Challenges in Caring for Therapy Horses
December 11, 2023
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Ask any rider and they’ll likely tell you the first place they go after a tough day is to the barn. The healing power of
Ask any rider and they’ll likely tell you the first place they go after a tough day is to the barn. The healing power of
Gabriels story is sadly full of abuse and abandonment but not to fear, that is not his entire story. Spoiler alert! The story ends with him thriving in his forever home.
Although their ranch was full, Mountain Valley Horse Rescue knew this emaciated pair of horses in dire condition needed their help.
Ranger came to our Sanctuary right before Thanksgiving of 2020. Our vet diagnosed him with high ringbone and started him on pain medications. His neck and shoulders were very sensitive to touch, and he was reluctant to let us anywhere near his head. The human in us wanted to hug him and stroke his big, beautiful face, but we knew that wouldn’t be well received.
We instantly agreed when asked to rescue donkeys on their way to an unfortunate future. We don’t exactly know how this unlucky band of five mamas and their babies were rounded up and headed off but we were given the opportunity to give them a better future with little time left on the clock.
I had met Dianne a few years back, when we had rescued a mule. I had invited her to come check out the rescue. She came, I introduced her to everyone, it took her a while to get comfortable with all the residents. She came back nearly everyday and helped me clean pens, water, take care of the injured etc..
Have you met your soulmate? I have. twice actually. Some horse people call them a soulmate, others prefer “heart horse”. Twice in my life, I had the extraordinary good fortune to find my four-legged, swishy-tailed soulmate.
Some people make extravagant plans on Valentine’s Day. Some people get surprises. On February 14, 2019, I headed to pick up what would ultimately be the best Valentine’s Day surprise I have ever received. I answered a call from local law enforcement about an emaciated horse that needed help. They weren’t sure if he was going to make it.
As much fun as a Fourth of July celebration can be for people, it’s a terrifying holiday for some horses. Those who are skittish—and particularly noise averse—may become unnerved if holiday fireworks are set off nearby.
Restoring a horse’s physical and mental health can be challenging but rewarding. Here’s how to introduce basic training.