Elderly Horses

I have an elderly horse. He is around 23/24 years old and is an ID/TB. He looks amazing. Each year when the vet gives him the once over, he is amazed at his good condition. The only way you would have any idea of his real age is to open his mouth and look at his long crooked teeth, two of which long since departed at the front :-)

Three years ago, in August, I bought him in to wait for the farrier. It had been a rainy night, and I suddenly became aware that he was shivering and shaking. I had to dash down to the house to fetch him a few rugs. It was quite a shock. I watched him carefully after that.

Since that time, in mid August I start watching the weather in the evening. If I suspect that it may get cooler, or rain heavily, I pop a very light rug on him. He is happier, and in the morning I take it off. It's a right pain, but he comes into winter feeling well and in good bodily condition.

Having horses at home does give one a greater insight into their needs and requirements, simply because you see them more often so can better study their behaviour. If you only visit your horse in the evening, you may not be aware of how cold he is during the night.

I know certain avenues of 'natural horsemanship' say that a horse 'should not' wear a rug, and that he will build up the defences if you leave him. But we all know our own horses. Jack has been with me for almost seventeen years, and historically had his winter rug on in late October. Last year I took rugs off my native ponies. One trashes them, and the other decided it looked fun. I felt guilty at first but was surprised to find that they felt warmer and seemed happier.

My point is this:-
1. Watch your horse carefully for signs of losing condition. He may be warm during the day, but shivering at night.
2. No matter what your belief system is, our horses are individuals. What works for one, does not work for another. Don't subscribe to something just because your friend - or peer group- is doing or not doing something.
3. Do not allow others to make you 'feel bad' if they see you putting a rug on your horse during the summer. You know what it right for your horse, and it is your right to do what you feel is best

What I have learned from my horses is to be an individual myself. They have taught me to stand up for myself, and for them. In my opinion, this is a matter of mutual respect. Trusting in what he wants will help to develop the bond.

Healing

When I started out on this journey I had no idea where it would take me. I have to be honest and state that I didn't want to work with people much at the time. I was totally focused on the horses, and what I could do for them.

Not surprisingly, many people who contact me for training tell me that they prefer to help the animals, rather than the people.

I can tell you now, this is a cop out!

For the first few years, as I was eased into this work, I was let off quite easily. Then it started to become apparant that I was not going to be allowed to help the horses unless I developed empathy and understanding for the owner.

I recall one of the first horses who showed me the wisdom of this. He was a wise old soul, and his communication with me was awesome. His name was Devon. He has passed over now - to help those less educated in 'horse heaven'.

Very early on in the consultation he began to tell me about his owners life, and how she was struggling. His owner was a lovely lady, and the tears soon flowed. I so remember how wonderful this felt. Not only was I helping this beautiful horse, but I was also helping his mum. It was a turning point, and everything changed from that point.

I retrained as a Life Coach. Temperament professional [psychometric testing] and studied as much as I could in order to be able to help people.

I began my journey with people. It was far from easy, being sometimes painful but always incredibly rewarding. I learned much about myself, which created an increase in confidence, empathy and communication skills. And, quite remarkably, as I got better with people, I became a more effective spokesman for the horses. I became comfortable in my own skin.

This is not the fast easy route, but it is undisputedly the greatest road to follow. If life doesn't stretch you a little, then you are not pushing out enough. If you are feeling a little uncomfortable, well done you are on track!

Know this and accept it, and your life will become easier. The flow will be greater, and the horse will resonate with your truth as you discover it.

Consequences

I was unfortunate to come across a situation recently, that showed me how acutely our horses are 'trained' into bad behaviour.

A foal had badly torn his shoulder, and I found myself involved due to the owners absence. I was told that the mare was uncatchable. I walked into the field, lowering my energy and, much to everyones surprise she walked straight up to me and shoved her head into my belly!

The vet came, and the owner turned up. I did not want to entrust the foal to him. It had taken me half an hour to win his trust, as he had not been handled much. I tried to rationalize that this wasn't my business, but my instinct overode the rational, and I am glad that it did.

It took over an hour to stitch the wound. The foal was great. he really trusted me by now and behaved very well. The vet suggested that the mare and foal stay in for 48 hours so that the wound could start to heal without the worry of flies.

I turned to watch the owner try to catch his mare. She was having none of it and violently swerved away from him. He eventually caught her by the halter, and promptly punched her hard on the nose! He then yelled and pulled at her to try to get her in the stable. The foal was directly behind her, so she could not see him. Naturally she was worried and the screaming git hanging on her head wasn't helping. The vet and I looked at each other - a silent communication taking place. He stepped into the courtyard and led the foal into the stable, and as soon as he did the mare followed.

I had cause to be around the mare and foal for a week or so after this. Boy was she nervous. She was ok with me, but when a man was around she was highly agitated.

Sadly, I see the foals future mapped out. Unhandled, or handled with aggression, what chance has he of growing up balanced and happy around humans? From a delightful innocent little chap he will no doubt grow up sour and hating men. It could have been so different!

Think on before you scream at or beat your horse. YOU are creating future behavioural issues, and it can never be taken back. That horse will never forget that one day that you chose to take out your frustrations on him.

Jan