Friday, March 29, 2013

How Infrared Light Helps to Heal Major and Minor Problems


Infrared light therapy has been proven to heal many major as well as minor injuries.  Physiological changes have been scientifically proven in these areas:

·        Inflammation and pain reduction with an increase in circulation to the injured tissues.

·        Scar tissue has been minimized

·        Acceleration of cellular growth and reproduction

·        More nitric oxide is released

·        A surge in RNA/DNA synthesis occurs

·        The Lymphatic system is stimulated and toxins expelled

·        Increase in the pre-healing stage called phagocytosis 

·        Activates the creation of collagen and adenosine triphosphates (ATP)

·        Accelerates the production of endorphins and enkephalins (pain relievers)

 

Any injury or Problem that can plague your horse will respond to light therapy, some examples are:  Abscesses, Arthritis, Bowed Tendons, Bone Spavins, Navicular or other Hoof related problems, Sore Back, Splints, Sore Muscles, Stifle Problems, Wind Puffs, even fractures have been proven to heal in a fraction of the normal healing time, and the list goes on.

The red light that is visible can penetrate beneath the dermis to a depth of 8-10mm.  This light helps to treat injuries such as cuts, scrapes, scars and it stimulates acupuncture points.  It is also beneficial in healing infections.  Infrared light, or the light that you cannot see pulsing, penetrates to a depth of 30-40mm.  This light travels deeper to stimulate the healing of deep muscle injuries, joints, Arthritis etc.

So contact RevitaVet today to find out more about the amazing technology of Infrared Light Therapy and help your equine friend live pain free.
 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Choosing a Barrel Racing Horse

They always make it look so easy while they blaze from barrel to barrel circling like lightning and exploding towards home.  What looks easy usually isn’t.  Barrel racing champions can spend years looking for a horse with explosive athleticism, good substantial bone and excellent conformation.  A calm mind is a must as well.

It’s true, whoever runs the pattern the fastest wins, however, choosing a good barrel racing horse must be determined by the level of experience of the rider.  Older horses with a strong barrel racing foundation should be chosen for riders new to this game.  Often horses in their teens and twenties are still running strong, so a beginner should not avoid them because of their age.

More experienced riders can afford the luxury of “making” their own barrel racing horse by purchasing a prospect.  This way, they can train the horse and create the habits and specific ways of running and turning etc. that they prefer.

Quarter horses dominate the sport; however, any breed can be entered into most rodeo organizations.  Many top barrel racers choose to cross speed bred horses, such as racing Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds with cow bred horses.   This combination gives them the speed and the lightning fast turns that are going to make a winner.  Other riders prefer smaller more maneuverable horses, and thus they stay within the cow horse lines.  Keep in mind, there is not a good or bad choice for bloodlines when it comes to a barrel racing prospect.  Some popular barrel racing lines are:  Dash for Cash, Firewater Flit, On the Money Red, Easy Jet, and Frenchman’s Guy, just to name a few.

Everyone will agree that conformation is the most important aspect of choosing a barrel racing horse.  Many people prefer a horse with a lower center of gravity, so that they are steadier on their feet; however, many champions have been 16 hands tall or sometimes even taller.  A short back, good shoulder and hip angles, a powerful hindquarter and good straight legs that can take a lot of concussion are important.  A good manageable temperament is also important, along with a desire to win attitude that fires up only when it is asked.  This kind of temperament can be challenging to find, as many horses will lose their heads, and become increasingly difficult to handle, outside of the arena as well as inside of it, once they get a taste for speed.

So carefully assess your riding level and then shop around for the perfect fit.  Over time, each person determines their own unique likes and dislikes.  Being comfortable and feeling safe on a large mass of muscle that is moving at lightning speed is the most important, so choose wisely, and most of all have fun!