A holistic approach to horse care

Upon meeting Roxy, my understanding of horse care was limited. As our herd grew, I encountered a steep learning curve, realizing the necessity for individualized attention to address both psychological and physical needs. Confronted with diseases such as Cushing's and insulin resistance, along with critical needs for teeth and hoof rehab, I found myself embarking on Mr. Toad’s wild ride—an intricate journey to address the multifaceted landscape of horse care. Over time, I recognized that the foundational needs of the herd paralleled my own after enduring a traumatic brain injury (TBI). So, I prioritized creating a safe and predictable environment conducive to nervous system regulation, implemented a lifestyle conducive to reducing their inflammation and focused on forming a team of cohesive practitioners. Through trial and error, and most importantly, listening to the horses themselves, a reliable path and an aligned team of healers emerged.

In gratitude we share these powerful resources that continue to support the physical and emotional well-being of the Congruence Herd.

Nervous system regulation —

All of our care is built on the foundation of a regulated nervous system. It is essential for optimal healing, as an unregulated system prioritizes survival over the healing process. By promoting nervous system regulation, we create an environment conducive to healing, allowing the body to redirect energy towards restoration and repair. This cultivates a state of balance and resilience, supporting the horse’s innate capacity for healing and well-being.

Barefoot hoof care —

Understanding hoof care has been my steepest learning curve. We are fortunate to have David Landreville and his apprentice, Marlene Castillo-D’Amico on our team. David has been building hooves in collaboration with horses for over 20 years and empowering others to do the same.

The Congruence herd has varying levels of hoof distortion. David's approach to hoof building has not only saved lives but has also set all of our herd members on a path to fully live and functional hooves, enhancing their overall vitality and well-being.

David Landreville - On the Vertical

“My goal is to maximize comfort, performance and longevity for every horse possible. Hoof care should be more than just maintenance trimming. I believe hooves need to be carefully built by simulating the miles of wear they need, aligning the outer structures with the inner structures. This development of strong and flexible soft tissue is an important component that is usually missing for our domesticated horses. A fully live, highly functional hoof is the goal.”

Marlene Castillo-D’Amico

Hoof Builders - David Landreville

Becoming part of the Hoof Builders community and participating in one of David's clinics have been incredibly informative and empowering experiences Highly recommend for all horse owners, particularly those tending to horses who have experienced neglect and abuse.

Holistic care —

Our holistic approach encompasses a range of modalities including acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and other whole food dietary adjustments. These practices aim to address the root causes of health issues, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall wellness. By reducing stress, supporting proper nutrition, and optimizing organ function, we enhance the horse's natural healing processes and contribute to their longevity and vitality.

Energetic bodywork —

We employ diverse holistic practices to harmonize the energetic systems of horses, fostering their overall well-being. Techniques like Reiki, tuning fork therapy, and the Masterson Method are utilized to release blockages, restore harmony, and bolster the horse's innate healing capabilities. All methods prioritize operating within a regulated nervous system, ensuring optimal healing outcomes. These gentle and non-invasive modalities have effectively alleviated physical discomfort, diminished stress, and cultivated vitality and emotional equilibrium.

Modalities and tools used for energy work include:

Plant Medicine —

We use plant medicine to support their health and well-being through the use of herbs, flower essences, and other natural remedies. By harnessing the healing properties of plants, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming effects, we can address various physical and emotional issues in horses. We use whole organic herbs only for maximum effectiveness and source from reliable and sustainable resources. We incorporate other organic superfoods and seeds depending on the horse’s individual needs.

Sources include:

Free choice hay —

We prefer feeding free-choice hay as it mimics natural grazing behavior and tends to result in lower cortisol levels as horses are not competing or anxiously waiting to be fed. The continuous access to fiber helps maintain a steady digestive flow, reducing the risk of digestive issues like colic and ulcers. The fiber in hay also supports a balanced gut microbiome, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.

To encourage movement, we have approximately 10 troughs spread throughout the property with half bale and full bale bags. Hay pillows are used mainly with the mini horses.

Sources include:

Allopathic medicine —

For instances where allopathic medicine is needed for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of certain health issues in the herd, we always turn to Dr. Lindsay Smogor and the staff at Jackpot Veterinary Center. They have nurtured a strong connection to the herd, consistently attuning to the diverse emotional and physical needs of each individual horse.