ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: An Alternate Strategy for Worms

Re: An Alternate Strategy for Worms

Mike Sofen (miksof7@gte.net)
Sun, 31 Aug 1997 00:13:51 -0700

This same kind of debate used to rage when Accupuncture first came to North
America...it's the old "science versus intuition" syndrome. In the case of
Accupuncture, it simply took enough time for real science to confirm
(although not explain) the success of certain techniques.

However, there is an astonishing amount of fluff that tries to pass itself
off as fact or real or science, when in reality, it is simply someone's
speculation as to what might work. I support Duncan's position - if a fact
cannot be pointed to (e.g., when I run out of gasoline in my car, it stops
running) then it IS fluff. It might be valid fluff, it might even work in
some cases, and someday it might be proven by the scientific method to be
valid, but until then, it's just talk.

When I say fluff, think about all of the so-called Scientific diets that
have come out in the last 20 years, many authored by physicians. Only one
(The Zone) actually has a basis in human biochemistry. The rest were
speculation and caused most people to GAIN weight.

I don't think the entire, enormous petrochemical industry is even remotely
threatened by holistic replacements for their products. I, for one, never
ever experiment with chemicals on my horses. I use tested products from
known companies, based on my own philosophical intuitions of human and
equine physiology. I'm not in a position to second guess science in this
area.

Mike Sofen
Seattle, WA

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From: Bruce Overton <boverton@tpgi.com.au>
To: endurance <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Subject: An Alternate Strategy for Worms
Date: Saturday, August 30, 1997 7:23 PM

comment on replies received.
I am a practical horseman and breeder of over twenty years experience. In
particular with endurance horses. I have tried for years to find someone
who has a deep knowledge and experience of remedies and preventative
measures used in the past. I was lucky enopugh to find Pat Coleby's book,
Natural Horse Care, which incorporates the old with the new in a concise,
readable and understandable fashion. Pat has over 50 years experience both
in Australia and UK and has convinced most vets that her methods are sound.
I am not going to answer Duncan's queries but would suggest the best
solution is to obtain the book as I did and try out the ideas for yourself.
All the questions are answered. Alternate worming is only one facet of all
the valuable information about horse care that is available. To illustrate
the scope of the book, here is a list of chapter titles:-
1. Soil Deficiencies: Causes and Results
2. Analysing Soil
3. Improving and Maintaining Pastures
4. Minerals
5. Vitamins: Functions and Effects
6. Herbal and Other Remedies
7. Feeding Practise
8. Common Ailments
9. General Feeding and care of Stud Horses
10. Conditioninf of Horses
11. Blood analysis

More information, in addition to that in the Abrecht Papers, on copper is
available in the British Veterinary Codex 1952 and Tolerance of Ponies to
High Levels of Dietary Copper in Vol 4 No 6 Journal of Animal Science put
out by the Institute of Agriculture,University of Minnesota.
Finally, I have no argument with protocols and controls that regulate
products put on the market; even then these products are not anywhere near
perfect. Vested interest can put up many arguments to belittle ideas that
will have an economical effect on there products. To Good Sanitation and
Good Pasture Management, please add
Good Feeding Practise as a PREVENTION. Pat Coleby's inexpensive book costs
less than one visit from a vet but the information in it will save the user
plenty.
Bruce from Downunder
Queenslander
boverton@tpgi.com.au

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