ByRobyn Harris
Around the time that the changes I outlined last week were going on, the trimmer, Caroline Wang-Andresen of Hoofing Marvellous, came for her second visit. I spoke with her about what was going on with Dax and mentioned that he seemed unhappy if I tried to lift his front feet, often turning round to bite…
ByRobyn Harris
The weeks rolled on and Dax’s behaviour started to change subtly. When he’d first arrived in Bristol he’d seemed happy to walk around on a lead rope and follow me wherever I took him: into the stable, into the field or around the yard. He was less confident about going out into the lane, so…
ByRobyn Harris
Last week I started the story of how a handsome young gelding came into my life. This week I’d like to formally introduce him! In his previous home he was known as Lucky, however I felt drawn to giving him a new name to mark the start of this new chapter of his life. I…
ByRobyn Harris
Oh boy! What a journey this is turning out to be! As I began writing this I was waiting in excited anticipation for the arrival of the horse that I’ve taken on permanent loan. He was travelling from St Albans to join me here in Bristol, so had a long road ahead of him, but…
ByRobyn Harris
Something we need to consider when our horses are stabled is what and how we feed them. Think about how the horse eats and drinks in the wild. Here they graze for up to sixteen hours a day, eating grass growing on the ground. In contrast we often feed concentrates at set meal times and…
ByRobyn Harris
Many of the situations in which we keep horses mean that it’s not possible for them to be turned out all the time. We therefore need to think of ways of making their time in the stable more ‘natural’. For example, think of how the horse interacts with his surroundings when within a herd. He…
ByRobyn Harris
Last week I mentioned that stabling can be stressful for horses, so what can we do to provide them with a more appropriate environment? Where at all possible it is best to try to create natural conditions as far as possible. Ideally this would be for the horse to be turned out, day and night,…
ByRobyn Harris
Last week I looked at some of the similarities and differences between us and our equine friends. One of the ways we can see this is in our use of body language. For example, when two horses meet, they introduce each other by approaching slowly, often at an angle rather than directly. They are very…
ByRobyn Harris
Horse Psychology can be defined as: ”the scientific study of the horse’s mind and its functions. Encompassing the mental characteristics or attitude of the species” – http://www.training-horses-naturally.com/horse-psychology.html (link no longer available) This field of study is growing so hopefully, as we come to understand horses better, our care of them, and thus our relationships with…
ByRobyn Harris
Other ways of supporting your own wellbeing and balance include: taking time-out for yourself meditation / mindfulness physiotherapy / chiropractic / massage sessions a healthy diet getting sufficient sleep complementary therapies (eg homeopathy, aromatherapy Bach Flower remedies, EFT, healing, etc) I personally offer a range of support which can be used face-to-face or at a…
ByRobyn Harris
Given that horses are such sensitive animals it is also very important for us to take good care of ourselves. This is true physically, emotionally and mentally as any imbalances could affect the horse and his behaviour in negative ways: If we are physically out of balance then this will affect how we sit on…
ByRobyn Harris
If you find that things are not going well in a session with your horse, consider the factors that could be influencing his behaviour, for example: is he in pain? (eg injury or uncomfortable tack) is he bored? (eg has he been doing the same thing for several days in a row / is he…