Wholesome Horses

15/08/2024

ברצוני להמליץ על טיפול בשיטת מאסטרסון של ניקי!
ניקי הגיעה לטפל בסוסים שלנו אחרי שהרגשתי שמשהו לא מסתדר איתם אבל לא הצלחתי לשים על זה את האצבע.
בהרבה סבלנות והקשבה אליהם היא עברה על כל חלקי הגוף שלהם ובמגע עדין ונעים הצליחה להביא אותם לשחרור המקומות הכואבים והמתוחים ולרגיעה מלאה.
אפשר לומר שההשפעה מורגשת על כל העדר ובמיוחד בזמן הטיפול.
הסוסים מרגישים את האהבה, הכבוד וההערכה של ניקי אליהם ומיד מתמסרים ונרגעים, אין ספק שנעים להם ושהם נהנים מכל רגע.
אין ספק שניקי היא אשת סוסים מצויינת שלגמרי מבינה את השפה שלהם ואוהבת את החיה המדהימה הזאת מכל הלב והנשמה.

ממליצה בחום! לא תתחרטו על זה ♥️

15/08/2024

Yet another piece of research to consider as we work with our horses!

“Horses have the ability to think and plan ahead and are far more intelligent than scientists previously thought, according to a Nottingham Trent University study that analysed the animal’s responses to a reward-based game.

“The horses cannily adapted their approach to the game to get the most treats – while making the least effort.

“Previously, research has suggested that horses simply respond to stimuli in the moment, they don’t proactively look ahead, think ahead and plan their actions – whereas our study shows that they do have an awareness of the consequences and outcomes of their actions,” said the lead researcher, Louise Evans.”

https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/aug/12/horses-can-plan-ahead-and-think-strategically-scientists-find

The actual research paper…

“Whoa, No-Go: Evidence consistent with model-based strategy use in horses during an inhibitory task”
Louise Evans et al.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159124001874?via%3Dihub

Read about Akhal-Teke Foundation programs here…
https://www.akhaltekefoundation.org/programs.html

Join our email list here…
https://www.akhaltekefoundation.org/email_list.html

12/08/2024

רוב הסוסים נושאים מתח בראש, בצוואר ובגב התחתון, מה שיכול להשפיע על נוחותם וביצועיהם הכלליים. למרות שעיסוי יכול לעזור, לעיתים קרובות זה לא מספיק כדי לשחרר את כל המתח. כאן נכנסת לתמונה השיטה של מאסטרסון. כל מפגש נמשך בערך שעה, ומותאם לצרכים הייחודיים של הסוס שלך. בסופו של דבר, הסוס שלך ינוע בצורה חלקה ונוחה יותר, ואתה תלמד כמה טכניקות פשוטות שיעזרו לך לשמור על התוצאות בבית.

לקבלת מידע נוסף או לתיאום מפגש עבור הסוס האהוב עליך, התקשר אלי ב-0523-209-390.mastersonmethod #

07/08/2024

I do this... and I've found out about problems by doing it! (Plus, their noses are so sweet!!)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/QrFRckvs8ANkivuZ/

A quick kiss on the muzzle can reveal important information about your horse's health. >>>https://bit.ly/EQKissYourHorse

06/08/2024

חוגגים 10 שנים של עיסוי סוסים!!!
האם הסוס שלך נראה מעט נוקשה? כואב? אבל אין משהו ספציפי? ייתכן שהוא/היא זקוק לשחרור מתח בשרירים בגוף - לא דרך עיסוי או כירופרקטיקה, אלא באמצעות שיטת מאסטרסון.

ניקי קגן היא המומחית והמרצה המוסמכת היחידה של השיטה בישראל.
אם אתם מעוניינים שניקי תבדוק את הסוס שלכם, התקשרו אליה ב-0523-209-390.

אם תרצו ללמוד כיצד לעשות זאת על הסוסים שלכם, שאלו על הקורס הקרוב שלה בישראל בתאריכים 19-20 בספטמבר!

06/08/2024

האם הסוס שלך נראה מעט נוקשה? כואב? אבל אין משהו ספציפי? ייתכן שהוא/היא זקוק לשחרור מתח בשרירים בגוף - לא דרך עיסוי או כירופרקטיקה, אלא באמצעות שיטת מאסטרסון.

ניקי קגן היא המומחית והמרצה המוסמכת היחידה של השיטה בישראל.
אם אתם מעוניינים שניקי תבדוק את הסוס שלכם, התקשרו אליה ב-0523-209-390.

אם תרצו ללמוד כיצד לעשות זאת על הסוסים שלכם, שאלו על הקורס הקרוב שלה בישראל בתאריכים 19-20 בספטמבר!

10/07/2024

Happy 12th Birthday to Cass❤️
It wasn't an easy year for him with the loss of his dear friend, Piloni, but he is finding his way, and in the last 6 months he has risen to the occasion helping soldiers with PTSD find comfort, trust and connection.

It is so hard to believe this beautiful creature has been in my life for 10 short years already (thank you Noa Lev-ron) His power, sense of humor, love of learning, and his incredible sensitivity keep me laughing, loving, and learning.

Happy birthday, big boy❤️🐴❤️

03/07/2024

This is so important. Too many of us don’t offer Water at short intervals. The horse can say no, but at least he has the opportunity!

A reader is looking for reassurance that letting a horse drink water after exercise is safe. Read what our expert says to ease her mind.
>>>https://bit.ly/EQDrinkingAfterWorking

01/07/2024

(Hebrew below)
Looking for a way to help your horses move more freely and release tension?join us in September!

For anyone who registers in July, the price drops to $445!!

מחפשים דרך לעזור לסוסים שלכם לנוע בחופשיות רבה יותר ולשחרר מתח? הצטרפו אלינו בספטמבר! לכל מי שנרשם ביולי המחיר יורד ל-445$!!

🐴🐴🐴

20/06/2024

My guys love it! But no more than a cup a day!!

19/06/2024

יותר מעשר שנים אחרי, אני עדיין אוהבת לעזור לסוסים לנוע בצורה חופשית ונוחה יותר. אשמח לעזור לסוס שלך - או אפילו לעזור לך לעזור לסוס שלך על ידי השתתפות בסמינר ההדרכה שלנו בן יומיים בספטמבר! פנו אלי לפרטים!
0523209390.
More than TEN YEARS LATER, I'm still loving helping horses move more freely and comfortably. I'd love to help your horse-- or even help YOU help your horse by attending our 2 day instructional seminar in September! Reach out to me for details!
0523209390.

13/06/2024

People always ask me about picking up the feet, and since I became a Masterson method practitioner and instructor, I became much more aware of how we can throw the horse out of balance. I did this quick little clip for a friend of mine and thought I would share. # horsecomfort

07/06/2024

What’s good for our horses is also good for humans.

This little girl comes twice a week to take a walk with the horses as part of her journey to overcome the painful loss of her big sister on October 7th…

01/04/2024

If you are looking for a deeply meaningful way to help and victims who are caught in the grip of trauma, please read and share.

We launched this program nearly 2 months ago and have witnessed remarkable changes among participants who openly share how important and supportive our program is to them.

Please find it in your hearts to help us continue providing this safe place for trauma victims to rest, restore and rebuild relationships.

US tax-deductible donations via The Good People Fund *
PLEASE INDICATE THAT FUNDS ARE TO BE EARMARKED FOR THE TRANSCENDING TRAUMA PROJECT.

Issue check to: The Good People Fund.
Send to: The Good People Fund
384 Wyoming Avenue
Millburn, New Jersey 07041

OR click here to donate by credit card:
https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/how-can-you-help/mitzvah-donate/


Anita Shkedi Shani Shahar Shkedi Timna Benn
Traumatic Brain Injury & Therapeutic Riding Candace K. Platz Perry Newman Nurit Shiber Renee Branning Erica Jarvis Beth Grossman Lisa Bayer

26/02/2024

22/02/2024

ברוכים הבאים לחווה המשפחתית הקטנה שלנו עם 3 סוסים! אנחנו מזמינים סוס אחד לבוא ולהצטרף אלינו. זה לא רק מקום לשמור על הסוס שלך, אלא בית - משפחה עם חברים, חופש, חציר נהדר, וכמובן הרבה אהבה ותשומת לב. אם אתם מחפשים בית אוהב, נקי ושקט לסוס המיוחד שלכם, אנא התקשרו אלי: 0523209390 (ואוכל לתת הפניות)
#סוסים #חווה #מקומסוסימ

19/02/2024

In the wake of the heart-wrenching events of October 7th , the Transcending Trauma Project was created. This initiative is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war and terror through the transformative power of Equine Assisted Services (EAS).

Imagine the solace and strength found in the silent companionship of these noble animals, guiding our veterans, their families, the displaced, and the Nova survivors toward renewed hope and resilience.

The Good People Fund stands with us, ready to channel your generosity directly into the hands of those in desperate need of solace and strength:
US tax-deductible donations via The Good People Fund *
PLEASE INDICATE THAT FUNDS ARE TO BE EARMARKED FOR THE TRANSCENDING TRAUMA PROJECT.
Issue check to: The Good People Fund.

Send to: The Good People Fund, 384 Wyoming Avenue, Millburn, New Jersey 07041

Click here to donate by credit card. (Make sure you mention the "Transcending Trauma Program in the comments section):
https://www.goodpeoplefund.org/how-can.../mitzvah-donate/

Contact [email protected] to arrange a wire transfer through the Good People Fund.

* Receipt to be issued by Good People Fund (EIN #26-1887249)


Candace K. Platz JoyceRapp BlebyLewis Joyce Pomeroy Barbie Fearon Lynda J. Watson Denise Kleiman Ellen Gilio The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Janet Broder Beth Grossman Caroline Pluvier Deena Goldfeld Gadi Fraiman Alan Gelb Romy Gelb-Zimmer Sally Herring Jesse Peters Alexandra Jarige Emily Peters Kagan Suzanna Marcus Razelle Drescher Toby Lindsay Students Supporting Israel at the University of Minnesota

29/01/2024

It was with both sadness and high motivation that I left the 2024 Masterson method gathering in Phoenix this weekend. Every time we come together, I marvel at the sense of community— the way, everyone supports, motivates, educates, and celebrates one another, which feels rare in this type of setting these days.

The content is always so enlightening and engaging, speakers like Jillian Kreinbring, Becky Simpson Tenges, and many others… here to enhance our knowledge and ability to help your horses.

If you haven’t tried the Masterson method on your horses, both you and your horses are missing something very special… Jim Masterson

Excited to be headed to Florida for a very long overdue visit to sister Candace K. Platz and work on horses she was kind enough to schedule for me, then on to the other Florida coast for another special visit with sister number two, LeahGrace.

Am I lucky or what?!? The only thing missing is visiting my brother Daniel Kagan😢

14/01/2024

קשה למצוא זמן לטפל בסוס שלך? אז תביאי אותו אליי שם יהיו לו חברים, חופש, אוכל טוב והרבה אהבה.
חווה קטנה ושקטה ויפה בעמק חפר. 0523-209-390

16/02/2020

“What’s Good for the Grass, is Good for the Horse”

For horses who graze, the type of forage they have access to impacts their health. When left to graze in the same fields over and over, the plant composition changes, reducing forage quality. Good-quality forage often meets the nutritional needs of horses in light work or pregnant/lactating mares. For example, some pastures, if they have a mix of some legumes with various grasses can provide near 20% protein concentration and decent levels of vitamins E and A as well as omega 3 fatty acids. Dried hay, on the other hand is less nutritious since vitamins and other nutrients are lost during the drying process.

Research claims that grazing horses seem to experience less colic, fewer vices and incidences of lung related issues than stalled horses. Grazing also helps develop young horses’ musculoskeletal systems and counters arthritis in aging horses. They also seem to have healthier coats and better body tone. BUT it’s not that straightforward.

Grazing pastures must be managed. Why?
1. Overgrazing doesn’t just mean less forage available (or an overabundance of weeds of which some are toxic, some cause colic, diarrhea, and even skin conditions-- and some are harmless. Mis/undermanaged pastures affect nutrition. Less suitable grasses mean a reduction of nutrients and susceptibility to various conditions.
2. Horses trample and kill plants and displace topsoil as they move around, creating a lot of dust. Dusty conditions contribute to lung issues in horses and makes them more susceptible to bacterial, fungal and eye infections.
3. Sometimes too much mud and manure can leach into underground (or surface) water sources, contaminating it with bacteria and fungi—not to mention the attraction of flies and other disease carrying insects. (No need to remind you of the many types of skin allergies we battle from insects!) An overabundance of manure can also lead to the introduction of internal parasites…

So grazing IS great, if the pastures are well managed. If you have grazing pastures, give them time to “recover”. Keep them clean, keep them well-irrigated and watch for changes in your horses’ health! If you DON’T have grazing pastures (I don’t here in Israel)—don’t feel too badly—at least you don’t have pastures to manage! But do the best you can to provide opportunities for them to enjoy the green when the season allows. Walk/ride them out when the grasses are growing. Enjoy learning which species they like and when. You’ll be amazed at how selective they are and how their choices are season-dependent!

10/02/2020

Why should we be surprised or upset when our horses get anxious when the cause of their anxiety is not much different from what upsets us?

For both horse and human, our past experiences and our environments are key contributors to our anxiety. For example:
1. Separation from herd mates (Many of us become anxious when separated from loved ones too…)
1. Performance anxiety (I, for one, stay away from competitions because I get too nervous)
2. Past traumas (How many people do you know who have issues related to events that happened in their youth?)
3. Change (As a corporate consultant, I work with employees all the time who are extremely anxious about organizational changes)
4. Boredom (We often attribute weaving, cribbing or stall walking to boredom. I’m thinking it’s more about a combination of separation and lack of movement. That would make ME anxious as well!

Anxiety can (and does) lead to health problems like weight loss, poor hair/coat and nails/hooves, ulcers, and more. And for horses, an anxious horse is not always a welcome horse. It takes patience, love, and time to help such horses return to a state of wholesomeness. Acknowledging our potential contribution is a first step, as is recognising that anxiety in horses often parallels anxiety in humans. Once acknowledged, we can then turn to some solutions. Stay tuned in my next article!

05/02/2020

The Equine Congress is officially in Session... the benefits of being able to move freely in their little herd of 4 (One member of the congress did not show up-- he was having lunch apparently...)

04/02/2020

The Benefits of Having a Dirty Horse :-)
We’ve all had the experience of entering the paddock after a rainy spell, only to be greeted by a herd of mud-encrusted equines. Aside from the obvious challenge of grooming, is it really so bad? Absolutely not. There are some very good reasons why horses love to roll and why it’s so important that they have a suitable space to do so. Stalled horses rarely roll, and if they do, they end up covered in manure and shavings which does not yield the benefits. Let’s look at why they roll in the first place!
Rolling is a perfectly natural horse behavior, and an important one as well (in addition to attracting the attention of nearby humans :-). It seems that not only is rolling GOOD for equine health, it is also an important indicator OF their health. One of the main reasons they roll is to release a buildup of both mental and physical tension. If you consider the various body parts affected by rolling, it’s not hard to imagine the benefits:
1. Rolling affects the coat—In springtime it facilitates the shedding process. Rolling also covers the horse with a thick layer of dust which is actually good for his coat.
2. Rolling affects the skin. During fly/mosquito season, rolling in mud can help soothe and protect the skin. After being bathed, horses love to roll because it lifts the hairs flattened by the water, restoring the ability to regulate body temperature. In other words, it helps the horse feel “normal” again.
3. Rolling influences spinal/musculoskeletal system health by improving flexibility and spinal alignment, while relieving stiffness. When on his back, the horse can move his muscles and spine in a way that just can’t happen from a standing position.
4. Rolling may also be a health indicator. Some horses can roll from side to side with ease while others roll on one side only. And some sore-backed horses may not roll at all. Healthy horses will roll and shake, sometimes multiple times!
So despite the mess, why do I like a dirty horse? Because…

•Horses seem to like to be dirty and I want my horse to be happy.
•Roll patterns are an indicator of pain and/or soreness.
•Dirt provides a natural barrier against bugs. And mud is the best!!
•It’s a great way for the horse to get a chiropractic adjustment!
•It’s a lot easier than brushing out all that loose hair during shedding season.
•It gives me a reason to laugh at him :-)
•The difference before and after grooming is SOOOO satisfying!


www.linkedin.com/company/wholesome-horses

01/02/2020

Is 'blink rate'​ a stress indicator in horses?

Is 'blink rate'​ a stress indicator in horses?

Researchers from a university in Canada conducted a study of 23 horses who were observed during three known stressful situations for horses: 1) separation, 2) food restriction and 3) the introduction of something the horses deem scary. They captured the horse's blinking patterns on video to enable t