From
the Editor
Taking Action
In these times of war and post war, we remember and thank those who gave their time and efforts, their dedication, their lives and their loved ones for the welfare of others. Right here at home, we still have issues that remain to be addressed for the welfare of ‘others’, including our animals, our environment, and our species. There is no better time than now to take action for these causes.
We at NHM, with the help of Another Chance 4 Horses Rescue and Placement, took action back in April by planning and hosting “A Natural Way”, a weekend event to educate horse owners about caring for their horses - naturally - so that less horses end up permanently damaged, chronically ill, unwanted, neglected, abused, and homeless. Again, many thanks go out to our dedicated speakers, planners and volunteers, and attendees who helped to do something to help the horses.
We at NHM have also written letters to the AVMA Proposed Veterinary Practice Act board, stating our position on their proposed guidelines. We are currently involved in many other issues as well, and it is amazing how easily insidious laws can be sneaked in under our noses, as in the ‘meaning of organic’ we featured in the last issue of NHM.
We can all take action in one way or another, as part of an organization and as individuals. Taking political action is the way our country operates - we are set up to be a government of the people and by the people, so we can each make the best of that opportunity by getting involved and helping out for our favorite causes. We can help change situations where the huge, powerful few make the rules for everybody. There are many of us in disagreement with current policies, and we can change that if we get involved. It is already happening, everyday.
As individuals, we can take a greater interest and vital part
in our horse’s care and handling. Each issue of Natural
Horse can help you learn how. In this issue we feature Buck
Brannaman and GaWaNi Pony Boy, and we introduce Sue Amundson
and David Shoe, each with their own ways of helping owners
with their horses. We can also learn new ways to have fun with
our horses, and keep (or get) ourselves in shape – such
as Ride and Tie, also featured in this issue, and Egoscue-cises,
in ‘For the Rider’. Becoming partners with our
horses involves meeting their needs in both care and handling,
as well as meeting our own needs - and doing so is wonderfully
rewarding.
Here’s a short list of issues that pertain to horses’ welfare,
with a helpful contact for each. If you have not already
become involved with any of these, I urge you to consider
it, for the good of all horses. And please tell your friends.
The AVMA’s proposed revision to the Practice Act – Seriously affecting our freedom to practice or choose our animal practitioners. Your involvement is still important - each state has its own say. Ancient Healing Arts Association, PO Box 75, Cold Spring, NY 10516; 866-843-2422; www.ancienthealingarts.org; Healers@AncientHealingArts.org
The supplement ban - Amending of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act; concerning the ban on nutraceuticals including joint supplements, minerals, and herbal supplements for our horses, dogs, and cats. Uckele, PO Box 160, Blissfield, MI 49228; kevin@uckele.com; 800-248-0330; www.uckele.com.
Soring and abuse in the gaited horse show world - Horrendous
everyday ‘training’ practices inflicted on gaited
horses; inform yourselves. Bonnie A. Yeager, Sound Horse Organization,
Twsp. Road 583, Box 113, Bartlett, OH 45713; dement@frognet.net;
www.walkinghorse.org
PMU industry - Premarin products, made from pregnant mares’ urine,
for hormone replacement therapy, now found to be a health
risk to women – Premarin use is causing needless suffering
and death for thousands of mares and foals. There are effective
natural alternatives. United Pegasus Foundation, Helen Meredith,
5671 Esplanade Avenue, Hemet, California 92545; 909-487-2770,
626-279-1306; unitedpegasus@yahoo.com, www.unitedpegasus.com
Wild horse protection - Wild horses and burros are wrongfully being removed from public and Indian lands, then put into an adoption program that has been plagued by serious problems for years. American Horse Defense Fund, AHDForg@aol.com, 11206 Valley View Drive, Kensington, MD 20895, 866-983-3456.
West Nile Virus vaccine - More informal reports have come in about West Nile Virus vaccine reactions and problems. Now that foaling season has come, we can unfortunately see the effect this vaccine has had on some foals. Please remember to get the vaccine vial lot number any time you vaccinate with ANYthing. Please INSIST that your veterinarian report ANY changes in your horse at all to the pharmaceutical company that made the vaccine, and report it yourself if your vet doesn’t. Vaccine companies cannot improve products nor be held accountable for something they do not know about. Vaccines, the testing used to verify their ‘safety’, and the claims of efficacy are all questionable, and every horse is different. We have an informal survey on our site - you are not alone in experiencing vaccine reactions. Take a look.
There are other causes needing attention; please research
and inform yourselves, then inform your local equine council
who may be caught up in ‘industry’ and unaware
of reality and what is happening to the horses. More information
can be found at www.ifyourhorsecouldtalk.com, www.ahdf.org,
and www.horsewelfare.8k.com, to name a few.
Whether we take action as an individual or with others, we
can all help make life for our horses and ourselves much healthier
and happier - for right now, and for the long run. 
