Introducing The Handsome "Hank" - 21 April, 2008
Hank is an 12 year old Standardbred who arrived at Epona's Pastures in February this year. This handsome boy was surrendered to us by a lovely young lady who aslo works with rescue horses. From what we know about this horse, he was first rescued from the Knackery truck by a well meaning your girl who later found she could not look after him. He was then surrendered to a rescue centre that operates privately and from there he has come to us.
This boy must be special to have already escaped the Knackery Truck twice in his short life. The rescue operation Hank has come from had too many horses in their care and Hank was moved on to us simply due to time constraints. He is a lovely boy, but he needs to be re-educated under saddle which will take a little time. We will post Hank's progress so that our regular visitors can follow as he is slowly settled in at Epona's Pastures and his education begins.
This boy must be special to have already escaped the Knackery Truck twice in his short life. The rescue operation Hank has come from had too many horses in their care and Hank was moved on to us simply due to time constraints. He is a lovely boy, but he needs to be re-educated under saddle which will take a little time. We will post Hank's progress so that our regular visitors can follow as he is slowly settled in at Epona's Pastures and his education begins.
Hank Continues His Education
We have been using driving reins on Hank to asses how much education he has already had. These exercises also assist us in determining his manners when he is outside his comfort zone away from the security of his paddock and his herd. Hank continued to impress us and although he is still insecure and unsure of a world that he has seen very little of, he is eager to please and very willing to learn.
After a couple of weeks of 'driving' with Hank through paddocks, dams and forests, we decided it was time to introduce him to the saddle.
After a couple of weeks of 'driving' with Hank through paddocks, dams and forests, we decided it was time to introduce him to the saddle.
Hank has a long hard think about what this all means, but he eventually strides out and does not appear very phased by the new object on his back. Charlie allows Hank time to adjust before once again asking for his attention. Charlie then proceeds with exercises to reassure Hank.
Hank has made huge progress since he arrived at Epona's Pastures. As the photos show, Charlie spent several hours doing foundation ground work with Hank before he attempted to 'back' him. These photos were taken on the first night Hank had Charlie in the saddle. Since then, Hank has been out on multiple trail rides to get him used to a rider on his back. Although a little hesitant the first times, he now looks forward to his walks in the forest. Due to the weather and time constraints, we will soon be moving Hank up to an agistment place nearby where we can continue his education in an indoor arena. The aim is to have Hank working well under saddle over the next few weeks so that he can be moved on to a permanent home in the near future.
Hank Feels A Rider On His Back
Hank has made huge progress since he arrived at Epona's Pastures. As the photos show, Charlie spent several hours doing foundation ground work with Hank before he attempted to 'back' him. These photos were taken on the first night Hank had Charlie in the saddle. Since then, Hank has been out on multiple trail rides to get him used to a rider on his back.
Although a little hesitant the first times, he now looks forward to his walks in the forest. Due to the weather and time constraints, we will soon be moving Hank up to an agistment place nearby where we can continue his education in an indoor arena.
The aim is to have Hank working well under saddle over the next few weeks so that he can be moved on to a permanent home in the near future.
Although a little hesitant the first times, he now looks forward to his walks in the forest. Due to the weather and time constraints, we will soon be moving Hank up to an agistment place nearby where we can continue his education in an indoor arena.
The aim is to have Hank working well under saddle over the next few weeks so that he can be moved on to a permanent home in the near future.
Out On Trail With Hank - 22 June, 2008
Over the last two months, Hank has been making leaps and bounds. We have been out on several trail rides with this boy and he continues to impress every time. He is still at little nervous, but has thus far, never put a foot wrong. Below are some photos of Inger and Hank out on the trail.
On this trail ride, Hank was asked for his first canter under saddle and he was great. On the way home we swapped riders and Asher took her first ride with Hank.
Hank was extremely well behaved for most of the ride. Ahser had to pull him up once on the way home when he started to feel a little too confident with himself, but he was only in high spirits and feeling good about the world.
Hank has recently had his teeth attended to and a manipulation to relieve some tension on his right side. Photos of the Vet visit to follow soon.
Hank has recently had his teeth attended to and a manipulation to relieve some tension on his right side. Photos of the Vet visit to follow soon.
Time For Dental Treatment - 26 June, 2008
The horses teeth can be the cause of many underlying problems and we are adoment that all our horses must have a dental visit as soon as possible, and Hank was no exception to this rule.
Our Veterinarian, Dr Tony Hanegraaf checks for sharp edges on the teeth and any other problems that may arise if his teeth had not been attended to by previous owners.
In this case, Tony is quiet happy that with the exception of a few sharp edges his teeth are in pretty good condition. Tony Proceeds to file down all the edges with a finals rinse at the ends. We can now be confident that Hank can chew his food and have a bit in his mouth without any pain.
In this case, Tony is quiet happy that with the exception of a few sharp edges his teeth are in pretty good condition. Tony Proceeds to file down all the edges with a finals rinse at the ends. We can now be confident that Hank can chew his food and have a bit in his mouth without any pain.
Schooling Hank At The Indoor Arena - 20 July, 2008
Over the last few weeks Hank (and Redman) have been agisted nearby where we have access to an indoor arena. This allows us to continue their education during the winter months when it gets dark early and much too wet to work in the paddocks. Below are some photos of us all getting ready for an afternoon training session:
Hank has made leaps and bounds in his education both on the lunge and under saddle during this time.
Hank will now lunge perfectly to voice commands, is much more 'balanced' under saddle and has even learned to flex to the inside on a 20m circle.
Below is a series of photos of Hank showing off on the lunge ....
Hank will now lunge perfectly to voice commands, is much more 'balanced' under saddle and has even learned to flex to the inside on a 20m circle.
Below is a series of photos of Hank showing off on the lunge ....
....and showing off under saddle :
Hank Is Adopted But Returns To Epona's Pastures - August/September, 2008
Once we decided that Hank was ready for a new home and placed him as 'available for adoption' the response was huge. A wonderful girl by the name 'Emma' came out to see him and fell in love with him instantly. As Emma was not yet very confident in the saddle having only recently returned to her passion with horses after many years, we continued to school Hank on her behalf for a few more weeks. Hank was then placed in his new home with Emma who looked after him like the prince we all think he is.
Unfortunately, after spending some time on her own with Hank, Emma came to the realisation that although Hank is a sweet boy, she did not yet have the experience needed to continue with Hanks education. After much deliberation she made the difficult decision to return Hank to Epona's Pastures.
Over the last couple of months, Inger has resumed Hank's education and is using him as a pleasure hack and although Emma has now found another horse that she can gain a little more experience with, Emma comes up to visit and work with Hank on a regular basis. Hank will stay at Epona's Pastures while Inger continues to broaden his education.
Over the last couple of months, Inger has resumed Hank's education and is using him as a pleasure hack and although Emma has now found another horse that she can gain a little more experience with, Emma comes up to visit and work with Hank on a regular basis. Hank will stay at Epona's Pastures while Inger continues to broaden his education.
