It's the Impar Ligament this time

Lack of blogging due to lack of time, and a frustrating horse situation. But here's an update on my mare Mazzy. After my first (and only) show over fences I was gearing up for another one a couple of weeks later, over Labor Day weekend (I know it was a very long time ago), and Mazzy came up lame. After a vet check, she blocked out to the heel and x-rays showed nothing, so the vet thought it was probably soft tissue damage in the foot and needed an MRI to determine exactly what was going on. An MRI showed a strain to the impar ligament (connecting the navicular bone to the back of the coffin bone). Not a horrible diagnosis, since it could have been loads of other worse things.

Yellow = deep digital flexor tendon

Blue = navicular bone

Orange = impar ligament

Red = intersection of ligament and tendon

So the plan was a Tildren regional perfusion and then IRAP injections. Tildren works by preventing bone resorption by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, and it also has anti-inflammatory actions. While it will not have any effect on the impar ligament or other soft tissue in the foot per se, the impar ligament attaches to both the distal end of the navicular bone and the bottom surface of the coffin bone, and these attachment sites often undergo degeneration when the ligament itself is damaged. An intravenous catheter is used to administer a large amount of the drug as an intravenous drip for about an hour.

IRAP was used to inject into the coffin joint to promote healing. She had a total of four injections at 2 week intervals. IRAP is a system that has been developed to stimulate white blood cells to produce anti-inflammatory mediators and enzymes to reduce the inflammatory phase. Blood is taken from the jugular vein and incubated for 24 hours in special syringes which induce the blood cells to produce and secrete therapeutic proteins during the incubation period. After 24 hours the blood is centrifuged and all blood cells are removed. This leaves a protein rich serum which is then split into 3ml doses ready for injection. The main anti-inflammatory protein produced is Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP). This has a direct action on the action of Interleukin-1 which other therapies are unable to do. There are a number of other anti-inflammatory proteins produced during the incubation process which work synergistically with the Interleukin-1 antagonist to reduce the inflammation within the joint and stimulate a regenerative response by the cartilage cells. IRAP is different to other treatments available as it has an anti-inflammatory component which other products have but it also induces a regenerative response unseen in other therapies.

During this time I was hand walking her and switched her to bar shoes with Equithane for heel support. After 3 months or so of this and many vet visits, she was sound. I started saddle walking her working up to 45 min/day. After 30 days of saddle walking, I started trotting beginning with 5 min/day after 30 minutes of walking. On day 5 of trotting Dec 23rd....LAME again. I am so frustrated! I had the whole week off of work from Christmas to New Year's, looking forward to riding in the daylight everyday, and back to square one. So at this point I am still saddle walking.

I invested in The Bio-Pulse Iron Foot PEMF Pad. There have been many studies on PEMF shown to provide pain relief, reduce swelling, control inflammation and speed healing time. The PEMF, i.e. (Magna Pulse, Magna Wave, P3 etc.) is a revolutionary medical device that has shown amazing results in the treatment of pain and swelling, wounds, bone fractures, as well as in dramatically improving range of motion in both humans and animals. The PEMF uses powerful pulsed electro- magnetic field that provides natural energy to the cells of the body. PEMF therapy improves circulation, not by increasing heartbeat or blood pressure, but by opening and dilating the arteries and capillaries. This also reduces edema (swelling). PEMF therapy increases the cellular level of oxygen absorption. Studies have shown that oxygen partial pressure can be increased by 200%. This reduces pain associated with lack of sufficient oxygen. Also, insufficient oxygen in the cells causes lactic acid buildup under strenuous exercise. Good information here: http://www.pemf.co.nz/Questions-Answers-about-PEMF

She stands on it for 30 min/day. This thing better work!!!

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Every Equine LLC - foul weather equine apparel

My good friend, Jeannie, made a beautiful custom fly sheet for Mazzy. It fits perfectly, and is exactly what I was looking for..shoulder gusset, leg straps, tail guard, stretchy breathable material. The quality is better than any other fly sheet I have ever had, and I have had MANY. Our barn is over run with flies, so Mazzy lives in a flysheet whenever there are flies.

EVERY EQUINE LLC was established in 2007 to help the equestrian that wants to ride, even when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate. All of their products are MADE IN USA and only made from the finest quality materials, to ensure that your mount stays as comfortable as possible in inclement weather! This is the only patented Quarter Sheet and saddle pad combination of its kind. I think it is a very cool idea, and would definetly get one if it was cold enough in southern California to need one. I remember the days of riding with quarter sheets or riding with a cooler on my horse out to the ring and back. She even makes a water resistent quarter sheet.

From ponies, to horses, to large warmbloods, EVERY EQUINE LLC has products that will fit your equine partner – and will make it easier for you to ride, compete, train, and show in foul weather. EVERY EQUINE’s sheets offer two options for storing when not in use: 1)conveniently roll up and attach via Velcro straps when the sheet is no longer needed OR 2) detach from straps on pad and store Quarter Sheet. Great for trail rides or at horse shows!

“It is so important to keep the back muscles warm during exercise, especially in the winter months. This quarter sheet accomplishes that and also has the unique quality of being able to easily detach from the saddle for winter time showing! My horses don’t go out for work in cold weather without it!” Callan Solem, Callan Solem Show Stables – Chester Springs, PA

Please support my friend, Jeannie, and order up one of her great products! Would make a wonderful Christmas gift!

Owner: Jeannie Mattioni


(609) 230-6182

email: info@everyequinellc.com

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Horse Show Fashion - Boots

There are mixed reviews for almost all custom made boots. Basically, your custom boots are only as good as the person who measures you. I can find people who love and hate about every boot out there. Luckily, there are so many options available today. The current trends are a fitted ankle, zippers, elastic gussets, and a spanish top (this cut is higher on the outside of the leg for an elegant, elongated look without raising height at the back of the knee for comfort and function). I think I'd like a bit of snake skin around the top, same color so it is only noticable up close.

Vogel's - I remember getting fitted for my first pair of Vogel's. It was a momentus occassion. At the time they were the only boots to get. Harold Vogel married my dad's cousin, so I got fitted in his son Dean's home, who now runs the company. Although we are relatives, there was no discount (haha), but the boots were worth whatever I paid for them and they lasted me for years and years. I eventually outgrew them and got another pair, which I still have and wear. They are classic. Uncompromising attention to detail and exceptional wearability are the hallmarks of E. Vogel boots. Over the years, Vogel equestrian boots have become internationally renowned. E. Vogel has been selected repeatedly as bootmaker for the US Olympic Teams, as well as for the finest equestrian athletes worldwide. Among the many notable medal-winners who sport E. Vogel riding boots are Bill Steinkraus (first U.S. gold medalist equestrian), Rodney Jenkins, Greg Best, Melanie Smith, Joe Fargis and George Morris.



Dehner's: Since 1875, the Dehner Company has been working non-stop to provide the finest quality riding boots and leather products available. Not only have they succeeded in creating a global following, but the Dehner Company continues to build every boot and shoe by hand, just as was done over a century ago. I've owned thier paddock boots in the past, but not thier field boots. I haven't heard  much about these lately. They don't seem too popular anymore.

Der Dau - Made by hand in the United States. I have heard nothing but good things about these boots. I had a pair of thier paddock boots, but the elastic stretched out and the leather was really stiff, but they weren't custom.

I saw someone wearing these around the horse show last weekend, and couldn't help but stare. Not my taste.

Parlanti - Handmade in Italy, Parlanti is a family business with over 50 years in the fashionable footwear and boot business. Gorgeous boots but expensive, I think around $1850. I would love a pair of these!!!

Flag on the top of the boot leg



 

Swarovski crystal on the top of the boot-leg.

Tucci - Fine italian calfskin leather, used inside and out, virtually molds to your leg.  Tucci offers over 20 styles of boots.  Their innovative approach and advanced technology create a very sleek, comfortable feel with superior quality.  Included in all Tucci boots are full-length zipper, swagger tab with Swarovski crystal embellishment, if desired; spur rests, top and bottom zipper covers, toe cap, rubber sole and personalization on boots and complimentary boot bags. About $2000


Sergio Grasso: The Sergio Grasso riding boots are designed and manufactured in Italy. They also sell and off the rack model that looks nice.

F.lli Fabbri - F.lli Fabbri Field boots come in many styles and options. Top quality Italian calf T-Grip on inside available Many colors and tops available Hand made in Italy. Many famous riders wear these McLain Ward, Anne Kursinski, Chris Kappler

Wilson & Davidson - I don't know anything about these, but they look nice. Made in Chile. Virginia Double-Leather Field Boot - The double-leather field boot is a variation on our traditional Virginia field boot. It features an extra, inlaid piece of leather that runs along the zipper down to the ankle and then wraps around the lacing. Shown in black, it may be of any color (non-standard colors by request). Also shown with visible welt.

Alberto Fasciani - The shoes are handmade in a small factory in northern Italy and they are worn by the British Royal family. His collections include the signature tailor-made riding boots as well as fashionable mens and womens shoes that fuse traditional Italian craftsmanship with impeccable aristocratic sensibilities. A few of my friends have these and like them alot.

Beautiful boots with mixed reviews:

La Mundial - made in Ecuador since 1906, offer the long, slender styling and glove-like fit (with virtually no break-in time) that we have come to expect from custom tall boots – at a fraction of the price. Custom tall boots start at $600. It seems as though it is hit or miss with these boots. If they are measured and made to fit property, people love them, however there seems to be ALOT of boots that arrive and do not fit and the customer service is poor. Here is a thread about them from The Chronicle of the Horse Forum.

Ayora/Las Casa des las Botas - I've heard/read more bad things about the customer service and boots that don't fit than good things, but if by chance your boots do fit, they are really pretty. It sounds as if there is a problem with the fit, they will not fix them or refund your money. My trainer has a pair and they are beautiful! They will customize any color or pattern you want. Ordering these is a gamble for sure. $450

Off the Rack:

Ariat Monacos - I have a pair of these and I love them, however, they do not hold up well. I hardly wear them and I've already worn a hole in the calf. Everyone else I know that has these has had the same problem. They are really soft and comfortable but the quality is pretty poor. I also have the Monoco half chaps and paddock boots and they hold up much better and I love them. The boots are about $900.

Treadstep DaVinci - Italian calfskin leather with full grain leather lining, and a specialist high performance Vibram outsole. The full length rear zip is supported by a flexible spine which maintains the height and elegant long line of the boot. The da Vinci sports a classic European top line, side spur rests and zip guard. They look really nice and are about $500.

Treadstone Grand Torino - These look pretty nice and I think you can find them for under $300!

Beval Puissance - Looking for a custom look and fit without the wait? Bevals now has the answer!! The Puissance boot incorporates an innovative stretch panel design with a full-length zipper. Made from the finest French calf leather with meticulous attention to detail. Built on wooden boot trees to create a lovely shaped calf while molding perfectly around the foot as well! Available in three heights with a variety of calf widths and shoe sizes for a custom fit directly out of the box! $850

DeNiro Ottaviano - All DeNiro Boots are made with grain calfskin leather inside and out. Every boot undergoes the unique Water Resistant Advanced Treatment (WRAT) for the leather sole as well as the outside leather. The treated leather still retains it's breathability, allowing sweat to escape, while preventing outside water from seeping in. Activated Carbon Insoles have a natural antibacterial action, while the mid-sole is made of natural leather and has a high sweat absorbent power keeping your feet clean and dry. Vibram anti-slip outer soles keep your feet secure in the stirrups, even in the worst weather. Rear zipper is made and guaranteed by YKK. Made in Italy. $669.95 at SmartPak

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Horse Show Fashion - Jackets

Hunt coats have come a long way from the traditional green or navy pinstripe garments that dominated the showring throughout the '80's. Technical fabrics are very popular, offering better movement, breathability, weather protection, and stain resistance.

Pikeur



Animo



The Alessandro Albanese collection is both made and designed in Italy. It's distinctive and refined elegance makes each item unique. The clothes are made in precious yarns and natural fibres; it gives both men and women the luxury of complete freedom tracing each curve and movement with elasticity and subtle glamour. In the Alessandro Albanese "Competition Collection", each garment is created by hand on a "made to measure" basis using traditional artisan methods, making each garment unique!

Alessandro Albanese Technolight Show Jacket

Alessandro Albanese Custom Wool Jacket



Animo is an exceptionally fashionable, functional and innovative equestrian clothing line. Thanks to the composition of the fabric, Animo offers outstanding elasticity, hygroscopic power to absorb water and anti-static properties. Animo keeps the equestrian athlete cool, comfortable and beautiful - all at the same time. All Animo clothing is made in Italy and is machine washable.

Animo Show Jacket Lei softshell. Fitted cut, top quality softshell. Breathable, dirt repellent and wrinkle free.



Gersemi - Gersemi is the equestrian fashion brand that has a passion for style, quality and function. With a modern Scandinavian design and a mythological Nordic heritage Gersemi has an international appeal for women who love fashion. The Idun show jacket is in a highly technical stretch fabric that is perfect for the competition ring. Featuring a suede look contrast collar it has modern front zip pockets fitted into the seams and a slim silhouette. This jacket is wind and water resistant, and machine washable.

Gersemi Show Jacket



Stable Cloth - Launched in 2005, as Saltare Equestrian Apparel, Stable Cloth continues to deliver the finest in hand-tailored equestrian apparel. 

 

Navy with light blue and tan pinstripe, navy velvet collar, light blue collar piping and periwinkle floral lining with gold buttons.

GPA - A really technical, breathable competition jacket made using Nano-Sphere technology from Schoeller. This technology ensures that the jacket is water repellent, dirt resistant and eco-friendly. Water and substances such as ketchup and oil simply run off the fabric. Naturally self cleaning  fabric however, it is still fully machine washable. A very tailored fit with 4 buttons, zip on cuffs with zipper pockets and 2 rear vents. This is an extremely modern twist to Show Jumping jackets and is very popular.

 

GPA Ladies Italian Tech Trophy Show Jacket

Grand Prix - Grand Prix riding jackets are proudly made in Canada. They have been developing riding jackets constantly for more than 25 years. With input from some of the world's best riders, the expertise of expert custom tailors, and developments in materials and construction techniques, Grand Prix continues to be great fitting, functional and beautiful riding jackets. They are currently utilizing such innovations as water and wrinkle resistant wool fabrics, soft shell fabrics and stretch breathable linings. 

The Grand Prix sport Show Coats also benefit JustWorld International! A portion of every Grand Prix soft shell show coat is donated to JustWorld to help children living in extreme poverty!





Custom Grand Prix Original Classic Sport Show Coat. The Classic Sport is made in exceptionally lightweight, water-resistant and breathable soft shell Schoeller.  

Marigold - Marigolds trademark of quality can be experienced in their fine hunt coat collection which provides and ideal combination of classic designs and an elegance that a contemporary equestrian can enjoy.

  

 

Black Coat with pink piping.

Winning Couture

Allon Fine Equestian Ladies Four Button Two Vent Hunt Coat. A fine hunt coat, elegantly tailored, and crafted of a superior stretch wool/cashmere blend.



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