Work and interact with a horse who is currently in rehabilitation. These are horses that are not able to be ridden but still have an immense deal of heart and love to offer. They may be in rehabilitation to eventually be ridden or hope to be ridden, or they may never be in a position to be ridden again. Either way they are special horses that have a great deal to offer. Just because they can't be ridden doesn't mean they don't have a lot to offer. The reason they can't be ridden is often a human related one, so I feel to be able to offer a life full of love and no expectations is very welcomed by these horses.
How does it work? For $60 a months ($15 a week) you will be able to visit your chosen horse 5 times a week (Mon-Fri) for up to 3 hours (between 10am-4pm) at a time. You will be able to catch, brush & groom, take for small walks and just hang out and 'be'. 100% of this money goes directly back to the horse which covers their daily and often specialised feeds, and specialised care that I am not able to provide such as Chiropractor, Dentist, Vet etc. You will help with additional needs such as hoof soaking, hand walking and specific therapeutic exercises such as sacrum rehabilitation work or pole work depending on your skill and enthusiasm. A trial week is first completed to ensure compatibility and then a minimum of 3 months dedication is required.
Its an amazing opportunity to have all the fun and enjoyment of having a horse, without the responsibility. Its ideal for people who enjoy horses but don't necessarily want to ride, for people who want a horse buddy, for parents from animal free homes that wish to teach compassion and responsibility with animal ownership. Please note these are NOT ridden horses.
There are currently 2 horses available for this program.
TONKA Tonka is a 17 year old, 15hh blood bay coloured coastie gelding featured in the picture above. Tonka has been here around 8 years and suffers from the equine version of diabetes. Tonka's diet is carefully monitored especially his grass intake. Tonka lives on the smell of an oily rag, and trying to keep his weight in check is often challenging. Tonka unfortunately has previously foundered which is a painful hoof condition caused by many factors, the main one being overweight. The last year has shown excellent progress in his hooves although still remains unsound. He has had regular Chiropractic sessions which has shown a great improvement. The summer months are hard for Tonka, when the ground gets hard he really feels it. He seems to enjoy winter the most and this is when I see him his most sound - although the grass is not so abundant in winter, so I don't think he would agree its his most enjoyable! He is an extremely food motivated horse! Tonka has an amazing nature on him. Although he is the boss of the herd, he is a very fair and reasonable one and is well respected by the other horses. With people he is a little more reserved but loves unconditionally and loves time spent being groomed and gently massaged. He loves his trips down to the creek - especially to eat the watercress! Tonka would be suitable for any person including kids.
DANNY Danny is a 22 year old, 16.3hh copper coloured Paint gelding. Danny has been here coming up 2 years now. Danny arrived with many issues, namely obese, laminitic, a bully to other horses, very grumpy and poor hoof condition. When Danny first arrived - Tonka the boss man gave Danny a hard time. We let the herd be a herd as much as possible and knew this was happening for a reason. Danny is a lot more social with other horses now and will share his hay. Danny & Tonka are best buddies now! Throughout the 2 years he has been with us he has had Bodywork including Chiropractic. It was discovered that he had an old broken pelvis which means he has a weakness in his hind end which effects the balance of his hind hooves and most likely is in his best interests to not be ridden. Once Danny was put onto an environment which stimulates movement he shed his excess weight and now we have the opposite problem of keeping the weight on! He has an old injury to one of his front knees which also adds to his overall balance and means his hooves are compensating for this. We keep up with regular bodywork to keep him comfortable. The last 6 months has shown some great changes in his hooves especially his front ones. Having a more balanced and fully functioning hoof will provide better shock absorption throughout his body which will help is aches and pains. He is extremely grumpy when you touch him in the rib area - although he is a gentleman so will not ever hurt you, but he will let you know with his ears! He has had a lot of different gut ulcer supplements, all with minimal effect. We have learnt to accept Danny for who he is and not expect for him to change, as long as he is happy and content in his home, then we are too. Danny is a soft soul underneath it all and often shows a big 'stay away from me' grump but once you get past this he is a gentle fellow. Danny is a tall boy so would be best suited to someone who is confident and maybe taller so you can reach him to groom but in saying that 12 year old girls handle him with ease.
