NEW HORSES…
TRAUMA CARE & RECOVERY
READ THEIR STORY HERE
Our Process For The Horse’s Trauma Care and Recovery.
New Horse Arrives to the Ranch
A horse under goes an extreme amount of stress when they change barns. They entire routine changes and their sense of safety is threatened. Our number one concern is that they feel safe. Often that means giving them safe space to stretch their legs with secure fencing. Herbs such as valerian root and chamomile can help settle stressed tummies. They are quarantined from other horses for 2 weeks to make sure they cannot infect the rest of the herd. This is the hardest period of adjustment.
Access Mental and Physical Health
Their body condition is evaluated to see what type of forage and food will be best for them. They are given dewormer and a supportive liver/detox program. Most horses arrive with low vitamin/minerals which show up as a dull coat and broken hooves. All changes are made gradually as to not overwhelm their system. They are paired with other herd mates that will help them integrate. Our staff interacts with them and starts introducing them to the program. They make sure they have a correct fitting saddle and bit/bridle. A comfortable horse is a happy horse.
Integrate into the program
Every horse enters the program when they have shown signs of confidence and comfort. They have to take on the uncertainty of the clients so they need to have a solid, grounded foundation. We do not expect perfection from our horses…only a willingness to try. This is the quiet season where the horse determines his next steps.
Recover and Restore
At this phase, the horses is actively working in the program at the level that he can connect. Some do better with mental health, while others thrive with the fun themed adaptive riding. The horse’s physical and mental state is monitored weekly by our team and tracking system. Horses are given time off each week and in between difficult sessions. Our Herdmanship University standards always put the horse first! It’s partnership over performance.