Case Studies

(Horses) -

California Sun (“Libby”):

- Jill’s horse from when she was 16 years of age. He died when she was 33.

Problem: Abused horse, 300 lbs under weight, bolted when ridden, terrified of people, head shy.

Action: Hours were spent in handling, winning trust, and training.

Results: Calmer around people, not head shy, stopped bolting, trusted people, participated in many shows in dressage, jumper, cross country (small shows and A Circuit)

Admiral:

-Overall poor ground manners; owner needed help with variety of “issues”

Problem: Unpredictable, backing up randomly, occasional rearing, wouldn’t stand in cross ties, moved around while being tacked up, poor ground manners, constant tripping, history of abuse .

Action: Assessed situation, taught owner appropriate methods related to ground manners, energy work, helped owner “connect” more with horse to help in training – spent one session per week (one hour) for 8 weeks as per above .

Results: Amazing ground manners, no more tripping, better with people, stands quietly in cross ties and while being tacked up, does not rear anymore, rider feels more connection with horse.

Novel:

- 7 year old Canadian mare, born in the wild on Manitoulin Island; purchased by owner “sight unseen” in November 2007 (at four years old); in foal at time; no human contact at that point.

Problem: Untrusting of people (other than owner who spent two years building trust); owner wants to know if she can show mare, and what activities she can participate in with mare (e.g. trail riding).

Action: Assessed situation, energy work, gave feedback of possible future for this mare.

Result: Mare allowed Jill into her “space” within three minutes; horse was nudging Jill within moments, acting calmer; owner learned (in less than one hour) how to “be” with her horse, for more positive results, and what was important to the horse. Also, owner felt tremendous validation, and support for keeping the horse and working with her, when many others indicated the mare should be destroyed. This was incredibly important for the owner’s confidence.

(People) -

Sally: –

“Green” rider who had a serious accident after 12 lessons (horse took off, she lost her balance and fell – breaking ribs and hospitalized – hadn’t ridden since.)

Problem: Bad fall which lead to nervousness with horse; lack of confidence.

Action: Assessed situation; helped owner with building confidence by sharing knowledge and other techniques; helped owner learn appropriate techniques to connect with horse, and teach him proper ground manners; lessons (two per week) in order to help build her confidence and trust.

Results: Owner now has more confidence and trust, riding has become more relaxed, enjoyable.

Sue: –

Extremely frightened of horses since age five when she was bucked off.

Problem: Wanted to connect with horses, and get over her crippling fear, so she could eventually have a farm with horses.

Action: Spent one session (one hour) one-on-one with owner doing Reiki and clearing work, then 1 ½ hours at farm, helping to build trust with horses.

Result: Client was riding comfortably in two sessions. Now taking riding lessons and integrating horses into her business.