Equine Awakening

17/11/2024

Happiness...

11/11/2024

A good therapy partner, especially in the context of equine therapy, possesses several important qualities:

Gentleness: A calm and gentle demeanour helps create a safe environment, allowing clients to feel comfortable and secure during interactions.

Sensitivity: Being sensitive to the client’s emotional and physical needs is crucial. A good therapy partner can sense when someone is anxious or needs a little extra support.

Patience: Patience is essential in therapy. A good partner allows clients to progress at their own pace, offering encouragement without pressure.

Playfulness: A playful spirit can make sessions enjoyable and engaging. This quality helps to foster a fun atmosphere that encourages exploration and learning.

Intelligence: Understanding body language and behaviour is vital. A good therapy partner can respond appropriately to different situations and needs.

Consistency: Reliable and consistent behaviour helps build trust. Clients need to know what to expect, which fosters a sense of safety and security.

Empathy: The ability to empathize with clients allows therapy partners to connect on a deeper level, facilitating emotional healing and understanding.

Adaptability: Being adaptable to different therapeutic approaches and individual client needs ensures that sessions are tailored to each person’s unique situation.

Supportiveness: A good therapy partner provides encouragement and support, helping clients feel valued and understood throughout their journey.

Connection: Building a bond with clients is vital. A good therapy partner fosters a connection that enhances the therapeutic experience and promotes healing.

These qualities combined create a nurturing environment that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of therapy, especially in an equine setting...

10/11/2024

When it comes to young children and horse riding, safety and appropriate activities are paramount. Here are some considerations:

1. Pony Rides: Many riding schools offer gentle pony rides specifically designed for young children. These rides are usually led by an experienced adult, ensuring that the child is safe and comfortable.

2. Remedial Riding: This can be beneficial for children with developmental delays or disabilities. Professional therapists often use horse riding as a way to enhance motor skills, coordination, and sensory integration.

3. Sensory Experience: Being around horses can provide rich sensory experiences for young children, as they can feel the warmth of the horse, hear its sounds, and experience the motion when being gently led.

4. Parent Participation: It's important for a parent or caregiver to be involved in the experience. Holding the child on the horse and guiding them can enhance safety and create a bonding moment.

5. Short Duration: Rides should be brief and tailored to the child's comfort level. The focus should be on positive experiences rather than long sessions.

6. Supervision: Constant supervision by experienced handlers is essential to ensure the child’s safety while interacting with horses.

Overall, while riding can be a delightful experience for younger riders, it should always be approached with caution, care, and professional guidance.

31/10/2024

Riding is super hard work, Antie Katherine....

16/10/2024

It is so lovely to see the little ones tack up...

05/10/2024

Fun on the bales!

04/10/2024

I believe that horseback riding is not just about enjoying the ride—it's a fantastic workout too! When you’re in the saddle, you’re actively engaging your muscles, especially your core, back, and chest, which are essential for maintaining balance and proper posture. Sitting tall not only helps you stay aligned but also reduces stress on your back, making your ride more comfortable.

Even during a relaxed ride, you’ll find yourself using your legs to communicate with your horse, squeezing gently to guide them. As you progress to more challenging maneuvers, you’ll discover just how much core strength is required. Many people might think you’re just sitting there, but in reality, you’re working nearly every muscle in your body. From your core to your inner thighs and arms, you’re building strength as you adjust to your horse’s movements.

Plus, the natural rhythm of the horse promotes healthy circulation, stretches tight muscles, and increases your range of motion in the joints. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, every ride is an opportunity to improve your fitness while enjoying the incredible bond between you and your horse!

27/09/2024

SANESA natinals second last day! Welldone to all my riders, you guys are awesome, and your ponies are champions!!!

21/09/2024

We braved the cold and wet! Well done, Micah, Dorey Clara, and BabyStar!

07/08/2024

08/07/2024

🎉🌟 Congratulations to Annebelle, Heidelise, and Micah! 🌟🎉

We are over the moon to announce that three of our talented riders have achieved their Gauteng North colours in their respective horse riding disciplines! 🙌🐴

Annebelle, Heidelise, and Micah, along with their amazing horses, have poured heart and soul into this journey. The dedication, persistence, and teamwork required to excel in horse riding are no small feat. Riding is more than just a sport – it’s a partnership between rider and horse, built on trust, communication, and countless hours of training. 💪❤️

This year has been a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs. There were struggles, moments of doubt, and the inevitable ups and downs that come with striving for excellence. However, these incredible athletes pushed through every obstacle with determination. They have demonstrated true sportsmanship and the unbreakable bond between rider and horse. 🏆🐎

To Annebelle, Heidelise, and Micah – your unwavering commitment has brought you to this outstanding achievement. You’ve shown us all what can be accomplished with hard work, passion, and teamwork. I am incredibly proud of each of you and can't wait to see what new heights you'll reach in the future! 🌠

An exceptional shout-out goes to the parents of these athletes! Your love, support, time, and financial assistance are the reasons why your children are able to succeed!

🎊 Let's all give them a big round of applause and send our best wishes for their continued success! 🎊

🚀🦄

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Feel free to drop a comment below to congratulate our stars! 💬👇

08/07/2024

Feeling grateful for the amazing care Micah is receiving at Kloof hospital. 🙏🏽 Unfortunately, he was bitten by the neighbours and is currently in the hospital. He'll have a minor operation tomorrow afternoon to clean the wound and get it stitched up. The doctors and nurses are taking excellent care of him, and he'll stay a couple days to make sure there's no infection. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers a speedy recovery. 💙

25/06/2024

"What ya doing....?" Asked Baobab "Playing Golf...." said mom

31/05/2024

Just a Girl With Her Horse

Soft sweaty hide sploched with white spots that are covered in mud
Ive been meaning to give him a bath
Icy blue eyes that are warmer than thousands of degrees of heat
They question wheather I have oats in my pockets
Id never forget there his favortie
His scrachy wet snout brushes my hand collecting the oats from my soft now sticky palm
A breeze settles in, sweet with the smell of blooming grass, blossoming flowers, and budding trees
Spring is here, its warm embrace bringing to life a small country town
I braid his long mane brushing out the knotts as I go along
Just so he can look pretty as we trot along
Its the first trail in awhile
He stamps his feet impatient with the thought of runnning
I heave up on him and toghter we canter in the forest
Just a girl and her horse

27/05/2024

Well-done to all the riders and ponies that competed this weekend. Annebelle and Baby had a tough blow with an injury on the first day... Horses are exceptional athletes but their anatomical and physiological adaptations, which give them a competitive edge simultaneously put them at risk of injury... Next time julle twee!! Heidelise and Wakidi earned a second place in Working Riding, you two are getting stronger every day! Andreas and Rezzie had a 3rd place in Equitation and Showjumping. Well done, you two....