Molly - In-hand Groundwork
This is why I love my work, read this lovely testimonial:
"I have had Molly for 18 years (since 2005) and she is now approximately 30 years old. Molly had had a serious (almost fatal) accident two years before I took her on.
She has always been a very sensitive and therefore reactive, Thoroughbred mare with high adrenaline levels, so managing her has taken a great deal of patience.
This has been challenging but ultimately rewarding - she has taught me so much over the years!
Linda has been working with Molly and myself since Spring 2021.
She has used a range of bodywork techniques/therapies with Molly (TTouch, Guasha and SURE FOOT Pads) and Molly has gone from hyper-vigilance to calm and confident.
In-hand Groundwork has been used alongside this to improve her balance, awareness of her body and increase her fitness. Over time she has improved in all aspects of these, so much so that I have been able to resume riding recently (just walking), which has been so wonderful, after 2 years of ‘retirement’ for both of us!!
Molly has formed a lovely, trusting relationship with Linda and Linda has taught me to leave my fears (very real at times, having a reactive thoroughbred horse!) behind and be like the horse - live in the moment! That has taken some time, but we’re getting there.
When the horse is NOT standing on the SURE FOOT® pad, but the magic happens anyway.
Rua did not want me to place his foot on the pad, but it flipped up against his leg when he tried to avoid it. Now I know the power and magic of the SURE FOOT pads so I waited.
Rua did not walk away but stayed also. He is starting to figure out that they help him relax. This is a big deal for Rua, since he is always on alert. Twice he re-arranges his foot near/on the pad.
After the second time, finally we see him lick and chew, releasing tension. You can see his eyes becoming softer, but he can not give in yet. Until at the end of the video where you can see him falling asleep, so cute.
For the full 4 min. video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrYoak-aoxw
Why do I love working with the SURE FOOT pads so much. I just totally love it when a horse who was very sceptical about it in the beginning, after three months, works with the pads as a pro. The power of giving a horse the option to choose, to say NO.
#surefootequine #surefootpads #equinebodywork #healthyhorse
If I ask someone if they also lunge their horse, I get a lot of “My horse doesn’t like to be lunged” as a sort of end of conversation remark. But that is so sad because lunging once a week can be a real benefit to both horse and rider!
First, I always like to be on the ground and see how the horse moves and works as extra information about our training.
For both horse and rider, lunging once a week, can enhance the training. Having no rider on board and using different muscles is so beneficial.
I always love to see how they can grow and be real proud of themselves if they can show off their moves. Fusing work and play together to make it fun for both of us.
• If you would like to explore the benefits of lunging as part of your training, I can help you.
• I can also help to work out if your horse really doesn’t like lunging or maybe has never had any fun being lunged. I can help him get a new perspective of lunging all together.
ps. This is Hudson who didn't like being lunged!
Stepping into a new direction, building on my experience but taking it in a new direction.
Giving the horse a voice and the freedom to express itself.
I had done a neck release and just started with a Guasha treatment when Hudson moved away. So I waited while he moved slowly in circle and it became clear he was going to lay down. I made room for him and left the stable. He dropped into a deep sleep! After 10 min. he was up again and I finished the Guasha session and took him for a relaxing walk along the lanes.
I just love the trust he had in me to go and have a nap 💚
GOING SOLO, today was the sponsored Donard walk for Equine Halfway House. Raising money to take care of the ponies rescued from the Mourne Mountains. A big thank you for all the donations and the page will stay open another 5 days for those who like to donate!
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/sponsored-donard-walk-LindavdHorst
For me this walk was quite a challange. Having lived in the Netherlands for more than 50 years does not prepare you for mountains. But I went alone and used my coaching and training skills on myself for a change.
So at this gorgeous sunny day I reached the top of Slieve Donard and I made it back ;-)
When you work with one horse on SURE FOOT pads and her friend can not wait. She starts putting her feet on/in a bucket ...
Grateful to have the opportunity to work with Molly while she is out in the field with a companion horse. I have been working with her for quite some time now. We have an understanding and mutual respect and trust. The companion horse does not know me, so I introduced myself first before going to Molly.
This video shows how I become part of the little herd. They except me and I can work with Molly. With no halter in place I work in the moment and follow the energy. This does not mean that I can do less but that I do it differently. At the end she releases with a few yawns and goes back to grazing, my work is done.
Working with a herd
Grateful to have the opportunity to work with Molly while she is out in the field with a companion horse. I have been working with her for quite some time now. We have an understanding and mutual respect and trust. The companion horse does not know me, so I introduced myself first before going to Molly.
This video shows how I become part of the little herd. They except me and I can work with Molly. With no halter in place I work in the moment and follow the energy. This does not mean that I can do less but that I do it differently. At the end she releases with a few yawns and goes back to grazing, my work is done.
So proud of Molly and her owner. This little thoroughbred is approximately 30 years. And she has come a long way since we started working together.
Look how calm, balanced and full of self confidence she is now.
Molly gets a massage
After our groundwork session Molly got herself a little massage.
On a rainy and stormy day I choose to offer Hudson a full SURE FOOT session. This is what we ended up with: In front stacked hard and medium (purple) pads and behind the firm slants. See how he explores the new option by moving from side to side.
VIDEO - sound on
SURE FOOT pads improve balance.
SURE FOOT pads build trust.
SURE FOOT pads improves awareness.
SURE FOOT pads create connection.
SURE FOOT pads build confidence.
If you need help getting your horse to load better. Or could your horse do with a bit more confidence? Would you like to improve your communication so you can help your horse in scary situation? Her are some happy clients and their horse after training with me.
VIDEO part1 trailer loading: From dragging anybody holding him around the yard to stepping into the trailer when asked.
VIDEO part2 traffic: Feeling save and supported the horse has the courage to stay put. No running away, turning circles or going for grass afterwards.
As a SURE FOOT practitioner I like to share how I use the SURE FOOT pads during training. In this case during a lunging session with Hudson. Hudson is used to pads and here I work with the yellow, hard, slants under his hind feet.
Stan
Stan the expressive high energy boy.
Look how he moves and balances in his turns. I have been working with him for a year now and am so proud of him. He has a history of being on and of lame. Last year he would throw himself into action and charge into gallop without being able to make turn.
I have helped him to learn how to move properly. Lots of session on the Sure Foot pads, massage and other bodywork have help him relax in body and mind. Together with a chiropractor session he is getting stronger and straighter.
