Sunday Stables

12/04/2024

12/04/2024

Signs of stress in the horse aren’t always going to be as overt as explosive behaviours, sudden displays of aggression and clear outward reactivity.

They’re prey animals and are experts at masking pain and discomfort as a result.

They “injured” prey animal is the one selected as a meal by predators. Horses have evolved with this in mind.

The eye does tell us a lot about the internal state of the horse, though.

Tension of the eye is a reliable way to start to catch even fleeting moments of low grade stress.

The stressed eye takes on a triangulated shape, with the eye lid pulled up in tension, often creating wrinkles.

A relaxed, but alert, eye is much softer in the lid, with the lid taking on a shape that more closely resembles an upside down “U”.

Starting to notice the subtle changes in your horse’s expression can help you to notice rising stress before it explodes into highly noticeable, oftentimes dangerous behaviour.

It can also be the difference between noticing injuries as they begin subtly and less severely or waiting until a substantial issue has developed.

The facial expressions of the horse have been chronically undervalued over the tradition of horse training and it’s only been in relatively recent years that this has been emphasized more.

This has led to a lot of people downplaying the significant of the subtle signs of stress.

But, with the growing body of scientific research, it is becoming more clear which behavioural signals are correlated with stress response.

This research demands a shift in how we view the horse.

And that can start with YOU and your application of this newfound knowledge.

Noticing stress behaviours and working to low stress as a result could be the ticket to dramatically lowering the number of injuries sustained by riders and handlers.

It will also improve the welfare of the horse and promote more empathetic training practices.

12/04/2024

The Heart of Phoenix Gala is coming up next Saturday at The Venetian Estate in Milton, WV.

Don't miss it!

It's a wonderful evening to help us say thank you to our team who help horses day in and out.

If you're planning to attend, please hop over and register asap!

https://heartofphoenix.org/2024/11/15/2024-christmas-gala-fundraiser/

If you can't attend, please visit the link and sponsor a volunteer's ticket!

As we head into winter, the work and need increases greatly, so help us continue with what needs done ❣️

12/04/2024

We know if you're a follower of our work, you care!

Become a monthly donor today, committing to at least a year of giving, and help us do even more for horses like Eve.

She was abandoned in Logan county, West Virginia, entirely emaciated, with severely overgrown feet still in shoes (months overdue) almost a year ago. Even though she is nearly 30, she's thriving with us!

Make more of that happen by becoming a partner

12/03/2024

12/03/2024

Big, old Dobby with one wonky ear says when you give to Heart of Phoenix, you keep horses like him safe

12/03/2024

Warwick Schiller Attuned Horsemanship

12/03/2024

12/03/2024

12/02/2024