Stable Hands Byron Bay

15/08/2024

SAVE THE DATE!!!

We are back & diving straight into a T-Shirt hack and Jumping Equitation day. This day is a great opportunity to dust off your cobwebs to prepare for the spring shows ahead or to learn the ropes of competing in the hack ring. We have also added a great Jumping Equitation program to perfect your style and technique over a jumping course.

We have a great program being released in a couple of days with equally great prizes.

11/08/2024

Very important when overtaking horses on the road, and well demonstrated, give us at least 2 metres, and pass slowly 🙏🏼

08/08/2024

Come and join us for a day of brumbies! Led classes, ridden classes and classes just for fun.

08/08/2024

After spending a week learning from Tami Elkayam Equine Bodywork and a week decompressing, I’ve finally gathered my thoughts enough to string some words together.

These are the 5 things that keep coming up for me when I’m talking to people.

1. Living has a price and that is expressed in the body. It is rare to see a horse who is conformationally perfect. A body at anytime is adapting to its internal and external environment. These can be seen as compensations. The more opportunity we give the body to compensate, the longer it can hold itself together. The body doesn’t need to be pretty, just functional.

2. Symmetry is bad. If a biological body was symmetrical it would break. Ambidexterity is the goal. If a body was perfectly symmetrical there would be no room for error. The bones and organs that make up a horse are not symmetrical so why would we expect the horse to be symmetrical.

3. Fascia is an indicator of the metabolic state of the horse. Stress internally and externally causes a pH change within the horse and has a massive impact on the health of the fascia. Ensuring we reduce stress in our horses lives wherever possible can have a large impact on the health of the tissues that make up their bodies.

4. The diaphragm is connected to the hind legs and therefore canter can be a really rehabilitative gait. The diaphragm is the biggest pump in the body. The contents of viscera (internal organs of the main cavity of the body) aids in exhalation and inhalation by creating a vacuum.

5. ‘You’re not lame in one foot, you’re lame in all four’. Everything is connected, you can’t look at things two dimensionally. We only notice s**t is really wrong when the front end of the horse fails. It is our job, as owners, to note when changes occur, before the whole horse is falling apart.

07/08/2024

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

Positive reinforcement is essential in effective horse training, and understanding what truly motivates your horse can make all the difference. While many trainers use praise and pats as rewards, scratching offers a more meaningful and beneficial alternative for your horse.

𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴
Horses have unique preferences when it comes to rewards. A simple pat on the neck or enthusiastic praise might not resonate with them in the way we expect. Instead, scratching mimics the natural behaviours horses use to interact with each other. In the wild, horses use their teeth to scratch each other’s necks, which is both a social interaction and a practical behaviour that helps alleviate discomfort.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨
Scratching has a calming effect on horses. Studies have shown that when horses scratch each other at the base of the withers, their heart rate lowers by about 10 beats per minute. This is a clear indicator that scratching is more than just a pleasant gesture; it’s a stress-relieving action that horses find highly rewarding.

𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
At Pony Club, we emphasise the use of scratching as part of our reward-based training techniques. Here’s why it’s effective:

▪️ Immediate Gratification: For positive reinforcement to work, the reward needs to be given immediately after the desired behaviour. Scratching provides instant, tangible gratification for your horse.

▪️ Meaningful Reward: Unlike loud praise or pats, scratching is something horses naturally enjoy. It directly addresses their physical comfort and mimics the social grooming they experience with other horses.

▪️ Stress Relief: The calming effect of scratching can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it an ideal reward during training sessions.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘜𝘴𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺
When incorporating scratching into your training routine, keep the following tips in mind:

1️⃣ Be Consistent: Use scratching as a reward consistently to help your horse associate it with positive behaviours.

2️⃣ Observe Preferences: Pay attention to where your horse likes to be scratched the most—some might prefer the neck, while others might enjoy it on their withers or back.

3️⃣ Combine with Other Rewards: While scratching is highly effective, you can also combine it with other forms of positive reinforcement, like treats, to enhance the reward.

In conclusion, scratching is a powerful and beneficial form of positive reinforcement that aligns with your horse’s natural behaviours and needs. By incorporating scratching into your training, you’re not only rewarding your horse effectively but also fostering a deeper bond built on understanding and respect.

Happy training, and remember to keep those scratches coming! 🐴✨

07/08/2024

Some great points here!

Make Them Carry Their Saddle

A father of a darling girl and I were talking last week and he said that he wanted his daughter to ride more and not have to do the work part of the catching, grooming, and saddling. I smiled as I explained.

Riding horses is a combination of strength, timing, and balance. Kids in this country are physically weak (unless they are actively involved with weight training and physical conditioning 4+ times a week.)

When you walk out to the field, you are clearing your stress from being under fluorescent lights all day; feeling the sun soak into your bones. As your body moves on uneven surfaces, it strengthens your legs and core.

When you groom your horse (especially currying), you are toning your arms and stabilizing your core.

When you carry your saddle, your arms, chest, and back are doing isolated strengthening work.

Being near horses, calms and makes you tune into the splendor of these empathetic animals.

When you ride at a posting trot, it’s equivalent to a slow jog calorie burn wise.

After a lesson, the riders are physically tired and mentally quiet and balanced.

Horses feel your heart beat and mirror your emotions back.

Riding large and somewhat unpredictable animals makes you resilient and pushes your expectations.

Working with horses is so much more than learning how to ride.

So parents, make your children carry their saddles. Don’t do the hard parts for them, as long term it actually hurts them. To advance with their riding, they must get stronger. You can help by doing the high parts.

I love having you all at the farm, and am so grateful to get to share these fascinating animals with you.

Hannah Campbell Zapletal

10/06/2024

When you love what you do, you’ll never work again 💕 I’m so grateful to have this little man, he brings me so much joy 🥰

06/06/2024

Who’s going?

🐶📆Come along and bring your pet dogs on lead for a morning of furry fun and frivolity!

📌When: Saturday 15 June from 9am to 12pm.

📍Where: Bangalow Showgrounds.

Come and enjoy:
*Face painting
*Great prizes
*Photo booth
*Community sausage sizzle
*Vet advice
*Dog trainer talks
*Freebies and more!

💻Find out more: https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Recreation-Culture/Events-Venues/Whats-On/Furry-Friends-Festival-2024

30/05/2024

One of my favourite books as a kid, ‘Black Beauty’. Sewell was an advocate for animal welfare and animal rights 🖤

Anna Sewell is celebrated as the author of "Black Beauty," a novel that transcends its literary value by profoundly influencing animal welfare. Published in 1877, the book’s depiction of a horse's life under various owners highlighted the cruelty faced by animals, effectively sparking a movement for their compassionate treatment. Anna Sewell was born in 1820 in Norfolk, England. Her life was marked by physical ailments, and by her teenage years, she was unable to walk without assistance. This reliance on horse-drawn carriages gave her a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and horses, which would later be vividly portrayed in her writing.

"Black Beauty" was written during the last years of Sewell's life. She aimed to raise awareness about the humane treatment of horses rather than purely entertain readers. The book was published just five months before her death, and it quickly became a bestseller. Sewell’s portrayal of the horse's perspective was revolutionary, offering readers an emotional connection to the plight of animals.

The novel is structured as an autobiography of a horse, Black Beauty, and narrates his experiences with various owners, highlighting both cruelty and kindness. Key themes include:

- The novel emphasizes that animals have feelings and deserve respectful treatment.
- It depicts the harsh realities of overworking and mistreating horses, especially those used in transportation.
- Sewell subtly but powerfully advocates for better conditions for working animals, promoting empathy and kindness.
- Impact on Animal Rights and Welfare

"Black Beauty" had a significant impact on public perception and the treatment of animals. The book influenced legislative reforms, including the introduction of laws to prevent cruelty to animals. In the UK, the novel contributed to the establishment of organizations like the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Sewell's work raised public consciousness about the mistreatment of horses and other animals, encouraging a more humane approach. The impact of "Black Beauty" extended beyond the UK, affecting animal welfare practices in the United States and other countries.

Campaigns were launched to improve the conditions for working horses, such as banning the use of the "bearing rein," a device that caused discomfort and injury. "Black Beauty" remains a powerful educational tool, teaching generations about empathy and the ethical treatment of animals.

The book has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and television series, continually bringing its message to new audiences. The themes of animal welfare and compassion in "Black Beauty" remain relevant today, as societies continue to strive for better treatment of animals.

Anna Sewell’s "Black Beauty" is more than a classic piece of literature; it is a seminal work in the history of animal welfare. By bringing the plight of horses to the forefront of public consciousness, Sewell not only advocated for the humane treatment of animals but also laid the groundwork for future animal rights movements.

👉 Please Follow Us on instagram.com/womeninworldhistory✨

27/05/2024

Thank you Bianca for the lovely review 🙏🏼 was a pleasure to look after Romney for you 🐴

★★★★★ "Amazing experience with Helen at Stable Hands Byron Bay. She came to my agistment to do horse care visits for my Brumby mare whilst I was away. She is so knowledgable and caring, going over and above to look after my girl, sending me lovely update pictures and videos throughout. Wou...

26/05/2024

Need someone to check & feed your horses? Need someone to check, feed or walk your dog? Contact Stable Hands Byron Bay as we have availability for daily visits

25/05/2024

Amazing Ruby! We loved our run at the beach 🥰 A throwback to last year when I had Roo for a week, as well as the 5 horses kept on property. I had my hands full!

25/05/2024

Has happened to me more than once while horse sitting on property 😆… I always get up to check what’s going, cheeky horses!

Breakfast time!
Credit funnyhorsecartoons

24/05/2024

A useful quick guide of things your dog can and can’t eat! 🐶

Has your dog ever eaten something that has led you to googling it in panic?
Well, here is a print out for your fridge so everyone in your household knows the big NO NOs. 🐾

24/05/2024

Samson & I love a good beach run when we’re together, it’s our favourite thing! Samson is one of my regulars and I often stay with him when his owners are away. He’s such a good boy! If you see us at the dog beach, come & say hello!
dogwalker

24/05/2024

🐶 Dog & Pet Services! 🐶
Our books are open to take on regular dog walking & pet sitting services in the local area. Daily care visits for household pets, as well as horses, are also available, along with overnight stays at your home. Contact us with your dates & requirements 💬📞

21/05/2024

Just a girl, giving kisses to her pony 🦄💕
babybrumby

21/05/2024

Did you know that scratching at the base of the withers can be a stress-reliever for horses? Our patron, Dr. Andrew McLean, highlights this as a rewarding technique, making it a key method taught at Pony Club for reward-based training 💚💛💚

Equitation Science International - ESI

20/05/2024

Horsemanship, Handling & Horse Care sessions with Helen & Cloud (unmounted)
Helen has been trained by British Horse Society (BHS) coaches for 20 years, and is an Instructor of Horse Handling certified through Horse Safety Australia (HSA). Helen can take you through everything you need to know to safely manage and care for your own pony.
Helen has just completed a 10 day training camp taking a wild Brumby, affectionately known as Little Cloud, from wild to first touch, to being fully handled with all basic husbandry skills in place.
Come and meet the newest member of the Stable Hands family, and learn horsemanship and groundwork skills! Get in touch to book your session!

20/05/2024

Cloud had his first session today! After his gelding on Tuesday I decided to run a program for him to help with any pain. He had some big releases, licking & chewing with yawns, during the 10minute session. I used the Animal Kit that is specifically designed to apply the Healy electrodes to pets. I use the Healy device on myself regularly to treat an injury, so I know first hand how much this can help reduce pain and discomfort.

I’d you’re interested in sessions for your horse or pet, get in touch!

Healy is a microcurrent medical device that has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for local relief of acute, chronic, arthritis pain and muscle soreness due to overexertion. Healy also has non-medical applications that use individualised frequencies to help balance mind and body and relieve stress. 12 animal specific programs are available.

13/05/2024

As hundreds of wild horses are shot from the air in Kosciuszko National Park, brumbies further north are experiencing the "cushy" perks of domestic life.

13/05/2024

Some professional photos from my 10 Day Brumby camp 😍😍😍

11/05/2024

With The Brumby Project – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉