17/08/2025
Now for “Twitchy” — aka Beau.
Though he’s already collected quite the list of nicknames: Beau Beau, Twitchy McGee, Prince Darkness, The Dark One… he’s nothing if not eccentric.
Beau is a striking 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a presence you can’t ignore. Some find him unsettling — but really, he’s just misunderstood. What others see is simply the result of negative past experiences. With patience and kindness, he’s already revealing glimpses of the sweet, gentle, attention-loving horse I’ve always believed him to be.
So why “Twitchy”?
Beau has an unusual head twitch/jerk. After my first visit, I considered possible causes: parasites, stress, nutritional deficiencies, dental/sinus issues, pain, tumours, or trigeminal headshaking. Then, on my second visit, I witnessed one of the most concerning behaviours a horse can show — often linked to neurological issues or, in Beau’s case, deep psychological distress. In that moment, I knew he had to come home, where he could finally receive proper care.
After parasite treatment, the twitching eased but remains. On Thursday, the vet confirmed what I’d suspected: Beau’s years of stress have taken a severe toll on his wellbeing. This is also why I ensured Holly came home with him — separating them would have been counterproductive for his recovery. Thankfully, no signs point to neurological disease, just the weight of prolonged distress.
Now, Beau is settling in beautifully. While he’s still under close watch, the layers of his past are already beginning to soften. With time, care, and compassion, I can’t wait to see his true, gentle nature shine through 🖤🐴
