sweet itch rug available to actively combat the symptoms of sweet itch. A matching fly mask is also available to protect the sensitive eye and areas.



The summer months always see a resurgence in the insect population. Flies and midges are irritating to both horses and humans alike, but are of particular nuisance to those animals suffering from an allergy to insect bites. Trade Talk takes a look at how horse owners can keep the damage caused by flying pests to a minimum.

Most if not all horses will need protecting

from flies and midges one way or another

throughout the spring, summer and into

autumn. Not only are these flying pests a

general nuisance to horses, for example when

crowding around their eyes, but insect bites –

and subsequent scratching – can also cause real

discomfort as well as unsightly lumps and bumps.

Sweet itch, officially known as recurrent seasonal

pruritis, can be a particular problem for some

horses during the warmer

months, and it is thought

that around 4% of

equines in the UK suffer

from this unpleasant skin

condition. Tom Eastwood of

Tagg Equestrian explains: “For

most horses, flies are an irritation prevalent through

the summer months which can be alleviated with

the use of a good fly repellent application regime,

combined with the use of a fly sheet and mask, or

even by putting them out through the night rather

during the day at the height of the summer when

the flies are at their worst. But too many have an

allergic reaction to the midge bite, a visible and

distressing condition known as sweet itch.”

Tom continues: “Horses that have the sweet itch

condition are having an allergic reaction to the bite

of the midge fly, causing such a severe reaction

in some cases that they will rub, especially the

mane and dock areas and along the top line, to

the extent that these areas are rubbed hairless and

are severely inflamed and sore. This condition can

cause extreme severe distress both for the horse

and for the owner trying to deal with it.”

Fighting the flies

“ ”Many horses

have an allergic reaction to the midge

bite, a distressing condition known as

sweet itch



The best way to manage sweet itch is through

control of the horse’s environment. This includes

the use of fly sprays and emollient (softening and

soothing) creams, as well as protective clothing

such as fly masks and rugs, but also devices such

as bug zappers, fly trapping tape and stable fans.

Fly repellent

There are a multitude of fly repellents on the

market, comprising different ingredients (natural

or chemical) in varying strengths, in the form

of sprays, creams, gels or wipes. The active

ingredients in all fly repellents must be approved by

the Health & Safety Executive prior to being sold.

In September 1st 2006, an EU ruling as part of

the Biocidal Products Directive (1998) banned the

use of citronella in commercial fly sprays, although

manufacturers of these products could apply to

have citronella exempted from the directive by

submitting evidence of its safety and efficacy, and

a certain amount of citronella is still permissible

providing it is not claimed to be an active

ingredient.

A synthetic alternative known as diethyltoluamide

(DEET) is now popular in chemical fly sprays, and

is also used for human application to keep away

mosquitoes. However, like citronella, DEET can

cause skin irritation in some cases and if used in

larger quantities should be washed off the skin

after prolonged use. Permethrin is another long-

lasting and highly effective chemical used in some

commercial fly sprays, often specifically to treat

sweet itch. This chemical can however be highly

toxic to cats.

More natural fly repellents on the other hand

are available for horse owners wishing to avoid

chemical applications. Common ingredients

include garlic oil and tea tree oil. Indeed, garlic in

particular is thought to have natural insect repelling

properties, and can also be fed as a dietary

supplement to support the horse in this respect.

Protective clothing

Fly masks, fringes and rugs and are also vital items

to stock in summer to help customers to beat the

bugs. Fly masks and fringes today offer a high level

of protection to the horse’s head whilst remaining

cool and without overly reducing vision, and

some can also guard against sunburn. A careful

and proper fit is required so that the flies cannot

get inside the mask and cause even more of a

nuisance!

Likewise, fly rugs are ideal for horses that

particularly suffer with flies and midges, such as

those with sweet itch. Many provide protective

coverage all over, and again can also protect

vulnerable horses from sunburn. The technology

behind these rugs is becoming more and more

advanced, with technical fabrics allowing the

skin to keep cool and breathe. Some also offer

natural therapeutic benefits, and can help to

repel bacterial and fungal infections and promote

circulation and healing. Ideally, the horse should be

rugged when turned out before the arrival of the

midge fly problem to observe the full benefits that

a fly rug can provide.


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Mud fever is one of the most comment ailments associated with winter. It can range in severity from slight heat and swelling to severe pain, infection and lameness, and the wetter the winter, the greater the risk of it becoming a problem.

Mud fever – like the similar condition rain scald

– is a skin condition caused by bacteria present in

mud, known as Dermatophilus congolensis. This

bacteria thrives in damp environments, meaning

that avoiding mud fever can be tricky – the horse’s

legs need to be kept as clean and as dry as

possible, but this is not always easy in muddy

paddocks.

Horses with white or feathered

legs are usually the more

susceptible. Clipping (not

shaving) the areas at

risk can help prevent an

infection developing, as

can turning the horse out in

specially designed chaps or leg

wraps to protect the legs from mud.

Alternatively, using a specialist spray designed

to repel mud can help, and there is also a wide

range of barrier creams, ointments and powders

designed to fight off mud fever or treat any that

does occur. These often include bactericide to kill

off the infection, and can help soothe the skin and

reduce inflammation, forming a waterproof barrier

to protect against damp and dirt whilst still allowing

the skin to breathe. Anti-bacterial washes should

be used before cream to clean the legs and any

remove scabs and debris.

Mud fever can potentially be very infectious, and

any scabs removed should be carefully disposed

of. Horses suffering should ideally be isolated, with

all shared grooming items disinfected after use.

Remind customers also that any deep cracks or

sores should be dressed, taking care to keep them

dry. If the skin is broken, bacteria can penetrate

the skin and a deeper infection known as cellulitis

can develop, often causing severe discomfort,

fever and lameness. Serious cases of mud fever

can therefore sometimes require a course of

antibiotics, and if the horse owner is unsure, they

should be advised to consult their vet for a firmer

diagnosis.

Other products to help in the fight against mud

fever include certain nutritional supplements

that are aimed at promoting healthy skin (using

ingredients such as ginger and milk thistle with

antioxidant properties). Riding in deep mud can

also sometimes cause horses to overreach, and so

investing in a pair of overreach boots might also be

beneficial for worried customers. In short, retailers

should remind horse owners to be proactive, not

reactive, when it comes to mud fever, and stock

up in advance with products to prevent and treat

any problems.

Muddy problem

”“The horse’s legs need to be

kept as clean and dry as possible, but

this is not alwayseasy



Aromatherapy can be a remarkably effective natural therapy, which involves the use of essential oils to prevent or cure illnesses and improve health and well-being. Violaine Chassaing of Horsessentials explains more.

Essential oils are 100%-natural substances

obtained by steam distillation of aromatic

plants. They are highly concentrated in active

principles, and both extremely powerful and subtle

substances at the same time. They are particularly

well suited to horses due to their great sensitivity

and acute sense of smell. Using essential oils

nevertheless requires in-depth knowledge, given

their high concentration in active principles.

Before using an essential oil, one must first find

out its biochemical composition (or ‘chemotype’)

in order to determine its therapeutic properties.

This is now possible thanks to modern techniques

such as mass spectrometry and gaseous

chromatography. These techniques also permit to

control the quality of the essential oil, as they make

it possible to detect any traces of denaturation by

addition of chemicals or other essential oils or any

presence of fertilizer residues or pesticides.

To insure maximum efficiency, an

essential oil must be 100% natural

(i.e. not denatured by addition of any

chemicals), 100% pure (i.e. not mixed

with any other essential oils having

similar characteristics) and 100%

integral (meaning that the totality

of the molecules contained in the

distilled plant have been

collected during the

distillation

process).

Listed below are some of the main properties of

essential oils, with a few examples:

Antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic (tea tree, cinnamon, Atlas cedar)Antiseptic (most citrus essences)Antiviral (ravintsara, niaouli, eucalyptus radiata)Antitussive, mucolytic, expectorant (eucalyptus, cypress, inula)Anti-inflammatory (Italian everlasting, wintergreen, lavender)Antispasmodic (basil, tarragon, lavender)Anti-allergic (tarragon, blue tansy, Roman chamomile)Analgesic (peppermint, lavender)Healing (lavender, Italian everlasting, rockrose, myrrh)Calming, relaxing, soothing (Roman chamomile, marjoram, mandarin, lavender)

Some of the oils mentioned above require

precautions for use (dosage/dilution, routes of

administration to avoid/favour, contraindications

for gestating mares or foals, risks of

photosensitization, risks of allergies, etc). It is thus

recommended that customers always get advice

from a qualified aromatherapist before using

essential oils or use ready-made products.

While it appears that essential oils can be very

beneficial, it must be emphasized that these

substances are extremely powerful and that

they may, even though they are 100% natural,

potentially be harmful if used ill-advisedly and

without in-depth knowledge. While it is perfectly

possible to safely use certain essential oils to

remedy minor ailments on a day-to-day basis,

any intention to treat a more serious condition

with essential oils will require the intervention of a

qualified aromatherapist acting in association with

a veterinarian. Essential oils nevertheless remain

a wonderful tool to help prevent illnesses and

stimulate the body’s self-healing capabilities.

TRADE talk equestrian directory 17www.tradetalkonline.co.uk

Aromatherapy for horses



Agrihealth Ltd (incorporating Eddie Palin)+44 (0)2838314570www.eddiepalin.com

Andover Healthcare+1 800 432 6686www.andoverhealthcare.com

D and H GroupTel: +44 (0)8452 702224 www.dandhgroup.co.uk

Equimins+44 (0)1548 531770www.equimins.com

Equine Management+44 (0)1825 840002www.equineman.com

Equisea Ltd+44 (0)8453 713913www.equisea.com

Equissage+44 (0)800 072 1180www.equissage.co.uk

Equivet Animal Care Products+44 (0)1934 751226www.equivetanimalcare.com

Fabtek Limited+44 (0)7794094011www.fabteksolutions.com

Fal Pro from Tagg Equestrian+44 (0)1636 636135www.taggequestrian.co.uk

Fine Fettle Feed+44 (0)1600 712496www.finefettlefeed.com

Fly Away Ltd+44(0)1384 877857www.flyaway.ltd.uk

FMBs Therapy Systems+44 (0)1628 472440www.fmbs.co.uk

H-10 Limited+44 (0)20 8394 2659www.h-10.co.uk

Healing Tree UK Ltd+44 (0)7850 738875www.healing-tree.co.uk

Horsessentials+44 (0)7919 350 440 www.horsessentials.com

Keratex+44 (0)1373 827649www.keratex.com

Leverton & Company+44 (0)1777 860860www.levertonco.co.uk

LS Sales (Farnam)+44 (0)1608 683855www.lesliesutcliffe.biz

Merial Animal Health Ltd+44 (0)1279 775858www.smartworming.co.uk

NAF+44 (0)1600 710700 www.naf-uk.com

Natural Animal Feeds+44 (0)800 373106www.naf-uk.com

Net-Tex Industries Ltd+44 (0)1474 813999www.net-tex.co.uk

Pro-Equine Ltd+44 (0)1339 889330www.pro-equine.com

Robinson Animal Healthcare+44 (0)1909 735000www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Stable Environment+44 (0)1422 310483 www.stable-environment.co.uk

Trelawne Equine+44 (0)844 257 8585www.trelawneequine.co.uk

Trilanco+44 (0)1253 888188www.z-itch.co.uk

Verm-X+44 (0)870 850 2313www.verm-x.com

Virbac+44 (0)1359 243243 www.virbac.co.uk

Westgate Laboratories+44 (0)1670 791994www.westgatelabs.co.uk


Contact Details

Trade Talk April 2011

Documents

Transcript of Trade Talk April 2011