Text Box: MUSIC TO MY EARS Music plays a large part of every day life in the modern world. We all listen to various types of music depending on our individual tastes and moods. For centuries, people have listened to, and played, music; to express emotions, create atmosphere or to entertain. However, it is only recently we have begun to realise that there is much more to music than variations in sounds. It can have therapeutic effects, not only on humans, but also on other animals. Only recently has it been researched and realised that the effects of music on humans and animals can open doors to the potential use of music to not only heal, but also to improve performance in one way or another. It is widely recognised that classical music can have a calming effect on people. The soft tones and relaxing tempos create a pleasant atmosphere allowing us to unwind and de-stress. However, other types of music can have the opposite effect stimulating individuals and producing less de Text Box: sirable effects. From the horse owners’ point of view, the use of music can prove to  be highly beneficial. It has been found, for example, that playing a radio on the yard relaxes horses. The voices in the background seem to comfort them and provide them with company. The sounds have been found to help reduce boredom levels in horses, thus reducing the stress often related to being stabled. This in turn generally makes the horses easier to handle as a result of them being more relaxed. When schooling to music, there is a definite difference in performance. Depending on the type of music used, the horse can appear more relaxed, obedi Text Box: In a muddle with mud fever?   Rainscald and mud fever are caused by the same bacteria. Dematophilus congolensis lives in the skin. Both conditions occur more commonly in youngsters.   If the areas affected involve the pastern and coronet the condition is called mud fever. Anywhere else affected on the horse e.g. face, back, shoulders is known as rainscald. Mud fever is perhaps seen more commonly.   Mud fever lesions are crusty, scabby lesions. They do not itch and the condition can be confused with Chorioptic mange. Lesions occur because conditions for the bacteria in the skin become ideal and increased numbers of the right bacteria lead to a skin infection. Text Box: Wet conditions are ideal for bacterial multiplication. After  the affected areas have healed, the bacteria remain in the skin and predispose the horse to further bouts of mud fever when conditions suit.   Most cases of mud fever heal on their own. Some cases do benefit from being cleaned with an antibacterial wash e.g. Hibiscrub.   Persistent cases can be frustrating to deal with. Many ointments are available for applying to the affected areas, all work with varying degrees of success.   Injections of penicillin may be required daily in severe cases before improvement is seen.   Duration of treatment can be lengthy (weeks / months) and each case if severe has to be assessed individually by a vet if your initial treatment has not worked. Text Box: Pictured above: typical mud fever.

Text Box: ent; and generally work better. If you are considering using music to aid performance, it is important to choose music that suits your horses own natural rhythm and tempo. All horses are individuals and not all music will be suitable. Some types may have a positive effect but others may have a negative effect. Badly selected music may have a negative effect on both horse and rider. If the rhythm and tempo of the music do not match well, any  conflict will cause  the balance and overall flow of the performance to be adversely affected.     The affects of any  musical mismatch would be both  directly on the horse; and indirectly  on the horse  via the rider.   The tension caused in both will be reflected in the overall performance.   Choosing the music to accompany  your riding or the  handling horses is a matter of experimentation.  Chosen carefully there can be significant benefits for both horse and rider. You could be surprised.  Remember to be careful when trying anything new; and music should be introduced softly and gradually.    Jenny Sutton BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science Text Box: Text Box: If you have any subject  that you would like us to cover in our next newsletter, please let us know.