Thrush Product for Horses that Works!

It's that time of year again for sneakin' stinkin' thrush.  It's warm.  It's humid.  Over these past two years, it has been soggy all year in our region.  But when the weather changes, and Thanksgiving draws near, we find ourselves unthankful in finding thrush amongst us . . . Until Now.  

We have gone thru the dry stuff, the purple stuff, the clear stuff, the soaked pad stuff, coppery stuff, and even the old-fashion remedies such as soaks and sugar/iodine packs.   Our next step (by vet recommendation) was to go the formaldehyde route.  We thought this was too extreme of a solution; however, since this experience has been an ongoing battle (a frustrating one at that) we might not be left with an option otherwise.

We became aware of a new product called Thrush B Gone in a news feed which sells online thru their website and Amazon.  After doing a little digging, it is determined to be an organic formulation that has been used by its founder for over 40 years.   There are testimonials on Facebook on their page, and on acquaintences of ours in the area, as well as on their website.  We gave it a go.  I administered Thrush B Gone after cleaning the hoof in the aisle in the barn.  It was nice to not be worried about the treatment staining the aisle, my clothes, or me!

Upon the first application, the "stinky feet" smell quickly dissipated within a few minutes -- the product has no smell either.  It is fluid enough to really get into the tight crevices.  I kept Zee on the cross ties for about 10 mins so that he didn't get into shavings, etc. in his stall to allow Thrush B Gone time to do it's thing.  Later in the day I saw no "gimpiness."  I followed directions and administered Thrush B Gone 2 days later.  There was no foul smell to the hoof, and the frog crevasses were the clearest they had been in a long time.  I almost did not re-apply, but did it anyway because that's what I was used to doing with the other products in our arsenal, over and over and over again. 

That was a year ago . . . . and here comes Thanksgiving.  When it comes time for the farrier to arrive, we pull out the bottle of Thrush B Gone and have it handy for a little "routine maintenance" on the whole herd.   That's all it takes.

There are a few of you (particularly in the northeast and southwest Florida areas) who have been complaining of bouts with thrush this year.  We gladly offer up our experiences with this product as it is a keeper in our barn.   By the way, Thrush B Gone donates its product to equine rescues from proceeds of bottle sales as sort of a way to pay it forward.  There is a quantity order discount through their website.

Armistice Day - Veteran's Day

Armistice Day, more commonly marked as Veteran's Day, is an opportunity to commemorate the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at the end of World War I, and also gives us a moment to stop and remember the brave men and women who died for their countries in military conflicts as far back as 4,000 B.C.

Lest not we forget the countless number of horses who bravely stood throughout time alongside these courageous men and women.

Back in the mid-90s, Paul Mellon wanted to do something to commemorate the Civil War horses and mules, on both the Union and Confederate sides. On his farm in Upperville, he had a three-quarter life-size bronze of Sea Hero, winner of the 1993 Kentucky Derby, standing in the midst of his broodmare barn. This exquisite bronze sculpture's artist was Tessa Pullan of Rutland, England.

Mr. Mellon set forth gathering knowledgeable people to team up with Tessa Pullan, which set the project into motion. Extensive painstaking care was taken to ensure that this Civil War Horse memorial's design was absolutely authentic. Photographs of a horse that was utilized in 4th Virginia Calvary reenactments were taken from every angle imagineable, with various pieces of loaned equipment in place. Photographs of period prints and paintings were provided to Tessa, including one caught in a brutal snow storm by Remington.

It was important to Mr. Mellon that the horse be portrayed as absolutely exhausted and somewhat starved, without rider and empty scabbard -- translating loss of soldier in calvary battle. Cruelty photographs were provided from the R.S.P.C.A., which aided in giving the effect of a horse whose rider was killed and was dying of exhaustion after a long battle.

One difficulty was making the horse appear as though it may have been outfitted as Northern or Southern. The saddle portrayed is a McClellan, used by Northern soldiers but taken or copied by the Southern soldiers. All gear used for the project was original from the Civil War period. Ultimately, a specialist in civil war accoutrements approved the model (which took Tessa two months to produce) before the actual casting (which took an additional six months to complete).

For it's inscription on the base, Mellon's staff contacted Civil War historian, Nick Nichols for statistical information, which reads as follows:

"In Memory of the One and One Half Million Horses

and Mules of the Union and Confederate Armies

Who Were Killed, Were Wounded, or Died from

Disease in the Civil War."

The original sculpture is located at the National Sporting Library in his bare golden bronze colored skin. There is an additional inscription on this original version of the statue due to the location of the library in Middleburg, Virginia:

"Many Perished Within 20 Miles of Middleburg

in the Battles of Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville in June of 1863."

Mellon commissioned a second copy for the United States Calvary Museum in Ft. Riley, Kansas, which is presented in a dark patina, a similar color of the Sea Hero bronze.

And finally, Mellon wanted a third copy placed at the Virginia Historical Society located in Richmond, Virginia. But after visiting the Society, Mellon realized that the horse was too small for presentation outside the Society, and commissioned that the third (and final) memorial be enlarged to full-size.

Cover Shires!

A Big Congratulations Shout Out Goes to 

Judy Brodland on Her Magnificent Cover Shot Published 

by The Draft Horse Journal!  

Go Shires!

Happy Valentine's Day!

May we all be lucky enough to have just one relationship like this. Unconditional love from an animal is such a miracle to behold.

If you do not have a Valentine this year -- It's really ok - look to your four-legged friends who (it seems) you mean the world to . . . .

Thank you, Brian, for sharing your beautiful Valentine's Day experience!

Just Batty

A good friend did a boat-load of research on -- of all things -- bats. After reading the article, I have a new-found respect for these lil' guys. See what you think. . . . .

Patriotic Cape Cod Grocery Store

Thanks to the Flash Mob!

Wiffle-Waffle House Day

In celebration of a day off, breakfasting here in Georgia means "Waffle House". You can find one at every exit off any major highway -- and after 51 years, they have perfected the plate-sized, round waffle.


When any out-of-towners visit, I always incorporate into their pre-trip preparations the viewing of the infamous "Waffle House Wedding" which occured less than 3 miles from the house.





This holiday weekend, guests thoroughly enjoyed their 4th of July waffles, but were also treated to the stars of the video cooking and serving. Bubba is the cook -- and I didn't know his lovely bride's name.

After finishing our thoroughly enjoyable breakfast, what do we spy on the ground next to the car?