A MAENCLOCHOG couple say they have successfully treated a horse, suffering from sycamore seed poisoning, with a concoction based on Indian herbs and spices.

Barry and Ruby Ryan of Vorlan, Maenclochog were left with a difficult decision after a rescue racehorse, Wifey, a seven-year-old mare, came down with sycamore poisoning.

Despite advice from avet that the horse, one of three they own, should be put to sleep, Barry and Ruby treated Wifey using a mix of fennel seeds, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon powder, and generous amount of honey; as well as homeopathic medicines.

There has been a marked increase in seeds – known as ‘helicopters’ – this season following a good summer and they can be extremely dangerous for horses.

If eaten, sycamores can cause a condition, called Atypical Myopothy, which attacks the horse’s nervous system.

Barry Ryan said: “We saved the horse; an awful lot of horses are dying from sycamore poisoning; we came up with a cure for it based on Indian herbs.

“We stayed up all night and the horse did survive.”

Ruby said: “She not only made a full recovery but it was speedy and quick as well. Less than 24 hours of commencing her treatment, she was back to her normal swaying, that she does in anticipation of breakfast and treats.”

Ruby stressed their treatment of Wifey was a personal experience rather than the definite cure.

“We are not telling people what to do; we are just telling them what we did.

“I’m not saying it’s a panacea, it’s just something worth including in our equine life; we’re just doing it for the love of horses because they are such amazing animals. We are not preaching; we are sharing our experience.”

Full details of Ryan and Ruby’s treatment of Wifey can be found on Ruby’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ruby.ryan.16?ref=ts&fref=ts