Crystal Mael Animal Physio

12/01/2025

So proud to be a part of Much A Doo rehabilitation! Fantastic!

03/10/2023

The changes of the weather system causing havoc for are horses grazing patterns. Very interesting read.

The dangers of paddock grass to our equine friends is not a new subject we are constantly talking about it all over the world due to it’s often catastrophic impact on our domesticated horses .

We talk about the spring and early summer burst of fresh lush grass .
We talk about the autumn flush of lush grass .
We even talk about winter frosts and sunny days with its impact on the grass .

So now it’s a year round problem for so many horses including most of mine .

How can we safely allow our horses to graze in the paddock without the worry of laminitis.

NOT EASY THAT FOR SURE. 😣and trust me I dont always get it right either.

We know that Grass that is shorter than six inches is very problematic and the shorter it is the more dangerous it becomes.

That said even if still fresh and green looking even at six inches and above can be a disaster for many .

Very Short eaten down to stubs grass is FULL of sugars as this is often called stressed grass which they love as it’s so sweet but this is extremely dangerous.

Sunlight , dew and dampness especially at spring and autumn causes this to absorb and replenish its reserves so at the end of a lovely sunny day it’s literally full of sugar and uses this over night to grow .

Early morning grazing is generally safer on this grass but certainly not full safe proof .

Adding to issues as temperatures drops over night to almost freezing or even a few degrees above this allow the grass to hold on to the sugar and not use it so early morning grazing is just as dangerous.

Mind blowing and very difficult to manage a sensitive horse , and even non sensitive types can very suddenly be affected by these spikes in grasses .

So can we help to create safer grazing by allowing the paddocks to grow to maturity before allowing any grazing , and keep moving the area so not allow short stressed grass to become a problem .
Putting in track systems are certainly the way forward and feeding ad lib hays , but again not everyone can afford to keep feeding ad lib hays or indeed it’s been difficult for many finding the right hay for horses all year round .
A combination of both track systems and correct management for the paddocks grasses and plant appropriate species may be a safer option for many .

This management should ensure lower sugars and better diversity fibre management intake plus more chewing time which is more species appropriate on their digestive system.

Any thoughts and are owners out there adapting to this practice.

Photo of one of my mature winter grass fields on the right that’s been left all summer to grow to full maturity ( verses a young lush area of growing unsafe autumn grass . 👇

25/08/2023

The team at Pawseidon hydrotherapy Center, myself and many others are taking part in the Dorset plane pull on Monday. If you can donate anything would be greatly appreciated. Also wish us all luck 🍀

Team Pawseidon join Team Blesma for this year's Dorset Plane Pull Join Pawseidon in an extraordinary act of strength and compassion as we pull together to raise funds for BLESMA, the charity supportin

21/05/2023

Definitely time to be careful and look out for the subtle signs.

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas what another amazing year! Thank you to all my amazing clients and your wonderful fur babies that I have had the joy to meet and treat this year. It is a honour! I hope you all have a wonderful day!!🎄🥳😁🐶 🐎

09/09/2022

Rest in peace your Majesty. An incredible queen and lady. 🖤

20/08/2022

Working with this team has been amazing as is the work they do!

11/08/2022

Beautiful early morning ride before work to beat the heat! 7am is so peaceful.

22/07/2022

A wonderful end to a great week especially after last weeks sick leave, it’s great to be back 🥰😁. Elf here enjoying his physio session. I got a hug and a nuzzle back to say thank you 😊 .

16/07/2022

Please take a second and think about your best friends. They always try to please us and make us smile. Still seeing many people out walking there dogs in the middle of the day☀️🥵. Keep them safe and happy.

We're not sure who to give thanks and credit to for writing this, but 🙌🏽

14/07/2022

Just Want to say a huge THANK YOU to all my amazing clients that have been so understanding about rescheduling this weeks appointments while I look after myself. Tonsillitis is no fun. Im starting to feel better and I apologise for not answering calls I had no voice which has been peaceful for some! 😁 I am in the process of getting next week diary sorted so I will be in touch very soon.
Thank you again ❤️