Alternative therapys, CMK again
Robbi Pruitt (Robbi_Pruitt@bendnet.com)
Thu, 23 Jan 1997 19:56:23 -0800
Gee Thanks, Susan for mentioning my name in such great company! Thats
CMK as in Crabbett, Maynesboro and Kellogg, although included are
Davenports, Selbys, Huntington, Albert Harris, Travelers Rest and many
more. Truly the best Arabians in the world were in the U.S. at the time
of these breeders. Many of these people specifically bred for and
competed in the US Army cavalry tests, which were the endurance races
of that time period. While there are many examples of successfull
endurance horses from both Polish and Egyptian lines,
we have to acknowlege that in the past 40+ years these lines have been
selectively bred for some very non-endurance characteristics. Park
horse type action leads enevitably to unsoundness. Selectively breeding
for speed at short distances in flat track racing cannot improve
endurance characteristics, and of course, breeding for halter horses
has created the greatest problems of all. So while I agree that a
single distant ancestor is unlikely to have a great impact on a
particular horse, I do want to see a pedigree containing mostly horses
who have proven, either by their own performance or that of their
offspring, that they can perform.
On magnetic therapy - My 7000+ mile horse Assouel was diagnosed with a
large bone spur in his ankle after finishing only 3 rides. My vet
recommended a new horse, but also suggested magnetic therapy. He was
treated several times over the years but eventually we x-rayed the leg
again and could not find any evidence of the spur. Sue had only one
pull in his career, and that was a failure to recover, not an
unsoundness.
I've also had good success with chiropractors. Most recently, my old
stallion was having difficulty mounting mares. Within 15 minutes of
treatment with accupressure, he was happily breeding mares. I would
have him treated only when he was having problems and he would stay OK
for long periods, but eventually would need to be readjusted. At 31
years, his back was fairly low and I believe that that was the root of
his problem.
Just my opinions! All horses are individuals and need to be treated as
such!
Robbi Pruitt
Canyonside Ranch Arabians
Redmond, Oregon