Expert Horse Advise

Farming Records and the IRS

Written by John Alan Cohan

Q: Are therapy treatments like Equine Acupuncture and Massage deductible business expenses, assuming all other criteria for a business are in place?

A: Any tax deduction is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For horse owners who are engaged in a business rather than a hobby the expenses for equine care--veterinary costs as well as therapy treatments--should be treated as ordinary and necessary business expenses, in my opinion.

Our Readers Write: Chainsaw Concern and Fear of Founder

Written by Holistic Horse readers

Concern Over Chainsaws

[Several concerned readers commented on a picture that accompanied the article “Highfields Farm: A Model in Green Planning in Design” in the February/March issue. The concern was that the chainsaws presented a safety risk, with the horses in danger of being accidently cut by the chainsaw blades during transport.]

RESPONSE:

Our Readers Write

Written by HH Readers

Dear HH,

I am shocked to find a Pro-slaughter article on your web site! That article [“Slaughter Legislation Impacts Unwanted Horses” in February 9 eNews] leaves out the FACT that unwanted horses of late are due to THE ECONOMY!

Reader Says Goldfish in Water Tank is "Inhumane"

Written by Holistic Horse

Dear HH,

I appreciate the concept of Holistic Horse — it is what everyone should be practicing. However, regarding your [Natural Tank Cleaner] article by Shari Frederick: I would like to know just how holistic it is to have goldfish in a water trough? Holistic for whom? Certainly not for the fish.

Why are Some Horses Mean?

Written by Anita Curtis

In my work as an animal communicator I see the problem through the eyes of the animal, not as a trainer. If a horse has been abused, but treated well now, we humans think he should understand that no one is going to hurt him now, and therefore he should be nice to us.

Thyroid Imbalances in Horses

Written by Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS

Q: Are thyroid conditions common in horses?

A: Thyroid conditions in horses are discussed frequently, but seldom firmly diagnosed. In the equine the main problems we see with the thyroid gland are tumors, perhaps hypothyroidism, and occasionally inflammation. Foals are more susceptible to hypothyroidism than adult horses, usually from an Iodine deficiency. In fact, we may need to supplement more iodine than has been done in the past. Supplementation is often best done with kelp to enhance its absorption, with about 2-3 mg per day as an approximate dose. We do not know the true optimum level at this time.