There is much written about Feel, Contact and why it is important to achieve it.  Many texts on the subject merely state that once you have it you will know it.  What is rarely explained, especially to a beginner, is how to identify it and how to get it.  Through my work teaching complete beginners how to ride, I have come up with the following explanation.

We have 2 mares with us who both show similar characteristics and issues that stem back over the past few years and have resulted in chronic weakness and the inability to hold their own weight on 3 legs.  Rest periods only seem to exasperate the issues and in conjunction with our rehabilitative trimming specialist and our vet we are currently working on this strengthening and suppling program.  Initial results are promising - mid way through each lunging session both horses are showing reduced stiffness and a more elevated trot.

We have 2 new school ponies arriving on Sunday - Coco(19)  and Pepsi (4). They are both palouse ponies with lovely mottled colouring.

It is beneficial to include a red light torch in every human and animal first aid kit.  Red light can be used in emergency situations where medical assistance is not immediately available or required.  Red light is very effective on burns and open wounds as well as muscular and skeletal damage, insect bites etc.  Using Red Light on acupoints can assists numerous conditions including arresting colic, activating lactation and calming anxiety.  Red light is scientifically proven to be safe to use on any living tissue, even on sensitive areas such as eyes and open wounds.

Red Light Therapy begins with an overall balancing treatment that gently brings to the surface any chronic or underlying issues. Chronic issues may often go unnoticed or disregarded as temperament or habitual issues and may be considered “untreatable”. Often crankiness, anxiety, poor condition, posture, movement or performance are the body’s response to pain. When the pain is relieved these issues often dissipate.

Ok, so it's been a while since I wrote about these guys - but they are both doing great.  They've both had hair cuts, been washed, gelded, had their teeth, hooves and bodywork done.  They have settled in well with their herd and everyone has their place (for now).

We have 2 new ponies ready for lessons!

This is an article written by Jane Savoie.    Her explanations on riding techniques are so easy to put into practice when you are out in the saddle.  Take a read, memorise the steps and have a go next time you are on a horse.

 This is the start of our blog documenting the progress of our brumby ponies who have come join us at SEEC.