Equilogical - Positive Equine Partnerships

22/11/2024

We’re working on the tough topics with EquiSchools and Yup - I’ve had to do a lot of work on myself to be able to represent this program!

This terms topic - Should we Stable Horses?

At EquiSchools, we ask a lot of the young people we work with. We ask them to show up, step out of their comfort zones, and look at both sides of an argument. We ask them to research, think critically, and debate respectfully. And you know what? They always rise to the challenge. 🌟

But here’s the thing—can we, as adults, do the same?

Can we honestly say we’re willing to dig into topics that challenge our own beliefs? Can we listen to perspectives we don’t agree with and still respond with respect? These are big asks, not just for kids but for anyone.

That’s why our EquiSchools training starts with us. We make sure we’re doing the work on ourselves first—looking at our own biases, practicing respectful dialogue, and learning to show up authentically. If we’re asking the kids to show up, we need to lead by example.

Because how can we ask them to grow if we’re not willing to grow ourselves?

Want to be the first to know about our EquiSchools Program? Visit www.equischolars.co.uk/equischolars-plus

18/11/2024

This is where I’m at now! 😀 We’ve been hosting a group at our sister site The Ranch Weymouth through our EquiSchools Program. They choose a debate topic and research it over 6 weeks. On the fifth week they find out if they are arguing against or for the chosen topic. They’ve had so many ideas and it’s only week 2 - it makes my heart so full!! 💚

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦 & 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

Let’s talk about something important—how we care for our horses, like the decisions around stabling them, which often sparks debate. We understand the complexities, especially for centres struggling with limited turnout space or seasonal restrictions. Mud management? It’s definitely challenging.

At EquiScholars, we delve deep into these discussions, not to cause conflict but to understand the full scope of managing an equine business. We explore why some centres might need to stable horses more than others and discuss potential alternatives, even when conditions are far from ideal. It’s about presenting a complete picture and acknowledging the various pressures and limitations that come with running an equine facility.

Our goal isn’t to criticise or claim there’s only one correct approach. Rather, we aim to encourage a conversation that exposes our young equestrians to the broad spectrum of horse care. We equip them with critical thinking skills to one day make well-informed choices. An essential part of these discussions is teaching learners to communicate respectfully, ensuring that even when opinions differ, the exchange remains constructive and leads to mutual understanding.

Discussing these topics might seem daunting, like opening a can of worms, but these challenging conversations are crucial for growth. They help us confront real issues, consider the challenges, and explore possibilities, preparing the next generation for the practical realities of equine management—not just an idealised notion.

Let’s continue these dialogues, questioning and learning together to find the best paths forward for both us and our horses.

www.equischolars.co.uk

02/08/2024

29/04/2024

Not long now!!

Are you excited team?!? Ranch Weymouth Play Why Do Horses Behaviour and Trauma Recovery Service and our team coming together to represent EquiScholars at the Pony and Horse Show in June! We're also pitching up beside Kate Thornton Equine Sports & Remedial Massage Norfolk and International Equine Professionals !

We're giving a demo in the ring at lunchtime which will be like nothing ever held at a show before I'm pretty sure (no horses included)!! 😱🤩

Come along and find out more about what we do, we will be demoing some of our activities plus a load more you can get involved in at our pitch! We will be the loud ones with sparkly faces (thanks to the Ranch 😆). We'd love to see you there!!

18/04/2024

𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

As someone who's spent a good chunk of time teaching young equestrians, I've done my fair share of pondering about what we're really imparting to these kids and young adults. Whether it's in a conventional riding school or a therapeutic setting, the responsibility weighs heavily, especially since what I teach isn't exactly what you'd call mainstream (then again, I've never been one to fit the mould).

My lessons are founded in the knowledge of horse behaviour, and insights taken from mountains of research by ethologists and scientists who've studied horses just like they have lions, giraffes and zebras. And yes, while domesticated horses might not mirror their wild ancestors in appearance—picture the sleek thoroughbreds on the racetrack—their innate behaviours haven't been bred out. We're talking about an evolutionary timeline where 64 million years of equid history has been barely touched by the last 4,000 years of human interaction. That's a mere blip in the grand scheme of things.

So, the starting point for my teaching is this: the horses in our care have the same behavioural blueprints as their wild ancestors, encoded deep in their DNA.
It's from this understanding that I teach young riders not just to care for horses, but to understand their needs, interpret their communication, and ultimately, to partner with them authentically. To me, this is how we should be educating the next generation of equestrians. It’s not about sticking to tradition for tradition's sake but embracing the learning opportunities that science has presented to us.
Shying away from this knowledge doesn't prepare the next generation for the future. It can create a mindset that is resistant to change and unwilling to confront challenges. Every session with a horse teaches a lesson in how to approach the world. Do we ignore the tough bits or learn to face them head-on, adapting and growing in the process?

When our beliefs are challenged, that's where the real teaching happens. We can show our youth how to navigate these challenges—seeing us work through difficulties, manage emotions, and emerge stronger provides a powerful example. It's this experience that promotes real growth.

This is the kind of education I'm committed to providing. It's not just about producing competent riders; it's about empowering individuals who are as well-rounded, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent as the horses they ride. For me, that's the true mark of a successful equestrian education.

16/04/2024

❗️ KEEP CALM AND PLANTAIN ON PEOPLE 🌱

I know it’s been tough for those of you in the UK - I know so many horses with abscesses at the moment but an interesting observation was made of some horses spending time standing on patches of plantain which is thought to be because of its drying and germ fighting abilities. How cool is that?! Has anyone else ever seen this? 🌱

🦶 Keep Calm and Plantain On! 🌱👣

Isn’t nature amazing? Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you notice your horses choosing to stand on patches of plantain. At first, it might just seem like a quirky habit, but there’s wisdom in their choice. With the UK rain not giving us a break, and hoof abscesses rife, it’s time to spotlight a seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary "w**d" – plantain.

This herb is pretty much a treasure chest for horses, loaded with stuff like aucubin, which is great at fighting off germs, and allantoin, a champion at speeding up skin healing. It’s a go-to for skin troubles like rashes, not to mention its knack for drying out unwanted moisture. And the best part? It’s gentle. Think of it as nature’s kinder, softer remedy.

Now, onto its party tricks for hooves – packed with calcium and vitamin K, plantain is a little hero for stopping bleeding from those nicks and cuts. But the real kicker? It seems like some horses know something we don’t, choosing to stand on plantain patches possibly to keep their hooves in tip-top shape, thanks to its germ-fighting powers.

Lucky for us, plantain is as common as muck here in the UK, so you might not even need to make a special effort to include it in your horse’s diet. Next time you’re out in the field, keep an eye out. Your horse might just be self-prescribing a dose of plantain. And with the relentless wet weather and the hoof issues it brings, this humble w**d could be just the hero we need.

Fancy giving plantain a go? Why not take your horse for a little forage walk or scatter some in their grazing spot. Chances are, you’ve got this green gold growing right under your nose!

27/02/2024

We're off to Sandringham!! 😍

⭐ 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗺!

We are so excited to be taking the EquiScholars team including Why Do Horses, The Ranch Weymouth and Horse Play to the Pony and Horse Show. Kate Thornton Equine Sports & Remedial Massage Norfolk will be right there next to us and we're doing a lunchtime demo in the ring that she has sponsored! We cannot wait to demo some of the activities from our curriculum and tell you all about the work we do. Expect smiles, laughter, sparkly face paints and a "no horse" demo! 😱

If you're in the area come along and join in the fun, we will have some great activities for kids on our trade stand to learn all about equine behaviour. See you there!

11/01/2024

🎁 Following our flash sale announcement, we understand that choosing the right educational resources is a significant decision. That's why we're here to help guide you through the process.

🤝 We know that investing in our Foundation Pack is a considered decision. You want to ensure it's the perfect fit for your needs, and we're here to assist with that. To provide you with all the information you need and answer any questions you might have, we're offering a special opportunity.

🕒 Book a free 30-minute consultation slot with me, right here on Facebook! This is your chance to dive deeper into what our Foundation Pack entails, how it can support and enrich your equine practice, and why we are so confident in its value.

🔍 Whether you're curious about specific aspects of the pack, wondering how it can fit into your current setup, or just want to chat about its potential benefits, book yourself in!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more and make an informed decision. To book your free slot 👉 go to the Services tab on our page and click on "FREE 30 Min Chat".

💚 We're so passionate about what we do and eager to share the wonders of our Foundation Pack with you!

🐴✨

24/12/2023

Remember to save your boxes! 📦 🎁