Kindred Spirit Equine Services

25/03/2025

Hello friends and followers! I will be navigating away from my social media accounts over the next few weeks, so please DM me if you’d like contact information, or feel free to visit my website (I will be revamping and adding a blog for educational content). 🥰🐴🥰

14/03/2025

I’ve been working with CL and one of her committed volunteers recently. In the last couple of weeks, we honed in on farrier prep so that this could happen today! She was perfect 🤩

Farrier prep is so incredibly important to our horses and something that is often glazed over. However, it’s a skill that needs to be trained, and there are many considerations to keep in mind for each individual horse. Here are just a few, to get you thinking:

Do they feel safe enough in their environment to give you one of their flight mechanisms?

Do they trust you?

Are they physically capable of picking up all 4 feet?

Are they physically capable of doing farrier positions?

What associations do they have with picking up feet, farrier positions, farrier tools, and farriers?

Are they able to balance on 3 legs? Picking up feet takes balance and coordination and many horses are not able to hold a hoof up for long periods of time.

What else do you think about regarding hoof cleaning or farrier appointments?

13/03/2025

Join the Holistic Horse Collective! 🥰

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆?

It’s a question I receive often since our launch at the New Year. The HHC isn’t just one person or one approach—it’s a collective of guardians and experienced practitioners from around the world, offering support, guidance, and education on all aspects of horse wellness. We bring together expertise in bodywork, nutrition, training, herbs, energy work, and more to empower horse guardians with knowledge and options for holistic care.

One way we do this is through our monthly calls, where you get direct access to experts on various topics. This month, we’re diving into:

✨Vaccines & Over-Vaccination with Dr. Lisa Jacobson—What does science really say about immunity, and how can we make informed choices for our horses?

✨Crystals for Horses with Tracey Duncan—How can crystals be used as energetic support in your horse’s wellness routine?

✨Myofascial Lines and Balance Through Movement Method with Celeste Lazaris. How Pillar work supports the whole body.

Are you seeking a deeper connection with your horse, rooted in trust and well-being, and wish to replace uncertainty with confidence in their care? If so, the Holistic Horse Collective is here to support your journey. Join us to gain confidence in advocating for your horse and making informed, independent decisions within a supportive community that prioritizes your horse’s needs. 💕.

www.holistichorsecollective.com

Give it a try! Enter 1MONTHFREEHHC at checkout for a free trial!

12/03/2025

Always love the days I get to hang out with my buddy Malone . The offside halter is his favorite and today he began SHOVING his nose in for haltering 🥰 We also worked on leading, picking up feet, grooming and expanding his comfort zone. He’s so smart and sweet and is looking for someone to love him and help him live his best life 💕

09/03/2025

Hello friends and followers! I’m curious what you see in this video? I’d love to hear your thoughts on body language, gait, bit and rider hand interaction, and anything else you see of note! Thank you ☺️

06/03/2025

I love sharing education and knowledge that can improve the lives of horses and our horse-human relationships. I was thrilled to teach this awesome group of volunteers about the subtle nuances of equine body language and behavior. We had a really fun day 💕

03/03/2025

Please sign the petition

The sport with the highest human death toll is base jumping with less than 30 deaths worldwide every year. The UK and Irish racing industry have already passed that figure with at least 40 race related horse deaths in the first two months of 2025. Many more have died between races. Deaths of unwilling participants that never agreed or chose to risk their lives.

AT LEAST 85 HORSES AND ONE JOCKEY HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE UK AND IRISH RACING INDUSTRY SO FAR THIS YEAR. 86 DEATHS IN 58 DAYS.

CONFIRMED DEATHS SO FAR THIS YEAR -
40 RACE RELATED DEATHS
45 DEATHS BETWEEN RACES
1 JOCKEY DEATH

RACE RELATED DEATHS
1- Current Option - 8 years old - injured and killed - Dundalk - jump - 10-1-25
2- Breeze Time - 2 years old - injured and killed - Chelmsford - flat AW - 11-1-25
3- Don’tstopthemusic - 7 years old - fatal fall - Punchestown - jump - 12-1-25
4- Polisud – 8 years old – fatal injury – Exeter – jump – 13-1-25
5- Not So Simple – 10 years old – injured and killed – Clonmel – jump – 15-1-25
6- Alltheroadrunning - 6 years old - fatal fall - Newcastle - jump - 16-1-25
7- Iwa – 6 years old – fatal fall – Newcastle – jump – 16-1-25
8- Carbon King - 7 years old - fatal fall - Windsor - jump - 17-1-25
9- Red Rookie - 9 years old - fatal fall - Windsor - jump - 17-1-25
10- Pontresina - 11 years old - injured and killed - Taunton - jump - 18-1-25
11- The Last Time – 2 years old – injured and killed - Southwell flat AW – 17-1-25
12- Starlight Cato- 7 years old – injured and killed – Navan – jump – 18-1-25
13- Get The Beat - 4 years old - broken leg - Wetherby - jump - 23-1-25
14- Forward Plan - 8 years old - fatal fall - Doncaster - jump - 25-1-25
15- Jericho Du Fenoir - 5 years old - lame post race / euthanised - Naas - Flat - 26-1-25
16- Squiggles - 5 years old - pulled up injured - Plumpton - jump - 27-1-25
17- Artic Dais – 4 years old – fatal injury – Punchestown – jump – 27-1-25
18- Askwell – 5 years old – injured and killed – Limerick – jump – 28-1-25
19- Sergeant – 7 years old - fatal fall – Musselburgh – jump - 1-2-25
20- Boomslang – 7 years old - came 2nd in race now confirmed dead - Musselburgh – jump - 1-2-25
21- Wise Ways – 4 years old – injured and killed – Ballinaboola – jump – 2-2-25
22- Brave Troop – 5 years old – injured and killed – Leopardstown – Jump – 2-2-25
23- Western Zara – 8 years old – fatal injury – Punchestown – jump - 3-2-25
24- Jeu Sacre – 5 years old – broken leg on fall - Sedgefield – jump – 5-2-25
25- Wee Charlie – 7 years old – injured and killed – Thurles – jump – 6-2-25
26- Modern Talking – 3 years old – injured and killed – Dundalk – flat AW – 7-2-25
27- Pozo Emery – 9 years old – Injured and killed – Warwick – jump – 8-2-25
28- Dodger Long – 4 years old – fatal injury - Exeter – jump - 9-2-25
29- Chatshow TV – 6 years old – fatal injury - Chepstow – jump - 9-2-25
30- Ottoline – 8 years old - fatal injury - Chepstow – jump - 9-2-25
31- Dundory – 8 years old – fatal injury ( broken leg ) – Wolverhampton AW flat – 10-2-25
32- Cut to the chase – 3 years old – fatal injury – Southwell – flat AW – 12-2-25
33- Whatsupnellie – 5 years old – fatal injury – Clonmel – jump – 13-2-25
34- Unique Frequency – 4 years old – injured and killed – Dundalk – flat AW – 14-2-25
35- Hardy Fella – 7 years old – injured and killed – Ascot – jump – 15-2-25
36- Maxiboy Dagrostis – 5 years old – fatal injury – Doncaster – jump – 19-2-25
37- Cool Palmer – 4 years old – fatally injured – Kempton – flat AW – 22-2-25
38- Auguste Lumiere – 3 years old – injured and killed - Chelmsford - Flat AW – 22-2-25
39- Annamaymurt – 7 years old – injured and killed Fairyhouse – jump – 22-2-25
40- Leaky Cauldron – 5 years old – injured and killed – Punchestown – jump – 24-2-25

DEATHS CONFIRMED BETWEEN RACES
1- Votre Homme - 4 years old - last raced 20-6-24 - Death confirmed 9-1-25
2- Caithness - 8 years old - incurred vertebrae stress fracture at Kelso on 29-12-24 - Euthanised 10-1-25 when fracture displaced.
3- Star Runner - 3 years old - last raced 26-12-24 ( pulled up during race ) - Death confirmed 16-1-25
4- Highland Charge - 9 years old - last raced 30-11-24 ( struggling from 4 jumps out, came last of 24 horses ) - Death confirmed 16-1-25
5- Big Chou - 5 years old - last raced 29-12-24 and fell during race - death confirmed 17-1-25
6- Aimforthesun - 4 years old - had only one race on 20-10-24 and was pulled up - Death confirmed 23-1-25
7- Strangford - 6 years old - had only one race on 26-12-24 weakened towards end of race and finished 11th - death confirmed 23-1-25
8- Highstreetfashion - 9 years old - last raced 14-12-24 weakened towards end of race - Death confirmed 30-1-25
9- Black Poppy - 8 years old - last raced 17-11-24 - weakened during race & came 12th - now confirmed dead
10- Bullets Hill – 6 years old – last raced 11-10-24 - died 31-1-25
11- Moondial – 4 years old – last raced 22-6-24 – died 27-1-25
12- Pats Dream – 7 years old – last raced 20-12-24 – died 28-1-25
13- I'd Like To Know – 7 years old – last raced 30-11-24 – died 2-1-25
14- Shinji – 5 years old – last raced 15-11-24 – died 2-1-25
15- El Vigaro – 5 years old – last raced 12-12-24 – died 4-1-25
16- Leissieres Express – 7 years old – last raced 6-12-24 – died 9-1-25
17- Jail No Bail – 7 years old – last raced 16-12-24 – died 20-1-25
18- Camilla's Choice – 8 years old – last raced 7-9-24 – died 27-1-25
19- Jigginstown King – 7 years old – last raced 20-9-24 – died - Colic - 25-1-25
20- Thieving Gap – 6 years old – last raced 8-11-24 – died 27-1-25
21- Dropitlikeitshot – 5 years old – last raced 20-12-24 ( pulled up ) – Died 9-2-25 ( hind leg injury on gallops )
22- My Delilah – 4 years old – last raced 16-12-24 ( finished 7th ) – Died 6-2-25
23- A Nice Malbec – 7 years old – last raced 26-5-24 – Death confirmed 13-2-25
24- Aazza – 8 years old – last raced 22-1-25 ( came 8th ) – Death confirmed 13-2-25
25- Big Girl Betty – 6 years old – last raced 3-6-24 ( FELL ) – Death confirmed 13-2-25
26- Scarbrook – 5 years old – last raced 25-4-24 ( weakened during race ) - Death confirmed 13-2-25
27- Navello – 5 years old – last raced 2-11-24 ( pulled up ) – confirmed dead 5-2-25
28- Angelo Buonarroti – 2 years old – Last raced 28-9-24 – Death confirmed 10-1-25
29- Kayf Hope – 7 years old – last raced 20-12-24 ( pulled up ) – Death confirmed 6-2-25
30- Know The Game – 8 years old – last raced 11-12-24 ( pulled up ) – Death confirmed 5-2-25
31- Hourglass Of Light – 3 years old – last raced 28-6-24 ( came last ) – Death confirmed 15-2-25
32- Higher Law – 4 years old – last raced 7-6-24 – Death confirmed 11-2-25
33- We’llhavewan – 9 years old – last raced 26-12-24 – Death confirmed 11-2-25
34- Faithfulflyer – 7 years old – last raced 2-11-24 ( Came 2nd weakened towards end of race ) – Death confirmed 12-2-25
35- Delta Work – 11 years old – last raced 25-1-25 – Died of colic 20-2-25
36- Poker Face – 6 years old – Died while training between races – 20-2-25
37- Hurricane Danny – 6 years old – last raced 15-5-24 – Death confirmed 10-2-25
38- Dark Jedi – 8 years old – last raced 19-10-24 – Death confirmed 17-2-25
39- Billiams Legacy – 9 years old – last raced 27-11-24 – Death confirmed 18-2-25
40- Fort St Angelo – 5 years old – last raced 15-1-25 – Death confirmed 24-2-25
41- Monklaw – 7 years old – last raced 23-1-25 ( pulled up ) – Death confirmed 12-2-25
42- Mountain Lake – 4 years old – last raced 26-7-24 – Death confirmed 22-2-25
43- Sundial – 6 years old – last raced 27-12-24 – Death confirmed 23-2-25
44- Awqaat – 6 years old – last raced 26-12-24 ( pulled up ) – death confirmed 27-2-25
45- Just Jack – 6 years old – last raced 11-5-24 – death confirmed 27-2-25

JOCKEY DEATHS
Michael O’Sullivan – 24 YEARS OLD – DIED FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED IN A RACE FALL – 16-2-25
💔💔

27/02/2025

This 👇🏻100%

This narrative is incredibly damaging to the equine industry.

We MUST get away from the fallacy that skinny is fit.
That certain breeds get a pass for their body condition because we have normalized musculoskeletal dysfunction among them.

Skinny is not fit.
Under muscled is not fit.
Proper muscle development is IMPERATIVE, especially for horses in ridden work.

Until we as an industry get on the same page about what proper muscle development is and isn't- injury and band aid solutions will remain profuse.

25/02/2025

I believe I shared this previously, but I see it SO often, it’s 💯 worth sharing again. Please read the post as well as Dr. Haussler’s additions in the comments.

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝?

EDIT: Please see additional information from Dr. Haussler in the comment section, in answer to your questions.

Every now and then, a Member of this community will ask Dr. Haussler a question - we like to share his answers with all of you.

"The funicular portion of the nuchal ligament passes over the C2 spinous process and is normally anchored by loose connective tissue to the bone below. As the horse’s head flexes and extends, that portion of the ligament must lengthen and shorten. It will normally stay in place along the midline (no “flipping” back and forth), also because there is a slight concavity on the top of the C2 spinous process.

However, with repetitive use, that soft tissue connection can break down. With atlantooccipital flexion, the nuchal ligament is stretched. With added lateral bending, that portion of the ligament is less anchored down and can displace off the spinous process and “pop” to one side or the other.

As with any displaced ligament or tendon, less tension and increased stabilization is required to help keep the structure in place. Otherwise, it displaces more often, and due to repeated local trauma, a bursa forms and fills with fluid, resulting in bursitis."

Image credit: Ivana Ruddock-Lange | Equine Anatomy in Layers

25/02/2025

This post may be written about dogs but it applies equally to horses. There’s no place for flooding in training; there are much better, kinder methods available.

THE FOOLISHNESS OF FLOODING

Using flooding as a behaviour modification technique involves exposing a dog to an intense amount of something they fear with the goal of eliminating that fear / anxiety / emotional response.

This approach is often recommended as a quick fix that achieves fast results.

Some examples of how flooding is used –
A dog fearful of water might be forced into a pool and prevented from escaping.

A reactive dog may be forced into a “sit” near other dogs or people and be punished for any signs of reactivity.

A dog afraid of loud noises might be forced to stay in a room while loud sounds play, with no way of escape.

In flooding theory, once a dog stops reacting, the fear has been cured, but at what cost?

Flooding is traumatic and may cause extreme stress, anxiety and even more long-term fear related problems, increasing negative associations.

Flooding often causes learned helplessness - an emotional coping mechanism that may look like a dog is completely “cured”, but in reality, they have shut down, given up, disengaged, become emotionally numb and detached. There is no other choice because no matter how hard they try there is no longer any point in trying to escape or react.

Flooding can destroy the trust our dogs should have in us. Dogs depend on us to advocate for them, protect them and keep them feeling safe from whatever they’re afraid of.

Flooding prioritises achieving quick fixes over emotional wellbeing and a safe and supportive environment.

Using modern, scientific, effective, ethical and humane modification methods like positive reinforcement, counterconditioning or desensitisation is the answer to achieving positive learning experiences, to build trust, relationship, safety and in turn, long lasting behaviour change.

The harm and negative consequences that flooding causes is certainly not worth it.

“In the soil of the quick fix is the seed to a new problem” …. Wayne Muller

14/02/2025

Baby Rudy had his first haltering with me today. We worked slowly and steadily, and broke it down into manageable steps. We paused and took a breath when needed. We hand groomed and shared breath. He loved having time to think about what I was asking, and he loved hearing how sweet, smart, and brave he is 💖 Well done Rudy! You’re incredible and you’ve got this 🤗🐴🤗

08/02/2025

Rose chose to spend almost an hour with me yesterday as I showed her that human contact can be gentle, kind, useful, pleasant, and appreciated. She remained away from her herd, and with me at liberty as we worked on touch, hand grooming, grooming with a curry comb, and then putting on the horseman’s rope. She looks good in purple, don’t you think? Rose, you’re so beautiful and I’m so very proud of you 💜🐴💜

29/01/2025

Wonderful, educational post for you on this Wednesday! 💚🐴💚

19/01/2025

Yes! 🙌🏻 so much this. Work on YOU, not just your horse.

17/01/2025

These are the faces of three thrown away souls who were severely let down by humans. Given up on by their owners, deemed no longer useful, determined to have no potential, worth, or value, and viewed as commodities instead of living, breathing, feeling beings. They were at the kill pen about to load on the truck to slaughter. Fortunately, and gratefully, they were saved, unlike so many of their brothers and sisters. Now, the hard work begins to show them that there is love in the world, and that there are kind humans who want them to live their best lives. Now, the work begins to show them they are safe from harm, that I am a safe human, and that they can trust me. Now the work begins to help them heal physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Please send them some 💚💚💚

08/01/2025

Wonderful post covering some of the important aspects of bridle fit! Thanks Elaine for sharing ☺️

25/12/2024

Santa visited the ponies!!! Happy Christmas one and all 💝🐴💝

24/12/2024

Just a little Christmas Eve hangout with Malone and CL at Mile High Rescue 💝🎄🐴🎄💝