OT - And now for something completely different in the way of trial results: <g>
Press Release
Source: Hawk's Haven Horses
Hawk's Haven Horses' Study on Cribbing and Head-Shy Horses Reports Promising Initial Results
Tuesday July 29, 9:23 am ET
Herbal Remedy Helps Cribbers and Eliminates Head/Ear Shyness - Precursors to Cribbing. Second Study with Improved Formula Begins.
MILLWOOD, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 2003-- Horses that suffer from cribbing or that show the early signs of pre-cribbing through head or ear shyness may have new hope in an herbal remedy being studied by Hawk's Haven Horses. Initial findings of the study show some success in reversing the dietary causes of cribbing, and just as significantly, in preventing cribbing in advance by eliminating the dietary causes of head and ear shyness. At the same time, the study finds that changing the habit of cribbing - as opposed to the horse's physical need to crib - is more difficult. Further, herbal remedies take time to work.
Hawk's Haven Horses began the study in January, working with owners whose horses exhibit the debilitating symptoms of cribbing: chronic "sucking air," weight loss and lethargy. Approximately 25 horses have been regularly given the herbal remedy, which provides the natural nutrients once plentiful in fields and open ranges, but missing from today's pastures and feeds.
Hawk's Haven Horses will shortly launch the second phase of the study, with new horses and an improved formula, and will contact owners who have requested to participate.
Among the key findings to date:
Consistent use of the herbal remedy over the course of the study produced the most positive results. In some cases, cribbing symptoms temporarily increased before dropping below prior levels. With some horses, cribbing diminished significantly to barely noticeable levels.
With pre-cribbers, the herbal remedy completely eliminated head and ear shyness, producing a complete change in demeanor. Among the notable improvements, horses became quieter and more manageable, discontinued "giraffe-like" behavior (putting their heads out of reach), and showed no bridling or ground problems.
The best results, both in cribbers and pre-cribbers, were experienced in horses on plain feed: corn, oats and barley. The use of sweet feed (molasses) or any treats with either refined or natural sugars tended to exacerbate cribbing and pre-cribbing symptoms. Horses in remission from cribbing would exhibit cribbing tendencies after eating sweet feeds or treats.
Horses that crib often suffer from other ailments such as ulcers. Equine Protozoal Myelitis (EPM) may also be present. After separate treatment for ulcers or EPM, horses with cribbing and head/ear shyness responded favorably to the herbal remedy.
Gwen Edsall, proprietor of Hawk's Haven Horses, said: "The initial results are very exciting and prove that the herbs not only help stop cribbing, but also attack the root cause in horses most likely to develop the problem. However, more work remains as we perfect the herbal formula, and owners must be committed, consistent and involved. The best results were seen in horses whose owners stuck with the study and provided their input, which was invaluable."
As a direct result of owner input, Hawk's Haven Horses has developed an improved formula. In addition, a second improved formula designed specifically for brood mares will soon be available.
Edsall, an established equine practitioner, developed the new herbal remedies over the last four years through her interest in the cribbing syndrome. D'Arcy Naturals of Natick, MA, has worked with Ms. Edsall to formulate and produce the new herbal remedies.
About Cribbing
The cribbing habit destroys the value of a horse to the extent that many farms will not allow them on the premises. Owners find it difficult to sell them for full value. The habit also affects metabolism, is destructive to property, and annoys people. Typical symptoms include the horse grabbing a wood rail or other object, arching its neck, constricting the larynx and "sucking air," which releases endorphins that produce an unnatural "high." Endorphin levels in cribbers are typically three times the norm, and cribbers often change their eating habits, lose weight and have less energy.
About Hawk's Haven Horses
Hawk's Haven Horses is located in Millwood, VA, 60 miles west of Washington, DC. For further information on participation in the trial and costs, please contact Gwen Edsall at 540-837-2838, and leave name, address and phone number. |
