Bob
Sue Carr has successfully managed to help to provide therapy for many horses and ponies, with a vast range of psychological problems. Below is an account of just a few of these:
Bob's Story by Sue Carr
Bob came to live with the Charity aged 9 years old. He had been bought by a friend of the boss, who had rescued him from dreadful conditions, where he had been in a stable with the top door shut and had also been regularly beaten for approximately six months.
Bob went to live with his new owner and an old pony called Decision, where she spent a long time getting to know him, earning his trust and letting her handle him (she was bitten and kicked quite a lot in the process). Bob was very frightened of people and stables, but he became best friends with Decision, who became his safety net. After several good years together, Bob's new owner developed a bad back and although she had trained Bob to be ridden, she was now unable to look after him. The Charity took him on, with his best friend, who was by then, 27 years old.
Bob
Bob worked well in the Charity, teaching many people to ride, including people with learning disabilities. He was ridden by the boss, in side saddle displays by the boss, where he performed dressage so well, carrying out shoulder in, traverse, renverse, half pass and canter pirouettes. The boss loved riding Bob but as time went on, Decision got older and started to wane, so it was decided that now would be a good time to get Bob a new friend, as well as Decision, so that he would not get upset when his old friend passed away, as Bob was still a "young man". Unfortunately, he did not want another friend and if Decision was taken away from him, he went berserk.
Decision
The boss was very worried about Bob's future. The vet was able to keep Decision comfortable, and like old people, his body was gradually ceasing to work as he was 34 years old. The boss contacted nearly every horse expert in the world, but no one could tell her how to separate the two, without causing injury to horse or human. Decision went off his food and the vet was called, who gave him 3 days treatment to encourage him to eat again, and if he was unable to respond, this could cause liver failure. They tried to separate them, but it was a disaster, so eventually the boss went in the field using a process called join-up, with Bob and Decision. This had never occurred before, despite trying endlessly, this opened an avenue to a new approach.
The next day a round pen was put up in the field and the procedure was started. Bob would not be able to hurt himself in there, and he could still see his friend, while the boss was cuddling him. Decision was still off his food but was not uncomfortable, and so everything was calm. Decision was taken out of the field and was replaced with Fred, while the boss was still with Bob, and amazingly he did not react.
Decision was fading, he still wasn't eating. The vet and the boss decided that he was not going to come round, so should be put to sleep before he started to suffer. Bob went into the pen with the boss and was cuddled, while Decision was peacefully put to sleep, in the field next to him.
Bob went to see his old friend, somehow knowing he had passed away he spent some time with him and then, eventually went back into the pen with the boss. She stayed with him while 2 other horses were put in the field next to him. Even after the entire heartache, there was tranquillity. The Boss left Bob eventually, and after a while he came out of the round pen and they went around the yard to reassure him that Decision was not there. He went into his own stable, with the other horses on either side of him and he had his tea. That night a composed Bob went out into his pen with Fred and another horse called Tammy in the field.
The next day he was happy to be ridden and 3 days later Bob went into the field by himself. After such an arduous time for everyone, Bob was relaxed - a job well done by all concerned.
McCawley
McCawley came to the Charity two and a half years ago. He had been at a local RDA group where he had an accident with a mounting block. This resulted in him having back and neck problems. He was also terrified of all types of mounting blocks and would not go near them. "Jigsaw" was approached to take him on.
On arrival McCawley was assessed and followed a course of physiotherapy to improve his neck and back condition. He went through a re-training programme to work in conjunction with the physiotherapist to improve any muscle spasm problems he was experiencing. He also went through a re-training programme to de-sensitise him to the mounting block.
Several months later on, McCawley is working comfortably with the block and some of "Jigsaw's" able-bodied and disabled riders.
McCawley
Unfortunately these problems were not the only
ones. Throughout the next two winters, McCawley showed weight loss becoming
quite 'ribby' and losing some muscle. All physical problems were addressed e.g.
correct feeding, comfortable teeth, warm clothing - but he still lost weight. In
October 2002, Sue - Charity Organiser - and Catriona, the Charity's vet were
discussing McCawley's weight loss. They were standing at his stable door,
McCawley was looking quite grumpy, he was frequently grumpy in the stable. We
thought we had come up with the answer! McCawley was claustrophobic and unhappy
when stabled (which is all winter) living outside in the summer he was fine.
A plan was devised, McCawley would winter out with his friend Jigsaw, coming in, in the day to be fed, groomed etc. and going out at night. Care was taken to keep them warm and mud-fever free. McCawley kept his weight on beautifully. This was just a short term plan. McCawley will have his own facility developed so that he can come in, in the winter and go out when he feels the need to.
This project is on-going. We would be grateful for any help with funding this project.
Troy's Story by Sue Walsh
I feel that this is my opportunity to commend the aims and objectives of 'Jigsaw' together with the commitment and knowledge demonstrated by its team of experts.
There have been a number of times when I have needed help with some equine psychology and physiology. You know, questions and queries you have, but the books don't give you the answer!!!!
Well, here's my story...I am the proud owner of Troy, who is about 16 years old and an Anglo/Arab gelding. He is gorgeous, cheeky, very forward going, but loves to work and tries really hard at anything he is asked to do. He has got 'Arab' traits, but he also has a lovely placid, pleasing side to his nature and we love him to bits!
You can imagine how distraught I was last May (2002) when I came home and found my horse, Troy, displaying some very distressing behaviours. He was stamping about in the paddock continually running around, not able to settle to eat. When we got him into his stable, nothing would calm him and he continued snorting for hours, in fact, all through the night. He couldn't eat because he wouldn't stand still long enough. He did not touch his hay or his bucket feed. He continually 'box walked', and was thrashing around. The following morning, I went to give him his breakfast, he looked totally distressed, his bed trashed and continued to snort.
By this time I was very worried about him and equally as distressed to see him in such a state. I just could not work out what was the matter and nothing I did or said to him made any difference. He seemed oblivious to me and any efforts to calm him, he was a completely different horse and his behaviour was quite terrifying!
As I opened the stable door, with his feed bucket, he barged right past me, out of the stable, into a small enclosed grassed area adjacent to his paddock. I must admit by this time, I was not only frightened about what he might do to himself, but what he might do to me, or anybody else near him! He was just jumping around and trotting in circles, continually changing direction. He appeared to have no concept of the danger or damage he might do to himself or others....what was wrong???
My mind was running riot. Had he seen something in his paddock that he was afraid of? Was he suffering from claustrophobia, because I had not had the hawthorn hedges cut low enough so he could 'nosey' over them? Was it the 'local ladies' arousing his libido? Was it the fact that he lived on his own, with no other horse for company? By this time he was in such a lather and so was I!! I did not know what to do. The way he was crashing about, there was no doubt he was going to hurt himself, I thought he was going to 'explode' completely.
I was desperate and starting to get a little panicky. Suddenly I thought, Jigsaw? They will know what to do.
One of their experts came responded immediately and observed what was happening. She advised us to open up the enclosure and let him into the paddock, where he would be safer and he could 'run' some of his energy off. She decided to change his routine completely, so he never knew what to expect each day. (Riding at different times, grazing at different times etc.)
She also set up a plan, so his work was much more varied and at a level she knew would stretch him. We did more complicated flat work in the arena to make him think and test him, he was lunged more regularly and also hacked out. She also suggested that we kept him from the company of other horses, particularly mares, until he seemed to settle, then introduce him gradually back into their company, when hacking out to see whether his problem was hormonal.
We also gave him access to his field and to his stable 24 hours a day, so he could come and go as he pleased. If he had not settled, another suggestion was to get him some company, such as a sheep, goat or another pony, as horses are naturally 'herd' animals. I was also advised to speak to my vet, who visited and gave Troy a general, but thorough, examination. Physically, the vet could find nothing wrong with him, but she agreed the use of the strategies which had been discussed with me.
Fortunately, with his new routine in place, he began to settle over a very short period of time - thanks to the expertise, support, advice and strategies of Jigsaw's team. I now feel more confident and have a greater understanding of horse psyche and we will continue to work together for the mutual benefit of horse and owner,
A big thanks to Sue Carr and her team again!!!!
My name is Jayne Donald and I am the Aromatherapist for all the horses and staff of Jigsaw. This short note will describe some of the benefits of using Aromatherapy for your horse and yourself.
Aromatherapy is a wonderful
treatment, with its subtle and sensitive approach in treating the mental,
physical, and spiritual needs of your horse. It is a natural, gentle alternative
to modern day prescribed drugs. Aromatherapy can bring relief to a wide range of
acute and chronic conditions. There are no detrimental side effects as the
blends are natural and simple. Aromatherapy is the antidote, in many cases, to
the build up of tension, stress, and anxiety. Many people are using these safe
and natural blends as a way of balancing and harmonising their horse so that as
a result many ailments simply disappear.
There are four main blends used at Jigsaw for the horses as well as prescribed
blends for particular needs: Warming, Detox, T.L.C. and Relaxing
blends.
Warming : A deep sense of healing comes with this blend combining Ginger, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense. It penetrates deep into the body and uplifts the soul. The spicy fragrance brings relief to many ailments, particularly muscular injuries and respiratory problems. A potent blend for easing all those aches and pains of the day.
Detox : A fresh distinct blend combining JuniperBerry, Geranium and Fennel which cleanses the body of impurities. Particularly helpful with water retention, over zealous appetites and digestive problems. This perfect tonic aides your horse to heal itself.
T.L.C. : This unique blend containing Eucalyptus, Ti Tree, Rosemary and Benzoin is brilliant for soothing muscular aches and pains. The blend is effective against bacteria’s, funghi and most viruses, boosting the immune system and containing natural painkilling qualities without being a sedative. This blend is particularly helpful with Flu, Colds, Stomach cramps, Urinary tract infections and can be a wonderful cuddle for depression and anxiety.
Relaxing : This is the perfect wind down blend. Combining Lavender, Rosewood and Benzoin it’s soothing healing qualities make this blend wonderful, not only for the body, but also for the mind. Fantastic for banishing anxieties with it’s gentle, calming effect.
The blends are easily absorbed through the skin sharing their therapeutic qualities they give outstanding results. Whilst using Angel’s Aromas your horse will feel relaxed and afterwards refreshed and completely revitalised.
Have fun and enjoy the sheer
pleasure and benefits of Angel’s Aromas.
Jayne Donald MICHT IIHHT
AROMATHERAPY TREATMENTS - FOR HORSES
Treatment – Sprinkle some oil on floor with feed, he will associate the smell of the oil with a relaxing experience.
MCCAWLEY - Tension in temple area. Colon cramps. Back legs hold a lot of tension as well. So may ache.
Treatment – Apply oil in a clockwise motion on the
stomach / colon area.
Put oil on first so he’ll smell it and become relaxed.
(Peppermint Cordial?? Will help the trapped wind in his stomach.)