My Favorite Links:

These are websites, experts, products and procedures that I feel comfortable recommending because they are rational, reasonable, and based on the best evidenced based information available. Anyone is welcome to link to Safergrass.org, but I do not take my recommendations lightly, so requests for a reciprocal links will be considered, with no promises.

Hoofcare

http://www.hopeforsoundness.com/ Gene Ovneciks' Natural Balance and EDSS Systems.
My proximity to Gene is an important factor in my mares still being alive today.

For those in a panic, here's the guide for using the styrofoam supports for accute lamintis:
http://www.hopeforsoundness.com/techsupport/instguides/styrofoamguide.htm

To ask farrier's questions:
http://www.horseshoes.com/forums/

If you want to go barefoot, here's Pete Ramey's site:
http://www.hoofrehab.com/

A nifty kit for abcesses with soaking boot :
http://www.PlumShadeFarm.com

Forage testing:

http://www.equi-analytical.com/ I get the 'trainer' package, with added test for WSC. If I'm shopping for hay I just get WSC, ESC and starch. You can always call the lab and have them do additional tests if the carbs are appropriate. See directions for sampling and shipping fresh grass samples.

Where to buy a hay probe: http://alfalfa.ucdavis.edu/SUBPAGES/ForageQuality/ListofHayProbes.htm
I bought the Penn State probe from Nasco that fits on a 1/2 hp electric drill for $100. Love it.

Diagnostic Laboratory:

ACTH and insulin for only $33! Thyroid panel for $31.50. Fast turn around. All forms and complete instructions for sample preparation, and diagnostic interpretation if your vet is not experienced dealing with Cushing's testing. I do the paperwork, running around and shipping, and fill out the credit card form downloaded from this site so my vet doesn't even have to hassle with billing. It saves me a bundle! Cornell is a highly regarded lab used by equine researchers. http://diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/

Medication:

Pet Health Pharmacy. 1-800-742-0516 Compounded pergolide at very good prices. I'm using the compounded oil based liquid. Helpful hint: the 2 mg/ml costs the same as the 1 mg/ml. Current price= 100 ml of 2 mg/ml liquid for $74. http://www.pethealthpharmacy.com/

Another source of reasonably priced pergolide is Veterinary Pharmacies of America http://www.vetrxrx.com/

Laminitis:

http://www.laminitisresearch.org/ Dr. Chris Pollitt's website. Lots of full text papers on laminitis at the cellular level. Also excellent papers from Dr. Catherine McGowan on diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's.

Nutrition:

http://www.lifedatalabs.com/mainold.htm I'm seeing a lot of hay samples with very low levels of copper and zinc. Farriers Formula has very high levels of both, plus some other commonly deficient essentially nutrients. In a very palatable, concentrated, non-grain based formula so they eat it straight. Real easy for those fussy eaters.

I also really like the ADM Alliance, Stay Strong Metabolic Pellets. Hefty dose of copper and zinc, with some selenium, in a soy hull, rice bran base. I had it tested and it was 12.4%dm NSC. A cup or two may be all you need to deliver appropriate amounts of these important trace minerals. Go here: Find a dealer with the bottom link on the right. http://www.admani.com/allianceequine/StaySTRONG%20Metabolic%20Mineral%20Pellets.htm

For reasonably priced custom made minerals: Real good price on chromium yeast. I use 5 mgs chromium per day for my insulin resistant ponies with good results.
http://www.balancedequinenutrition.com

While a bit more expensive, Quiessence from Foxden Equine is pelleted source of magnesium and chromium that many horses will eat right out of your hand, without the need for a carrier. Makes feeding supplements a lot easier. Many people note that feeding magnesium and chromium will cause the neck crest to soften quickly, and start to decrease in size. May also be useful for horses who are nervous or muscle sore due to magnesium deficiency.

General Horsekeeping:

Dr. Karen Hayes has a calm, rational, science based yet creative approach to horsekeeping. Her free educational website is http://www.integralhorse.com/ Her little book "Help your Horse live a good long life" would have saved me a LOT of grief if I had it available sooner. You can purchase her books at http://www.perfectstall.com/index.html

Lot's of good advise available from Cherry Hill at http://www.horsekeeping.com/

Also like Julie Goodnight's approach to traing. http://www.juliegoodnight.com/index.html

This is from down under, but the advise on responsible horse ownership applies world wide: http://www.equiculture.com.au/

This site from Cynthia Cooper in Tasmania, AU focuses on the Natural approach: http://www.naturalhorseworld.com/

Pasture Management:
Peter Moon: The King of Compost. Turn your refuse into a resource. http://www.o2compost.com

Music:

if you like horses and country music, you'll like Mary Ann Kennedy.
http://www.maryannkennedy.com

Home | Articles | Shop Safergrass | Clinics | Schedule | Consulting
Help Safergrass.org | Favorite Links | FAQ