My horse, Martyn, loves a good massage
Many of you may remember that my beautiful horse, Martyn, was having an issue with his rear hock. I am sad to say that he is experiencing some other physical conditions, as well. Martyn is about thirteen years old now and unfortunately, rheumatism has set in. In addition to acupuncture treatments, Betsy, my stable manager, has been diligent and massages Martyn every other day. You may wonder just how one goes about massaging a large horse and we thought it would be fun to show you how it's done here at the farm.
He's a beautiful horse, lucky to receive such wonderful care. I'm proud of both of you.
Posted by: Toby Ringle | March 25th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Hi Martha, Thank you so much for blogging about your beautiful horse Martyn again. I have been truly worried about him since he had the problem with his back leg. Hopefully he will be well enough to wander about in his pasture when the weather is warm enough. He looks so happy while having the massage treatment for his rheumatism. Betsy and her helpers certainly do treat him well. Give Martyn and Betsy a big hug. I truly love your animals and it's easy to see that Betsy and her helpers do also. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 25th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I want your horses, your farm, your animals, your show, your radio channel, your Skylands etc.. an Minus the stress, headaches and worries though.
Do you ever wonder what these animals are really thinking? Amazing what they must wonder about humans!
Nice pix
Pam from California
It was 85 here today but by the time this is posted it will be a new day
Posted by: Pam From California | March 26th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Martha,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of Martyn's massage.
Martyn is a beautiful horse. His eyes look like his soul is so deep. He looks like he is blessed of God.
Martyn looks like he loves working steadily and hard. He looks like he will take you on long and rugged rides.
I truly appreciate seeing how beautiful hard work looks on an animal's muscles, and how beautiful an animal looks when he is rewarded for hard work. It shows me that diligence is rewarded.
Posted by: Sonia | March 26th, 2009 at 3:17 am
In addition to massage and acupuncture have you tried chiropractic on Martyn? It works wonders for animals as it does for people. You can go to http://www.animalchiro.com to find a qualified practitioner. I can't recommend it enough.
Posted by: stacey | March 26th, 2009 at 5:17 am
Martyn is very handsome. It's difficult watching pets age and slowly deteriorate. I wish they stayed young forever. Sounds like Betsy is doing everything that can be done to ease his discomfort. Hang in there Martyn!
Posted by: Kari | March 26th, 2009 at 8:07 am
He is beautiful!!! Very cute!!
Posted by: Julie | March 26th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Interesting. What did Martyn do prior to coming home with you Martha? Was his past performance connected to the present conditions?
And is he the oldest of your horses?
Thank you.
Posted by: Margie | March 26th, 2009 at 8:31 am
I had several horses with arthritis/rheumatism, gave them Yucca and it helped...each react differently to different treatments.
Hope Martyn is responding to the massages, I use to do Tellington touch for some of my horses, worked for one.
I'm sure your Vet has suggestions and opinions as well.
Good Luck with Martyn's treatments.
Posted by: delia | March 26th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Martyn is just a most endearing creature.
I hope he feels better soon.
Susie
Posted by: Susie | March 26th, 2009 at 9:28 am
that's it made my decision: I want a horse!LOL Martyn is so beautiful.
Posted by: Norbie Kamantigue | March 26th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I want to be one of Martha's horses! What a great life!
Posted by: Carol | March 26th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Hi Martha,
Time really flies – I can’t believe it has been a year since Martyn had a problem with his hind leg. I hope the massages are helping him with his rheumatism - poor baby, I feel so bad when animals are in discomfort. But, he is getting a lot of tender loving care which should make him feel extra special since he can’t go riding with the other horses. He looks very content and you are a true animal lover the way you take such great care of your precious pets! Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 26th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Most quadrapeds love to be massaged, just like your sweet little ones .
Loved seeing your show today Ray Liota is as adorable as ever ...I was fortunate to meet him & his father in Venice @the film festival when Good Fellows was released...I was in a documentary directed by Scorsese for Giorgio Armani .I'm looking for a boyfriend!!!
Posted by: Laura Reiff | March 26th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Martha and Staff,
It makes me so happy to know there are people out there that treat their pets so well. All of your animal friends are so fortunate to have been given the oportunity to fall under your care. You are right, a horses eyes can express so much. Martyn is a very happy boy!
You are a great example for us all!
Posted by: Lynn | March 26th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Is there such a thing as "equine envy?"
PICK MEEEEEEE!
Not so sure about the sleeping in a barn thing though. Hmmmm.
Posted by: Lara Piper Hull | March 26th, 2009 at 10:58 am
It is wonderful that you take care of your animals so diligently. Lucky creatures:)
Posted by: Shelagh | March 26th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Martyn is such a beautiful boy. I hope that he's feeling better and can go outside and play with his brothers soon.
I absolutely love how warm and loving and compassionate you are with your animal companions. You provide them with the best of everything. If something should go wrong, you make sure they get the best care possible.
Posted by: Sonya | March 26th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Massage is not just pampering, it is very healing.
I have an 18 year old cat, Bodie, who has a difficult time walking. His Vet, Amy, is studying for a certificate in animal massage. For the past 5 weeks, Amy has given Bodie an hour long massage.The results have been amazing. Bodie is able to get around much more freely and he's walking.
Posted by: mark | March 26th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
ur a kind soul martha, it is a good person who takes such care of their animals & martyn seems 2 show his appreciation.......tks 4 the dog special the other day, 2.....it makes me feel good when folks show kindness 2 their pets, they r some of the best parts of our lives........best 2 M
Posted by: Charmayne | March 26th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Dear, sweet Martyn! What a beautiful boy! Oh, I want to place my arms around his neck and hold him close this very minute! Awww, poor boy has achy joints [sad eyes {mine}] but hopefully the massages will help to ease some of his discomfort and keep him limber.
It's cute, actually, how animals, big or small, can have similar body language. The way Martyn's ears are in the one picture and his general expression on his beautiful face say 'mmmboy, that feels good'! I agree as well that he indeed does look relaxed!
Dearest Delia (from yesterday's riding trail blog), I experienced a painful pang when I read your post about losing your beloved horse a year ago of 29 years! (And) you still suffer the pain of your loss. I can't EVEN imagine (well, I can, actually) having this longtime love affair with a faithful companion of this magnitude. Most of us experience 10-15 years of joyful pet ownership. My heart goes out to you! In reality, it would be equivocal to losing a family member (of the 'people' type).
=^..^=
"Better soil your hands than your character."--Daniel Orcutt
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | March 26th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
he's beautiful
Posted by: simone | March 26th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
He's a very beautiful horse. I'm sure he really loves the massage treatment. Maybe with the warmer weather coming, it will help him feel better. How long have you had him?
Posted by: Sherry | March 26th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Hello. After a massage a yr. or two ago I felt intoxicated. My muscles were very relaxed. I used to live near an inn with two horses. When I was sad or lonely or bored I'd visit them with carrot sticks & apple slices. They loved to be brushed with a tool called, I think, curry comb.
Posted by: Mina in Vt. | March 26th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
When I die I want to come back as an animal at Martha's house!
Posted by: Laurie Carpenter | March 26th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
What type of horse is your horse?
Posted by: Tami | March 26th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Hi Martha, I have heard people say, "They're just animals." I don't believe that at all. When you look in their eyes you can see their soul. I hope your horse feels better soon. Loving animals feel us with joy. Take care, Brenda
Posted by: Brenda | March 26th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
That is COOL I must say!
I hope it feels as delicious as it looks. And tell Martyn he doesn't look a day over three. Lol!
Posted by: Marie | March 27th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Hi Martha,
I stumbled on your blog while looking for Mac & Cheese recipes! I have never blogged before but wanted to tell you that I have always admired you and have been a fan through thick and thin.
Your horse is beautiful and I can only imagine how much you love him!
I grew up in Rowayton and loved hearing about Westport in your earlier shows!
I enjoy your craft projects, food recipes, techniques, design style, holiday prep, and your attention to detail!
I am always looking for something new from you! You are amazing & thanks for being YOU!
Sandy in Clearwater!
Posted by: Sandy | March 27th, 2009 at 12:49 am
I just would like to respond to Cindy Bricker for her sweet comment on one of my posts...thank you for even reading it, and understanding! I'm crying right now, as I had a dream about my Ibn last night waking up crying, then to see your resonding post! was too sweet. Eventho it's hard to look at all these these lovely horse photos here, it forces me to see and read in the hopes I can move on and lessen the pain, just seeing someone else love and care for their horses and animals as well as Martha, makes it cathartic for me...Cindy see my story (oh Martha hope you don't mind)
Delia
http://www.squidoo.com/TheHorseGiftMural
Posted by: delia | March 27th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Aww, pony shiatsu! That is so sweet.
What a beautiful horse.
Posted by: CakeSpy | March 27th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Martha, I have raise horses, poor martyn. You know 13 is not that old in horse years. I have known some to live to 35, with good care, such as you give your animals. Seems like maybe martyn is been struck by a genetic hand down of early rheumatism. Do you know of his parents maybe developing this same thing early? Its certainly linked in humans and other animals like dogs, to be genetically predisposed.
Hope he feels better, its terrible living in cold country wih rheumatism.
Your horses are beautiful, Martha!
Posted by: Judy | March 27th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Martha
Read your comments regarding Martyn and his ailment. Only thirteen,just a youngin'. Too young to have that crippling disease.
Metabolisms are so different that simple changes
can sometimes offer anti-inflammatory qualities
and so aid,coping with pain.There are some herbal concoctions that can help his condition.
Sometimes a change in diet. If only they could
speak english. They can talk,but humans dont
always understand.Martyn is lucky to have two
good friends like you and Betsy.Please give him
my best wishes,a smooch too,if you have the time. celia
Posted by: celia stock | March 27th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Martha - Betsy and Gelbu are so inspiring in their dedication and committement to Martyn. And you as well.
I love Martyn. I so get his love of massage. It is so good for injuries. These pictures are truly special and touching.
We need to include massage in our health plan coverage in any reform of our healthcare system. It is a great preventative as well as restorative procedure.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | March 27th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
1.) I have owned horses for 40 years and never had one as young as 13 w/rheu. It will show up on x-rays but can also be mistaken for temporary swelling on a sprain, flexion problem or worse, early laminitis. Make sure to x-ray hooves, also, as laminitis will manifest itself up the leg, but starts in the hoof as a result of cold, rain, too much sugar, obesity and occasionally, a bad farrier job.
2.) In any event, diet is critical. Have his blood drawn to test for insulin resistance. NO SUGAR, that includes carrots, cubes, apples, mints, carbs, sweet feed (give him low sugar senior feed and all the hay and water he wants, NO GRASS) and lots of hosing if there is heat. Have blood drawn for insulin resistance which manifests itself in lameness related to laminitis, but rheu is strange at this age.
3.) Make sure he is not favoring any other foot, or that one will have problems next, then you will really have a problem. Remember the misery Barbaro suffered b/c his good feet could not handle the extra weight shifting.
4.) The best solution I found for keeping weight off a lame leg or hoof is as follows:
i.) Buy a sheet of the pink styro insulation that is stiff, about 3 inches thick and is used to insulate walls. Cut 2 large round pieces for both back hooves. Put one on the frog as an orthotic and place the second larger round cutout on top of the first and then use duct tape to hold all four pieces in place. A sharp knife can be used to trim the styro so its roughly the same shape as his hoof.
ii.) Then use duct tape right up under and over to hold stryro in place, to about half way up his leg so its stable and tight. The first layer becomes an orthotic and the second takes the weight and pressure off the hooves and legs and shifts part of it to his front end. These can stay on for 3 days and then changed if no improvements.
5.) This is used at the tracks now, routinely and although it sounds a little primitive, its commons sense, is inexpensive and it works great. This saved my horse's life, we were ready to put him down, but decided to try this, we were desperate. We did it for two weeks, and he is completely recovered, but we had him lose 75 lbs and have kept it off.
Fresians are heavy by breed and tend to carry too much weight, note broad backs, fat below the mane and apple rumps, which although look nice, is not healthy for the horse.
This happened to my 32 year old three years ago and I just came in from giving him his evening feeding and getting my kiss and hug!
Good Luck and hopefully banamine, massage, rest and proper shooing can get him through this. Also, horse owners tend not to notice that their horse is just too fat! Losing 100lbs may be all that is needed for the long term. Short toe trimming always helps. PLEASE KEEP US UP TO DATE ON MARTYN'S HEALTH. GET WELL MARTYN!
Good luck, my oldest ever stayed with us to 42 and I'm sure Martyn has many happy healthy years of love to give and receive ahead of him.
Posted by: Sally | March 28th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Sally, great info you have given here even if it might not apply to Martyn(I don't know that for a fact) but maybe for other horses..this is the very thing that happened to my horse, she was misdiagnosed and I lost valuable time treating her. Short toe and reveresed shoe made it worse for her, I would like to have tried barefoot trimming. Laminitis can start out looking like something else, even my Vet was fooled, although that's what I thought it was to begin with.
This might not make it to the post here, but I hope at least someone in Marthas stable can read this.
Posted by: delia | March 30th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Here's a website that pertains to an earlier comment made by Stacey. He has done a lot of work on Fresians in NJ and NY.
Posted by: Edythe Jane Ludlum | March 30th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Hi Martha,
Martyn is a handsome boy, I being a horse owner myself knows how we love our horses.Martyn is lucky to have a loving person like you to care for him.
Has Betsy your stable manager considered starting Martyn on SilverLining Herbs?Suggested powders #18 Joint Support and #37 Kidney Support is reccomended for horses with rheumatism. I can get a broucher out to you if you lie more information.
Posted by: Linda Ann Lindsey-Wong | March 30th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Dear Martha, I want to help that handsome hunk of Fresian, Martyn. I am a Horse Masseuse, a Certified Equine Massage Therapist. I do my work at the Houston Police Department Equine Unit on their 38 hard working horses. I've massaged horses with this,and similiar problems to Martyn's with great success. Please visit my website for further information. I would be delighted to massage all of your horses (Martyn first!) gratis, Martha, to show you that this wonderful therapy really works! Martyn will benefit with the results and you will be pleased as well.
Posted by: Jane Bryson Thomas | March 30th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
A Fresian is such a wonderful and proud horse, Martha! How lucky you are to have them as your friends! Marytn is still such a young horse, I feel his issues may respond to an equine chiropractor, such as myself. I have worked extensively on Fresians with great success in the Mid-Atlantic states. Please visit my website at http://www.horse-chiropractor.com and read some of my testimonials. Kind Regards.
Posted by: Dr. Ray Derman | April 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Thank you for sharing the photos of Martyn getting his message. Our dogs are older and get hydrotherapy at a local HipDog facility. Maybe he can swim in a pool or pond?
On a lighter note, here is a fun video on Fresians vs humans soccer game on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AesfgUWRQD8
Posted by: Teresa | April 15th, 2009 at 8:36 am