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Skode's November/Thanksgiving Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights
November 2009
Copyright Skode's Horse Treats Inc. All Rights Reserved
Special Request: * If you see any recipes or other information copied on other websites or in other newsletters, Please Notify Skode
For my new-to-me ranch and house amongst the majestic mountains and magical rock formations of the Southern California desert.
For the people in this new space who so quickly opened their hearts to me and to Skode's Horse Treats and helped us find our way and thrive in our brand new surroundings.
For the expert help of Dr. Eleanor Kellon, DVM and Certified Herbalist Catherine Bird -- professionals at the very top of their fields and who with their time, knowledge and expertise, continue to steer this company in a cutting edge direction.
For my new filly, Raya (actually, truth be told she is Vashka's new filly!)
And for YOU, who support Skode's with your orders and positive comments and support. Because of your wonderful energy, Skode's continues to thrive in its mission to help horses everywhere enjoy a healthy, low sugar lifestyle!
Skode's Gratitude List -- Look -- You're On It!
From this heartfelt place of total gratitude, I dedicate this newsletter to you :)
SKODE: Why do horses with Insulin Resistance and/or Cushings need special care in colder weather?
Dr. Kellon: Cold causes hormonal changes. Sudden cold snaps trigger a release of cortisol, which makes IR worse and can influence the way the blood vessels in the hoof respond to vasodilators. The process of adapting to cold also normally involves a rise in thyroid hormone levels, which helps keep the horse warm. Many IR and Cushings horses, when not in good control, have suppressed thyroid levels so they may not have this extra warming response. The harder the body has to work to stay warm, the less blood is delivered to the extremities. This, together with an already damaged blood supply, could be why many previously laminitic horses develop foot pain in cold weather.
SKODE: What is the definition of "colder weather" for a metabolically challenged horse?
Dr. Kellon: It probably depends to some extent on what they are used to, but the foot pain response has been reported at temperatures 40 Fahrenheit and below.
SKODE: Will you tell us a bit about the clinical studies and/or anecdotal evidence of your successful experience/treatment with these special needs horses and cold weather care?
Dr. Kellon: The Equine Cushing's list has had a lot of experience with "winter laminitis", which is the most obvious manifestation of cold weather problems in these horses. Back in 2005 we did a field trial involving 10 horses that suffered from cold induced foot pain for several years prior. We used the adaptogen APF because it had worked the prior winter for another member's horse with the same problem and two urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio tests were well within normal despite an elevated ACTH. Adaptogens like APF can partially block cortisol release. During the trial, some participants switched to Canadian ginseng instead and that also worked well. When more help was needed, we added the amino acid arginine, in the form of AAKG - arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, to support nitric oxide sythesis. Nitric oxide keeps blood vessels dilated. All horses made it through the winter without their usual hoof pain.
SKODE: What kind of care do you specifically recommend?
Dr. Kellon: In addition to the supplements above for hoof comfort, these horses should be protected from getting wet and chilled, blanketed to help them maintain their body heat. Wrapping the lower legs and using fleece lined boots helps preserve good circulation to the feet
SKODE: What are some of the ramifications that can occur if a horse owner does not take special care of their special needs horse in cold weather?
Dr. Kellon: The hoof pain is the worst of it, but horses struggling to stay warm will go into negative energy balance and lose weight quickly. The weight loss is easily missed under a winter coat. The stress of cold is not good for a Cushing's horse. As mentioned, cortisol releases occur and can worsen IR, leading to actual acute laminitis in addition to any pain related to poor blood flow.
SKODE: What if a horse is Insulin Resistant but in regular work and doing well -- do they still tend to need special care in colder weather?
Dr. Kellon: If the horse is kept in regular work and has returned to normal blood work, no special care is needed.
SKODE: Do you like the idea of leg warmers for horses?
Dr. Kellon: Yes.
SKODE: Should horse owners who like to take a "natural" approach to horse care worry hat blanketing a horse hampers his or her ability to warm himself because the hairs of the horse are "flattened" and thus can not capture heat/release heat, etc. Is this true?
Dr. Kellon: It's true, but I think these are horses that are not generating extra heat the way normal horses do. Even normal horses with good coats sometimes require blankets, especially their first winter when exposed to a cold environment. Common sense needs to be used too. If the horse is sweating, the blanket is too much.
SKODE: Are there herbs and/or whole people can feed internally to help warm a horse from the inside? What are those herbs (or some of them) and how do you recommend feeding them?
Dr. Kellon: The two adaptogens I mentioned, APF and Canadian ginseng, work by helping to normalize the hormonal picture. The most warming thing you can feed the horse is a high fiber diet. During the fermentation of fiber in the large intestine, heat is released that warms the horse from the inside out. I avoid the "hot" herbs like Asian ginsengs or cayenne because some of these have effects on the heart.
SKODE: Any herbs/whole foods we should be careful not to feed?
Dr. Kellon: Just the usual high sugar/starch items. It also helps to avoid large meals in favor of more frequent feedings or a slow feeding set up.
Little Raya at 1 month
(She is now 1 year old)
Little Raya -- Arabic Translation "Steadfast Friend" -- came to us at the perfect time and in the most blessed way.
As many of you know, my horse, Sunny died in the Spring of 2009. Saying goodbye to Sunny was heartbreaking for me. But it appeared even more difficult for Vashka, who deep into the nights would cry for his best friend.
Unable to console him, I called my friend Marjorie, who reminded me of our shared belief that love never ends and that the love that brought Sunny to us would bring more love because that is what love does. It loves.
An animal lover herself, Marjorie also suggested that I share this truth with Vashka well. So I draped my arm around his neck and told him: "Sunny is gone and I know he can't be replaced. But there are new adventures coming our way and they will be good. I don't know what they are but I am sure they are coming. We won't be left alone."
Vashka stopped screaming as I spoke to him beneath the Oregon moon. Then, when I kissed him and left him in his barn, he stopped crying completely. The next few days were solemn but bearable. During that time I consulted with Mary Getten, an animal communicator who has talked with all my horses and many of Skode's customers' horses -- to rave reviews. Long story short: She confirmed what I knew but didn't want to admit. Vashka, once a stallion who had sired four babies, wanted a horse of his own to raise.
Sunny's care had been costly and I didn't have money to buy another horse. Then there was my move to California, which was imminent.
"Well, "I said out loud and to no one in particular: "If it is meant to be, it will just be. But it's going to take a miracle."
Less than a week later another friend of mine forwarded me an ad from Craigslist. She knew nothing of the little filly in Miami whom Vashka once adored. Yet the photograph she emailed was of a horse who looked exactly like that filly looked years ago.
Yes, the owner said when I called, the horse was still available. Yes, she said, she would take the amount of money I just happened to have. Less than a week later, little Raya was in my backyard with Vashka, who it appears to me, has never been happier.
* Special Note: Little Raya's favorite treat: Gingersnap Winter Cookies! (Scroll down the page to see the sale going on today!)
Just when I think there is no way to grow this company without spending a lot of money, someone promotes Skode's in a personal way even expensive advertising could not have accomplished.
I would like to thank these people through a regular posting of this Advertising Angels. This is a great way to promote those who promote Skode's, as this once-tiny newsletter has grown to a highly specialized and voluntarily readership has grown to nearly 400 -- and that's not counting the horses!
Are you Skode Angel? Please Email Skode!
Skode's Interview with Dr. Eleanor Kellon"Cold Weather Care for the Insulin Resistant Horse"Skode's Advertising Angels -- Amazing Customers!
Love Brings Us A Filly!
Jennifer Reinke -- Barefoot TrimmerGrowing up on a breeding and training farm in the Midwest, Cassidy has been around horses since birth. Her experience began in the Hunter/Jumper world, before moving on to Eventing and receiving her H-A rating in Pony Club. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ball State University with an Honors Degree in Marketing and rode for the BSU Equestrian Team. She went on to be a working student for Dunlavin Eventing before starting the C-Horse Event Team. She now spends the majority of her time riding and teaching clients of all levels and in a variety of disciplines, in addition to working full-time for equestrian supply company, ThinLine, LLC.
"I found Skode's through a sponsor of mine and fell in love with the product. I wanted to share it with everyone! It was an obvious choice to put up on the NC Horse Network (www.nchorsenetwork.net) as the featured product."
SKODE: Why is it important to you to feed a diet and/or treats that are low sugar and low starch?
Cassidy: Having competition horses, I feel that keeping them with constant diets is paramount to having consistent success in the show ring. I know how I feel after a sugar rush, and that's not the feeling I want for my horse when I'm asking him to tackle a cross country course. Losing energy half-way through is not an option for us. Plus, I tend to ride OTTB's who are known for sensitive stomachs and even more sensitive minds. I try to keep both of those systems as calm as possible!
SKODE: When did you start incorporating this kind of diet for your own horses?
CASSIDY: It's been a gradual process for me and my horses, one of which hasn't been completed! It's a tough transition to make with so many of today's feeds and treats containing high sugars and starches. My main horse is also a study in why NOT to buy a horse with eating issues (nerve damage has caused him to be very 'special needs' in the feeding department), therefore many of the processed feeds he requires are nearly impossible to find low-sugar/starch and remain balanced. It makes such a difference though just having options like Skode's in order to not add MORE of the sugars into his system (as he is a cookie monster for sure!).
SKODE: What is the kind of difference that you see in your horses and client's horses?
CASSIDY: The behavior is what I noticed first. As a rider, I know what I want out of my horses regarding their attitudes, endurance, coat condition, hoof structure and muscle tone. If something is off, it's my job to figure out why, or to find the correct people to figure out why. My horses look good and feel good on this nutrition program -- and that's always my goal!
SKODE: Why is it important to you to feed a diet and/or treats that are low sugar and low starch?
Jennifer: I believe it’s simply a healthier and more natural diet for horses and I want my horse around for a very long time. My horse is also ½ Arab and Arabs are prone to Cushings and/or Insulin Resistance so I think it’s important to be proactive about his diet.
SKODE: When did you start incorporating this kind of diet for your own horses?
Jennifer: I started a low sugar / low starch diet approximately 4 years ago when I began re-evaluating his mental and physical soundness and what positively contributed to those things.
SKODE: What is the kind of difference that you see in your horses and client's horses?
Jennifer: They have much healthier hooves which translates into a much healthier body and mind.
SKODE: How do you help to spread the news about Skode's?
Jennifer: Word of mouth to clients, clinics, e-mail!
Jennifer & her horse, Brasco
Jennifer is a member of Pacific Hoofcare Professionals and the Equine Sciences Academy. She and her horse Brasco, like so many of us, have learned about the low sugar/low starch lifestyle through the guidance and help of those met her on their journey.
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Skode's Winter Horse Care Tips and Recipes!
I have spent most of my adult life in the balmy weather of Southern Florida, where Winter is basically non-existent. So for me, learning to care for horses in the challenges of icy, windy weather, has been quite a learning experience. Throughout the years I have gathered some tips for which I am grateful and want to share with you now:
To Tempt Your Horse To Drink Enough Water:
Fresh slices of raw ginger appeal to many horsesand provide a warming treat that will reach your horse's extremities! (Check out Catherine Bird's book,A Healthy Horse The Natural Way for more tips likes this) Fresh slices of apple peel are a wonderful way to get your
your horse to play "dunk and grab" in a bucket of water andapple peel are a terrific source of Vitamin C.To Warm and Soothe Aching Muscles:
1/2 cup Peppermint leaf, mixed with 1 teaspoon cut
and sifted Ginger root, combined with 2 tablespoons Meadowsweet Herb makes a wonderful herbal mixture that will help your horse acclimate to weather changesas well as soothe and warm aching muscles after a long ride.To Support Your Horse's Gut Flora in severe weather fluctuations:
Though I find it unnecessary to constantly feed a pro-biotic I like to keep on hand a form of "live" pro-biotic that I have found to be highly and quickly effective duringtimes when a severe drop in barometric pressure can inducegas. Dr. Kellon told me about Equine Pro-Bios years ago and now that it is available in the pet department at Walmart, it isonly $5.18 per tube (approximately 3 doses.)To Keep Your Horse's Legs Warm:
I know I told you about Whinny Warmer leg warmers for horseslast month but I feel they are such a great product they are worth talking about again! For one thing, as Dr. Kellon spokeabout in our interview, it can be critical to keep our specialneeds horses warm. But even "normal" horses can benefit from warm legs! For example, Vashka loves wearing his afterwe come home from a ride on a cold night. He licks and chewsand sighs with contentment and I feel better knowing his muscles aren't going to freeze up and cramp on him. The othernight I came home from a long desert ride and Vashka wore hispurple "Sox for horses" the entire night. To find out more aboutthis very stylish (at least Vashka and I think so!) and very
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Leg Warmers for Horses!
Skode's Winter Cookie Sale!
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For the last time this year, Skode's is offering a Fall & Winter Cookie sale. Please note that you have only TWO DAYS to take advantage of this sale.
This sale includes the incredibly popular Pumpkin Spice and Ginger Snap Cookies! I am offering them as a combination package so your horse can enjoy a wonderful treat just in time for the holiday season.
Please note that each package is an equal combination of Ginger Snap and Pumpkin Spice cookies, meaning that if you order 2 pounds, there will be one pound of each recipe, if you order 4 pounds there will be two of each recipe and son on :)
Skode's Ginger Snap Cookies are thin, delicately spicy, and topped with a beautiful array of crunchy dried green split pea.s These cookies smell amazing and contain the most flax of any of our recipes.
Skode's Pumpkin Spice Cookies are famous for their delicious assortment of certified organic Kudzu root, pumpkin seeds, whole pumpkin and a secret blend of organic herbs and spices your horse will adore.
Sale prices for cookies are as follows:
2 pounds: Retail of $35 -- pay $32 and SAVE $3! (Shipping is $11.30)
4 pounds: Retail of $72 -- pay $66 and SAVE $6! (Shipping is $11.30)
6 pounds: Retail of $108 -- pay $96 and SAVE $12! (Shipping is $14.50)
Decorated with a bright orange Fall Bow or crimson red Winter bow on each 1 pound bag to celebrate the Holiday Seasons. A spectacular gift for you or someone you know.
Those who take advantage of this special can expect their orders to be created between November 27th and shipped November 28th, with scheduled delivery as early December the 1st and no later than December the 4th. All treat packages mailed via Priority mail in regular and large flat rate boxes to save you as much money as possible on shipping. To give us time to plan your order, cookie orders must be placed by Friday November 20th when the sale will end.
Available only to newsletter recipients, you will need to EMAIL ME to place your order. Please put: Holiday Special in the header of your email and I will then send you an invoice that you can pay online with any major credit card. Or you can send a check after you email.
Just click on this button to get me into the kitchen!
"SKODE"
Dr. Kellon is an equine nutritionist and veterinarian who, for many, needs no introduction. Founder of Equine Nutritional Studies, she is one of a handful of experts in the field of applications of nutraceuticals for horses. She is an authority in the field of equine nutrition as well as conditions effecting performance horses. As co-owner and moderator of the Yahoo Equine Cushigns and Insulin Resistance Group (a list with more than 8,000 members), Dr. Kellon is lovingly referred to as " a fairy godmother" to countless numbers of horses, as her generosity of time, spirit and knowledge has saved many equine lives -- and human hearts!
I am grateful and excited to share a recent interview with her here.
* Please know that she is available to you through her online equine nutrition and health classes at www.drkellon.com as well as for private consultations via drkellon@gmail.com
