hump day haflinger series #19

When I first bought Shyloh, she had a lot of issues that I was unprepared to handle. In my constant Interweb searches of all the Haflinger things, I found a therapeutic riding center that used only Haflingers in their program. Pretty Pony Pastures is always looking for volunteers to help, as they are dependent on them to run the program. I was up for the challenge!

I met Linda Watson, owner of the farm and all of her glorious Haflingers, 13 at that time, I believe. I was in heaven! I got to groom and work a horse, as well as talk to Linda and a couple of her lesson kids. It was a really good experience. Unfortunately, I grossly misjudged the distance and time it took to get there and could not commit to going once a week after work as I planned. I truly wish I lived closer.

Haflingers in the snow

Pretty Pony Pastures wanted a shorter horse for their therapeutic riding program and discovered the Haflinger breed. They bought two Haflingers at first, found out that they were gentle and had the disposition that they were looking, and from that point on, decided to only use Haflingers in their program. Since they began using Haflingers here, they have also learned that Haflingers are the breed of choice for therapeutic riding programs in Europe. 

Happy rider!

Children and adults with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities can benefit from therapeutic riding. The rhythmic movement that the rider feels when on horseback can increase the rider's flexibility, balance, and strength. Pretty Pony Pastures has riders that are on the Autism Spectrum, have Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other disabilities. Their barn is completely ADA accessible and they have a ramp that the riders can use to get on the horse so they do not have to climb steps. Usually, the rider will have three volunteers with them: two people walking on the sides and one leading the horse. As the rider's ability increases, the number of volunteers decreases, as the ultimate goal is for the rider to ride independently. 

Riding class

Pretty Pony Pastures uses five Haflingers in their therapeutic riding program (they also offer English lessons):

Stella

Lu-Rain

Poppy

Leslie

Buttercup (I got to work with her)

Stella

Riders also learn how to groom, lead (if able), and general horse care. Linda works with the child and parents on an instructional riding plan that starts with learning to mount and hold the reins and can go through advanced riding or have the child ride to the best of his/her ability. Goals and progress are charted for the rider. 

Lu-Rain

Several of their riders have improved their core muscles from the therapeutic riding program. A couple riders have even moved from therapeutic riding to the traditional English riding classes. Linda hopes to get a sensory pad to put under the saddle to show the riders how they are sitting on the horse. 

Poppy

In addition to therapeutic and English riding, Pretty Pony Pastures also hosts many events to introduce people to horses. They have Ride with a Friend Day, Ladies Night Out, Test Ride a Pony, Golden Pony Club, and Hero and Volunteer Appreciation Day. There is also a Gift Shop online that helps support the program. 

Leslie

It is a very neat and well put together facility. I love how Linda has each horse color coordinated with a halter and lead combo. On their rack on the wall, she has identifying marks of the horses, plus a photo of them where their halter and lead hang. It is great for the kids, as if offers them more independence in getting the equipment for the horse they will be riding. I also remember Linda telling me once why she uses English saddles over Western saddles. She used to use Western saddles for their sense of security, but once didn't have on that would fit a child. She used an English saddle and noticed a vast improvement in that child from one ride. After that day, she got rid of the Western saddles and only uses English saddles.

Buttercup

Pretty Pony Pastures is a great place for kids and families to learn about horses and how to ride. Keep up the great work!

Tacking up

day three and haflingers galore!

I just got back from my surprise destination! I am lucky enough to say that I will be volunteering for Pretty Pony Pastures!! They provide therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults that have autism, are deaf, blind, and have a variety of other disabilities. The horses that they use. . .Haflingers of course!

The lady that runs the place has 13 wonderful, beautiful Haflingers. Some have completed all their work and are used for the riding program. Others are still working on ground work and desensitization. Some are working on being ridden by riders with experience so they can transition into working with people with various disabilities. 

I cannot think of a more perfect horse than a Haflinger to do this job! While they do have a stubborn side and can be quite willful, they are also calm, have a high tolerance, and like to please people. Today, the Haflingers that were not doing ground work were out grazing. When it was time to come in for dinner, they all started to go to their paddock. But then one must have realized that hey, where we are going, there is no grass! and galloped back! A few others followed and they had to be rounded up! They are some smart horses that always think with their stomachs!

I was in charge of Buttercup to groom and do some ground work with. Buttercup was an excellent horse, but she was described as an "easy" horse! She definitely tried to test me, but she would not be a true Haflinger if she did not at least attempt! My friend, Anna, came with me and she was given Leslie to work with. Anna has never been around horses, but Leslie was a good girl and Anna did great! 

I groomed Buttercup first thing. Each horse has their own halter and lead rope on a halter hanger that has their name, a picture of them, and descriptive marking written on it. They also have their own grooming buckets and grooming brushes. Poor Buttercup got kicked sometime today, she had a gash on her leg, so I applied some Bag Balm to it. I was put with a volunteer (who was a child!) and followed her lead on ground work. They use a modified Parelli approach. We played the Friendly Game and the Circling Game. We also practiced ground-tying, walking in front of the horse without them moving their head, and backing them up using body language. It was very interesting and I learned a lot today!

Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures. We were put right to work! All the horses there live together and they live outside. They have access to a very nice shelter. They all seemed so happy! I can't wait to go back next week, they are going to let me work with a young horse who is not as easy and calm as Buttercup. Fun!!

Eight fears. . . I can do this!

Fear 1 - People. 
Strange, considering that I work with people! But in my experience, people are predictable, until they aren't. Make sense?

Fear 2 -Bugs!
Specifically flying bugs, bugs that bite, bugs that sting, and bugs with more than four legs (which is all of them!). The more legs the yuckier!

Fear 3 - Heights. 
They make me dizzy. When I go on a roller coaster, I close my eyes and hold on for my life!

Fear 4 - Knocking my front teeth out. 
Seriously. I like my teeth, they are pretty nice, if I say so myself. So I guess I can put that I am afraid of the dentist here, too. But I have had nightmares about falling up stairs and breaking my front teeth! Weird?

Fear 5 - Most social situations. 
I always wonder if I am acting appropriately, dressed appropriately (I hate dressing up, I prefer jeans and a hoodie), know what to say when. . .the list really goes on and on. It doesn't help that I am sarcastic and I have a juvenile sense of humor. So often instead of saying anything, I say nothing. . .

Fear 6 - Loss of cognitive function. 
I feel that I am a pretty intelligent individual. I usually catch on to things pretty quickly. Having dementia or Alzheimer's is very scary for me! I cannot imagine what it would be like to have to depend on people, but not know why. I applaud anyone who has or has had a loved one. It is so difficult and heartbreaking.

Fear 7 - Motorcycles. 
Well, not motorcycles, really. I enjoy motorcycles. My dad owns some and has taken me for rides and even let me drive them a short distance. I think I am afraid of idiots on motorcycles. A perfect example is today on my way home from work. Three people on two motorcycles were next to me. The light turned yellow. Guy one stopped. Guy two and girl were not paying attention and had to slam on the motorcycle brakes. Girl almost fell backwards off the bike. Then guy two decided to gun it through the light (with it being red by now), so guy one ran the light, too! Also, those people that ride crotch rockets on the freeway, weave in and out of the lanes, and pop wheelies while going 100 mph. . .scary!!

Fear 8 - Discussing my true feelings. 
I am not sure why. Maybe because my feelings were never validated or taken into consideration growing up? Maybe I am afraid of rejection? I don't know. . .or maybe I do and I am not ready to face it.