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Equine Elements

Equine Facilitated Learning and Relational Horsemanship
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09/01/2024

We hope you enjoy these photos of Timmy on holiday!

It is quiet at Equine Elements this week, with no sessions as I am away, but the horses are in the capable hands of Jo and Sarah.

It is important to have a break, even if like me, you love your job!

Having a break means I can get back to everything that needs doing with renewed energy, having rested and recharged 🌅

It means I'll have more energy for all the 2024 plans for Equine Elements!

It means I am in a better space to look after the horses, and give them the life they deserve.

It means I am better able to provide the best possible experience for clients.

It means I can look after myself and make sure I keep up with self care.

On this holiday I am focusing on:

• resting and letting myself just be
• focusing on and appreciating nature
• letting go of the need to be productive
• living in the moment
• being with beings who I love

On this holiday Timmy is focusing on:

• adventuring on the beach
• trying not to steal pasties
• being brave with other dogs
• resting and snoozing in cosy blankets
• being with his favourite people

See you soon,

Alice and Timmy 😃🐾🩵

02/01/2024

A very soggy start to 2024!

Sadly sessions had to be rescheduled today 🌧️

We are currently wishing it wasn't so wet and muddy! But we will hopefully have some mats on the way soon, to help get the horses off the mud.

The herd are lucky in that almost all of the field is mud free, we are just struggling in one corner, which happens to be where the horses have their breakfast, and around the water trough. The mud mats will give the herd a dry spot to eat their breakfast, and will mean Alice doesn't fall over in the mud when grooming them/ checking their hooves!

Luckily we have a nice dry hard standing for client sessions. (So don't worry, if you're visiting us, you won't fall over in the mud!)

It is all a little bit of a work in progress at the new site still, we can't wait to have more indoor space, and things more shipshape 🐴

31/12/2023

Happy New Year everyone, what a journey 2023 has been!

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has made this possible, Equine Elements wouldn't be here without you.

Thank you to the family and friends who have been so supportive, helped prepare the new site, and look after the horses.

Thank you to the clients that have stuck with me, to the new clients who have found us, and for all your kind words.

Thank you to our new space, for being such a lovely home.

And last but definitely not least, thank you to the horses, who are the reason for everything, and who have so much love, wisdom and healing to share with us all.

30/12/2023

Christmas snacks!
The horses got an extra special breakfast Christmas morning and have also been gifted a huge amount of leftover Christmas carrots!

We will use the carrots not just on their breakfast, but also in enrichment activities and brain games for them.

What fruits and vegetables are safe for horses?

🥕 Carrots
🍎 Apples
🍌 Bananas
🍊 Oranges
🍇 Grapes
🍐 Pears
🍓 Strawberries
🍉 Watermelon
🥒 Cucumber
Celery
Blackberries
Raspberries
Parsnips
Swede
Pumpkin

What fruits and vegetables are not safe for horses?

🥦 Broccoli and cauliflower
🥬Lettuce/cabbage
🥔 Potatoes
🧅Onion
🍅 Tomatoes
🥑 Avacado
🫑Peppers
Sprouts
Rhubarb

What fruit / veg do you think is each Equine Elements horse's favourite?

Please note:

🐴All of the above fruit/ veg that a horse can eat, is in moderation. Too much fruit/ veg can make a horse very ill.

🐴At Equine Elements we ask that no one feeds the horses without our permission.

🐴Please never feed an animal without the owners permission, as you don't know what health issues the animal may have.

🐾 Grapes and raisins are highly toxic for dogs, so we don't use these in enrichment activities at Equine Elements, in case Timmy Hoover's up any leftovers!

25/12/2023

Happy Christmas from all at Equine Elements 🐴🎄

We hope you have a wonderful day, filled with happiness, love and laughter.

The horses have enjoyed an extra special breakfast with tasty snacks, and are having a quiet day.

20/12/2023

Some Christmas creations 🎄

Thank you Jo! 🤗🎄🐴

Timmy is spending lots of time snoozing at the moment (wet winter weather is not his favourite!)

The beautiful horse head is made from things collected from the woods and hedgerows at Equine Elements, and the snowflakes are made from baler twine!

13/12/2023

Rest time 😴
So amazing to see them all lie down together, they must feel so safe, which is wonderful.

Equine Elements has been a bit quieter with sessions recently, (no reason, other than that's just how it's gone!) But the new riding licence is nearly through, and I've had a few new enquiries which is lovely. I'm making plans for what to offer in 2024, and hope to get things moving a bit more then!

Please spread the word about Equine Elements if you like what we do, word of mouth really helps, especially for a small business just starting out 🐴

Comments, likes and shares of social media posts help too!

08/12/2023

To lay in a field,
Feel the ground at your back,
The wind on your face,
And the cold on your hands.

To lay in a field,
Watch the clouds drift,
The trees turn to silhouettes,
In the fading light.

To lay in a field,
Hear the buzzard's cry,
The leaves rustle,
The horses graze close by.

To lay in a field,
Smell the rich earth,
Breathe in deep,
Bringing the cold into your lungs.

To lay in a field,
Grounded,
Rooted,
Present.

And to taste a moment of peace.

🌱🌬️🍃🐴

When did you last stop, be present, and feel a moment of peace?

This is part of what the horses teach us, the ability to slow down, be present and in the moment, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. To feel safe and held, and to let ourselves relax. To be aware of our senses, and what our body is telling us.

02/12/2023

Some photos of the beautiful frost and mist we had today.

It made the space even more magical ❄️

It was lovely to spend time today exploring the space, and noticing all the little beautiful things that nature has to offer. Taking time to be grounded, present, and aware of our senses.

28/11/2023

Cyra and Cleo checking out the herd mini me's!

Felties of the herd are available to purchase, you can take home a cuddly, portable version of the Equine Elements herd member(s!) that you love 💚🩷🧡💛

Felties are hand made by Alice, from felt that is made from recycled plastic bottles, and reused stuffing.

🎄 They can be made in time for Christmas! 🎁

18/11/2023

Cyra hiding amongst the colours of Autumn

What does Autumn mean for you?

For me it means: change, rest, letting go, recharge, slowing down, release, challenges and burning bright.

🍂🍁🍃

In Equine Therapy nature plays an important part, learning to listen to what nature and the environment can teach us, as well as the horses.

What does Autumn teach you?

For me it teaches me to let go of things I don't need anymore and to always look for the bright colours.

14/11/2023

Little Cleo getting ready for a walk out wearing a surcingle and girth.
Cleo is now four, which means her ridden education can start!

She won't be doing anything too much until she is 6 though, as until that point (and sometimes after) a horses body is still growing and changing shape.

The bones in a horse's back/ spine are the last to fuse and form their adult shape and density, which is why horses must never do too much too young.

Things like lots of jumping, fast work, a heavy rider, an unbalanced rider, and an unbalanced /unfit horse can cause issues for the horse in later life, such as arthritis, kissing spine and sway back.

To carry a rider effectively and safely a horse must be strong in their back and core, as well as aware of how to use their body.

08/11/2023

Thank you to a lovely client for this wonderful card 🐴❤️🐾

It really does mean a lot to see how much everyone loves the new site, and how patient everyone is whilst things are in progress.

There's still lots to be done, but that's how things go in life I suppose, one step at a time!

05/11/2023

Hi from Timmy!

As you may have noticed, Timmy has been relatively absent from the Equine Elements socials since the move, and I thought you'd all like to see his lovely little face!

He's been a bit poorly, as he badly sprained his wrist while chasing a squirrel ☹️ lots of rest and tlc and some painkillers, and he's on the mend.

Poor Tim also had an unfortunate meeting with the electric fence on the first day at the new field, which has meant he's been a bit frightened and reluctant to go out in the fields (or even out of the caravan at all!)

He's feeling better about it now, and is back to accompanying me on the poo picking rounds (only if it's not raining).

As much as it wasn't a good situation for Timmy, it did bring up some interesting things for clients, and meant we could explore things like:

What do we need when we are scared?
What helps us feel safe?
How do we overcome a fear?
Why is having a choice important with facing a fear?
What helps us be brave?

Everyone was so wonderful with Timmy, here are some things that clients said helped Timmy face his fear:

Having a safe space in the caravan.
Being wrapped in blankets.
Not having to go out.
Having someone go with him and protect him.
Making it fun outside.
Being off the lead so he knew we wouldn't make him go.
Having us be patient and kind.
Giving him as much time as he needed.

Kindness, patience, safety, time, help, communication.
So many lessons to be learned through our four legged helpers.
This is how we overcome fear 🐴🐾

03/11/2023

What a view!

Tali loves relaxing and looking at the view after his breakfast, and although I think we all miss the glorious view at Avening, I think you'll all agree that our new view is just as good.

It's important that our venue is quiet, peaceful and abundant in nature, all vital things for a healing space, as well as a happy home for the horses.

So far you all seem to like our new site, especially that it is tucked away, and with the woodland making it feel safe and held.

Lots of you have noticed that the horses seem happier too, and I think you're absolutely right! They are loving their new track system, and the better forage this site provides.

31/10/2023

Happy Halloween 👻🎃

Troy is doing his best impression of a ghost (his fly mask had slipped down, don't worry he wasn't blindfolded for long!)

And Cyra found a pumpkin on our walk today, and thought it might make a good snack!

21/10/2023

Rest 😴 It is very important that the horses feel safe enough in their new home to rest and have a lie down to sleep!

It was wonderful to see them led down on the third day (photo one) and also today (following photos). Both times I took the opportunity to join them, and have some just being time.

Also, look at the difference in the grass between the photos! Those ponies have been busy munching.

Some facts about horse sleep:

It is a common misconception that horses always sleep standing up, but this isn't true. They can doze standing up (usually you can tell as they have a resting hindleg and low head, sometimes with a droopy lip!) But to get their deep sleep/ REM sleep, they need to be led down.

In a herd horses would usually have one or more horses standing up on 'watch' duty, to make sure the sleeping horses are safe.

If a horse doesn't feel safe, doesn't have a herd to stay on watch, or lacks a comfy place to lie down and sleep, they can end up with sleep deprivation.

Horses don't need as much sleep as we do, and they sleep in short bursts rather than a big chunk all together like us.

Horses spend an average of 5-7 hours a day sleeping/ resting, and need at least 30 minutes of REM sleep a day.

10/10/2023

It's World Mental Health Day.

What have horses done to help your mental health?

Horse - human connection offers an opportunity to explore so much, including emotions, boundaries, self care, past experiences, energy levels, self expression, our voice, self worth, our values, confidence, regulation, relationships, body language, choices we face, and so much more.

What have horses helped you explore?

08/10/2023

A bit about track systems!

A track system is a way of keeping horses that mimics their natural lifestyle. Not only do I love track systems because they are a fantastic way to keep horses, but also because they encourage us to think about our own needs and what is best for us, which is a vital part of Equine Facilitated Learning and Therapeutic Horsemanship.

A track system encourages movement as the horses travel between different parts of the track/ different resources. This means the horses stay healthy, as movement helps their circulatory and lymphatic systems, as well as helping them stay fit.

It encourages variation and engagement, as different enrichment activities can be placed around the track.

It allows for healthy forage to be provided, and restricts the amount of grass the horses have access to. This is perfect for horses who may have metabolic issues that mean they can't cope with rich sugary grass. (The herd's track at the moment has alot of grass as they have only just moved there and it hasn't been grazed. This will be shorter grass in the future, and they will have hay as needed).

The track middles can be left to grow long, which is hugely beneficial for wildlife.

Track systems also allow for better land management, and can ensure that less of the pasture gets damaged or overgrazed by horses.

I want to say thank you to Amy Dell of Abbotts View Livery: Barefoot and Back to Nature who has written a fantastic book about track systems (which was invaluable to me whilst designing the track for the herd) and who I also had a consultation with in my designing process.
I hope you like the track Amy!

03/10/2023

Thank you Sophie for your excellent transportation of Cyra and Cleo! And for sorting out a last minute issue so well 🙏

03/10/2023

Thank you to Simon of Harris Equine Transport for travelling Troy and Tali so well!

29/09/2023

Happy 4th birthday to little Cleo!

Cleo has only been with us for a short while, but has learnt so much.

She's settled into a new home and a new herd.

She's learnt to relax for having her hooves trimmed, and to let them be picked out every day.

She's learnt to be groomed by others, including children, and think about what she likes and how to express herself.

She's learnt about going on walks, that drains aren't scary, and how to move out of the way for cars.

She's learnt about playing and itching with the herd, and how to use a treat ball.

She's learnt (and is still learning!) how to be careful of people's toes, and how to politely ask for butt scratches!

Someone asked me the other day how long Cleo had been at Equine Elements. I answered 8 months, and then started to say that I'd not really done much with Cleo and Cleo hadn't been doing much.
Then, I realised how untrue that was, and how far Cleo has come, and that not only has she come far, but she's been happy and comfortable doing it all at her own pace.

She is an incredible, curious little pony who has approached everything with an open heart 🧡

Sometimes, it's easy to play down what we've achieved, or how far we've come, but we should make sure to celebrate every step.

22/09/2023

Some interesting hairstyles from Troy and Cyra today!

The herd have been enjoying time in the orchard, which has more grass than their usual field.

The new site has been ungrazed for a long time, meaning there is lots of long grass! Letting them have time in the orchard means their tummies get used to having a bit more grass and less hay, rather than just doing an overnight change when they move.

03/09/2023

Good morning from Equine Elements ☀️🐴

Some relaxing down time for everyone today;
Troy and Cyra are enjoying extra grass🌾
Cleo and Tali have grass in a haynet 🌱
Timmy has had a lazy lie in 😴
And Alice is doing some sewing 🪡

Rest is important for both people and horses, (and dogs!) It's vital we give ourselves time to relax, unwind, and slow down.

We hope you're all having a good Sunday too! What are you doing?

*The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed that we are still in Avening! Due to fencing delays the move to Slad has been pushed back slightly, but we'll be there soon! In the mean time we are enjoying staying here a little while longer.

26/08/2023

Happy International Dog day!

Timmy is an important part of the Equine Elements team, with many jobs:
Welcoming people to their sessions, sometimes taking part, providing cuddles, making us laugh, showing us good communication, helping us learn about energy levels, and so much more!

He loves being with the horses, and getting involved however he can.

(Right now he's hiding in the office under a blanket, because of this sudden soggy storm were having 🌧️)

16/08/2023

The herd enjoying some willow branches.

Willow has natural antiinflammatory effects, so is great for Troy and his arthritis, and also for Cyra and the bodywork issues she is working through.

They're also apparently quite yummy, which Cleo and Tali prove!

Sadly we have had to slightly postpone our move to Stroud, due to fencing delays. However this means we can stay in lovely Avening for a little while longer, which Alice is pleased about as she was sad she and the herd had run out of time to do all the favourite rides and walks 🏇

It is important the new site is as ready as possible for the horses, to minimise the stress they will experience. You wouldn't want to move home to a house that wasn't ready to live in!

05/08/2023

Some very soggy photos from today! Will it ever stop raining....

Sadly we did have to reschedule some sessions.

As you can see, Timmy was very glad to get home early!

23/07/2023

Good morning from Equine Elements 🐴

Every week the horses have at least one day off, with no sessions running.
This gives them time to rest and relax together as a herd. Just like us, they need down time too!
They had a check over this morning, some cuddles and scratches, hay and straw put out to munch on, the shelter cleared, and new straw added for a comfy place to lie down. Then for the rest of the day they can just be horses, and enjoy the sunshine!

Alice will be back later to check them again, and make sure they're all alright.

At the new site, we have lots of plans for exciting enrichment for the herd, to give them lots of entertainment!

21/07/2023

Happy birthday Tali!

Tali is 13 today, although he could be younger, as we are not quite sure of his age.
We also don't know his exact birthday, so chose the day he came to live with Alice.

Thank you Tali for all you teach us, all the fun, the gentleness, the quiet moments and the laughter.
So many lessons and wisdom inside such a little pony!

Tali had an extra yummy breakfast this morning, extra cuddles, and two renditions of happy birthday!

15/07/2023

I'm excited to be able to confirm the new location for Equine Elements!

As many of you will know, remaining at Avening Park was a temporary measure that helped give Equine Elements the perfect start; somewhere Troy, Tali, Timmy and I feel safe and happy. And an area we know very well having worked there with the Equine Therapy Center for 7 years.
Since early this year I have been on the look out for a permanent site that would allow Equine Elements to spread its wings, secure its roots, and have an exciting future.

Our new site is situated near Slad in Stroud, opposite the picturesque village of Painswick. It is a beautiful 7 acre field of meadow grass and wild flowers, as well as horse safe woodland. There are many paths to explore in the surrounding area, so excellent riding and walking!

This new site will be a permanent location, of which Equine Elements will have sole use. This will provide a safe, confidential space for sessions, and an area that can be developed specifically to the needs of Equine Elements, providing opportunities for lots of exciting projects.
More importantly, it is a site that can be developed to provide the best possible environment for the Equine Elements herd, allowing them to live as healthily and happily as possible!
The horses will move on August 21st, and we will be having a break from all sessions whilst they adjust to their new environment and process the move. I will however post plenty of pictures and videos here and on Instagram, so you can all see what they think of their new home.

As you can see from the photos, Timmy has already been to the new site, and has done many inspections! He has undertaken the role of overseer for all developments there, and will post updates about any work that goes on 🐾

Do you have any questions about the new site?

Address

Stroud

Website

https://cotswoldequineelements.co.uk/

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Videos

Happy Winter Solstice everyone, we've done it, we are half way through the dark. The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, the shortest day and longest night. Now, the days will start to lengthen, we will gradually get more light and sun, until Spring starts to peep through the frost. Then it's time to grow. For me and Equine Elements, I'm trying to follow the seasons. Rest and recuperate over winter, acknowledge what we've achieved this year, and then head into spring with renewed vigor! The horses are enjoying recuperating time too, (although they haven't been as busy as me, they still go with the flow of the seasons, as nature intended), they have been going into the middle field, as you can see there has been some excitement! They are loving the grass, plants and herbs this species rich site has to offer, and can self select what they need at this time. #wintersolstice #shortestday #halfwaythroughthedark #herd #therapyhorses #seasons #nature #mothernature #natureswisdom #whatdoyouneed #rest #renew #relax #haflinger #gypsycob #shetland #arab

Some excitable track zooms yesterday morning! Turn up the volume for hoofbeats 🐎 (this was after the second or third lap, so they have slowed down a bit, believe it or not they were going faster!) The horses are loving this space to really stretch their legs, this particular fun and games happened after they'd had breakfast. Playing is such an important thing for a horse to be able to do; play with their friends in a large, safe open space. Watch til the end for Troy voluntarily choosing to do the obstacle course (including a little jump!) And at a canter, (not too bad Troy, considering your arthritis!) Who do you think looked like they were having the most fun? Or who would you like to run with? #horses #tracksystemhorse #tracksystemherd #tracksystem #tracklife #play #fun #racetime #horsesrunning #herd #therapyhorse #therapyherd #horsesplaying #horseshavingfun #gallop #canter #zoomies #haflinger #shetland #gypsycob #arab #cremello #maketimeforplay

Happy birthday to our wonderful Timmy 🩵🐾 Timmy is an important part of the Equine Elements team (even if he's not a horse!) He welcomes people, helps them feel safe, gives super comforting cuddles, and is great at helping us explore our emotions and energy levels. Thank you Timmy 🩵 Today he's snuggled up in the warm at home (he doesn't like the rain!) But I thought you'd like this photo and video from yesterday, when he was wrapped up to keep warm in all the frost ❄️🐾 #whippet #therapydog #blue #snood #layers #wrapupwarm #birthdayboy #happybirthday #whippetclothes #whippetonesie #staywarm #snugasabug #dogshelpingpeople

It's a frozen winter wonderland here today! Join Troy on his walk to breakfast. Troy and Cyra have their rugs on, as they need a little extra help keeping warm. Troy is getting older now and has arthritis, and Cyra has some body issues she's working through, as well as not being as fluffy. This means they might feel uncomfortable in the cold. Whereas Tali and Cleo are well insulated in their natural fluffy winter coats! Just like us humans, each horse is different and has individual needs. We've got to do what's best for each horse - horse centered horse care. #horses #winter #winterwonderland #frost #haflinger #breakfasttime #herd #cold #wrapupwarm #snug #snugasabuginarug #horsecare

Treat ball time in the frost ❄️ It's been very chilly the last couple of days, but very beautiful. As well as client sessions, the horses have enjoyed some downtime, going out for walks and adventures, trying bout their new hay stations on the track, and having the treat balls. Down time and enrichment is really important for horses- and people! #winter #frost #horses #horsetreatball #horseenrichment #enrichmentforhorses #downtime #tracksystemshorse #tracksystem #herd #therapyhorse

First walk out! This week the horses have felt settled enough that they've started to drift further apart, and head off in pairs or by themselves, whereas when they arrived they were very much sticking together at all times! Going out on a walk can be stressful as they are leaving some of their herd behind, so I wanted to wait until they were showing me that they were settled being apart. It was still a little bit scary for them, but we went in pairs and kept it short and sweet, just a little explore down the lane, and then back to the safety of home and herd. It's important to make sure the horses stay in their 'comfort zone', trying to do too much before they are ready will only cause them unnecessary stress and potentially make them less comfortable trying new things (a bit like us!) #horses #herd #newhome #haflinger #cremello #horsewalk #adventure #comfortzone #feelingready #whenyoureready #letswalk

Having a good run on the track and exploring the woodland! The horses are loving exploring their new home, and having the space to go for a good blast. More to follow on track systems tomorrow 🐴 #horses #tracksystem #herd #herdofhorses #tracksystemshorse #naturalhorsecare #therapyherd #newhome #settlingin #gallop #goingforarun #woodland #cotswolds #whataview #view

Next new thing for the herd, meeting the neeiiiiggghh-bours (sorry the pun had to be done!) Meeting new horses can be both exciting and stressful, and it's important they're given time to figure out how to be comfortable with each other. A little bit like meeting new people for us humans! #horses #herd #newhorses #newfriends #newhome #settlingin #neighbours #haflinger #cremello #gypsycob #shetland #therapyherd #therapyhorse

Breakfast time at the new site! The video is from yesterday, this morning they were tied at their new tie stations (much easier as it means they can't steal each others food!) They have so much to get used to, even learning the new routine for breakfast, where they stand, having to wait, is alot of learning, which is why it's so important they have time off to adjust. They are dozing now, (and watching the portaloo being delivered). They are very much sticking together, and it's lovely to see how they all look out for one another. #horses #breakfasttime #herd #newhome #thunderbrookequestrianfeed

We have moved! Yesterday the horses successfully moved from Avening to Equine Elements' new site in Stroud. They are settling in well, and have been loving exploring their new home. I want to say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who has made this possible, I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you to the family and friends who have given their time to get the site ready, and the endless encouragement that has really kept me on track! Thank you to George James of Springhill Contracts for the fantastic fencing, and fitting me in last minute as my initial fencing contractor dropped out. Thank you to Stroud Farm Services Ltd , especially John, for your excellent electric fencing advice and for ordering in everything I needed. Thank you to Sophie of The Equine Taxi and Simon Harris equine transport for bringing the herd safely to their new home. And last but definitely not least, thank you to all the clients and parents who have been so invested and excited about this next step for me, the herd, and Equine Elements. Thank you everyone 🙏 The horses will be having a break from sessions over the next two weeks to settle into their new home and adjust to the change. It will also give me time to get things ship shape, and also to have a bit of a rest myself! I will be posting regular updates on how they are settling in and what they think of their new home, so stay tuned 🐴 #moveday #newhome #horsetransport #cotswolds #stroud #slad #painswick #herd #explore #change #therapyherd #welcomehome #movinghouse #thankyou #adventure #dreamcometrue

We hope you've all been keeping cool today ☀️ Alice is just going to check on the horses and give them some more hay, sessions were cancelled today due to the heat, and rescheduled for later this week when it's meant to be slightly cooler! The herd do also have a field shelter and plenty of shade from trees, but lately they've chosen to all handg out in the stable (with the door open obviously, so they can come and go as they please!) #horses #therapyherd #therapyhorse #staycool #heatwave #septembersummer #sunshine #chilling Disclaimer : the horses are not left with this stable for long periods of time/ left unattended overnight, due to its small space. These horses are very settled and comfortable with each other, so they are not likely to argue over the space or hurt each other. No food or water is placed in the stable, as this could be the cause of arguments/ resource guarding!

Good morning from Equine Elements ☀️🐴 Some relaxing down time for everyone today; Troy and Cyra are enjoying extra grass🌾 Cleo and Tali have grass in a haynet 🌱 Timmy has had a lazy lie in 😴 And Alice is doing some sewing 🪡 Rest is important for both people and horses, (and dogs!) It's vital we give ourselves time to relax, unwind, and slow down. We hope you're all having a good Sunday too! What are you doing? *The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed that we are still in Avening! Due to fencing delays the move to Slad has been pushed back slightly, but we'll be there soon! In the mean time we are enjoying staying here a little while longer. #horses #therapyherd #therapyhorses #equinetherapy #equinefacilitatedlearning #haflinger #cremello #relax #downtime #snoozysunday #timetorelax #sunshine #cotswolds #rest

The herd enjoying some willow branches. Willow has natural antiinflammatory effects, so is great for Troy and his arthritis, and also for Cyra and the bodywork issues she is working through. They're also apparently quite yummy, which Cleo and Tali prove! Sadly we have had to slightly postpone our move to Stroud, due to fencing delays. However this means we can stay in lovely Avening for a little while longer, which Alice is pleased about as she was sad she and the herd had run out of time to do all the favourite rides and walks 🏇 It is important the new site is as ready as possible for the horses, to minimise the stress they will experience. You wouldn't want to move home to a house that wasn't ready to live in! #willow #foraging #horses #herd #cotswolds #enrichment #enrichmentforhorses #moving

Good morning from Equine Elements 🐴 Every week the horses have at least one day off, with no sessions running. This gives them time to rest and relax together as a herd. Just like us, they need down time too! They had a check over this morning, some cuddles and scratches, hay and straw put out to munch on, the shelter cleared, and new straw added for a comfy place to lie down. Then for the rest of the day they can just be horses, and enjoy the sunshine! Alice will be back later to check them again, and make sure they're all alright. At the new site, we have lots of plans for exciting enrichment for the herd, to give them lots of entertainment! #horses #therapyherd #equinetherapy #haflinger #cremello #shetland #gypsycob #restday #dayoff #relax #downtime #equinefacilitatedlearning #naturalhorsecare

Cyra enjoying some stinging nettles! Nettles have many health benefits for both horses and humans (although humans need to be much more careful eating them...!) Benefits include reducing inflammation, helping blood sugar levels, and help with blood cleansing. They also have high levels of vitamins and minerals! It's important that our horses have the chance to self select what they need, to keep them as healthy and happy as possible. #nettles #nettleshealthbenefits #nettlesforhorses #selfselectionforanimals #horses #therapyhorses #selfselectionforhorses #foraging #foragingforhorses #cremello #healthyhorse #stayhealthy

Troy and Tali sharing from their new slow feeder haynets. As the grass is much higher in sugar in the spring and summer, it's important to make sure horses have the correct diet. At the moment the herd are on a bare paddock, with netted hay to make sure they get enough forage and fibre. They can still nibble the grass, but as there isn't much this means they don't over eat! The haynets slow down their eating, and make the hay last longer. However, short, stressed grass can actually be higher in sugar than long grass, so it can be a difficult thing to manage. One of the things about looking after horses is doing the best we can for them with what we have. This is a short term situation for the herd and we have some exciting plans for creating a long term environment that is the best for their physical health, as well as mental health. But for now, they are all still happy and healthy! 🍃🌳🐴 #horsecare #horses #equinetherapy #therapyherd #haflinger #shetland #sharing #horsefeeding #summer #horsediet #forage #hay

The environment is a very important part of a therapy session. One of the joys of Equine Therapy is that it can happen outside in nature, surrounded by trees, birds and of course horses! At Avening Park there are some beautiful birds, including this very eloquent little robin, swallows that nest in the stable, and jackdaws that use the horses' winter coats to line their nests. What's your favourite bird you've seen at Equine Elements? #horses #equinetherapy #nature #birds #birdwatcher #robin #birdsong #swallows #jackdaws #britishbirds #therapyinnature #naturetherapy #outdoors