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‘Equine-assisted learning can be as mainstream as maths or English for neurodivergent children’: charity speaks out ahead of Government’s school reforms

Becky Murray — Sun, 03 May 2026 12:33:15 +0000

An equine charity has called on policymakers to consider alternative learning provisions such as equine-assisted interventions more in its plans to better support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In February the Government published its “every child achieving and thriving” white paper, setting out reforms to schools and SEND systems.

Among the plans, the Government is consulting on changes to improve outcomes for children with SEND, including “early, fair support, with shared accountabilities across local partners”. The proposals include investing in SEND training for education staff, making the mainstream education system “more inclusive” and new specialist provision packages.

Bristol-based HorseWorld has been delivering its Discovery programme – focusing on part-time, therapeutic skills-based interventions that complement mainstream education – for 18 years and in response to the Government’s paper, the charity held a round-table event with local stakeholders. This included schools and alternative learning providers, local authorities, parents and MPs, to explore how reforms might work.

Among the discussions, it covered the way specialist part-time alternative provisions such as equine-assisted learning can contribute “to early intervention, inclusion and prevention of escalation”.

HorseWorld has now published a report setting out the “vital role” part-time alternative learning providers can play in “preventing needs from escalating and helping young people re-engage with education”. The report, which includes recommendations for national Government and at local level, highlights that “earlier, more flexible intervention can lead to better outcomes – for individual children and the system as a whole”.

The Government paper has a broad focus on mainstream education and HorseWorld chief executive Jo Coombs – a parent of two SEND children – told H&H she believes there is a need for equine-assisted learning providers to get involved in the consultation.

“This is the time for the horse world and others in equine-assisted learning to say what we do is, and can be, as mainstream as maths and English for neurodivergent children and children with SEND,” she said.

“There are some good things in the white paper, but there are some things that can be built upon and bits for concern. We really hope to start conversations, one around part-time provisions supporting mainstream rather than being an alternative to it. We’re not an alternative to school, we’re specialists working with schools – and that’s really important because I don’t think the white paper addresses this.

“We are also championing equine-assisted and the role of horses as teachers, which is not for every child, but for the children it is for, it can have such a quick impact.”

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, who was at the round-table event, said: “There is an urgent need to reform the SEND system, and parents are rightly concerned about how the funding announced by the Government will translate into real change within schools that are already overstretched and under-resourced.

“What came up time and again was the importance of creative subjects for children with SEND, particularly neurodiverse children. Creative subjects are not an optional extra; for many children with SEND they are where confidence is built and talents are discovered. If the Government is serious about inclusion, it must protect a broad and creative curriculum.”

H&H asked the Department for Education for a comment on HorseWorld’s report and recommendations. A spokesperson said:

“Our reforms are resetting the way we view inclusion to create an education system fit for every child no matter their needs or background, including through providing schools with direct funding to make changes that prioritise inclusion and ensuring trained specialists are available within every community.

“For children with the most complex needs we are guaranteeing specialist provision packages – expert-designed plans with full legal protections, setting out exactly what each child requires, from specialist teaching and therapies to communication devices.”

The Government consultation closes on 18 May.

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‘Horses reach young people in a way nothing else does’: Carl Hester backs campaign for new equine therapy centre

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‘Horses reach young people in a way nothing else does’: Carl Hester backs campaign for new equine therapy centre

Becky Murray — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:26:15 +0000

Carl Hester is supporting a fundraising campaign with charity Strength and Learning Through Horses (SLTH) to build an equine-assisted therapy centre in London.

SLTH supports more than 600 people annually and delivers evidence-based equine-assisted therapy and education programmes for young people aged six to 25, who are struggling with social, emotional or learning challenges.

“I’ve spent my life around horses and I’ve seen first-hand what they can do, not just in sport, but for people,” said Carl, an SLTH ambassador.

“The work being done at SLTH is genuinely important. These are young people who have often been written off elsewhere, and horses reach them in a way nothing else does. Building a proper centre for this work is not just worthwhile, it’s necessary.”

The charity has raised £400,000 to secure and activate the site at Mays Lane, and is now seeking investment to fund the next phase. The new facilities will include a covered arena for year-round therapy and education, classrooms and therapy rooms, fully wheelchair-accessible pathways, 12 stables and hay barn, and upgraded zone for staff.

“We have spent 15 years proving that this model works, and the data backs it up. Young people who have been excluded from school, who won’t walk into a therapy room, who haven’t left the house in years. They come to us, they engage, and they change,” said SLTH chief executive Rosie Bensley.

“The challenge is no longer whether this works. The challenge is capacity. Our current infrastructure is operating at full capacity and demand continues to grow. This build is the next chapter and we’re looking for partners who want to be part of it.”

Supporters can get involved by donating to SLTH’s crowdfunder campaign. The charity is also welcoming sponsors such as companies, trusts and foundations for further development at the site, to include a new outdoor arena and covered outdoor spaces.

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‘A place of learning and hope, full of laughter and joy’: equine therapy centre opens in memory of late young jockey

Becky Murray — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:55:40 +0000

An equine therapy facility that aims to “transform opportunities for children with visual impairments and additional disabilities”, has opened in memory of the late young jockey Jack de Bromhead.

The Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre, at charity ChildVision’s Drumcondra campus, was opened on Friday (26 September) in a ceremony attended by leading trainer Henry de Bromhead, his wife Heather and their daughters Mia and Georgia.

Chris Jones, a family friend and racehorse owner, led the fundraising campaign for the facility, built in memory of Jack, who died after a fall on 3 September 2022, aged 13.

The Jack De Bromhead Equine Centre will give children who are blind, neurodiverse or with multiple disabilities access to “the best global equine activities in a supportive and purpose-designed environment” and will allow the ChildVision equine team and volunteers to reach more children, “making a life-changing difference”.

The de Bromhead family described the centre as “a wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother”.

“Horses are a huge part of our lives, and we know the physical experience of riding a horse offers so many potential benefits, especially helping address a host of physical, social and emotional issues,” they said.

“The Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre will be a place of learning and hope, full of laughter and joy, traits that were such a part of Jack, all facilitated by the much-treasured horses and ponies that call the ChildVision stables home.

“We are delighted to have been part of this journey and today to see this vision become a reality with the opening. We are forever grateful to all the donors who came on board to support us – we know Jack would be really proud of what this life-changing generosity will enable for generations to come”.

Mr Jones added that the vision for the centre was to “create a space where even more children could benefit from equine-assisted therapies”.

“From the beginning of this journey, we wanted to find a fitting way to remember our wonderful friend Jack, who was a hugely talented horseman but also a kind, caring and joyful young man,” he said.

“Now Jack’s name will be forever associated not only with the equine world but with creating joy and hope for so many children. It’s been an immense privilege to be part of this campaign and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful donors who gave so generously to ensure this building became a reality. I know Jack would be really proud by what’s been enabled in his memory”.

ChildVision’s equine unit manager Lucy Dillon said: “Having a facility such as this which has been built by donors, many who were previously strangers to us but friends and family to the de Bromheads, will enable our team of dedicated staff and volunteers to help those children most in need of equine assisted activities.

“To now be in a position to help more children and not worry about things such as inclement weather or losing natural light is something we are all looking forward to in the weeks, months and years ahead. We are incredibly proud of the work we do and to see children engage with our horses and ponies in such a positive way is why we do what we do.”

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How to manage horses for a long and successful career – the Harry Meade way

Martha Terry — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:32:17 +0000

You don’t get to be eventing world number one without a string of sound horses at top level. Horses that not only reach the heights of five-star but continue to compete year in, year out are both rare and meticulously managed. For the new world number one Harry Meade, who has five eventers competing at CCI5*, horse management is inextricably entwined with his stellar results.

Anyone who has ever competed knows how critical soundness is to longevity, and it’s no surprise that Harry leads no stone unturned to give his horses the best possible chance of staying sound. Here’s how he does it…

Soundness underpins Harry Meade’s horse management system

Harry is emphatic about balance and softness in horses’ training and competing, alongside a couple of everyday basics – shoeing and icing.

“I like all my horses to be shod on a four-week cycle,” he says. “You don’t have to be an engineer to understand that if the angle of the foot changes by a small degree it will change the angle of the pastern and the load on the soft tissue structures.

“You might save a set or two a year shoeing less often, but if that increases the chance of the horse having a leg injury and missing a year, it’s a false economy.”

For the horses in more demanding fitness work the legs are iced after every canter session.

Harry’s head groom Jess Errington icing a horse’s legs. The advanced and three-day horses have their legs iced after every canter session. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

All Harry’s horses have stints on a water treadmill, particularly pre-season before the fitness work takes over. Harry shattered both his elbows in 2013 and knows “from my own injuries that the resistance of working in water is the best kind of rehab, as well as good pre-season conditioning without concussion”.

While icing and cold water are age-old remedies to help combat inflammation, Harry is a fan of the more modern laser therapy to manage injury, using two types of Pioneer Multi-Radiance lasers on his yard.

“Lasering is a well-proven science and really effective, both in the acute stages of an injury and in the ongoing management of any kind of weakness,” he says.

“We have a class one laser, which is a handheld device like a shower head. It’s great for accessible, superficial injuries like a puncture wound or a rub where time is an issue and you want to accelerate healing.

A handheld laser is useful for superficial injuries to speed up the healing process. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“We also use a class four laser, which goes much deeper – for the treatment areas of past weaknesses in soft-tissue structures. It’s not a magic wand, but I’m in no doubt that it’s very beneficial.”

Beneath the surface: going concerns

A final asset as soundness goes is the surfaces on which he works his horses. Harry trains on grass as much as possible, estimating that from April to November, “95% of their work is done on grass”.

“Working on a variety of surfaces, including soft ground, is really important for conditioning legs and joints,” he says.

“When I resurfaced our arena I did a lot of research, trying to find something that mimics springy old turf with life in it, and on which they can twist, slide and move, but not jar.”

He ended up with a bespoke surface from Martin Collins.

“It has life in it,” Harry says. “You can feel the horses let go – especially when jumping big fences or in extended canter on a circle.”

Harry Meade aboard CCI5* campaigner Cavalier Crystal, working on his bespoke arena surface. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Harry adds: “The sport gets really interesting when the horses reach the top of the tree, so we want to keep them sound and fit into their later years, helping them in every way we can.”

Harry Meade’s attention to every detail of horse management to promote soundness reflects a deep-rooted philosophy built around longevity. With soundness as his cornerstone, it’s no wonder his horses are flourishing at the very top of the sport.

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Miniature therapy pony with ‘an awful lot of personality’ nominated for BBC award

Becky Murray — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 16:32:04 +0000

A miniature Shetland therapy pony who spreads joy to elderly residents in care homes and helps those with dementia has been nominated for an award.

Kaf Barriball’s 10-year-old gelding Jo, who is small in size but has an “awful lot of personality”, has been nominated for the animal category at the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, which “recognise those who improve lives” in their local communities.

In 2019 Kaf was visiting her late elderly mother Janet, who had dementia, at a care home when she saw a sign on a notice board about ponies making window visits to residents.

“As my mum’s dementia progressed she became very, very withdrawn. I would take my German shepherd to visit but it got to a point nothing seemed to work. It was impossible to get any sort of interaction,” Kaf told H&H.

“When I saw the notice, I thought ‘Hang on, I’ve got a tiny pony. Can I bring him in?’”

Kaf first visited her mum with a friend’s older pony to test the water, then she started taking in the then three-year-old Jo.

“I had no clue what to expect, Mum had never had animals, but I was gobsmacked when she was chatting away to Jo,” said Kaf.

“Other residents who I had come to know and who would normally sit in chairs and not look up all wanted to speak to him.”

Kaf started her therapy business Rainbow Dreaming, visiting more care homes with Jo and her American miniature pony Bugs. In 2021, the year Janet died, Kaf applied to become a community interest company – a company for community benefit rather than private profit. The CIC status allows Janet to apply for funding to help subsidise the care home visits.

She is also raising money via a crowdfunder to allow some visits to be free. Donations can be made online.

“It’s not about making money, it’s about helping people,” said Kaf. “People aren’t often aware that these homes don’t have a lot of money for activities, and I think everybody should have access to this sort of thing. Taking Jo to visit my mum was one of the few things that brought her back out of her shell, and gave me my mum back for a short time.”

Kaf recently appeared on BBC Radio Lincolnshire as part of National Care Home Open Week and was accompanied by Jo in the studio. Kaf is also waiting to hear if Jo will be a finalist at the Make a Difference Awards in September.

“We’re not big on social media or very good at marketing, but there’s a lot of people like us doing things with therapy animals trying to make a difference,” said Kaf.

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Is helping people through horses ‘quirky and eccentric or part of the answer’?

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:17:18 +0000

A 10-year-old boy stood up in front of hundreds of people to explain how horses have changed his life and “helped me in so many ways”.

James Brooks, and his father Andrew, spoke at the National Equine Forum on 6 March, as part of a session on the value of equine-assisted services.

“I love horses,” James said. “Riding is my favourite thing to do. When I was younger, school was really hard for me. I have dyslexia, which makes it difficult to read and write, but when I’m on a horse, everything changes. They don’t care if I have trouble reading, they judge me for who I am.”

James said riding makes him feel strong, and that he enjoys caring for horses and has made friends at the yard.

“Horses have helped me in so many ways,” he said. “I’m confident, I don’t get as anxious. I’m really grateful for the Changing Lives Through Horses (CLTH) programme. It has helped me discover my passion for horses and learn so much about myself.”

Mr Brooks told guests he wanted to share the family’s “remarkable journey” with horses and the “transformative power” of equine-facilitated learning.

“The decision [to embark on the CLTH programme] opened up a world of possibilities and witnessing James’s growth has been incredible,” he said. “We’ve seen examples where other people within James’s tribe and support mechanism have been able to point out to us sometimes stressors that we wouldn’t be aware of. We could be advised that there were some issues we needed to look at, and see what we could do about.

“Today, I stand before you as an advocate for equine-facilitated learning. I’ve seen first-hand how horses help people like James overcome challenges, and I’ve seen the way it’s built his confidence and developed essential life skills. We’re here to share our story and inspire you to support this incredible field.”

Mr Brooks said James has learnt to set goals, work towards them and withstand setbacks, as well as building relationships and a strong work ethic – and a plan for his future.

“He wants a career in the industry, perhaps as a riding instructor, stable manager, Olympic showjumper!” he said. “We’re committed to supporting whatever aspirations he has.

“James’s journey highlights not only the individual benefits, but the potential for wider social and economic impact. It’s testament to the power of horses – how they will transform lives and inspire people.

“This is a legacy we can create together, a legacy of empowerment, connection and hope.”

Ed Bracher, chair of the Equine Assisted Services Partnership, the sector’s membership body, discussed the growing contribution and importance of such projects.

“Why is this important? Why is it needed?” he said. “It’s well reported that there’s a crisis in social care in the UK; mental health care, dementia, depression. [There are] ever-decreasing, in my view, opportunities for people with different needs to access contact with animals or the outside, the general benefits those bring, and a lack of opportunity for many people to get the support they need.

“We’re doing some work in Oxford and currently the waiting list for an 18-year-old with a mental health condition in Oxford is roughly 18 months, which doesn’t provide much help. I think horses are not the only answer, but they’re very definitely a part of the answer.”

Mr Bracher said horses not only provide support and allow engagement, they facilitate routes for people into other areas.

“When I asked the health secretary, a few years ago, about how to get this more accepted, he said the problem is, what you do is quite quirky and eccentric,”he said. “So there’s a job for all of us to make people realise it’s not quirky and eccentric. It’s effective, it’s sensible and it really works.”

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9 therapeutic rugs your horse will thank you for

Franchesca Slack — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:10:39 +0000

The best magnetic rugs for horses have been popular for many years now, as have massage and other therapy rugs, and the best magnetic boots, chaps and wraps. There are a range of therapeutic benefits that come with each type of rug and some combine two types of therapy. They all have a slightly different function and some require power to work, which leads to a wide range of price points. They’re all designed to be used by normal horse owners, and the best magnetic rugs for horses will come with instructions so you can be sure you’re using it correctly.

Best therapy and magnetic rugs for horses

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Bucas Therapy Cooler Rug

Type: Natural magnetic field reflection

Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft

RRP: £192

Made of extremely fine stainless steel mesh lining, the Bucas Therapy material reflects the magnetic fields within your horse’s body, which stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow. This helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, so are ideal for use pre- and post-exercise. It can be used on a sweaty or wet horse as the “Stay-Dry” qualities will dry the horse, while enjoying the soothing relief of the therapeutic fabric.

It features attachment points at the neck and rear D-ring, so it can be used and secured under another Bucas rug. Also available as a lightweight turnout rug or medium weight turnout rug.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Horseware Ionic Therapy Mesh Cooler

Type: Infrared

Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft 3in

RRP: £125.95

This rug from Horseware incorporates ceramic minerals during the yarn extrusion process, resulting in superior far infrared emissivity that won’t wash out. This technology produces gentle radiant heat that has been shown to penetrate beneath the skin to help increase circulation, activating the body’s natural healing process.

The breathable scrim mesh outer allows for maximum airflow, while the ceramic-infused liner reflects body heat back as far infrared rays. Neck cover fixings allow for extended coverage. Neck cover sold separately. Comes with a two-year warranty. The Horseware Iconic collection also includes a stable rug and turnout rug.

(Image credit: Scott Matthews)

LeMieux Conductive Magno Rug

Type: Magnetic

Sizes: M or L

RRP: £299.95

This LeMieux rug has inner liners that are made with a woven layer of steel fibres that conduct magnetic waves around the lining. The 2,600 Gauss twin magnets that are strategically placed over the shoulder, elbow, hip, stifle and gaskin. The breathable 3D mesh top side releases any heat build up from the magnets, while the lightweight mesh of the lower section encourages the air flow up. The three-way adjustable belly straps ensure a close, secure fit for maximum effect.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Veredus Magnetik Rug

Type: Magnetic

Sizes: S, M or L

RRP: £453

This breathable rug from Veredus is equipped with 32 neodymium magnets that develop a power of 2,400 Gauss each. The magnets are distributed across the shoulders, back and hind end, and are designed to stimulate circulation and prepare muscles and tendons for exercise. It is designed to be used alone or under another rug if it’s cold.

(Image credit: Harry Archer)

Protechmasta Infrared Fixed-Neck Rug

Type: Infrared

Sizes: 4ft 6in – 7ft 6in

RRP: £189

This Mastacare rug uses far infrared radiation to gently increase blood flow, remove toxins and promote healing. It can be used before work to prepare the muscles for exercise, but most importantly after work to help reduce lactic acid build up and aid the repair process. You can leave your horse to wear this rug unattended.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Premier Equine Magni-Teque Rug

Type: Magnetic

Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft

RRP: £185

This mesh rug from Premier Equine has 238 600 Gauss magnets stitched into it around the main muscle groups – 164 magnets in the rug and 74 in the neck. You can gradually build up to using it for four hours a day – before exercise to help warm your horse up and after exercise to ensure they cool down slowly. It has antibacterial nylon lining at the wither and shoulders, and comes in a reusable zip-fastened storage bag to keep your tack room tidy.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Felix Bühler Ceramic Rehab Liner and Stable Rug

Type: Ceramic fabric

Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft

RRP: £89.90

This therapeutic stable rug from Kramer can be used pre- and post-exercise or while your horse is resting in the stable. It has a coat-friendly lining, which reflects the horses’ own body heat in the form of infrared radiation, thus providing a comfortable climate and preventing and relieving muscle tension. The rug has a 100g polyfill, extra-high side gussets for freedom of movement, and a t-hook front closure. This rug can also be used as a regular stable rug with an elasticated surcingle and a fillet string.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equine Magnetix Magnetic rug and neck set

Type: Magnetic

Colours: Blue or navy

Sizes: 5ft – 7ft 3in

RRP: £343

This rug from Equine Magnetix is made from lightweight mesh material with more than 100 2,000 Gauss neodymium magnets – 80 magnets in the rug and 32 in the neck. It covers all major muscle groups and can be used for long periods of time and overnight. It can be used on its own or under another rug. You can also purchase the rug and neck cover separately.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

FMBs Combi Pro II rug

Type: Magnetic and massage

Sizes: Pony, standard or extra large

RRP: £4,400

This dual therapy rug from FMBs combines pulsed electromagnetic therapy and deep massage, which can be used simultaneously. It covers the main muscle groups and can be used daily to support performance as part of your warm up and cool down routine. It can be used as part of a rehabilitation or general maintenance program.

The rug is battery operated and incorporates 14 massage modules and 14 pulsed electromagnetic copper coils. It is operated via a control box – the magnetic field can reach 80 Gauss, while the degree of vibration massage can be chosen to offer an individual solution. Comes with a two-year warranty.

What does a magnetic rug do?

All cells in your horse’s body have electromagnetic properties, which means they can be energised by a magnetic field. When a powerful magnet is placed against the body, cellular activity is increased, which can increase the rate at which cells regenerate and repair. It can help to encourage blood flow and increases cellular activity in the body but it’s important to understand that the magnets themselves do not heal.

Magnetic therapy is reported to help…

maintain circulation
reduce muscle tension
aid recovery of muscle fatigue
improve oxygen supply to tissues

How long can you leave a magnetic rug on a horse?

Every rug is different. Some rugs require that your horse be supervised while he’s wearing it, while with others you’ll need to build up the time gradually. The best magnetic rugs for horses should come with instructions and guidance.

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Horses ‘restore boy’s faith in human kindness’ – and save his life

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:12:33 +0000

The life of a young man called Charlie has been saved, and his future changed thanks to a rescued horse called Alfie, his “best friend”.

Alfie is one of the equine participants in welfare charity HorseWorld’s Discovery programme, which involves rescued horses and vulnerable young people.

During children’s mental health week (3-9 February), the Bristol charity is “shining a light on the transformative power of horses in supporting young people’s mental well-being”.

“For 12-year-old Charlie, this unique programme has been nothing short of life-saving,” a HorseWorld spokesperson said. “After being out of school for three years due to the challenges of autism and ADHD, Charlie was struggling with his mental health and had even felt suicidal. But that all changed when he began attending Discovery sessions at HorseWorld in January 2024.”

Charlie’s mother Rachel said the programme had “given him his life back”.

“He was really poorly from lots of trauma and unmet SEND needs in school. He had been failed time and time again by adults and therapists, but since coming here, he’s gained confidence, a purpose, and a reason to be alive. He has developed an absolute love for horses and animals, and he’s formed a great bond with Kayleigh and the other facilitators. It has restored his faith in human kindness.”

Charlie has a particularly close relationship with Archie, the spokesperson said.

“Archie is my best friend,” said Charlie. “He understands people, I think. And he loves hugs.

“At first, I was a bit scared of horses, but then I found a love for them. One day, I let go of Archie’s lead rope, and he just followed me without me calling him. It was amazing!”

Charlie is now preparing to move to an independent specialist school, which Rachel had never thought would be possible.

“There is a farm at his new school, and everything he has learned at HorseWorld will help him settle in,” she said. “This programme has completely changed his future.”

Some 300 young people take part in the Discovery programme every year. The aim is to provide a “safe, non-judgmental space where they can develop confidence, build relationships, and improve their mental well-being”.

“The programme is particularly vital for those struggling with social, emotional, and mental health challenges or at risk of exclusion,” the spokesperson said.

Kayleigh Sivier, a Discovery facilitator who has worked closely with Charlie, was recently nominated by him for a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) superstar award, for education professionals who make a profound difference.

“I nominated Kayleigh because she is one of the kindest and funniest people I know,” Charlie said. “She helps me feel confident, independent, and she believes in me.”

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Can horses help reduce anxiety? Yes – plus four other ways riding benefits mental health

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 08:30:26 +0000

When we discuss the health benefits of horse riding, we hear a lot about how time spent in the saddle improves physical wellbeing, but another major positive are the mental health benefits of horse riding

Multiple studies have shown interaction with horses can help with mental health conditions. For instance, horses can help reduce anxiety, and symptoms of depression, and could even assist in long-term mental fitness. According to the British Horse Society (BHS), horse riding could potentially lower the chance of suffering from dementia by up to 30%.

It’s not unusual for equestrians to refer to their horse as their therapist. And, with a bank of research showing that horses and horse riding benefit mental health, they might be on to something. But how specifically do horses help us? Well, the list is practically endless, and it can depend on the individual. For example, for adults with complex needs the mental health benefits of horse riding can range from increased self-confidence to aiding independence and organisational skills. As such, the power of horses to transform lives should not be underestimated.

5 mental health benefits of horse riding

1. Horses reduce anxiety

Anyone who has ridden or cared for an equine knows doing so leaves little room to dwell on anything else. This practice of being in the moment has another name: mindfulness. It involves being aware of what you can see, hear and feel in that moment – something that comes naturally on horseback. The NHS recommends practising mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety – and some NHS nurses even enlist the help of donkeys to practise mindfulness.

Other studies have found that riding can reduce heart rates, guiding riders in to a more tranquil state of being. One study found that 30 minutes of horse trekking helped riders shift in to parasympathetic nervous system control – leaving the “fight or flight” state and entering a state of relaxation and lowered anxiety. Additionally, Hoagwood et al. (2022) found that equine-assisted therapy can help boost oxytocin (a “feel-good hormone”) and lower cortisol, which is associated with stress and anxiety.

2. Horses help us regulate emotions

Sometimes, big and uncomfortable feelings are difficult to sit with. However, horses require us to operate clearly and calmly around them to help maintain their level-headedness. It’s something exposure to horses teaches you over time, and a skill that can be transformative in all life settings.

Multiple studies have shown that equine activities lead to the development of better coping skills and the ability to self-regulate emotions. What’s more, a qualitative study by Højgaard-Bøytler & Argentzell (2023) found that victims of abuse were better able to connect with their emotions through bodily awareness while riding, and handle these emotions more effectively.

3. Horses help with depression

Exercise is well-documented as a positive way to combat depression. A study by Farmer et al. (1998) indicated that physical inactivity may be a risk factor in symptoms of depression. Meanwhile, Dimeo et al. (2001) found that aerobic exercise led to an improvement in mood for patients with major depressive disorders.

But exercise with horses has another layer of meaning. Riding benefits both horse and rider with healthy exercise, but so too do physical equine activities such as grooming and leading. For example, Frederick et al. (2015), found that a five-week equine-assisted learning programme lead to reduced levels of depression and increased hope in ‘at-risk’ adolescents. In the saddle or out of it, active exercise around horses is a real mood-booster.

4. Horses help reduce negative thoughts

We already know horses improve anxiety, but they also help banish negative thought patterns. A recent survey questionnaire from the BHS showed that for 80% of respondents, riding makes them feel either ‘quite a lot’ or ‘extremely’ cheerful, happy and relaxed. Furthermore, a 2019 study that asked participants to use a single word to describe their experience of leading a horse through an obstacle course received 98% positive responses.

Another study found that negative thoughts associated with PTSD were significantly reduced for military veterans participating in equine-assisted psychotherapy.

5. People who ride horses are happier overall

The far-reaching benefits of horse riding and horse care contribute to a happier life on many levels. One way this is evidenced is in the satisfaction gained from equine responses to owners’ care decisions. Another study showed an increase in overall satisfaction and happiness in participants who took part in a three-day hippotherapy course.

Not only do horses improve anxiety and depression, but they also allow us to harness a stronger connection with nature. Numerous studies have shown that time spent in the natural world buttresses human mental health, and horses help us make that meaningful link with green spaces. This gives horse riders an emotional attachment to their surroundings, and BHS research shows connection with nature is a motivator for riders.

Humans are social animals and this study on individuals with complex needs shows that horses can facilitate improved social connectedness. We see this played out on livery yards and at competition and equestrian centres – every day, horses enrich our social lives by helping us form bonds with like-minded people.

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‘We always need more’: what makes a good therapy horse, and could yours help the RDA?

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 18:29:43 +0000

Being safe and steady is a huge part of what makes a good therapy horse; an equine who is handled or ridden by someone with a physical or learning disability needs to be ultra-trustworthy. However, according to Emma Briggs, head of coaching at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), this doesn’t mean a therapy equine is a one-size-fits-all stamp.

“People assume the RDA just does therapeutic riding – in reality, there’s so much more on offer,” she tells Horse & Hound. “We offer carriage driving and vaulting, as well as competitive equestrian disciplines like para dressage and showjumping. In the middle, we have an increasing program of non-ridden, equine-assisted activities. This includes Tea with a Pony, a sensory activity designed for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions like dementia.”

Emma adds that equestrian activity of all kinds has the power to unlock a never-ending list of benefits to participants. “I’ve only been in post a few months and I have witnessed improvements in communication skills in non-verbal participants, right through to increased confidence in socially anxious people who have come out of their shell. And for wheelchair users, carriage driving is an accessible physical activity, and a great way to enjoy the countryside.”

The RDA currently has 2,500 equines in use across the country who are owned, loaned or hired by the nearly 400 charities that make up the RDA federation. However, the RDA has a problem: 2,500 equines are insufficient to meet demand. What’s more, furnishing the charity with horses is becoming increasingly cost-prohibitive.

“Horses are key to our mission and without a supply of high-quality equines we can’t continue to deliver our life-changing impact,” Emma continues. “Our challenge is there’s a massive under-met demand for our service, and we always need more. However, finding those good RDA horses has got harder, and the cost of buying them has spiraled.”

Saxon, the RDA riding horse

When Kady Chatman, coach and trustee at Saxon RDA, Wiltshire, went to try a green but calm and willing black Irish cob for the group, she knew she’d found something special. When she found out his name was also Saxon, taking him home was written in the stars.

Kady tells us temperament, steadiness and reliability are what makes a good therapy horse – all things that Saxon has in spades, and qualities that helped him win the charity’s equine of the year award in 2023. He didn’t come to the group ready-made, but it wasn’t just the then-seven-year-old gelding’s eagerness to learn that made him perfect for the RDA. According to Kady, often what makes a good therapy horse is being young in years.

“A common misconception is that people think RDA horses are old and slow,” she says. “In fact, they need to be able to switch between so many different roles and have the right brain. So, while they need to be calm and predictable for therapeutic sessions, we also do para dressage, endurance and showjumping, so they need to be alert and lively too.”

Kady says Saxon couldn’t canter a 20m circle when he first came to the group, but he became fitter and stronger quickly through riding school use before stepping up to provide sessions for riders with disabilities. RDA horses have to be comfortable with being led and what the charity calls sidewalkers – volunteers who walk next to the rider, on one or both sides, to assure the rider’s safety, or explain the teacher’s instructions. While this can be quite an adjustment, according to Kady, Saxon took it in his stride.

“He’s a gem of a horse who can switch and do absolutely everything,” continues Kady. “He’ll do a therapy session with a wheelchair user riding him, and then an hour later he’s taking our autistic level four showjumping teenager over a course of 70cm jumps. And then in the afternoon, he might be stood being groomed by children.”

It wasn’t completely smooth sailing for Saxon. He tended to toss his head, and an equine dental technician confirmed it stemmed from wolf teeth fragments embedded in his gum, which were removed. Saxon was given ample time off to recuperate and Kady enlisted a loriner to recommend a suitable bit.

“I ended up going to a tack shop to buy a bit for him that cost over £100,” she explains. “When I paid and said it was for an RDA horse, I was asked why I was wasting my money. It makes me angry because it shows people don’t consider it important. Ultimately, he deserves the best equipment we can afford.”

Sam, the RDA carriage horse

From Wales to the streets of London, carriage horse Sam adapted well to life in Park Lane Stables in Teddington. “We didn’t actually go to see Sam, we bought him on a recommendation,” explains Park Lane RDA manager Natalie O’Rourke. “I did wonder how he’d adapt, but he came off the lorry straight into the stable and started munching on hay, which was great.”

Natalie says Sam, who is the RDA Horse of the Year for 2024, has a consistent, even temper and a loving personality – he loves people and is patient with them. “Blind people drive him, which is a massive thing,” Natalie tells us. “When we’re loading a wheelchair onto the carriage, you have to be able to trust the horse completely. We have a wheelchair user with epilepsy who comes from 40 miles away every week. Sam gives him all this freedom and sensory input.”

Sam and Lewis, who travels 40 miles every week to attend Park Lane Stables RDA. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Natalie says it’s important that the relationship with RDA horses is two-way. “We’ve got a duty of care to ensure our horses have a good life,” says Natalie, “and we want them to be like willing team members. We choose to be part of RDA, but at the end of the day, horses don’t make that conscious choice. We strive to make sure they are all happy in their work and have enough time in the field and chilling out.”

How horses are matched to the RDA

“RDA groups vary in terms of what they offer, and their participants. So groups will choose horses based on the specific activities they run, and the people they are working with,” explains Emma, when asked what makes a good therapy horse. “We don’t take horses under five. Horses at the end of their working life are unsuitable because they need to be fit and sound.

“Many participants have reduced or restricted mobility, so the horses need to be responsive to aids – including voice aids.”

Natalie adds that horses with high-octane former careers can be the perfect fit. “We were given some ex-polo ponies, who are just amazing. They are really responsive and great for riders with limited dexterity, and they’re so patient. They’re used to doing one chukka and then waiting around, so they’re happy to stand.”

Emma explains that training is vital to ensure participants can mount safely. “A lot of horses aren’t taught to stand at the mounting block properly,” says Emma. “Riders without disabilities often just put one foot in the stirrup and go, so the horse starts moving off. Our horses have to stand well for their riders to safely mount, especially where hoists and hydraulic lifts are used.”

The act of riding can be an incredible form of physical therapy. Emma describes a young rider with cerebral palsy who has such improved core strength that she no longer needs sidewalkers. “Her physical strength has improved so dramatically just from walking on a horse, that she’s now competing in para dressage,” she says. “For this reason, an active walk is really important for our participants.”

Additionally, Emma says that horses need to be both people-orientated and willing to adapt because their experience in a ridden session will differ vastly from able-bodied riding lessons. “There’ll be more people in an arena and we might use things like soft toys in a session,” she explains. “We also use bending poles and hoops on the floor and horses need to be resilient enough to tackle this calmly.”

Emma says that new horses are never over faced and receive training, but they need to be innately adaptable. “We offer such a broad range of activities and the scope of participants is very broad. This means we’re delivering therapeutic riding while also helping people train to compete in our regional and national championships.

“There isn’t just one type of RDA participant, and there isn’t just one type of RDA horse to fit all – we need a range, from lead-rein ponies, to ex-competition horses.”

What makes a good therapy horse? How to get your horse involved

Suitable horses can be sold, gifted, loaned or hired out to RDA groups. “Anyone who thinks they have a suitable equine can get in touch with us, fill out a form and their details will be shared with the RDA network,” says Emma. “Any interested groups will be put in touch with you. Some people reach out directly to their local RDA group and loan their horses session by session – there are lots of ways to help.”

Potential RDA horses are assessed by an experienced RDA coach, or equine advisor to ascertain suitability. Horses who are gifted, purchased or long-term loaned are checked by a vet too.

“Any horse participating in RDA activity gets free vaccinations and free worm egg counts,” adds Emma. “All our horses enjoy hugely varied working lives, downtime and the very best care. We do everything possible to ensure RDA horses have excellent lives. They’re at the heart of what we do.”

Emma’s ultimate message to owners is that if they think they have an animal that might make a good therapy horse, just reach out. “Come and speak to us. We can’t deliver equestrian activity to our 25,000 participants without enough fit, healthy, and adaptable equines,” she says.

“Your horse could be instrumental in delivering a huge amount of positive impact. He’ll have a great life and be fantastically well cared for. If you think your horse would thrive in the RDA, we can put you in touch with a group where he can make a world of difference to people. He’ll be adored by those people in return.”

Know an equine who might make a good therapy horse? Contact the RDA by emailing equine@rda.org.uk or use this form to submit details of your horse

Best kept Secret: human awards scheme recognises tiny pony with ‘unique gift’

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 19:21:22 +0000

Organisers of an awards scheme honouring human volunteers had so many nominations for a pony’s dedication, they sent her a special certificate – and are considering an animal category next year.

SAVS, a council for voluntary services, awarded the certificate of nomination to Secret, a Shetland from Silverbirch Animal Therapy CIC in Leigh on Sea, Essex.

The eight-year-old mare lives at the farm, the main aim of which is to offer an alternative to mainstream education to young people who are not in school or college, or on reduced timetables. The CIC also, thanks to 10hh Secret, provides “mobile equine therapy”, by taking the pony to see people who cannot get to the farm such as hospital inpatients.

“This little pony has a unique gift for connecting with people, who need that extra attention that only an equine can bring,” Secret’s owner Nikki Birch said.

“Ever since I have had Secret. I have known that she has something exceptional about her. At home in the fields at Silverbirch Farm, Secret is like any other pony but she seems to sense when we are on an important hospital or hospice visit.

“These visits can be quite emotional for me and my staff, but Secret seems to know exactly what is needed and how to act. Whether it is a special cuddle or allowing people to spend time talking with her, Secret’s gift for connecting brings great joy and happiness to both the patients and the staff.”

The CIC spokesperson said the SAVS team was surprised by the number of people who nominated Secret for the Southend Volunteer Awards, set up to “recognise and acknowledge the exceptional volunteers of Southend-on-Sea, whose tireless efforts and dedication significantly enrich our city”.

Roger Savage of SAVS said: “We want to kindly ask Nikki and Secret to accept this token of our appreciation with our deepest thanks and heartfelt congratulations,” adding that SAVS is considering an award for animals next year, to acknowledge their contribution to society.

The Silverbirch spokesperson said: “Commenting on her achievement, Secret said she was happiest when helping others, then went back to eating grass and chilling with her herd.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

Superstar’s racing colours to raise funds for new equine therapy centre named after late teenager

Becky Murray — Wed, 01 May 2024 06:03:55 +0000

A new equine therapy centre will be named in memory of Jack de Bromhead – as Henry de Bromhead-trained superstar mare Honeysuckle’s colours go up for auction to help fund the facility’s running costs.

The Jack de Bromhead Equine Therapy Centre will be built this year at charity ChildVision’s campus at Drumcondra, Dublin, as a result of donations from a group of family and friends of the de Bromhead family. The centre will have an indoor arena, up to 10 stables, learning space and ancillary accommodation.

Jack, the 13-year-old son of Grand National and Gold Cup-winning trainer Henry, died after a fall at Glenbeigh Racing Festival on 3 September 2022.

Chris Jones, a family friend and racehorse owner, led the fundraising campaign with the blessing of Jack’s parents Henry and Heather, and the the €1,000,000 (£854,418) target was met in December. The facility will give children who are blind, multi-disabled and neurodiverse access to “the best global equine activities in a supportive and purpose-designed environment” and will allow the ChildVision equine team and volunteers to reach more children, “making a life-changing difference”.

An image of what the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre will look like. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit ChildVision last summer and to see first-hand the therapeutic impact that equine can have on children with complex needs. I knew that Henry and Heather already had a connection to ChildVision and knowing that many friends and family members wanted to find some way to mark Jack’s love of horses in a tangible way, the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre concept came to fruition,” said Chris.

“The response to my call for donations was unbelievably kind and generous. It’s a testament to the high regard the de Bromheads are held in that we are in a position to make the equine centre at ChildVision in Jack’s name a reality.”

To help with the centre’s operating costs, Honeysuckle’s owner Kenny Alexander, has donated the racing colours Rachael Blackmore wore in all their major races including four Cheltenham Festival victories and nine Irish Grade Ones, for auction. The silks, signed by Rachael, Henry, and Kenny, will be auctioned at the Goffs sale at the Punchestown Festival on 2 May.

Rachael said Honeysuckle gave her “some of the best days of my career” and the colours hold a lot of special memories.

“Zoe, Henry’s travelling head girl, always kept this one special set aside just for Honeysuckle and I wore them in all of Honeysuckle’s big days at Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown,” she said.

“They are going to be auctioned, and all money raised will be donated to the operating costs of the new Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre. The donation will make a lasting difference to those children and their families who will benefit so much from the amazing work that they do at ChildVision, where hopefully many more great memories will be made.”

The de Bromhead family said the centre will be a “wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother”.

“More so, it will be a place of learning and hope, full of laughter and joy, traits that were such a part of Jack, all facilitated by the much-treasured horses and ponies that call the ChildVision stables home.

“We are looking forward to following the development and construction of the new equine therapeutic centre and being there to cut the ribbon when it is completed. We are for ever grateful to those who came on board to support us – we know Jack would be really proud of what this life-changing generosity will enable.”

ChildVision chief executive Barry Sheridan added that the charity had already raised more than €500,000 towards the centre, but “without this extraordinary fundraising support we would not have been in a position to break ground in 2024 on this vital facility”.

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‘I’ve been given a second chance’: young man turns his life around thanks to donkeys

Becky Murray — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:33:07 +0000

A young man who spent two years struggling with alcohol and drug addiction has been “given a reason to live again”, thanks to a donkey-assisted activity programme.

Kaiden, 20, from Leeds, described his life as a “dark place”, in which he was “surviving and not living”. He lived with his dad and girlfriend, smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol, and he struggled to keep a job.

Kaiden was accepted into the care coordination pathway at EMERGE Leeds, having been referred by his GP for “interpersonal and emotional difficulties”. EMERGE Leeds is a specialist service covering West Yorkshire, provided by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The service works with people aged 18-25, some of whom are new to mental health services or are transitioning to adult services from child and adolescent mental health services.

After a period of work with his care coordinator, Kaiden was introduced to occupational therapy, which included a donkey-assisted activity programme at The Donkey Sanctuary in Leeds. The centre is one of six in the UK that offer services to the local community, while providing refuge for donkeys in need.

A spokesman for the programme said that when Kaiden initially turned up to sessions his hair would cover his face to limit the amount of eye contact he had with others, and he responded to questions with one-word answers. But in time, he said he felt “listened to”, and “not judged”. He started attending sessions dressed differently and said he wanted to “make an effort, feel smart, and be more open”. He had his hair cut, and his facial expressions changed, with “warm smiles, and obvious connections being made with the donkeys”.

“Before I came to The Donkey Sanctuary my life was really unpleasant. I had nothing to live for, nothing to look forward to and enjoyed no part of my life,” said Kaiden.

“Since working with EMERGE Leeds and the donkeys, I feel transformed. I feel confident in myself, I feel positive and I look forward to each new day. I’m only 20 and feel like I’ve been given a second chance to live again and I’m going to grab that chance with both hands and take it.”

“I wanted to make the video so that other people like me can be helped, so that they can see they are not alone, that they can get help and that things can get better,” said Kaiden.

“While individuals can reflect on their own emotions and identify how they can develop life skills, the donkeys learn to trust people again and grow in their own confidence, so these programmes are a real win-win experience for everyone involved.”

Nicola Binns, EMERGE associate practitioner and staff clinical governor, said the visits to the sanctuary have helped the service’s clients “grow in confidence, engage more and learn how to build trust in themselves and others”.

“Many find comfort in the calm and accepting presence of the animals. It’s great for slowing down and helping us be more in the present,” she said.

Equine therapy: how horses can help with stress, anxiety, and trauma

Becky Murray — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:38:45 +0000

The equine-assisted therapy field is continuing to grow as more people see the benefits horses can offer.

Dementia, mental health problems and terminal illness are just a few areas in which equine-assisted therapy is proving beneficial, and providers are reporting an increase in patients being referred by social prescribing (when health professionals refer patients to community support).

“We’re seeing the industry grow, especially with people who are not horsey. Most of the people that come to us have never been around horses but they are looking for an answer and we have the solution,” Ms Shale told H&H.

“Our programmes are ‘trauma-informed’, so it’s teaching people to develop and understand their bodies. We use horses to demonstrate the fight and flight mechanism and we help people to understand what stress is and how it manifests in the body.

“Our bodies do the same sort of thing as horses’ do when they are scared of things; when we feel fear, we respond either by going into fight or flight. When you understand the basics of the science behind what is happening in your body when you feel anxious or stressed, you have a chance to calm that nervous system and the tools to regulate it.”

“My therapy focuses on helping these people just to find inner peace so that they can cope with things like their hospital appointments. Sometimes in sessions all a person wants to do is just stand with a horse, and that’s enough for them,” she said.

“Horses have a lot more to offer than we were ever aware of. I personally feel the vibration of a horse is just naturally healing.”

Ms Olson was involved in organising a class at the Weeton Show on 30 July to celebrate therapy equines. People who could not physically attend could instead enter online, and a marquee at the show displayed pictures of the horses and information about them.

“We wanted to celebrate equines as therapists,” she said. “If someone had had physical, mental or emotional therapy from any equine, whether they owned the animal or it was based at a centre, they could enter.

“The public could meet the horses and the handlers at the show and find out how to access this type of help. It’s a chance to show people that anyone can access a horse, even if it’s visiting a local rescue centre. Horses are for everyone.”

A Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) spokesman told H&H the charity now has 50 groups offering “Tea with a Pony” sessions for those living with dementia.

“This started in 2018 at Cotswold RDA, which had become aware of the increasing number of people living in their community with a range of life-changing conditions, particularly dementia, and for whom riding was not suitable but who might be helped by some other form of animal-assisted therapy involving horses,” said the spokesman.

The Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR), a register of practitioners offering equine-assisted therapy, celebrated its first anniversary in March and now has more than 50 providers signed up.

HEIR UK project manager Anna Collins told H&H people are “seeing the value of the register”.

“The sector is understanding that it needs to be credible. Some people might think that equine-assisted services are a bit quirky, but they’re having positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the people benefiting from them,” she said.

“There’s a whole spectrum of therapeutic equine services; from Godolphin taking former racehorses into care homes, to horses being used to support military veterans, or people with physical mobility problems. It’s huge and it’s growing. We held an event in March to celebrate our anniversary and we had more than 150 people attend from across the industry, including the Princess Royal, and it shows the attention the sector is getting.”

Ms Collins added that the organisation has been “delighted” with the applications it has received to the register.

“We’re working on the basis that if people don’t meet the standards we will advise them how to do so, rather than just say you’re not in,” she said.

“The most common things that people need support with are making sure they have a safeguarding policy – or making sure they’re insured properly. We’ll look at their insurance policies and say, ‘You’re not really covered here for what you’re doing’, and it’s quite a shock for them. I think it’s been really good because collectively everybody’s learned that in some areas there may be a few weaknesses – and that’s why the register is needed. It’s all helping to raise the standard.”

Therapy ponies strap on pedometers for the ‘dads, brothers, and grandads’ who die every year

Becky Murray — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 19:33:29 +0000

A group of miniature therapy ponies is strapping on pedometers ready to help raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer.

Every day during March, Keysoe Cuddle Therapy Centre’s 10 ponies will walk 11,000 steps, accompanied by the centre’s staff, as part of Prostate Cancer UK’s March the Month campaign. The 11,000 steps represent the 11,000 “dads, brothers, grandads, partners and mates, who die from prostate cancer every year”.

Jayde Cook, head of operations at Keysoe International, told H&H the Cuddle Therapy Centre – which is working with local councils to help vulnerable adults and children, and those with disabilities – is taking on the March the Month challenge as a way to “give back” to the community.

“This year we are planning to do more charity work with the ponies and this is our first step towards that,” she said.

“A member of our staff lost a parent very recently to prostate cancer and when we discovered March the Month we thought this was perfect.”

Jayde said the ponies will each walk 11,000 steps per day as part of their exercise and will have pedometers strapped to their legs.

“It gets the whole team involved and all our staff will be walking the ponies. We’re also inviting the public to walk the ponies and we’re holding weekly meet and greets,” she said.

Norman Frederick Buxton, father of Keysoe team member Lucy Matear, died from prostate cancer in December 2022.

“I saw that Prostate Cancer UK was doing a sponsored walk throughout March and thought this was the perfect way to raise some money for a cause which has been very close to home for the past few years,” said Lucy.

“My dad lived an extraordinary life – as a soldier, sailor, lion-tamer – and he spent a large part of his life as The Queen’s stud groom at Hampton Court. As a horse lover, I know my dad would have been really proud to see the Keysoe Cuddle Therapy Centre ponies join me in March the Month.”

Horses can help patients recovering from breast cancer, new study shows

Becky Murray — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:40:15 +0000

The benefits of hippotherapy for patients recovering from breast cancer have been highlighted in new research.

French researchers of the Equiphoria Institute carried out a clinical trial and published the findings in medical journal Cancers. Led by Helena Viruega, the trial aimed to assess the relevance of hippotherapy in helping a patient during their recovery. Hippotherapy is a health professional-led physiotherapy treatment during which the patient is led on a walking horse, and is used to help with a number of disabilities, and conditions such as strokes, multiple sclerosis and dementia.

The researchers discussed the “personal tsunami” a person can go through following medical intervention and treatment for cancer – and said patients have to find a way to “fully recover their sense of self”. They said that hippotherapy can “tackle this challenge” by providing an “efficient, non-intrusive, and custom-made framework” for the patient’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.

The six-month trial was carried out with two study groups; a group of women receiving hippotherapy treatment combined with a supportive care programme, and a control group receiving only the supportive care programme. The hippotherapy programme consisted of daily sessions for the first week, then twice-daily sessions for three days every two months. However the supportive care treatment was adapted and fully personalised to suit each participant’s needs.

The researchers verified whether these scores were affected by the two treatments, and recorded a significant positive change in the scores over time for the hippotherapy group. No change was observed in the control group.

“We confirmed these results through ad hoc tests for the hippotherapy group, showing an increase of quality of life after the first week of treatment. This improvement was maintained after the end of the program, i.e., six months after the first week of treatment, but no statistical difference was observed between the second and third questionnaire,” said the researchers, who carried out further testing and analysis.

The researchers also looked at the effect hippotherapy had on cognitive ability, fatigue, anxiety and depression, in patients recovering from breast cancer. The groups completed further questionnaires which allowed scores to be calculated and analysed. Those in the hippotherapy group showed more improvements in these areas over the six-month period than those in the control group.

“The hippotherapy group showed a much faster, favourable and continuous improvement until the end of the program, for each function assessed,” said the researchers.

“The most striking improvements were observed in global quality of life, and fatigue, while breast cancer-specific quality of life, cognitive performance, anxiety and depression and body image showed a less marked but still statistically significant difference at the final post-treatment evaluation.”

The researchers said previous research suggests exercise is important for improving the quality of life of patients but noted that this is challenging for those struggling with pain and fatigue.

“Hippotherapy initiates a physiologic passive movement that rapidly becomes self-induced. This movement is strongly imprinted in the patient’s body as their own locomotion and rhythm. Within this movement framework, the patient doesn’t feel that he is putting himself in danger and has the space to receive rewards (experiencing pleasure, relaxation, and feeling ready to let go),” they said.

The researchers concluded that the work demonstrated the relevance of hippotherapy as a “key initial stage” following cancer diagnosis and treatment, to aid recovery.

“Hippotherapy appears as the backbone and initial compulsory step of the supportive care strategy after diagnosis and primary treatment of breast cancer, preparing the patients for their self-empowerment and optimal reconstruction, and relying on the different options available to them,” they said.

Read the full study: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/15/4/1317

The healing power of horses to help more people than ever

Lucy Elder — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 10:42:46 +0000

Strong steps forward are being made in helping bring equine-assisted therapy to more people outside the equestrian world.

Research, collaborations and addressing the barriers to equine-assisted therapy being more widely accessed or “prescribed” are among the recent developments.

The Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR UK) launched in March 2022 and is “delighted” with its progress in its first eight months.

“We have 50 organisations registered and some more in the pipeline,” HEIR UK project manager Anna Collins told H&H.

“We’re really pleased that we have a good, broad mix of equine-assisted training and equine-assisted therapy.”

She added that they are seeing “all kinds of different” involvement of horses across the services, a broad range of types of organisations registered, and people involved.”

To join, organisations must submit evidence confirming they meet the criteria for professionalism, equine welfare, service provision and user engagement, benefits and impact, and governance. For example, proving they have satisfactory safeguarding, health and safety, and insurance in place.

Ms Collins explained HEIR UK’s intention is “we don’t want to refuse anyone admission”. But by having set standards, they are able to go back to any organisations that do not meet the criteria and advise them what they need to do to fulfil these before they can be added to the register.

“What the register will do is help to demonstrate the impact the work can have and the real difference it can make,” added Ms Collins.

Francesca Compostella, vet and aftercare project manager at the British racing industry’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB), told H&H the development of HEIR is the “fundamental next step” in bridging the gap to the wider world.

“What we find is that horsey people appreciate the benefits,” she said, expanding on the endorphin releases from exercise and the benefits humans feel from being horses.

Dr Compostella added that the HWB supports the register “wholeheartedly”.

“We see it as a real opportunity for the horses to find a niche in a role that they can have for the community – they already serve that and it needs to be promoted better, so we are definitely behind it,” she said, adding that the HWB is supporting aftercare centres in achieving the HEIR accreditation, as well as the work and research charity Racing To Relate is doing in this area.

One of its most recent partnerships is with Mind in Bradford, an independent charity affiliated to national mental health charity Mind.

A six-week pilot project was run by Mind in Bradford and Cliff Hollins RDA Group, which operates from the Cliff Hollins Riding School, in September and October. The pilot’s success means another project is in the pipeline.

The six participants mostly had no previous experience with horses or ponies, and learnt how to handle and care for equines.

“The sessions have been a huge success and there has been lots of positive feedback around how the staff at the stables have shown care and empathy both towards the clients attending and the horses they are looking after,” said Phil Woodward, Mind in Bradford service manager. “Two of the clients have signed up to be volunteers and there has been an increase in self-confidence and confidence around the horses.”

Charities Greatwood, and Racing Together, British racing’s community engagement arm, have run programmes over the past two years measuring outcomes of former racehorse Ouzbeck’s visits to a care home.

“We were able to run the programme again this summer at the same care home, but with a more focused cohort of seven residents for data collection,” Greatwood’s education and wellbeing lead Alex Shaw told H&H.

“We are looking initially at the impact of equine interactions on care home residents, but also at the suitability of former racehorses for such activities. Overall, the anecdotal feedback has been very positive and the scales used to measure impact have shown some improvements.”

Staff feedback stated that the visits “certainly improved the quality of life and emotional wellbeing of the residents”.

“Ouzbeck’s visits certainly helped people who suffered from anxiety and depression,” said the feedback. “They had something to think about and talk about. Some had loved and associated with horses in their past, and it brought back positive memories and feelings, while for others it was a completely new thing and they were proud of what they were able to achieve.”

New equine-assisted therapy register launches with Paralympian as patron

Becky Murray — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:31:08 +0000

A register of practitioners offering equine-assisted therapy goes live next week, with the aim of providing “credibility and meaningful standards” for the industry.

In March 2021 H&H reported that a steering group had been formed involving organisations including the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Hartpury University, HorseBack UK and Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship, with the aim of creating the voluntary Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR). A consultation followed, with which more than 200 organisations engaged, including providers, funders and clients, and showed a “clear demand” for the register.

Operating under the umbrella of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International, HEIR will launch on 31 March and provide a place where clients, service commissioners and funders can get “information and reassurance” that the organisation offering human-equine interaction services is “credible” and works to minimum standards.

A spokesman for the steering group said the number of human-equine interaction programmes available in the UK had increased significantly over the last decade, and the scope, size and professional backgrounds of these services “vary greatly, with “little coordination” as to standards of practice.

To join the register practitioners and organisations must submit documents and evidence to confirm that they align with and meet five criteria: professionalism, equine welfare, service provision and service user engagement, benefits and impact, and governance.

“The development of the register is a huge step forward in getting the field of human-equine interaction in the UK working together, building credibility with those that matter and making sure that we are all working to sensible and meaningful standards. It will take the industry forward with a giant leap,” said Ed Bracher, outgoing chief executive of RDA UK and chair of the HEIR steering group.

Paralympic medallist Natasha Baker, who has been appointed patron of the register, said she was “excited” to watch it grow.

“I think that coming up through RDA and benefiting not just physically, but through friendships, mixing with people with similar interests, and meeting people with different disabilities and challenges, has given me so much and without it, I wouldn’t have six gold medals to my name,” she said.

“There are so many individuals and organisations out there that provide these services and people need to be able to find them to access the service that best suits their needs.”

Nigel Payne of the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trust said the organisation receives an “enormous” amount of applications for funding in which charities suggest they are “experts” in equine-assisted therapy, but said it was vital the trust knows the organisation is recognised through a form of “kitemark”.

“This register is perfect because we would like to be able to access a database, know what they do, where they are located and that they are safe to practise,” he said.

“This is so important as it avoids potential harm to service users and horses. As a grantmaker we need to know that they have been endorsed to be on the register.”

Register for equine-assisted therapy is set to be launched

Becky Murray — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 13:03:20 +0000

A register of practitioners offering equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is due to launch in spring, as consultation shows “clear demand” for such a service.

Plans to create the voluntary Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR) for those offering EAT were announced in March last year, with the aim of providing governance and credibility across the industry (news, 18 March 2021). A working party, made up of organisations including the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Hartpury College, HorseBack UK, and Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship, held a consultation, which engaged more than 200 organisations including providers, funders and clients.

The online register, which is due to launch in March, will be under the umbrella of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI), a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates collaborations between organisations and individuals offering equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Practitioners and organisations will be asked to submit specified documents to confirm they have certain standards in place, for example evidence of insurance cover, qualifications, and policies and training, which will be verified before applicants are included on the register.

It is proposed the register will be governed by an independent committee of guardians on behalf of the sector, including HETI committee members, funders, and providers from representative disciplines.therapy ponies

Outgoing RDA chief executive Ed Bracher, who chairs the HEIR working party, told H&H the consultation provided useful feedback and demonstrated a “clear demand” for the register.

“We’ve picked up a really strong desire for people to work together more. A big part of what we set out to achieve is to help everybody improve standards and service delivery, and ultimately improve the experience for the people we’re here to support,” he said.

“If we can do that in a way where everybody is willing to collaborate, that’s a really good thing and the more we can use the register to promote that, the better.”

Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship chair of trustees Sarah Urwin told H&H the field of EAT has been growing in the UK since around 2000 and said there is an “absolute need” for the register.

“There has been no industry structure or national occupational standards, so EAT could be interpreted and applied in terms of treatments in any way somebody saw fit,” she said.

“EAT, equine-assisted learning, and equine-assisted activities are all a little bit different and it’s not clear to many service commissioners what the differences are, and what qualifications practitioners need to deliver them. An unconscious incompetence has arisen, which is a real shame because it’s an amazing way of working with people, but it’s potentially quite dangerous if you don’t have clarity.

“By creating the register we’re trying to gently introduce some framework so the service commissioners, the people receiving the services, and those delivering have more understanding and we can properly look at service outcomes.”

Mary and Foal Sanctuary chief executive Sarah Jane Williamson, who also helps facilitate the south-west practitioners network – a group of organisations that provide EAT around Devon and Cornwall – told H&H the consultation was “very positive”.

‘Shy’ Shetland who became ‘star’ therapy pony wins prestigious award

Becky Murray — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:03:12 +0000

A therapy pony who overcame his shyness to spread joy among everyone he visits has received a prestigious award at a star-studded ceremony.

Shetland pony Wilson of Therapy Ponies Scotland received the “caring animal” award at the Mirror People’s Pet Awards 2021 (formerly the Animal Hero Awards) and attended the London-based ceremony in person with owners Elaine and John Sangster to collect the honours last Thursday (9 December).

John told H&H that 10-year-old Wilson joined their herd of ponies when he was around six months old but owing to his timid nature, it took him some time to settle in.

“When we first met him he was so shy, he’d run into a corner and hide. When we took him home he was getting a bit bullied by the other ponies and he wasn’t fitting in so we put him in the dog kennel with our Newfoundlands Penny and Innes and he slept there for a little while,” he said.

“At the time it was close to Elaine and I getting married and while we had someone looking after the ponies we thought it might be a bit too much to ask to look after Wilson too so we took him on honeymoon with us to the Buckatree hotel in Shropshire. Every day he came walking with us and the dogs, and I think that was the making of his confidence.”

Around five years ago John and Elaine launched Therapy Ponies Scotland after they were invited to bring Wilson into a rehabilitation home for a visit. The couple now regularly visit care homes, hospices and schools with eight therapy ponies, and Wilson is the “star of the show”.

“We’ve done a lot of training with the ponies. One year we did a presentation at the Royal Dick Vet hospital in Edinburgh and at the end everyone clapped and Wilson went ballistic at the noise. He’s absolutely fine with other loud noises but not clapping so we had to do some training on this before we went to the awards. While we were there instead of clapping everyone was asked to do jazz hands while Wilson was on stage,” said John.

“Wilson is the cheekiest pony you will ever meet but is as gentle as a lamb. He is a very people’s pony. He’s very affectionate and loves a kiss and a cuddle. It’s nice to win the award, but the most important thing to me is Wilson.”

Equestrian who survived cancer ‘grateful’ for illness as it has transformed her life — and others’

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:31:35 +0000

An equestrian who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer aged 27 says she is almost grateful for the illness, as it has transformed her own life, and allowed her to help others.

Sarah Stephens’ diagnosis came “completely out of the blue” in 2016, when she thought she had just become established on the course her life was supposed to take. Five years on, she has delivered some 500 sessions of equine therapy to other people affected by cancer.

She told H&H the idea for her Macmillan Spirit and Soul Equine Therapy Service, in Derbyshire, came from her own experiences since May 2016.

“I went to the doctor as I’d found a random lump and initially it was all ‘Don’t worry, it’s highly unlikely it’s anything’,” Sarah said. “I went back for my results and it was stage three breast cancer; within 15-20 minutes, everything changed.”

Sarah underwent six months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumours, then a double mastectomy, and an operation to remove her ovaries, as genetic testing had revealed a fault on a BRCA one gene that meant developing ovarian cancer was more likely.

At that stage, Sarah had two horses: former racehorse Trevor and miniature Shetland Foxy, as the hobby she worked to afford.

“My friends at the yard did them for me the night I was diagnosed as I was stuck in hospital,” she said. “But the next morning, I went down to see them. They were in the barn and I was sitting there with the ex-racehorse’s head in my lap. I must have sat there for two hours, and it gave me some time to process everything.

“The horses became a huge part of everything; they were a focus. I can count on one hand the days I didn’t do them through my treatment, because they gave me a purpose.”

Sarah said the horses were also a respite in other ways.

“People don’t know what to say to you in that situation; some people couldn’t even look at me once I’d lost my hair, and my boobs,” she said. “But the horses still treated me like me.

“The Shetland is a notorious mini Shetland and the other one was a stubborn character; don’t feel sorry for yourself, just get on with it. I needed that, and I started thinking ‘There’s something to this’.”

Sarah had been working in psychology in prisons, to help people make changes, and she started making plans for the service; taking a notebook with her to her chemotherapy sessions, to use the three-hour treatment periods to plan for the future.

“It gave me something to look forward to,” she said. “A lot of what we do now, I make sure is really focused on solutions, and looking to the future, even to those people whose condition is terminal; you’ve still got life, let’s live it.”

As soon as her treatment was over, and the cancer gone, Sarah set up her service. In summer 2017, she contacted Macmillan Cancer Support, to see if the charity was interested in being involved.

“I thought they could only say no; when you’ve just gone through all that, you take a few more risks!” she said. “At the time, we were at a lovely farm but in a dilapidated old cabin with no electricity. The Macmillan partnership manager came out in her high heels and I made her a cup of tea on the camping stove, and thought she’d laugh. But she loved it.”

The service provides one-to-one sessions — “There are so many support groups, but this is bespoke; people’s journeys are so individual,” Sarah said — with individual or herds of horses.

Each client has four sessions funded by Macmillan; they might involve grooming the horses or working with them from the ground.

“Horsey people can brush off grooming, thinking it’s just grooming, but it can be quite grounding,” Sarah said. “One lady took the brush and as soon as she put it on the horse, she burst into tears. She just stopped for a second and her brave face came off.

“You get so fixated on the next treatment or what’s going to happen, and you’ve got no control over any of it, but this allows you to be mindful, and just focus on the now.”

Sarah said the horses respond differently to each person, and that although some may struggle at first; even if they say they are coping, the horses can sense the inner turmoil, by the last sessions, the horses have become almost friends.

“The feedback has been amazing,” Sarah said. “It’s still so incredible to hear; the little snippets, from people saying they feel themselves again, for the first time in however long, or have felt they had hope again.”

Sarah mentioned one woman, who died last year, and whose family asked for donations to the service rather than funeral flowers, as it had made such a significant impact on her life. The service has now expanded, to be run also from Healing With Horses in Widnes.

“I had a phone call from a member of her family the other day, saying emotionally, we’d kept her alive as long as we did,” Sarah said.

“It all feels a bit surreal. I had a Facebook memory pop up the other day from five years ago, when I was in chemotherapy, and everything has completely changed since then.

“The ridiculous thing is that I’m incredibly grateful for being so ill, because without it, my life would be completely different. And other people’s too.”

Rescue pony who looked ‘ready to die’ helping young people 10 years on

Becky Murray — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 13:46:01 +0000

A “skeletal” youngster who had to undergo six blood transfusions when he was rescued 10 years ago is providing “life-changing” support for struggling young people as an equine-assisted learning pony.

Staff at HorseWorld worked round the clock to save the life of cob Buddy when he arrived at the charity in 2011, weighing a third of his ideal body weight.

Groom Kayleigh Silver, who helped care for Buddy, said the gelding looked “ready to die” and was so weak that his head had to be supported by grooms.

“It took a drip and six blood transfusions to give Buddy the strength to support his own weight. He had to be lifted to his feet every two hours day and night for the first two weeks,” she said.

“If he laid down he was unable to get himself back up again and became distressed that he couldn’t get to his food. He couldn’t be left lying on his side for too long. In his efforts to get up, he would rub sores on his shoulders, hips and head where his bones protruded through his fragile skin. Buddy’s bed had to be very deep with huge banks of straw around the edges for him to push against while we were lifting him.”

A HorseWorld spokesman said Buddy weighed 108kg on arrival and his “skeletal frame” was hidden under his thick, matted coat.

“He should have weighed around 280-300kg at his age. He was also suffering from severe diarrhoea that was full of redworm,” he said.

“Once nursed back to health and allowed to mature our team of specialists worked with Buddy to train him to be ridden. The aim was to find him a new home on our loan scheme where he would receive all the love and one-to-one attention he deserves. Buddy did find a home but had to return to the charity through no fault of his own.”

Buddy has since become a fully trained equine assisted learning pony and is involved in HorseWorld’s Discovery courses, which help young people who are struggling to learn in a classroom environment.

Buddy in 2021 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Young people are often referred to our courses with a wide range of complex and challenging social, emotional and mental health needs or learning difficulties. They complete a six-week course alongside the rescue horses. It is a chance to learn vital life skills outside of the classroom setting in a positive and encouraging environment,” said the spokesman.

“The rescued horses have been given a second chance and have beaten the odds to survive. This resonates with a lot of children who are struggling to overcome difficulties in school and in their personal lives resulting in strong bonds forming between students and horses. Horses naturally desire calm and strong leadership and have no preconceived judgements, allowing the students to develop relationships based on mutual respect.”

HorseWorld yard manager Sarah Hollister said Buddy was one of the worst cases of neglect the charity had dealt with and now seeing the gelding enjoying life and making a difference to children and young people makes it all worthwhile.

“He clearly loves his work and will whicker to the children as they arrive. He’s helped so many young people to build their confidence and communication skills, he really is a special pony,” she said.

“Buddy is fully recovered but is just one of many rescue cases that HorseWorld helps. The winter being the busiest time when the cold weather and lack of grazing means that horses that are abandoned or neglected become emaciated and ill very quickly.”

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(Image credit: HorseWorld)

‘Everyone needs a Wesley’: Shetland pony becomes village celebrity during lockdown

“I’m in the process of officially registering him as a therapy pony and in the future would like to offer

(Image credit: HorseWorld)

Rescued mare finally finds family to call her own 16 years later

The mare arrived at the charity as a yearling in 2004 as part of a group of 16 feral youngsters

(Image credit: HorseWorld)

The spokesman added the charity relies on the support of the public to rescue horses and to be able to run the Discovery courses.

“We have set up an appeal to help even more young people and more rescued horses to have a future with clear direction and focus, a positive purpose in life,” he said.

“If you wish to donate to HorseWorld’s discovery courses, and be a part of this life-changing program, offering a safe space and an exciting new future for both the young people and the horses and ponies that work with them, please visit our website.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘Everyone needs a Wesley’: Shetland pony becomes village celebrity during lockdown

Becky Murray — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 17:03:03 +0000

A miniature Shetland pony has overcome his confidence issues and is now spreading joy around his village.

Kelly Woor from Fakenham, Norfolk, bought Wesley as a two-year-old in 2018 and spent the next 12 months gaining his trust.

“I was told he’d been sold twice through a horse fair before coming to me,” Kelly told H&H. “When he arrived he was absolutely petrified and I couldn’t catch him or touch him.

“If you sneezed near him he would jump, he was just terrified. I spent hours sitting in the field with him trying to show him I wasn’t going to harm him.”

Kelly said Wesley struck up a friendship with her then two-year-old mare Autumn.

“They became inseparable,” she said. “I’ve had Autumn since she was a foal and she’s always been really friendly and curious so it really helped bring Wesley round.

“They are the best of friends and now she is 15hh, he can stand underneath her.”

In 2019 Kelly started taking Wesley into care homes where she used to work, to greet the residents. The gelding also attends weddings and primary schools.

“I thought it would be a nice thing to do and Wesley really enjoyed it. He would always walk straight into the lift at the homes, and he also developed a love of rich tea biscuits because the residents would feed him their biscuits,” she said.

“At Christmas time some of the schools contacted me about taking him to visit the children in place of Santa this year. One school was giving every child a book as a present so Wesley wore a basket carrying the books and the kids thought he was amazing.”

(Image credit: Kelly Woor)

‘He always makes people giggle’: Shetland pony raises spirits and vital funds for charity

‘I don’t know if it’s just his spirit but it brings something out in people. He’s a very special pony’

(Image credit: Kelly Woor)

Shetlands Freddie and Sven help boost children’s mental health

(Image credit: Kelly Woor)

Kelly said Wesley’s care home trips are currently on hold owing to Covid so she has been taking him out for walks around the village for exercise at weekends.

“Everyone is so happy to see him, it really cheers people up and everyone knows his name,” she said.

“I’m in the process of officially registering him as a therapy pony and in the future would like to offer sessions for children and adults to groom and spend time with him. Everyone needs a Wesley!”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘He always makes people giggle’: Shetland pony raises spirits and vital funds for charity

Becky Murray — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 10:03:31 +0000

A Shetland pony who works as a dementia ambassador has raised more than £18,000 for charity.

Ali Stearn, from Norfolk, bought Jack Brock as a three-year-old from Mark Brock, who rescued him as a foal from a traveller fair.

Ali told H&H she took Jack into her house one day in 2013 when she needed to grab something and it became a ritual of taking him indoors.

“My friend said when I got married, because he was so good inside, I should let him carry the confetti in the church,” she said.

“The story went in a wedding magazine and from that I had a call from a nurse at a care home asking if I would be interested in taking Jack to visit the patients. I said ‘let’s try it’ and ever since we’ve been supporting dementia care and doing visits at homes around Norfolk.”

Ali said Jack is “full of character” and loved by patients.

“People come up to him on zimmer frames and wheelcahirs but he is never worried and if he ever gets too hot he’ll happily roll on the nursing home carpet,” she said.

“I feel very proud of Jack when I see the response on people’s faces and he always makes people giggle. I don’t know if it’s just his spirit but it brings something out in people. He’s a very special pony.”

Jack, who also attends weddings, was given sponsorship from the Co-op Group, becoming a brand ambassador in 2017.

“The East of England Co-op really helped raise awareness of his work and put him in all their magazines which was brilliant. They held a ceremony for him and gave him a rug,” Ali said.

“We’ve met so many people who take pictures of Jack and post them on social media and his profile has spiralled. It’s wonderful because it helps raise awareness of dementia and the need for therapy ponies.”

Jack took part in a six-mile sponsored walk around a country estate earlier in the year and has raised £18,000 to date in 2019 for dementia charities. Ali is also launching Jack’s first Christmas card, illustrated by Ali, which can be bought online with all funds going to dementia causes. Ali illustrated a 2018 Christmas card for her stepfather, 1981 Grand National winner Bob Champion, in aid of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

“If a home or dementia café sell the cards they keep the proceeds for themselves, and the proceeds from cards sold on my website will be donated too,” said Ali. “I like the money to go to the activity departments at homes because often the budgets are small. I don’t charge to bring Jack in but other activities can cost homes a lot of money.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Ali Stearn)

Miniature ‘unicorn’ brings joy to seven-year-old with brain tumour

(Image credit: Ali Stearn)

Miniature Shetland pony ‘cuts the carrot’ in super cute opening ceremony

The miniature Shetland is in training to become a therapy pony

(Image credit: Ali Stearn)

“Dementia cafes give everybody a break and are run by volunteers. If someone has dementia you can take them to a café and they can play cards or paint pictures with a volunteer and you can sit in another room with other family members in the same boat and have a coffee and discuss things together. People are starting them up in more places but they still need volunteers and funds to help run them.”

Ali has been invited to No.11 Downing Street next week by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Dementia UK in recognition of her work and fundraising for dementia.

“It’s wonderful to be invited. They said they’d love Jack to come too but unfortunately for security reasons at Downing Street he can’t go with me.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Therapy ponies help dementia sufferers by bringing ‘comfort and joy’

Sarah Radford — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 10:03:09 +0000

Shetland ponies are being invited into care homes to provide therapy for dementia patients and other residents.

Elaine Sangster and her husband John — who run Therapy Ponies Scotland — dedicate most of their week to visiting homes and hospices throughout the country with some of their herd of 15 ponies.

The visits have been embraced by local authorities, including NHS Grampian, who say the Shetlands are an important support tool for those suffering with dementia.

“The interaction with the ponies often helps stimulate a positive social response from people living with dementia and minimises stress and distress. The animals provide comfort, joy and a sense of excitement,” said Lyn Irvine, nurse consultant for Alzheimer Scotland and NHS Grampian

“The difference the animals make can be quite remarkable – stimulating positive engagement and therapeutic interaction through full conversations about the animals.

“That’s really precious – both for the person living with dementia and for their families and carers.”

Elaine and John spend days preparing the ponies for visits, to ensure they are immaculately clean.

“We prepare them so they are teddy bear soft to touch and smell beautiful and people are bowled over by them,” Elaine said. “They have ‘whoops-a-daisy’ bags on them just in case, so there is no mess — they are great for getting people reminiscing and discussing and we don’t want that wiped out by a memory of them pooing on the carpet!”

Elaine said that the ponies had been a huge hit everywhere they had visited, and they often received “repeat bookings before we are out of the door”.

“At first the homes are not really sure what to expect, but once we have had our first visit the staff are usually delighted by the reactions, the whole place comes alive,” she said. “The relatives often pile in as well when they know they are coming.”

The diminutive ponies will even take the lift to visit patients who are unable to access communal areas.

“You walk into their bedroom with a pony and their faces just light up,” Elaine said. “Sometimes you see people who never come out of their room sprinting down the corridor with their zimmer frames!”

While most of the residents are just keen to cuddle and pet the ponies, Elaine said they were very effective at drawing people out.

“Sometimes we have carers in pieces because they see a resident talking to us who doesn’t normally speak,” she explained. “Something about the ponies can unlock conversation — they might tell us they worked with ponies when they were younger or their father was a farmer. The carers can’t believe it as it’s information they have never revealed.”

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(Image credit: John M Fulton)

Equine visitors bring joy to elderly horse lovers

Therapy pony Caesar made a special visit to see a life-long horse lover who is no longer able to visit

(Image credit: John M Fulton)

Therapy pony with ‘magic touch’ brings joy to disabled children

Dillon inspired his rehomer to set up a riding school for children with special needs and was a popular visitor

(Image credit: John M Fulton)

7 reasons to love (and sometimes despair) the Shetland pony

Love them or loathe them, a Shetland pony will keep you on your toes with their mischievous antics and here's

Elaine and John regularly use eight of their ponies for visits, swapping the ponies around so they “can each live a normal life and don’t get bored”.

She said the ponies “seemed to know their job” and relished the attention, loving “being tickled and cuddled”.

Most of the herd have been owned from foals, giving them ample chance to prepare for their role.

“We take them lots of places. We bring all of them in at night so they have contact with us twice a day and we get them used to as many things as we can. It’s also only us that handle them — we don’t have staff — so they trust us,” Elaine explained.

“Every time we go into a care home people can’t believe how well behaved and calm they are — we are so proud of them we could burst.

“People ask what therapy we give,” she added. “We say we bring in the ponies and they make you smile. There is no better therapy than that.”

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Donkeys give emotional support to young cancer survivors

Lucy Elder — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 10:56:48 +0000

Donkeys have been helping a pair of young cancer survivors with their emotional recovery.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s Belfast base has been working with cancer charity CLIC Sargent to see if spending time with the animals could benefit former patients.

Annaliese Laffan, 20, and Leighann Hickinson, 22, took part in the nine-week pilot scheme.

The 90 minutes sessions involved grooming and handling donkeys, as well as observing their behaviour.

Annaliese was diagnosed with cancer after sustaining a brain injury in a jeep accident while on a gap year in Australia.

She was placed in an induced coma, which led to the discovery of cancerous lumps on her neck.

“It was such a hard time,” said Annaliese.

“My parents actually heard the news first. I was struggling to process things with the injury. My parents had to sit me down and talk me through it. It was a horrible shock.”

The 20-year-old had to go through two sets of treatment after the cancer returned.

After her treatment, CLIC Sargent social worker Simon Darby asked her if she would like to take part in the scheme.

Annaliese said she did not want to do it at first.

“I didn’t know how it would work, and I was also worried about getting emotional,” she said.

“I had been pressing a lot down inside and it worried me to let it out.

“You work with these calming animals and we would talk about our experiences and how we felt.

“Before you know it you are talking about your feelings in a way you haven’t expected.”

Leighann developed a weakness in her right side and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour.

She underwent surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“I think people need more emotional support when they finish treatment and there’s time for it to hit home,” said Leighann.

“Simon was basically just like a friend to me and helped me get what I needed financially during and after treatment with grants and other things.

“When he mentioned the donkey programme I had no idea what he was talking about. So I went along, not thinking it would work. I find it really hard to talk about my feelings anyway.

“It just gave us a way to distract ourselves with the animals. They help you to relax and to talk about things. I ended up talking about so much. It felt good to talk about these things and this really helped.

“The presence of the donkeys really helps in a way that is hard to explain – you understand when you do it.”

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Annaliese and Leighann have both signed up to new courses to work in education following the pilot.

Simon added the pair have “transformed” since starting the project.

“Every week I watched in awe at something I knew very little about,” he said.

“As the weeks went on I experienced goose-bump moments where the young people were talking about issues that many cancer survivors would struggle with years after treatment.

“Having supported them from the beginning of their cancer journeys I can see them now starting to move forward with plans for the future, I can now see their self-confidence and self-belief for the first time.”

Caron Whaley, director of donkey-assisted therapy at The Donkey Sanctuary, added while the sanctuary’s staff facilitate the programme, it is the donkeys that do the work.

“Their bond with humans is independent, intuitive, autonomous,” she said.

“Without anthropomorphising donkeys, their connection with people both teaches us about them, and teaches us about ourselves.

“Vulnerable children and adults learn from their physical and emotional experience with these exceptional creatures.”

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Therapy pony with ‘magic touch’ brings joy to disabled children

Lucy Elder — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 12:07:48 +0000

A big-hearted therapy pony is continuing to help sick and disabled children at the ripe old age of 24.

Paediatric chiropractor Alison Ramseier took in the pony 16 years ago, when she first spotted his “magic touch” with children. The chestnut gelding inspired her to set up a riding school for children with disabilities and special needs.

“I had treated a few kids with disabilities and they couldn’t raise their hands,” said Alison.

“The second they walked past Dillon’s stable, which was next to the chiropractic room, they would be able to.

“That’s when I first started to think about equine therapy.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

He became a popular annual visitor to Worcester Children’s Hospital around Christmas time, dressed as a reindeer to help Santa deliver presents.

“During his visits all sorts of children would come out — those excited and happy, and those wheelchair-bound, drips in arms and possibly experiencing their last Christmas,” added Alison.

“Dillon gave his all to every one of these kids. He was sometimes a little worried by the machinery, but he understood his job and still offered kisses and cuddles, bringing a smile to their face at Christmas, and a tear to all those watching.”

Dillon has now “hung up his hooves” on hospital visits as he finds travelling difficult, but continues to help children at his equine therapy school home in Staffordshire.

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He works with fellow Blue Cross pony Sky to help in a number of ways.

These include therapeutic and sensory work, such as grooming and mucking out, as well as riding.

“We have kids that can’t walk very well, but the movement in the pelvis that horse riding can bring means they build up strength, developing their core and finding their centre of balance,” said Alison.

“The movement, as well as the contact with the horse, also stimulates oxytocin [an anxiety-alleviating hormone] in the brain which will also calm children.”

Dillon and Sky (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Blue Cross horse welfare coordinator Sally Forskett said Dillon has “thrived” in Alison’s care.

“It has been lovely to see the difference he has made to so many children’s lives,” she said.

“We are very pleased that Alison has agreed to take ownership of Dillon and he will stay with her for the rest of his days, continuing to help children.”

Dillon and Sky also play the role of “granddad and grandma” to the younger ponies at Alison’s yard, including two other rehomed horses who are in training for therapy work.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Equine visitors bring joy to elderly horse lovers

Lucy Elder — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 06:28:33 +0000

A pony made a special visit to a London care home to visit a life-long horse lover who is no longer able to visit her nearby stables.

Audrey Hall was taken back 75 years with a surprise visit from Caesar to Homemead Care Home in Park Road, Teddington, last month.

The 80-year-old grew up with horses and was a frequent visitor to nearby Park Lane stables.

Due to advancing arthritis in her knee, she is no longer able to make the journey, so staff at Homemead decided to bring her passion a little closer to home.

Park Lane Stables visit Homemead care home, Teddington with Caesar the Welsh pony.PICTURED: Homemead Home Manager, Theresa Rivera welcomes Daisy Cinque and Caesar the Welsh pony from Park Lane Stables. (Image credit: John M Fulton)

“We take time to understand what people love, how they like to spend their time, and once a month residents have the opportunity to have a day that’s special to them,” said care home manafer Theresa Rivera.

“We know how much horses mean to Audrey, and how frustrated she was at not being able to visit them anymore, so we came up with a solution.”

Audrey spent half an hour stroking Caesar and feeding him carrots before he headed off home through the front door.

“Audrey’s room is covered in horse memorabilia,” added Theresa. “Seeing Caesar opened up something within her, it brought out memories and feelings we don’t usually see from her which is wonderful.”

A statement from the care home said that “active reminiscence” is known to have a positive effect on people in residential care.

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Audrey said she will not forget the visit.

“It was such a lovely surprise to see Caesar, I nearly cried!” she said. “He reminds me of all the horses I used to ride when I was a young girl.”

Daisy Cinque, from Park Lane stables, accompanied therapy pony Caesar on his visit.

“It was wonderful to see how much joy Audrey got from Caesar being there,” she added. “The smell and the feel of the horse obviously took her back to being a young girl, and what were clearly very happy memories.”

Park Lane Stables visit Homemead care home, Teddington with Caesar the Welsh pony.LOOK WHO CAME TO TEA: Caesar the Welsh pony from Park Lane Stables at Homemead Care Home. (Image credit: John M Fulton)

Meanwhile in Exmouth, miniature donkey William has been bringing joy to residents in Fenihurst Nursing Home.

The 13-year-old equine, who is from The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, met residents for a spot of animal therapy.

“Our residents adore it when our friends from The Donkey Sanctuary come to visit. The donkeys are always very gentle and our residents find it very therapeutic when stroking them,” said activities leader Hazel Tribble, of Sanctuary Care Homes which runs Fenihurst.

“Animal visits also bring back wonderful memories for our residents as we have many animal lovers within the home.

“Our residents’ faces light up when they see the donkeys and like all the activities we plan in our home, these visits are incredibly beneficial for their wellbeing.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Plans for equine-therapy centre refused by council

Caroline Bankes — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 11:18:41 +0000

Plans for an equine-therapy centre in Shropshire have been turned down after the council raised concerns over access, safety and flooding.

Jill Higginson hoped to build an equine-assisted learning centre on the premises where she kept her horses to help people with learning and mental health problems.

The plans included a proposal for a log cabin to be used as a classroom and the building of a shed for storing feed and bedding.

But Shropshire Council said the access to the site at Moss Lane in Dudleston was not safe. The local parish council also raised concerns over flooding, noise and road safety at the site.

“It is considered that the proposed development does not benefit from adequate arrangements to ensure that users can safely access the site,” said Shropshire Council case officer Mark Perry in his report.

“As such the proposal is not safe and accessible to all, and does not constitute sustainable development.”

Mr Perry did acknowledge in his report that the proposed use for the site “could fill a need for such a facility in the local area and would be compatible with the rural nature of the site”.

But he said the site “was compromised” by the narrow access lane and the restricted visability on the B5068.

Mrs Higginson had proposed the village hall be used as a drop off site for clients but Perry said this was “not realistic” as the Moss Lane was too rutted to be suitable for disabled people and wheelchair users.

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In her defence of the plans to Shropshire Council, Mrs Higginson said she had been running a trial using her ponies to give therapy to disabled children and adults and children lacking confidence for the last two years.

“All these people report an increase in well being,” she said. “I have also been taking the two small ponies out to a nursing home in Oswestry, and have received welcome reports of improved, settled, behaviour.”

Fizz Marshall’s therapy centre blog: No idea what I was letting myself in for

Fizz Marshall — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 07:25:18 +0000

It’s been a while since I last wrote, having had a bit of a mid-season break of sorts, and it’s really nice to be back again!

I got back to work last Wednesday having finished my challenge to walk the 268 mile Pennine Way in 14 days for the charity Endometriosis UK.

As with anyone who’s forged a career in horses, I’ve had my fair share of injuries and I know what hard work is all about. I have, however, never experienced anything quite like what my body went through over those two weeks! It was without question the hardest thing, both mentally and physically, I have ever done. It wasn’t even a matter of fitness or being under-prepared; I was conditioned enough to get up the hills and cover varying distances of between 13 and 26 miles per day, but quickly learned that nothing prepares you for what your body goes through unless you’ve actually done something like this before.

Suffice to say I hadn’t ever done anything like it and so had no idea what I was getting myself into!

My standard optimistic outlook led me to trust that I could carry a 21kg pack along the toughest long distance trail in the UK. Let me tell you, I couldn’t. I established this in the first mile, after which I disposed of 3kg of weight straight away at the campsite I stayed at that night (what on earth I thought I would need flip flops anyway for goodness knows!).

And so it was that for the initial 10 day stretch of the challenge that I carried 18kg (almost 1/3 of my bodyweight) up to nine hours a day over moorland, along drove roads, across hideous bog, up crag faces then down the other side again, not to mention along a fair few bridleways!

The result of this, plus some really wet conditions, was a crucifying effect on my feet and

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

previously untapped parts of my legs — all of which really impeded my ability to walk at all. These unwelcome side-effects often kicked in around the 15 mile point; not too helpful on the 20 mile days!

The flip-side of doing something like this is that you get to see some amazing places that you often would never, ever know were there otherwise. The trail took in some truly astounding views and amazing landmarks along the way, and demanded climbs that had you proposed to me on paper, I would have never thought I’d make under that weight.

It taught me that even when you think you have nothing left, regardless of how much pain you’re in (provided you’re not massively injured of course), if you can just keep going, you can actually get through it. This revelation does however mean that I no longer have any excuse for wanting to stop because I’m knackered during lessons on my horse unfortunately!

The whole thing was embraced by so many people; my family, friends (some of whom came and joined in over the last few days), colleagues and even people I’d never met before but got talking to along the way and I’m so grateful to every one of them for their support.

Ultimately, it was an amazing experience, we raised a pretty decent chunk of money, and it was something I will never forget. At the celebrations afterwards, my mum said: “So what’s next then?” I think something with wheels on it would be a good start!

On your marks

Once again we’re looking forward to welcoming a new intake of students for the coming academic year, the first batch of whom arrive this week. We will also meet a whole new crop of horses over the coming weeks who come with their owners in tow to use our facilities at here at the therapy centre.

We aim to get as many student and staff horses through our doors as possible each year, most of whom will hopefully only visit for exercise purposes rather than for rehabilitation. This need stems from our involvement in a huge number of research projects, practical demonstrations and teaching commitments over the coming months, all of which we need “demo horses” for to effectively show what would happen in a real case situation, but without compromising the confidentiality or work programmes of any of our patients.

The habituation of all of our demo horses to treadmill and/or water treadmill exercise is a process which will mostly happen up until Christmas, with a steady trickle of additional horses being trained throughout the spring and summer terms also. We have tried and tested procedures in place for this, but there is of course an element of deploying different ways of achieving the same thing depending on the horse’s reaction to a situation.

Most people who come to have a tour around our centre take one look at the treadmill and say: “Oh, my horse would NEVER go on that!” The truth is that, 99% of horses will take to the high-speed treadmill really well, with around the same proportionate percentage going well on the water treadmill also. For both of these machines, habituation – which can be defined as the stabilisation of a horse’s gait on the treadmill, whereby it reverts to its normal overland rhythm and stride pattern — takes three to four sessions on average.

Habituating (Image credit: creditUnknown)

We always use two handlers plus a driver (who actually operates the treadmill) when we start a new horse, as this helps to keep them straight and in the right place on the belt until they get their balance sorted.

Initially getting them on there is very much the same as teaching a horse to load into a trailer, and as long as their happy to follow a handler up the belt then you’re pretty much there. With the normal treadmill, we teach them to step forwards and backwards prior to starting the belt, thus giving them an indication that something is about to happen. When they cotton on to this, which normal only takes a minute or so, we then push start as they’re about to step forward — that way they begin walking without even realising it. You do get some horses who, despite this tactic, will watch their own feet disappear underneath them but the moving belt soon dictates they soon have to take a step!

The water treadmill is slightly different in that every horse that we start in there will have a tiny bit of IV sedation from the vet, just to offset against the potential intimidation factor of the chamber. They will also have already been habituated to normal treadmill exercise so they understand that they need to move with the belt. Once started, we take our time in terms of getting the water up to the desired height so as not to scare the horse, often doing this over a few sessions, although you do get the odd one who is so keen that we need the water to slow them down! We have a handler go into the chamber with the horse each time until they are confident enough to walk in themselves, giving them a bit more reassurance that it’s all ok.

Treadmills can look pretty scary, but official figures on safety are actually very impressive, and incidents are very rare in our experience. We keep the horses safe by using stringent, tested methods for treadmill exercise, and this would be my advice to anyone thinking of this type exercise for their horse: wherever you take your horse, you need people who know what they’re about. The whole affair should be slick and unflustered, we’re not looking for fireworks.

We want everything to be as calm and relaxed as possible, while being as safe as we can make it. Get that right and you have a horse that will think a treadmill is a pretty great place to be.

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: the power of tails

Fizz Marshall — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 11:45:37 +0000

Sometimes the simplest, most available tools are those which make the greatest contribution to a successful rehabilitation.

For instance, the tail is a something that we often use to create resistance or to influence how a horse moves. The tail itself has vertebral components and muscular attachments and thus can be used to help a horse’s straightness, or to encourage lumbosacral flexion (the movement pattern of the part of the spine that allows a horse to ‘sit’ when ridden).

For example, ‘tail pulls’ are a technique often undertaken by therapists to stretch longissiumus dorsi and the gluteal muscles (respectively, the long muscle of the equine back, and the major muscle group of the hind quarters), and can also be used to elicit mass muscle contraction to release spasm.

A vet may use sideways tail pulls to test for neurological issues, and likewise it can be employed as a counterbalance to help steady an unstable sedated horse.

In terms of use during exercise, we may pull the tail to one side whilst working a horse on the treadmill to keep them straight if they hold their quarters one way or another.

We also tie the tail which can have an equally pronounced effect. Sometimes this will mean tying it between the hind legs, encouraging lumbosacral flexion through resistance, coupled with a proprioceptive effect of the horse feeling the pull under its stomach.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The tail can also be really useful in cases of stifle instability

or incorrect placement/rotation of a hind leg. One way to deal with this is to divide the tail into two and tie one half to one side of the roller and then other half forward between the hind legs to the roller again (pictured right).

By doing this you effectively create a splint, stabilising the stance phase of that leg, guiding it straight at it moves forward, and restricting the retraction phase — or backwards movement — of the stride.

Tying the tail in this way looks really weird when you first see it, and it’s something that you need to use carefully and introduce gradually as it will feel pretty odd for the horse too. Most horses get used to it really quickly and it provides a simple and effective means of providing resistance to counteract or encourage certain movement patterns.

Spring has sprung

It has been so nice to see the first signs of spring over the last couple of weeks; lighter mornings and nights, grass growing and the appearance of some sunshine has all been very welcome indeed!

We’re so lucky to have indoor facilities at Hartpury to work in, particularly over the winter months. It’s a lot easier to keep fresh horses going with the luxury of an indoor school when it’s iced solid or blowing a howling gale outside.

We’re often working to a time limit in terms of how long a horse can stay for, and so losing days to frozen schools would really disrupt progress. However, after a long winter it’s been great to have had the horses out and about with some very welcome sunshine on their backs over the past few days.

This week past week has seen Gloucestershire come alive once again with the buzz and excitement of this year’s Cheltenham Festival. It’s one of my favourite weeks of the year, and although I didn’t manage to get there this time, I had live updates coming through during the day courtesy of the wonders of modern technology.

We did make a bit of time on Friday afternoon for the traditional gathering around the big screen in the equine canteen to watch the Gold Cup with a load of students and some of the equine lecturers.

While my hopes sat firmly with the flying grey, Smad Place, the story of Coneygree is certainly one befitting of a place on the role of honour of this amazing race. How wonderful for a horse to win who is bred, owned and trained by a family so synonymous with racing, and one which only has 10 horses in training at any one time.

I guess you can find a fairytale in any horse’s story, but this was a particularly emotive victory by any standard.

Continued below…

Dressage debut

I decided a couple of weeks ago that it was high time that my lovely ex-racehorse Charlie made his competitive debut proper (pictured below), having only dabbled in a bit of clear round showjumping up until now.

I decided to compete him at home for his first test and having bought a BD class ticket we threw him in at the deep end and entered him in a novice test last weekend (8 March). He’s been a tricky horse to train and thus far has had a pathological fear of busy warm-ups, which was a strong contributing factor the decision to launch his career in dressage prior to anything else.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It turned out to be much busier than I expected as there were two arenas running at once rather than the usual one, and so as it happened Charlie had no choice but to face his fear of lots of horses cantering around at the same time!

One of the things that I love most about horses is that they never fail to surprise you; my worry was that he’d revert to his insecurities, but not a bit of it — he absolutely came alive, he loved it.

He trotted around there like he’d been doing it his whole life and managed to get through the test with only a hint of sideways ear looking as we trotted past the judge. It sounds ridiculous, but I was so proud of him I could have cried.

The launch of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) regional leagues means that we can accumulate points in both affiliated and unaffiliated competition. This is a great initiative and one which I think gives the opportunity for a whole new wave of competitors to enter into ex-racehorse leagues and classes.

I really hope that RoR continues their great work along these lines, it’s not an easy task but I really do believe their efforts are substantially increasing the career opportunities for thoroughbreds coming out of racing, and thus growing their appeal to a wider catchment of riders.

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: Cheltenham fun and Nigel’s return

Fizz Marshall — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 09:10:46 +0000

I was really lucky last week to be given a couple of spare passes to Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on Saturday. As a jump racing devotee, I’ve been to this hallowed place a number of times.

However, much as I think it is one of the most wonderful places on earth, I very much doubt that anyone who has ever been there on a cold day in January would deny that it has very its own micro-climate, with the barometer rarely reading anything other than ‘brass monkeys’. The wind there can feel artic in its severity and many layers under your smart threads are essential for all those in the know.

So aside from some great racing, Saturday was made all the more fantastic by the fact that we didn’t have to brave such conditions. We were a granted beautifully bright, clear and still day – I couldn’t have imagined a better setting for winter racing.

The handicapper was clearly on point as there wasn’t one race with more than three lengths between the winner and the runner up across the card. I was shouting Smad Place home in the Gold Cup Trial as he is owned by friends, and it was great to see a super run from him in the build up to the Festival.

The ground was as soft as you would expect considering the rain we’ve had over the past few weeks, and as ever I had ultimate admiration for how resolute and brave the horses were as they battled hard to emerge at the top of that famous hill in front. You really can’t appreciate how steep and long it is on TV!

Our Nigel

It’s always nice for us to hear of the ongoing successes of horses that have spent time in our care and so it seems all the more fortunate that one such graduate still lives under our roof. Nigel, who belongs to Hannah (our therapy centre assistant), came to us last summer following back surgery and with a number of lameness concerns to boot.

The feeling at the time was very much that there were a lot issues going on, and the way forward was to effectively throw the kitchen sink at him in terms of treatment.

X-rays revealed arthritic changes in his hocks, and he struggled to remain sound in front also. He had his hocks and sacroilliac joints medicated during his stay and farrier Jim Slimmings shod him, fitting third millenium frog support pads between the soles of his front feet and his shoes to help distribute the weight more evenly (pictured below).

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jim also gave him some lateral width and length on his back shoes (pictured below) to provide him with a good platform to step off from, essentially making it easier for him to push off his hind feet. We discharged him home on first of July last year and Hannah took him off home to Devon before returning with him when she started working for us in September.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This week was momentous in Nigel’s return to form as it saw him jumping around his first course in competition since before his operation. He’s been back working over fences since the autumn, but Hannah has built him up really gradually.

I have to say it brought the biggest smile to my face watching this little horse popping round a course looking really happy and comfortable. Hannah has put a load of work into him and been really patient, so it’s nice to see her reaping the rewards of her efforts.

It’s an ongoing process with these kind of horses as they can require a bit of extra maintenance every now and again (Nigel had his hocks re-medicated before Christmas) but Hannah sees this as a justifiable outlay when he can continue to live such a happy life. I have to say I agree with her.

Continues below…

Dissertation season

I mentioned in my last blog that we had a huge amount of data collection coming up for a number of research projects, as we travel headlong towards time of year that brings the most stress to every third year university student: undergraduate dissertation hand-in.

We had a different study to assist with every day last week, and two going on simultaneously on Monday this week. We are also facilitating the data collection of our Canadian graduate assistant Kate, who is admirably enroute to completing a two-year MSc in a single year.

Her project involves gait analysis in our water treadmill and so required a bit of impermeable technology to protect the little sensors she’s using to track the movement of each leg. The answer to this problem was the waterproof cases you can buy to carry mobile phones in whilst out on or in water – sometimes genius comes in a very simple form!

The last couple of weeks have been slightly quieter in terms of the number of in-patient horses we currently have, which is normal for January. The benefit of this is that it ties in nicely with running study participants; usually our high-speed treadmill is busy all day exercising our therapy and rehabilitation cases, but a drop in numbers gives us a bit of breathing space to fit in extra horses.

We’re set to be full up again from next so it looks like we got the studies done just in time!

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: Back with a bang

Fizz Marshall — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:55:36 +0000

We’re back up and running after our Christmas break and were very fortunate to be in the position of having horses waiting to arrive or come back to us after a brief interlude at home over the festive period.

Our whole team had a really good break and so we’re all well rested and ready for the year ahead.

I think I was quite literally the most fresh-faced of all of us having spent nine days at home in Scotland over the holidays – I forgot how much colder it is up there!

Christmas offers me the chance to catch up with my family and also pursue some of my interests outside of horses.

One of these is clay pigeon shooting and although I’m no deadeye by any means, I very much enjoy it. My dad is a really good shot and helps me a lot with my shooting. As with many things, I just don’t get to do it as often as I’d like so it’s great when I do get the chance. It’s a bit of a contrast to my horse-related sports, particularly Eventing.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I’ve read about lots of jockeys playing golf as an alternative pastime to racing and I think it’s probably a similar contrast. I’m reliably informed that shooting is all about balance, timing and precision but I’m not sure how many of those qualities feature in my repertoire!

Although I do it for fun, my competitive streak is never very far from the surface and I like to have a crack at some of the higher stands and challenge myself a bit. It’s really quite a different lifestyle when I go up north but I do love it. A change is as good as a rest they say.

Presents for all

It’s true to say that we use a fair amount of kit to rehabilitate our horses, and amongst the big stuff like the high-speed and Aquafit water treadmills, we also need a full compliment of electrotherapy equipment to do our job.

I bought us a new Interferential machine (pictured top) in December which arrived just in time for Christmas, although the fridge magnet Scrabble we received for the office was probably the more popular of the two as far as presents go!

We get our machines from EMS Physio Ltd who are long-standing suppliers to us and a super to deal with.

The Interferential machines are made for human use and we don’t adapt them from this, which does mean that we have to take great care of them as they are not particularly horse-proof.

The delivery of the Interferential machine (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Interferential therapy is key to our ability to manage pain in our patients, but isn’t really a spectator sport. The effects of most of the types of treatment the machine provides are not visible to the eye and the horse should literally relax and go to sleep throughout if the machine is working as it should.

It is very labour intensive, as each individual treatment (or block as we call them) takes 20mins and one horse may have need three or four different blocks each day. We stand with them for the entire duration of their treatments to ensure both horse and machine stay where they should and so it’s not the most popular job in winter!

So why do we use it? Well, in the first instance, the effects of this type of therapy are far more exciting than the logistics.

Interferential therapy is really clever in that it has the physiological effects of low frequency electrical stimulation, without the associated discomfort within superficial tissues such as the skin.

To achieve this it works on a medium frequency that effectively mimics low frequency currents, thus allowing the user to treat deeper tissues without the pain of low frequency stimulation.

We use it to provide pain relief in backs, necks, hindquarters — basically anywhere you can get the pads to stay — to reduce or remove the need for drug therapy.

Interferential can also be used to innervate muscle and generate activity within the tissues, which is really useful for horses who are not yet ready for a lot of work as you are in effect stimulating specific muscle groups whilst the horse is standing still.

We also use it for those who have pain or atrophy in deep tissues that can’t be externally palpated, such as Illiopsoas, a muscle situated within the pelvic cavity, which is a really important contributor to hind limb flexion and engagement.

Interferential is not a stand-alone treatment for us and would not replace a dynamic work session, but it is very good at supporting muscular development in a horse restricted to controlled exercise.

Looking ahead

January is looking really busy so far, particularly in the number of research projects we have been asked to assist with or facilitate.

Dissertation season is fast approaching for many students here at Hartpury and we are involved in a number of studies, the data collection for which all seems to fall at the end of this month.

There are a variety of projects on the go, all of which will be aimed at scientific publication and so there is a lot to do in terms of recruiting different horses for different studies. To this end we have a bank of student and staff horses who we train up on our treadmills for such purposes throughout the year.

My own horse Charlie is committed to about four different studies so far this month already — I have a feeling he features so much in projects that he will warrant a Nobel Prize for his contribution to developments in equine kinematics by the end of 2015!

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: And I would walk 500 miles…

Fizz Marshall — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:48:11 +0000

Some of the most intensive and important exercise we undertake with horses referred to us is the work we do with them from the ground. It really is our bread and butter and may include either lunging or in-hand proprioceptive work, but most often will involve a period of long reining at some point.

We are particularly busy at the moment and as many of our horses are around the same stage in their rehab, the girls and I reckon we walk miles each day behind the horses between us!

I was asked to do a lecture demo for a group of second year degree students recently on the subject of long reining and it got me thinking about all the uses we find for it.

I have been long reining horses for years, having being taught how by my very first boss Jo Luton, so I could help start youngsters that came in to be backed. As soon as we had established ‘turn’ and ‘stop’ in the school, they went straight out along the lovely quiet lanes around my home in Scotland.

Jo reckoned that long reining helped establish their confidence and willingness to go forwards, as well as the beginnings of contact, straightness and cementing steering controls in place.

I still adhere to these basic principles, if not in a slightly adapted form — for a start we are missing the quiet back roads around Hartpury that we were so fortunate to have at home.

There are many reasons that we long rein horses rather than lunge them, the foremost of which is straightness; it’s amazing how many horses wiggle about when they have no help from a rider to, quite literally, keep them on the straight and narrow.

We also long rein them for accuracy and control. For example if the horse is restricted to straight lines and square turns only by the vet or therapist, then we may be able to achieve this more effectively in long reins than with a single line.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Two line exercise also allows us to do lateral work with the horses, along with other movements such as rein back. We can switch them between true and counter bend, and improve the quality of their half-halts and transitions.

A horse who is difficult or fussy in the contact can be helped by working them in long reins, and we often couple them with side reins to aid consistency in these type of cases.

In some respects, I think long reining beyond breaking in young horses has become a bit of a lost art. It seems that if there no specific reason to do it then people don’t even think about it as a way of working their horse, or indeed that they just don’t feel confident enough.

It’s a great skill to have and basically, if you have decent feel when you ride you will be pick up long reining no bother at all. We use light cord lines which run freely through the rings on the roller, and enable a more refined feel than with heavier material. Thicker lunge lines will do the job if that’s what you have available, but you have to remember that the further away you are from the horse, the more drag there will be on the mouth due to the weight of the line itself.

So my rule is basically that you should only be far enough away from the horse that you are well out of kicking distance!

We start all of our horses as if they have never had long reins on before to be safe, and I find that if something does spook them then it’s best if you go with them and bring them back to you as you go.

Standing stock still and pitching my weight against a 600kg horse has never really gone that well for me to be honest! You should always be on the move when long reining so it’s a bit of a work out.

End of the season

We’ve had a new wave of outpatients starting to use our services of late, largely those who were waiting until the end of their respective season or competition schedule to make a change to the horse’s routine.

Likewise we have a couple of horses who have been out with injury and are now coming back into work in preparation for the new year. Some of these are coming to us to use the Aquafit water treadmill and it’s always really nice to put more lovely horses on our books. They’ve all taken to it well so far and we look forward to getting them going over the winter — hopefully the owners will reap the benefits of their investment over the coming months.

A new addition

My horse Charlie is getting a new ‘little sister’ this week, as I await the imminent arrival of a four-year-old chocolate Labrador. Her name is Damson and she will be as involved as he is in proceedings around here as I’ve already primed our resident canine hydrotherapist, Tessa Lewis of Cotswold Dog Spa, to include her on her list of ‘demo dogs’. I’m told she loves water which is handy!

I have a feeling that will be a few Damson adventures to report in the coming weeks — watch this space…

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: The Young Ones

Fizz Marshall — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 15:40:27 +0000

We have had a number of young horses through our doors of late, and although they come in for a variety of different reasons, they often pose the same difficult question: to fix or not to fix? The answer of course lies in the nature of the problem.

For instance, one of our current post-kissing spines surgery cases is a five-year-old sports pony who is one deemed a good candidate for rehabilitation. It’s never good to encounter such a major issue at any age, but I think it can be even harder when they have almost no working life behind them. In these situations you have to make the decision as to whether their potential is a good enough to warrant substantial investment, as is the case with this pony, or rather that their issue means that they always struggle to perform at the required level.

Of all the things we encounter, chronic, degenerative and/or neurological conditions can be the most problematic to deal with and in these instances there can be some very hard decisions to make where young horses are concerned. This is where we very much rely on the knowledge and foresight of the vet to advise on matters of prognosis and suitability for that horse’s allotted role in life.

Most of our youngsters won’t yet have had much education in terms of their schooling, and so we have to remember that often we are teaching them things for the very first time. Some may not have been long reined before, others perhaps not even lunged much, so often we have to start from scratch (pictured top).

On the other hand, there are certain benefits to having a green horse to work with. Older horses can develop associations between pain and a certain exercise or activity; perhaps refusing to jump drop fences cross-country, having trouble popping through combinations cleanly, or difficulty stretching over wide oxers.

Conversely, if a young horse has been wrong from the outset, and has not yet been road-tested in a number of different situations, they can escape developing the same pain memory as more seasoned campaigners. Essentially, you take the pain away, put the education in and you have a clean slate to work from.

One step further is the very young horse, who hasn’t even been broken to ride prior to injuring itself. This is where the treadmill can be really handy, allowing us to put the straight-line exercise and hill work into them which might otherwise be done out hacking on an older horse, but is very difficult to achieve with an unbroken two- or three-year-old.

An Evening with Clare

I travelled down to Bath on Thursday last week to attend an Evening with Clare Balding, during which she talked about the contents of her new book Walking Home, including the inspiration behind it and a few more bits and pieces in between.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

There’s no doubting that Clare is one of my heroes, and having read her first book I was hugely excited about the whole thing. My friend Alan and I went together and not knowing Bath very well, managed to park about 15 minutes’ walk from the venue. I walk a lot on a daily basis as you would expect, but I was in heels – not my greatest move – and so there we were, running late and tramping across Bath with me trying and failing to look elegant.

Alan spends his professional life constantly rushing around taking care of his illustrious string of horses at shows and so invariably goes everywhere at 100mph; as a result it got to the point where I was actually jogging alongside him to keep up! Bath has never seen the like I’m sure.

The event itself was great, and our host was just as captivating and entertaining in real life as she is on TV. I admire her ability to talk and write with such eloquence, but yet always allow the viewer or reader to feel as if you are on the same level as her.

Her talents as a presenter, progressing first from racing to now covering just about every sport there is, has brought her to the attention of mainstream audiences and she has towed her passion for horses along with her. I think the profile of equestrian sport has so much to thank Clare Balding for, long may she continue her success and to promote our disciplines and engage her viewers so brilliantly.

Operation Breeze

I’ve been up in Scotland again this week and have had the chance to further my carriage driving experience with my step-mum Nan and her pony Breeze.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The last time I was here we had her out on the long reins to deal with a few excitement-related issues and they have come on in leaps and bounds since. This time I was treated to a drive in the ‘Fun-bug’ as Nan calls it and it was so nice to see them now getting along so well together.

The most exciting bit came when we went through her mock driving trials section in the wood alongside the river at home – basically this just involves flying round corners and a natural water splash at high speed with a big grin on your face! It’s nice to hand over the reins to someone else once and a while and so good to see their partnership blossoming. I think they might have a big summer ahead of them next year.

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: The A-listers

Fizz Marshall — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 08:00:57 +0000

We’re well into the swing of having all the students back with us now at Hartpury, and have a couple of new faces in our staff team to boot.

Every year we have a new graduate intern join us and this time it is the turn of Jess Smith. Jess is a Hartpury graduate, who helped us out throughout her degree so we know her really well.

Our other newbie is Hannah Slator, who we have appointed as therapy centre assistant. Both she and Jess support assistant manager Kerry-Anne in running our yard. The girls all get on fantastically well and are super good at what they do, which makes my job pretty easy really!

I never take for granted just how important it is to have the right balance within our team and what achieving this can do for how much everyone gets out of their job.

I’m a big fan of the BBC Three’s The Call Centre, where the CEO Nev insists that “happy people sell”. I think this is true in any industry, but particularly when working with horses, where the dedication and hard work required means that sometimes it can be a bit of a slog. Our saying would be more along the lines of “Happy people make happy horses” but it’s the same principle.

Making sure that my guys are settled and content in their jobs is something that I see as a priority. This doesn’t mean that I don’t push them and challenge them, quite the opposite I hope, but more that they feel supported no matter what.

Because we are a small team, with a relatively small number of horses to care for (we take up to eight residents at any one time) we do get really attached to each horse.

We had a lovely dressage horse leave yesterday who’s been with us for a fair amount of time and there was a bit of tear shedding in the barn after he’d pulled away in the lorry. It sounds really soft, but the horses have such a vast amount of work put into them whilst they’re here that we get to know them inside out and genuinely miss them when they go.

The A-Listers

Along with our vets and therapists, our team of farriers are at the very heart of the business.

Although we get lots of the same type of problem fairly regularly, one of the most varied areas of our work relates to issues associated with foot confirmation and/or balance. This can take many forms, be that collapsed heels, poor medio-lateral balance or other common complaints such as toe-in conformation.

All of these issues will have an effect on the horse’s posture and how it moves. It sounds obvious, but how horse actually loads each foot is also hugely important, and there is a chicken-and-egg type of relationship between conformation, loading patterns and injury. We have a really interesting case of this at the moment and tasked with helping us resolve the problem is farrier Kelvin Lymer of Sandpitt Forge.

The horse in question sustained an injury to the right fore lateral-collateral ligament, which is situated within the hoof capsule. We have been struggling to normalise his loading pattern, which basically saw him putting too much weight on to the lateral (outside) aspect of his hoof, thus straining the site of his injury. To prevent him from doing this Kelvin has put a pair of roller motion aluminium bar shoes (quite a mouthful I know!) on his front feet (pictured top).

The shoe works by reducing the peak forces which affect the horse’s foot during the landing phase of each stride, thereby minimising the stress on the injured ligament.

Aluminum is lighter than regular steel and reduces the forces incurred by the weight of a regular shoe. The shoe is essentially curved on all external edges, so that the only flat aspect is a 1cm (approx) band of metal around the inside part of the shoe, rather being flat across the whole breadth of the shoe as would normally be the case. I’ve personally never seen anything like it, but we’re very happy as it seems to be doing the job we want it to.

I find the whole subject of foot balance and shoeing fascinating and it is definitely something I really enjoy learning about. I’d love to have a much more in-depth knowledge than I do, but then that is what the experts are for. What I have learnt is the impact that good foot balance and application of an effective shoeing strategy can have. It doesn’t just affect the hoof itself, but can influence the way a horse stands, moves and the amount of power it is able to generate.

That’s why our farriers are most definitely amongst the A-Listers in my book – they really do have the ability to make or break a case for us.

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: Welcoming in the new term

Fizz Marshall — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:32:05 +0000

Last week saw the first intake of new students at Hartpury and so far we’ve done three induction tours, alongside all the exercising and treating of our inpatient horses as normal.

The next couple of weeks will see us doing a few more of these events, the point of which is to include as many students as possible in our activities throughout the year. This may involve becoming one of our many volunteer students, or putting forward their horses to be trained up on equipment such as the high-speed treadmill to use for our various teaching, research and marketing activities.

Working with students is a huge part of what we do here, but there is no compensation made in terms of the level we operate at. The students fit in alongside my team, working at the standard we set, maintaining the highest professional bar across the board.

We’ve had to work hard to prove that this recipe works; we are after all wholly client-facing, and the care of their horses is our primary concern. The client must have confidence in what we do and how we do it while their horses are with us, as must the vets and therapists we work with.

To ensure we continue to do our job properly in terms of the care that the horses receive, our students are never left unsupervised in any situation. They all volunteer to give us their time and all really want to be here. They help us pamper the horses and provide those vital extra pairs of hands to go above and beyond what is expected. In return for their help we are able to prepare them for the realities of working with horses, be that specifically in a veterinary/therapy environment, or out in the industry generally.

If we are doing our job properly then we should underpin and complement our students’ academic studies, giving them insight and understanding that you just can’t get from a paper or textbook.

There is a long-standing claim that college or university students are no good practically; well, not on my watch.

They work hard and we offer them as much knowledge and exposure to as many different things as we can. We develop their skills and ultimately make them feel part of something that they can be proud of, knowing that they have contributed to the success of each case during their time with us.

As you can probably tell, I’m pretty passionate about what we do here in terms of our role in teaching and learning, but it’s something that we take great pride in and an amazing amount of satisfaction from.

I hate the clichés but ‘giving back’ is one that I will allude to; I’m really grateful for the opportunities given to me throughout my career so far and if we can do this for even just some of our students, then I think we absolutely should.

Gold rush

It’s good to be back to normal having been ‘woman-down’ over the first week and a bit of the World Equestrian Games: our Assistant Manager Kerry-Anne has been working for the Canadian Para-dressage team since 2011 and was out in Normandy with them for the first 10 days of the Games. Having groomed for the team at the London 2012 Paralympics, it was another chance for her to experience something amazing, so it was all hands on deck here to make sure she was able to go.

I tried to catch as much of the dressage and eventing reports from WEG as possible and what a rollercoaster week of sport it was. All work was put on hold at 3.15pm for around 8 minutes on the Friday to watch Charlotte and Valegro attempt to follow up their gold in the grand prix special with another in the freestyle.

A fly on the wall would have witnessed the sight of four of us squashed in round my laptop, bobbing along to their music from the film How to Train Your Dragon, followed by absolute jubilance in confirmation that they’d won gold.

In my humble opinion, I have never seen Valegro look better. The ease and grace with which they floated through their test was just spellbinding. He looked so fit, and bar the necessary movement in the one-time changes, you’d swear that Charlotte didn’t actually move at all. It was truly an honour to watch such a performance, particularly under the pressure of a prerequisite of 89% or better to beat Damon Hill’s efforts.

When the camera panned to their support crew at the end, it brought a tear to my eye seeing Bluberry’s loyal groom Alan Davies, who is a good friend of mine, completely overcome with the emotion of achievement and the weight of what it had taken to get them there. It’s truly humbling to know someone who cares that much about what they do and is so brilliant at it, but yet so modest in success. What a truly remarkable achievement by the whole of the team.

Fizz

Footballer backs revolutionary new therapy boot for horses

Sophia Heath — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 09:48:26 +0000

Footballer Wayne Rooney is financing the development of a revolutionary new therapy boot for horses.

The brainchild of inventor Richard Mills, the Swellaway works by applying cooling, heating and compression to common leg injuries.

The patented device uses a wireless controller, which can be adjusted depending on the horse’s injuries or exercise routine.

“Utilising game-changing technology, the boot is an all-in-one electronic device offering treatment without any pipes, water or ice,” said a spokesman for the company.

The Swellaway therapy boot has taken three years to develop and was trialled last year.

Further tests are underway before it is launched to the trade at BETA International next year (22-24 February, 2015).

The boots should be available for horse owners to buy next summer.

There are also plans to adapt the product for human use at a later date.

For more information visit: www.swellaway.co.uk

Horses that help injured serviceman on show at Perth

Caroline Bankes — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 16:16:05 +0000

The valuable help equine charities give to returning servicemen can be seen at Perth racecourse tomorrow (30 July).

The “Celebration of the Horse” raceday, will feature demonstrations by the charities Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) and HorseBackUK.

During the day former racehorse, Peopleton Brook (pictured) will be on parade.

The horse ran 93 times in his six-year career before being retired after an injury.

Jock Hutchison, co-founder of HorseBack UK, has spent the past five months training Pempleton Brook to support veterans and serving soldiers.

The horse was donated to the charity by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR).

Mr Hutchison said: “Peopleton Brook is a horse whose own recovery epitomises the journeys endured by all those we serve here. He now has a new career and has found both purpose and happiness.”

The horse will be reunited with his owner George Thompson after four years at the raceday on 30 July.

“I’m so pleased that, subsequent to his racing career, Peopleton Brook has adapted so well that he can perform this worthwhile role,” George said.

HorseBack UK has 36 trained horses, mostly American quarter horses and smaller therapy Shetland ponies.

The charity also has a couple of horses than cannot be ridden for health reasons, but provide valuable help to the injured servicemen that attend the weeklong residential courses.

The servicemen, both former and still serving have either physical or mental injuries.

“Working with the horses improves their confidence and self-esteem,” said Emma Hutchison, who set-up the charity five years ago with husband, Jock.

“The horses don’t judge them, but do soak up all the angst,” she added.

HorseBack UK is the chosen charity for this year’s Blair Castle International Horse Trials (21-24 August).

The charity will be putting on demonstrations in the countyside arena over the weekend.

For more information visit: www.horsebackuk.org and www.ror.org.uk

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: Feeling inspired

Fizz Marshall — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 10:30:50 +0000

A couple of weeks ago a couple of my colleagues and I were lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit Oaksey House (pictured) in Lambourn, the flagship centre for the Injured Jockeys’ Fund. I have to say, we were absolutely blown away from the moment we walked through the doors. We went to meet the practice manager, Jayne Matthews, who was hugely welcoming and it was quickly clear that all-comers are given the same open-armed reception. She took so much time to show us around and answer all of our questions. It was amazing.

I knew of some of the goings on there; of course there is their vital role in racing providing help to jockeys post-injury, and work with riders from other equestrian sports such as eventer Laura Collett. However, I was unaware that they work in partnership with neurological specialists Hobbs Rehabilitation, who help those affected by brain and spinal injuries along with other conditions such as Parkinsons, multiple scelrosis and motor neuron disease. I didn’t know about their performance academy either, which majors on injury prevention among a whole range of other issues that a jockey is likely to encounter during their career. What a place.

The way the building itself is designed is quite wonderful. The light, in particular, struck me; it was like the sun was shining on the inside of each room. There was a serene yet dynamic atmosphere that made you feel instantly comfortable and uplifted the moment you walked in. Oaksey House is obviously embedded in the community of Lambourn, and Lambourn must think itself so lucky. Not even a monsoon and hailstorm on the way home was enough to dampen our spirits, what a fantastic day!

Our little Secret

We have a horse in for rehab at the moment who underwent an interspinous ligament desmotomy 10 weeks ago. We have a fairly steady stream of horses post-surgery from this operation now. From our perspective, it has been a major breakthrough in the treatment of overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines). Secret is lovely little horse who previously raced and is a bit of a sensitive soul, but is a real trier – like so many thoroughbreds really.

The coming week will see us sitting on him for the first time since before his surgery. We introduce the weight of a rider carefully and slowly and almost treat them like breakers before getting on, often leaning over them first. They can feel really wobbly when you first sit on them again — I think they have to get used to their bodies feeling different when ridden. So far all of his responses have been positive, here’s hoping the same applies here!

The importance of self

Like many riders, I suffer from the effects of previous injuries and mishaps gained as a result of a career in horses. To make matters worse, I’m no ballerina in terms of my posture and am constantly rushing around at work. All in all it’s not ideal mix for the comfort of my long-suffering body!

Thankfully I am able to access the services of our osteopath Liz Launder, who treats two-legged patients as well as four-legged ones! As well as dealing with my pain, Liz is helping me to be more aware of the way I stand, bend, sit… I don’t know when we get to the bit where I learn how to walk!?

On Tuesday I felt the delights of acupuncture needles being inserted to my traps, rhomboids and sub-scapular muscles, so basically most of the major muscle groups of my shoulders. I must have looked like a pin cushion but thankfully I couldn’t see them — I’m terrified of needles!

I have a lot of work to do but I figure if I want to sit straight on my horse, and reduce the pain emanating from various bits of me, it’s high time I do something about it. And on that note, I’m off to do my exercises now…!

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: open house at Hartpury’s equine therapy centre

Fizz Marshall — Wed, 28 May 2014 12:25:52 +0000

There’s a different, much quieter feel around campus at the moment as it’s exam season here at Hartpury; lots of students have gone home and those who are still here are up to their eyes in revision.

It’s also the time of year when we have a lot of different visitors through our doors. On Monday last week we had a group of equine science students from Sparsholt College in Hampshire. They were a really super crowd and asked lots of questions.

Public speaking doesn’t really come naturally to me and I find it much easier if you can get people interacting and talking back to you. I think it makes it more interesting for the students too. Sparsholt’s Lorna Cameron is a great ‘friend’ of our centre and brings a group to see us every year. She does a great job of making sure they get the most out of the visit.

On Wednesday it was the turn of 26 Dutch students, who came to have a look around as part of a wider tour of the college. They too were fantastic. They had a great attitude and seemed genuinely interested in what we had to show them. Their English was incredible, which I think helped them as much as me!

These kind of visits and events are a huge part of our role within the college. Universities and colleges are like any other business in that way — they have to do their best to maintain their profile and position within their industry. There is no hard sell though. All of the things I talk about are just what we do, how and why we do it.

Getting ready for summer

Our other big task at the moment is preparation for Hartpury’s Summer Fair, which takes place on 7 June. It’s a huge day for the college and it gives us the opportunity to show what goes on here at the therapy centre to a much wider audience than we would normally.

Our annual spring clean, paint and de-cobweb also ties in with this; all of our fixtures and fittings will be dusted, washed down and polished, including the staff and horses if they stand still long enough! Meaghan and I did a recce the other day of everything that needs to be done; we ended up with a list resembling the Dead Sea Scrolls…

With only 3 weeks to go we’ve got a whole lot of work ahead of us, but it’s always worth it when the facelift is complete. As long as we can stop the horses from eating the hanging baskets on the run up to the big day we’ll be grand!

A spot of moonlighting

The other night I got a call from my best friend, who had a mare that was 10 days overdue foaling. The horse was restless and wandering around about 11pm and she reckoned that baby was on its way. She was right.

As Jardi’s nominated ‘birthing partner’, I headed off up to the yard at 2mins to midnight after she’d phoned again to say that her waters had broken. By 12.30am we had witnessed the safe arrival of a beautiful black filly foal by Parco.

When you’re caught up in the day-to-day business of regular horses, it’s easy to forget the wonder that comes with the first breaths of such a precious little creature. Although not so little in this case — her legs are so long she looks like a spider!

I think Parco must have some gazelle in him somewhere too as she was apparently bounding from one side of the foaling box to the other by the morning… I think she may be a bit of a handful in the weeks and months to come.

Getting to know you

As I mentioned in my last blog, we’ve had a clutch of horses leave recently, which means that we have a new string of in-patients filtering into their places. Some of these have come directly from hospitalisation, others have been resting or working at home prior to admission.

Once a horse has settled in, they will have their first assessment with the vet or therapist (Image credit: creditUnknown)

We like to get them settled in before their first review with the vet or therapist. They will often arrive with a whole list of instructions to follow on how to best manage, feed and care for them. The way I look at it, the best we can do is to look after each one of them as if they were our own.

I completely understand the worries of owners when sending their horse away, particularly when they’ve often already been through a lengthy diagnostic and treatment process prior to getting here.

We often have a short space of time to achieve a lot with each horse and so it’s really important we figure out what makes them tick. From this we find out what approach we need to take when completing the work and treatment programme set out for us.

Things can move on quickly with horses, and so it’s vital that even the smallest of changes in a leg, way of going, or soundness are noted and acted upon if necessary. Of course there is a degree of pressure, you’re only as good as your last case and so we just keep our heads down and try to do a good job of each one.

Someone said to me last week: “So, are you guys any good?” I replied: “Well, our currently clients seem happy. We still have to prove it to the potential ones!”. I think Henry Ford put it well when he said: “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do”. Amen to that.

Fizz

Read all of Fizz Marshall’s therapy blogs

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: back to reality

Fizz Marshall — Sat, 03 May 2014 15:00:59 +0000

We are once again reaching that point where a lot of our in-patient horses are ready to go home after their stay with us. Despite the fact every horse is on an individually tailored programme and the length of their residencies vary greatly, waves of horses leaving and new ones coming in at the same time is quite common.

For the most part it is usually fairly straight-forward keeping them settled and happy in their work whilst they’re here. I firmly believe that maintaining a routine is a big part of this. In-patient horses will work 7 days a week and we try to keep their environment as consistent as possible, which seems to help them relax.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The difficult bit is often when you have to change something, be that introducing lunge work (pictured left), starting ridden exercise or turning them out in the field for the first time. A really important part of our job is the aftercare we provide to our clients and primarily this means giving them a back a horse that they can work with.

Some horses won’t be ridden before they leave and some will. Some will be turned out in a pen as they need to be ready to go straight out in the field following discharge, others won’t be ready for this by the time they go home.

Keeping horse and rider safe

The most important consideration for us during any of these things is to keep the horse safe. The worst case scenario would be them either injuring or re-injuring themselves during this process. For this reason the vets will often instruct us to use oral sedation, and gradually wean them off of this as they settle in their new routine.

Of course, anyone involved with horses knows full well that they can still do things to themselves, however hard we try to protect them. The benefit of a programme of controlled exercise is that we know exactly what work that each horse has done, and so we can prepare its body as far as possible to sustain the trials of just being a horse again, doing all the things that horses do.

Some of the trickiest cases are those which we are asked to ride straight off the back of walking exercise. In any normal situation you would probably lunge a horse that hasn’t been sat on for 6 months prior to riding it, but in the case of a tendon injury, for example, this is generally not an option. Again this is where oral sedatives can be really useful.

For the most part we treat them as if they were breakers again when we first get on board — they will be leant over, and either Meaghan or I will be led round on them before going solo. It’s a belt and braces approach, but we’d far rather avoid any issues rather than have to deal with them after they’ve occurred.

Our situation allows us to expose the horses to what is often a much busier outside environment than they’ve come in from. There is always a lot going on here at Hartpury and so when the horse is ready we can re-introduce them to all the things they’ll have to encounter when they go home.

To most horses, being ridden outside the confines of an indoor school wouldn’t necessarily be a big deal, but to one that’s been on treadmill exercise for 8 weeks it can be rather an exciting adventure. I did even have one owner who requested we school her horse in both of the international indoor and outdoor arenas prior to him leaving as she was planning on coming to the Festival of Dressage that summer and he was a spooky devil the last time she’d been here… touché!

Badminton beckons

After all of the buzz of Charlotte and Valegro’s amazing performance at the World Cup Finals in Lyon last week, we have shifted our attentions and anticipation to the Badminton Horse Trials. It seems to have come around so quickly this year, I can’t even imagine what it must be heading into it as a competitor.

We’re only about an hour away and so there will be the traditionally massive contingent of Team Hartpury heading off to enjoy all that the competition has to offer. No matter how old I get, I still get the same motivational kick I used to as a little girl going to places like Thirlestane, Floors Castle and Scone back up in Scotland when watching the big events like Badminton and Burghley.

To all those competing, you have my ultimate admiration; very best of luck for a great run and come home safe.

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: Diva fever

Fizz Marshall — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 10:00:04 +0000

We had the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships on all last week at Hartpury and our yard felt like a little oasis in the middle of a dressage metropolis. Despite how busy it was, we had a rite of passage through the chaos and so were still able to ride and ground-school our horses in the school next to the main warm up arena.

There was an amazing atmosphere all week — you could just feel that all of the competitors were so happy to be there. The dressage champs are different to any other show that we have here at Hartpury as there’s a massive buzz around the place, but in a very hushed way…!

Both my team and our horses were loving working to the range of medleys coming over the tannoy during the music freestyles. At the end of the week we had 2 tied at the top for our votes: one sampled the musical highlights of “Rocky”; the other was a genius who remixed a whole host of Disney classics!

I’d like to say a big thank you to all of the officials and volunteers at the show who have helped us carry on as normal at such a manic time; from the lovely steward who helped us negotiate our way to the school with each horse every day, to gate keeper at the end of the drive who allowed our clients to come and go without any trouble at all.

Extreme makeover

On Thursday last week we said goodbye to the little thoroughbred who came to us following stifle surgery after staying with us for 4 weeks. What a transformation in her!

On arrival after stifle surgery (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Her owners commented straight away on the fact that she was walking much better on the way out to the trailer when they came to pick her up, having barely wanted to move at all when she first came. She was so much stronger and more comfortable; in fact her entire posture had changed.

Before going home after 4 weeks at the clinic (Image credit: creditUnknown)

On admission she held herself in a very extended way (top picture); her spine was fixed and unable to flex upwards, and her hind legs were stuck out behind her rather that standing underneath herself as she should. This meant she was really weak in her ability to use her hindlegs and quarters for propulsion, using her front to pull herself along instead.

With the direction of Liz (Launder), guidance from vet Becky Wall MRCVS and the talents of farrier Alan Bailey we were able to really help her and give the owners a horse that hopefully will continue to progress really well and go back to leading an active life. A great result all round.

A new dawn

Last week saw a breaking dawn for me: I finally put the Equine Therapy Centre on twitter. We’ve had a really successful Facebook page for some time now which is brilliant for keeping in touch with our students, but Twitter was like a whole different language to me.

However I’d been well advised that one’s social media presence is key to success in business these days and so I’m embracing the hashtags, retweets and twitpics… and I think I’m starting to get the hang of it?!

I’m hoping that @EqTherapyCentre takes off — my friends would tell you that twittering has always been one of my great strengths, so fingers crossed this ability translates!

A final good luck…

This week sees our favourite equine superstar Valegro heading to the World Cup Finals in Lyon. From all of us here, I’d like to wish Charlotte, Carl, Alan and the whole of team Valegro a massive good luck. Ee’re sure you’ll take them by storm and we’ll be cheering you the whole way. Go Blueberry go!!

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: getting stuck in to an unusual project

Fizz Marshall — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 13:10:17 +0000

Never let it be said that my job isn’t varied! The past couple of weeks have seen us cracking on with plans to expand our services for our human clients. We’ve been running rider performance clinics in many different forms over the past few years. Now we have extended our repertoire once again to make sure we remain at the cutting edge of this field.

We continue to offer postural and osteopathic assessment by means of our osteopath Liz (Launder). But we have recently formed a new partnership with Jenni Douglas to offer tailored strength and conditioning services for riders of all ages and physical abilities to compliment the work Liz does. Jenni is a senior lecturer in equestrian sports science here at Hartpury College. Her experience includes both researching and working with riders to improve their physical performance.

We realise that many people have neither the time nor the inclination to spend hours in the gym amidst their already hectic lives, managing the usual mix of horses, work and family, so Jenni’s programmes are specifically developed to take this in to account.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It’s a really exciting time, and we’re in the midst of transforming what used to be our equine operating theatre into a dedicated facility for rider performance (pictured above). It’s a different type of satisfaction that you get from running a project like this compared to our day-to-day work with the horses. I found myself getting ridiculously excited about the delivery of red tub chairs for the reception area the other day!

Alongside buying new kit to use as part of the rider screening and training, we’re aiming to completely transform the space so that it is accessible for all, including provision for para-riders and members of local and national RDA groups. The vision is to make this facility available to groups of people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to access this sort of thing, as well as being able to accommodate the needs of elite riders too. We have a lot of work to do, but it will be worth it.

People power

This is the season when we start looking to next year in terms of our team of staff. Each August we appoint a new graduate intern, who will stay with us for a year and work as one of our gang. This is very much a training position and offers the chance to bridge the gap between graduating from University and starting out in a career.

The internship is a great initiative which provides us with a young, keen member of staff, while for the intern it offers a salaried position which they can tailor to their own interests. The job will be advertised in May, fingers crossed for lots of fantastic applicants again this year.

Alongside our staff team, we have an amazing population of student volunteers who assist us throughout the year. Because we run a professional yard, our students work at a professional level too. This gives them the opportunity to get some really good work experience and thus enhance their employability.

We’re currently trying to decide the winners of our Student of the Year awards; with so many amazing volunteers it’s really hard to choose between them! It makes me so proud when our students go on to do well, particularly our long-term helpers as we really get to know them. This year our role of honour includes students getting places to go on and study veterinary medicine at the Royal Veterinary College and Liverpool, progressing on to train in Veterinary Physiotherapy and getting jobs at amazing places such as Rossdale’s in Newmarket.

The horses have always been at the heart of everything we do, but the students provide their own form of inspiration – it never fails to astound me how much of their time they are prepared to give up to us, just because they enjoy doing it. We appreciate it so much.

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: all taped up and equine Jimmy Choos

Fizz Marshall — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:10:39 +0000

We’ve had lots of different things happening here at the Equine Therapy Centre at Hartpury College during the past couple of weeks, which has certainly kept us busy. Lee Clarke was with us last Friday for a 2-day Kinesio taping course, attracting participants from all over the country. Lee is a chartered human physiotherapist and is accredited to train other practitioners in the application of Kinesio tape on horses.

The tape is exactly the same stretchy sticky stuff you’ll see being worn by human athletes and the horses looked very sporting in their shades of shocking pink and electric blue (see top)! Lee uses the tape to either facilitate movement or to restrict it, depending on what the issue is. Kinesio tape also works to lift the dermis layer of the skin which in turn aids lymphatic function, meaning you can use it to reduce swelling or the accumulation of fluid too.

It’s really cool to watch Lee work and we drafted in a number of our work experience students to assist throughout the practical sessions over both days. It’s great for us and our students to have events like this here; I think it’s really important to learn about different ways of addressing problems and taping is a technique we use regularly in cases referred to the centre.

Practicing what we preach

Last Tuesday saw us undertaking the latest part of a study looking at the effects of water height on horses working in our Aquafit water treadmill. The brain behind our research interests is my boss, Dr Kathryn Nankervis. Tuesday’s horses formed part of an undergraduate dissertation project of final year Hartpury student Pauline Finney, which in turn will also contribute to Kathryn’s larger scale study.

They collected data via our ProReflex 3D motion capture system, which is a set of cameras that is able to track markers on the horse to provide measureable angles and degrees of movement. This means we can establish and rationalise what we are seeing in terms of how a horse is moving, and contextualise it against the variable being tested, which in this case was varying water heights. There isn’t much Kathryn doesn’t know about equine therapy and she is my first point of call when I need the benefit of her experience.

Dissertation fever has struck here at Hartpury and there are a lot of rather stressed looking 3^rd year students around as their hand-in date rapidly approaches. Our assistant manager Meaghan is in the midst of her post-graduate dissertation looking at the effect of rider sponsorship on product sales. She’s looking to get as much data as possible so please fill in her questionnaire if you have 5min to spare!

Jimmy Choo’s anyone?

We had a new horse arrive at the end of last week, a little thoroughbred mare who has come for rehab following stifle surgery. Before starting her work we needed to stabilise her movement and this very much started with her feet. The job was referred to remedial farrier Alan Bailey, who is resident at Three Counties Equine Hospital and has been shoeing horses for us for a very long time. His eye for detail and ability to improve a horse by trimming and shoeing is quite astounding.

Reverse graduated shoe with heart bar and lateral extension (Image credit: creditUnknown)

He described the incredible bits of metal work he fitted to her hind feet as “reverse heart-bar graduated shoes” (see right); we call them an Alan Bailey Special. She was unshod on arrival due to her surgery and not only did the angle and balance of her feet improve dramatically after shoeing, but her whole posture changed almost immediately. These really are the Jimmy Choo shoes of the equine world!

You only have to look at a person creeping over stones in bare feet, or girls on a night out in punishing high heels (why do we do it to ourselves?!), to remind yourself of the effect shoes can have on our own posture. Horses are no different.

A different perspective

I’ve been seeing life through the eyes of our clients of late, having had a horse of my own to get ready to go eventing since December. Very kindly loaned to me by Ibby MacPherson, ‘Donkey’ has competed at 3* level and we went to our first BE event together at the weekend.

I’m in such a fortunate position to have the expertise around me to best manage a superstar horse like this, and the result was an awesome day having a pop round the Open BE100 at Swalcliffe Horse Trials in glorious spring sunshine. It’s days like that which bring perspective to what we do here on a day-to-day basis. Our job is caught up in the details and the finite adjustments to get a horse back in business again and it’s great to be reminded of what comes after they leave us.

I don’t know who was beaming more as we pinged around the cross-country course on Sunday – Donkey or I… Bring on the next event I say!

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: Hug a horse at work day

Fizz Marshall — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:13:58 +0000

Well it’s been some week! Our osteopath Liz Launder was with us last Tuesday and having manipulated 2 horses with her we were feeling the effects of her visit for a few days afterwards. We call it manipulation, but really it is the use of mobilisation techniques to reinstate the range of movement in regions of the horse’s back that have become stiff.

We do this under IV sedation administered by the vet and it takes between 5 and 8 people — even then you need to be feeling strong. From the outside I think it just looks like we’re just giving the horse a big hug! Liz will assess the functionality we need to restore prior to manipulation, and often has to think laterally about how we do it depending on what response she gets from the horse throughout the process.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

One of the horses we manipulated on Tuesday was Dude, who featured last week, with the big aim being to try to reduce his scoliosis. The pictures (above) show the before and after. After a couple of easy days, it’s imperative to then work the horse to stabilise the range you’ve instilled. Directed, controlled exercise is the key to the consolidating the gains made through manipulation.

Who said horses can’t fly?

We conduct weekly reviews of cases that come under Liz’s direction and the first one she had to look at on Tuesday was an 8yr old show jumper who came in following kissing spine surgery. He had an interspinous ligament desmotomy at Three Counties Equine Hospital, which is the new type of operation for this condition.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

He is about to start his canter work on the lunge in preparation for the re-introduction of a rider and considering we’re only 8 weeks post-surgery he’s doing really well. We’ve been using raised poles to build up his strength and balance, and he’s about as good an example of how to do this exercise as you can get (see right). Meaghan (our assistant manager) and I are currently fighting over who will be the first to sit on him as he’s just so awesome; I’ll keep you posted on who wins that one!

A special visitor

Last week also brought a visit from one of our favourite regulars. Valegro (Blueberry) has been coming to work on our Aquafit water treadmill for some time now and it’s a pleasure to see him every time.

His groom Alan always brings him and has become a great friend to us. I think it’s fair to say that Alan is nearly as famous as Blueberry these days, and it’s fascinating to talk to him about how they manage the horses to make sure they are always at their best to perform.

To have the chance to work with the best dressage horse in the world is some honour for us, and the fact that he’s so lovely to deal with just makes it even better. Blueberry really is quite amazing to watch in the Aquafit; we have to work him in higher water than any other horse I’ve seen just to tap into his range! He’s an absolute superstar – how lucky we are.

The next couple of weeks promise to be super busy with new horses arriving and lots of other things going on so I will write again soon with an update.

Fizz

Fizz Marshall’s therapy blog: Back to basics

Fizz Marshall — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 16:58:52 +0000

Hello! We’re busy as ever here at the Equine Therapy Centre at Hartpury College at the moment and have some lovely horses in. So often the issues we have to address are the very fundamentals of a horse’s way of going. In particular, straightness, rhythm and balance are often compromised when horses are injured or in pain, due to their natural instinct to compensate and carry on.

We currently have a classic case of this is in Dude, a 12-year-old Trakehner gelding, who was admitted for back pain initially. Following X-rays to diagnose the cause, vet Claire Gilbert injected steroid into the spaces between the dorsal processes of the impinging vertebrae to reduce the inflammation and discomfort.

He also has a scoliosis, which is when the spine is effectively shaped like an ‘S’ (pictured top). His left hindquarter was wasted and he moved on 3 tracks, hooked right, as can be seen in the video (below).

We started him on a programme of controlled exercise after his vet treatment and had farrier Jim Slimmings here last week to address his foot balance. This included a special

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

left hind shoe on to which he welded an extra weight, applied as a lateral extension (pictured right). The extension is equivalent of 60grams, so not exactly an Olympic deadlift, but it’s positioning and weight is enough to make the left hind move straight, which in turn has improved his overall straightness. Never a truer word said than ‘no foot no horse’, shoeing is one of the most important factors in the success of all of our cases, regardless of the nature of the injury or problem.

Like all of the horses, Dude works twice a day, 7 days a week. This allows us the flexibility to include different types of exercise and reduces the negative effects of fatigue. Currently he works on the treadmill and is lunged each day, including raised pole work to push the weak left hind a bit harder. The rhythm and swing of his trot was as afflicted as his straightness and to start with he would just rush around when lunged. We’re really getting somewhere now though; he’s a lovely chap who is starting to get his swagger back which is really good to see.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Establishing a diagnosis in any case is the vet’s job, and every one of the 8 horses we take at any one time will have a vet attached to them. We receive referrals from throughout the UK and abroad, but often they will be sent via Three Counties Equine Hospital, whom we work in partnership with. We keep in regular contact with the vet overseeing each case; they tell us what to do and when to do it, and we inform them of all progress. This means that if we do hit a problem we can discuss it with them straight away and stop it from escalating.

We will often have a therapist involved with each horse too, particularly those with multiple issues. Chartered osteopath Liz Launder has been the beating heart of a huge number of our cases since we opened in 1999 and still comes here at least one day a week. We joke that she has an eagle eye; her ability to make sense of complicated symptoms is amazing. Invariably this eye falls on my team and I too — I’ve been told off for my terrible posture more times than I care to remember! Uncompromisingly brilliant, and brilliantly uncompromising, both apply.

We are also associated with a pair of superb ACPAT physiotherapists, Sarah Price and Jo Wookie, who work under the banner of Sarah Price Physiotherapy. This partnership is much newer than our association with Liz, but nonetheless exciting for us. Working with Sarah and Jo brings a new skill set to our repertoire and we believe that this collaborative approach is the future of equine therapy. After all, you only have to look to human sport to see that any top athlete will have an extensive list of professionals at their disposal at any one time; surely this is the best approach for our equine athletes too?

And on that bombshell… I’ll say goodbye for now!

Fizz

Meet Fizz Marshall, H&H’s latest blogger

Fizz Marshall — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:30:10 +0000

Hi, I’m Fizz and I manage the Equine Therapy Centre at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire. Based within the college’s equine centre, we specialise in exercised-based rehabilitation for horses with a range of musculo-skeletal injuries. We also have a major role as a learning resource for Hartpury students, and are heavily involved in research. My boss, Dr Kathryn Nankervis, typically has a number of projects running at any one time. So all in all, life is pretty busy.

Born and raised in the Scottish Borders, I started riding when I was 8 but being 1 of 4 girls, my parents couldn’t afford to buy us a pony. Instead I started working with horses when I was 13, spending all of my weekends and holidays at the livery yard on the Duke of Buccleuch’s Bowhill Estate where we lived. It was my Dad who got me this first job – I think he’s regretted that intervention ever since! I loved the whole business of caring for the horses as much as riding, and was taught from the outset to take pride in everything you do, a mantra which has stuck with me to this day.

A horse cantering on the Sato high-speed treadmill with two of our student volunteers (Image credit: creditUnknown)

After leaving school, I decided to back up my passion with an education and came to Hartpury College as a student in 2003, gaining a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and a Masters in Equine Business Management. I worked right through university to fund my education and it was during these years that I got involved with the Equine Therapy Centre I now manage.

Over the years I’ve worked as head girl for many different yards, managing and training all manner of competition horses across the disciplines; from racehorses to dressage horses and pretty much everything in between. In 2010 I landed the job of assistant manager here. It had been involved in a couple of major accidents just before this, including suffering a neck fracture and a 6-month concussion, so I’d been forced review the direction of my career. I was so lucky to get the big break I needed, as opposed to the afore-mentioned ones I could have lived without!

In August 2013 I was promoted to centre manager and I have to say my job is pretty amazing and really varied. I take care of all aspects of running the centre, including managing our team, working alongside the vets and therapists, looking after our clients and making sure the horses have everything they need to give them the best chance of recovery. With my practical background, I love that I also still have the opportunity to ride and work the horses myself on a daily basis — I’d go mad if I was confined to the office all the time!

Horses come to us for all sorts of reasons. Some are relatively straightforward rehabilitation cases for injuries such as tendon or ligament lesions; others have a number of problems going on at one time, often including lameness, pain and the knock-on postural effects of these factors.

The Equine Therapy Centre team from L-R: Meaghan Marinovich, Bethan Gilmore, Dr Kathryn Nankervis, Fizz Marshall and Kelly-Ann Rees (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I have a small, amazing team of staff (see image above) and we work with a network of exceptional professionals who are individually involved with each case as needed depending on what the issues are. My job is basically to get everyone and everything in the right place at the right time!

I hope this blog will give you an insight into the lives of some of the horses who arrive at the centre, as well as the day-to-day comings and goings with all the other things we’re involved in. I can’t wait to get writing again so until next time, thanks for reading!

Fizz

Party kick starts therapy donkey’s retirement in style

Horse & Hound — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:03:54 +0000

A popular “therapy” donkey, who has worked at the Donkey Sanctuary’s Manchester centre for several years, is retiring today – and a party is being thrown in her honour.

Molly, who is 22, is retiring to the charity’s headquarters at Sidmouth, Devon. Her eyesight has been deteriorating over the past few years and she now needs specialist care.

She will receive all the treatment she needs from the Sidmouth centre’s on-site team of vets.

Since 2006 Molly has provided therapeutic visits for elderly people and children with additional needs in Manchester and the north-west, and has even appeared at the Manchester Opera House and Liverpool Empire theatre.

Debbie Coombes, manager of The Donkey Sancuary’s Manchester centre said Molly was “much loved by staff, volunteers and the many nursing homes and other establishments she has visited.

“Whilst we will miss her at Abbey Hey, I am really pleased that Molly is able to move to Sidmouth where she will be able to receive the specialist treatment she needs.”

Despite Molly’s deteriorating vision, Ms Coombes is confident that Molly will continue to lead a happy, comfortable life.

“In the right setting and with the right care, donkeys can cope very well with blindness and sight problems, so we are confident that Molly will be very happy,” she added.

Once she has settled in, Molly’s supporters will be able to visit her at the Sidmouth headquarters as often as they like, as the sanctuary is open 365 days a year.

The Queen loans out ponies to a riding therapy centre

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:53:52 +0000

A riding therapy centre in Wiltshire has some new – royal – charges.

The Gul (God Unlimited) centre in Salisbury has four Highland ponies, all former residents of The Queen’s Balmoral estate.

Two were bought by the centre in August 2010, but an additional pair have been loaned to Gul by The Queen and arrived in December.

“All the ponies are elderly – over 20 – and all four will remain with us now until the end,” said Dr Celia Grummitt from Gul.

Balmoral Star and Lothag Of Croila (Lottie) have been at the centre for 18 months, while new recruits Macduff and Balmoral Skylark are just settling in.

“All of them used to trek on the Balmoral Estate and help with deer stalking, but now they have second careers as therapy ponies,” added Dr Grummitt.

“The Highland ponies have been particularly useful for the lower back pain therapy offered at the centre, as their movement and steady pace exercise the lower back/pelvic area when ridden bareback.

“They are part of the royal breeding line and will all have pride of place when the village celebrates The Queen’s diamond jubilee this year.”

The Gul Outdoor Therapy Centre offers therapies to children and adults with a range of conditions, from learning difficulties, mental and physical disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder to lower back pain.

For more information visit: www.god-unlimited.org.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (2 February 2012)

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The Way of the Horse, founded by Dina Shale, treats children and adults for conditions such as stress, anxiety and trauma – including those who come to her via social prescribing. The business also offers training courses on delivering equine therapy.

“We’re seeing the industry grow, especially with people who are not horsey. Most of the people that come to us have never been around horses but they are looking for an answer and we have the solution,” Ms Shale told H&H.

“Our programmes are ‘trauma-informed’, so it’s teaching people to develop and understand their bodies. We use horses to demonstrate the fight and flight mechanism and we help people to understand what stress is and how it manifests in the body.

Grace Olson of HeavenStone Healing provides equine-assisted therapy to people with terminal illnesses, and also has had clients referred to her via social prescribing. She told H&H the equine-assisted therapy industry is being “talked about more”.

“My therapy focuses on helping these people just to find inner peace so that they can cope with things like their hospital appointments. Sometimes in sessions all a person wants to do is just stand with a horse, and that’s enough for them,” she said.

“Horses have a lot more to offer than we were ever aware of. I personally feel the vibration of a horse is just naturally healing.”

Ms Olson was involved in organising a class at the Weeton Show on 30 July to celebrate therapy equines. People who could not physically attend could instead enter online, and a marquee at the show displayed pictures of the horses and information about them.

“We wanted to celebrate equines as therapists,” she said. “If someone had had physical, mental or emotional therapy from any equine, whether they owned the animal or it was based at a centre, they could enter.

“The public could meet the horses and the handlers at the show and find out how to access this type of help. It’s a chance to show people that anyone can access a horse, even if it’s visiting a local rescue centre. Horses are for everyone.”

A Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) spokesman told H&H the charity now has 50 groups offering “Tea with a Pony” sessions for those living with dementia.

“Other RDA groups run specialist hippotherapy sessions, and increasingly we are seeing a rise in social prescribing for people with emotional, behavioural or mental health conditions.”

The Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR), a register of practitioners offering equine-assisted therapy, celebrated its first anniversary in March and now has more than 50 providers signed up.

HEIR UK project manager Anna Collins told H&H people are “seeing the value of the register”.

“The sector is understanding that it needs to be credible. Some people might think that equine-assisted services are a bit quirky, but they’re having positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the people benefiting from them,” she said.

Ms Collins added that the organisation has been “delighted” with the applications it has received to the register.

“We’re working on the basis that if people don’t meet the standards we will advise them how to do so, rather than just say you’re not in,” she said.

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Therapy ponies strap on pedometers for the ‘dads, brothers, and grandads’ who die every year

Jayde Cook, head of operations at Keysoe International, told H&H the Cuddle Therapy Centre – which is working with local councils to help vulnerable adults and children, and those with disabilities – is taking on the March the Month challenge as a way to “give back” to the community.

“This year we are planning to do more charity work with the ponies and this is our first step towards that,” she said.

“A member of our staff lost a parent very recently to prostate cancer and when we discovered March the Month we thought this was perfect.”

Jayde said the ponies will each walk 11,000 steps per day as part of their exercise and will have pedometers strapped to their legs.