Tranquil Touch Equine Therapy

11/10/2025

Wow!

27/09/2025

Our final act of love .. and by far, the hardest ❤️

What does it really mean to "let them go on a good day?"

It means it will be your hardest day. It won't matter if you've never done it before, or if you're gifted a dozen good days, each good day is always the hardest one.

It means they won't know what the fuss is about, why they're getting so many treats and extra belly scratches and hugs.

It means you will second guess your decision right up to the very last moment, the very last breath. You'll second guess yourself afterwards.

They'll knicker at you when you arrive, just like any other day.

The weather, perfect. They are content. They look sound today. They are breathing well, eating well, they get up easily enough from a nap in the sun....the list goes on. Whatever issue they struggle with, today they aren't.

Today you euthanize them.

This is what going on a good day means: sending them out while they are happy, while they are healthy, while they are eating well, walking well, etc. You make the choice to do it before an emergency takes the choice away from you, before your horse has to experience any more trauma or pain.

Their last memory will be filled with love.

It'll rip your heart out every time.

We can see the patterns and the increasing trends. We can predict it a little. We can obsess over the past and worry about the future.

Fortunately, horses, all animals, live in the moment. They don't worry about those things. They aren't worried about winter. They aren't worried about July, or allergies, or progressive diseases like cushings or dsld. They don't think about the close calls they've had before, and they certainly aren't thinking about the close calls that are destined to come, as their body continues to age and break down. They just are. They are happy and healthy, or fearful and in pain, on that day, in that moment.

It is the most difficult, most loving gift we are blessed to be able to give.

And that first ice storm will come, that first deep snow, that first heat wave....and you will find a little relief, no longer doubting the choice you made.

They were happy, and safe, and loved. That is all that matters.

It is never easy. ~Kelly Meister, author

22/09/2025

Kicking my belly
Not going forward
Standing in the back of the stable
Moving away from the bridle
Dropping weight
Cantering on the wrong lead
Bucking in transition
Running
Napping
Crossing my jaw
Fence walking

I am always trying to communicate with you ... are you listening?

28/08/2025

❤️

07/07/2025

❤🐴

30/06/2025

Made me smile this morning !

Blue is within everyone’s grasp and with blue you have the tools to discuss red 🤣

04/06/2025

Catching up on comms backlog slowly due to litter … please bear with me 🙏🙏

Thank you 🐴🐾

‘Photo courtesy of Kodi Collie’

30/05/2025

Sorry I’m behind on comms and messaging ! I’ve been a little busy ….

As little Thor got his first real glimpse of the world through newly opened eyes, he wondered who was out there for him .. would they love him? Would there be walks, and toys and treats, and kisses and praise and kindness when he made a mistake? For he would make mistakes, he would, no doubt, make many. He knew his job was to love and bring joy to all who met him .. he would try hard in his role, he would try to be the ‘bestest’ he could be, in the hope that his family would use the words that all dogs longed to hear, the words that wagged his tail like crazy … “Good dog Thor, good dog”

10/05/2025

As promised, here are some easy steps for basic grounding techniques. It takes a few seconds of intentional thought, that's all. Try it when you're feeling stressed, irritated, needing clarity or guidance. Try it when you're riding and although your feet won't be on the floor, imagine the roots spreading down to the floor from your stirrups. When your horse is stressed, try grounding yourself and then laying your hands on your horse. Experiment with a friend, get your friend to push you backwards on your shoulders before grounding, then ground yourself and get your friend to try again, feel the difference in your body and your energy field. Begin to notice throughout the day when you are not grounded, practice it often, and then practice it some more. Before you know it, it will be second nature to you and then watch and see how your life changes when you have a stronger presence in your own body!

Happy grounding !

26/03/2025

Interesting chat with the locals this morning in beautiful Antigua.

“Can I talk with you?”
“Not really”
“Can I ask you one question?”
“If you must”
“Do you like living here?”
“It serves its purpose”

You’ve got to love a sassy cat !

This ginger boy, I was informed by a tabby female, was in charge. She alerted me of his pressence before he appeared, she then hid in the bushes, before slinking off.

13/03/2025

❤️

What is a Heart Dog?

A Heart Dog is not just a beloved pet; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. It’s that four-legged friend who wiggles their way into the deepest chambers of your heart, leaving an imprint that time cannot fade. This bond is profound, built on a foundation of trust, understanding, and an unspoken language that only the two of you share.

The term has its roots in the profound connection between humans and dogs. It encapsulates the idea that some dogs don’t just occupy a space in our lives, they take residence in our hearts.

Each furry companion brings their own brand of joy, love, and companionship. While a Heart Dog holds a special place, all dogs are special, and it’s crucial not to compare or hold others to the same standard. All animals are different, so if you already have a Heart Dog, or have lost one, it is so important to recognize that there’s no need to try and replace or replicate that bond. Just honour it and respect it and love your other animals with your whole heart!

The Adored Beast Apothecary 🐶

artist credit: Aeppol