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Do you ever wonder what your horse is really thinking? Is he happy,
sad, frustrated, or angry? Or are suppressed emotions affecting him in
a negative way?
It is often at that moment in training when we feel we have finally
convinced our horse to see things our way that the real problems start
for your horse. As long as a horse is free to express who he really is
he is happy, but when he is forced to adapt totally to his person's
agenda his physical and emotional health may suffer.
Suppressed Emotions = Sickness
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a term for the state brought on
by suppressed emotions. It is called Liver Qi Stagnation. In TCM, the
Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, or life energy, in the
body. Suppressed emotions, such as grief, anger, jealousy, or
resentment over time can cause this Qi circulation to be blocked.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that a horse doesn't have to
behave or should never be asked to do something he doesn't want to do.
What I am saying that is we should honor the horse's temperament, and
meet his emotional and physical needs as much as possible.
What Does Liver Qu Stagnation Look Like?
So what does Liver Qi Stagnation look like and how can it be avoided?
It can look different in different horse temperaments and have many
causes. Here's how it looks in each of the five Horse Harmony
Temperament Types.
Fire Horse
In the emotional Fire horse quality time spent with his or her person
is very important. Liver Qi Stagnation is often brought on by feelings
of abandonment or jealousy. In the Fire horse mare, symptoms often
show up as hormone imbalances and painful ovulations. Cystic ovaries
can develop causing severe pain and tightness in the ribcage. Fire
horse gelding are less likely to be hormonal but can still have
tightness in the ribcage which affects their ability to be supple.
Earth Horse
The Earth horse likes food and attention. He is not overly ambitious
and prefers his world to be orderly and relaxed. Excessive pressure
from a heavy training or show schedule can shift the Earth horse into
Liver Qi Stagnation. Digestive upset is often the result and
indigestion, stomach ulcers, or diarrhea can become chronic.
Metal Horse
The Metal horse does best with a steady job and he is happy to do
hard, satisfying work. Learning too many news things at once can
confuse a Metal horse, especially if he does not understand exactly
what he is being asked to do. Liver Qi Stagnation in the Metal horse
often shows up as diaphragm issues. He may hold his breath, especially
when being saddled, and become braced when being ridden. If a Metal
horse is forced through his brace, he may react by bucking. He is not
trying to misbehave but finds this is only avenue to release his
tension. Other efforts to release the tightness in his diaphragm
include repeated sighing and even hiccups.
Water Horse
The Water horse is also emotional but seeks safety over affection. A
Water horse also releases tension by moving his feet. If movement is
taken away from the Water horse he can become overly reactive. If
punished for his reaction he can suppress his emotions and become
depressed, moody, and unpredictable. Trust is critical for the Water
horse and until he can regain his confidence and believe that he will
not be hurt or frightened, he will not work to his potential.
Wood Horse
The Wood horse wants excitement in his life. He loves to learn new
things and be challenged in his work. When the Wood horse is
chronically bored he can quickly go into Liver Qi Stagnation. This
will look like tension and overall tightness. Riding a Wood horse that
is in a stagnant state can feel like sitting on a keg of dynamite.
How to Avoid "Emotional" Sickness in Your Horse
Avoiding the conditions that lead to Liver Qi Stagnation, or
"emotional" sickness, is the very best approach, but not always
possible. The flower essence called Life Changes can help the horse deal with past experiences and let go of old
suppressed emotions. Unfortunately, palliation of symptoms may be needed
when less than perfect conditions are unavoidable.
Feeding according to the temperament type can go a long way in
supporting the horse. Specific feeding directions for specific issues
are discussed in the Five Element Feeding Guide.
Based on my experience, I have come to believe the emotions of the
horse do affect his health much more than we realize. This is why our
best feeding programs sometimes fall short in preventing health
issues, but nutrition and certain herbal products do help and should
be used when needed to keep the horse as healthy as possible.
About the Author
Madalyn Ward, DVM, owns Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas. She is certified in Veterinary Homeopathy and Equine Osteopathy. Memberships include American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinay Medical Association and the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She has authored several books and publishes the monthly newsletter, “Holistic Horsekeeping.”
Contact
Madalyn Ward DVM
11608 FM 1826
Austin, TX 78737
303-575-1170
www.holistichorsekeeping.com
www.horseharmony.com
www.horseharmonytest.com
www.yourhorsebook.com
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