Even with Horse allergies the ability to ride

True or False?

Finally it is Saturday and we can start our drive towards Bickenbach!
Our Lea has been excited for days and can hardly wait. We are also very excited to see the Ranch, which has been so beautifully shown in the internet. Our biggest hope is that Lea will not have any allergic reactions towards the horses.

We received a friendly greeting from Petra and she showed us the Ranch. We are overwhelmed by the architecture, the never ending property and last but not least by the fabulous Curlys which are scattered all over the pastures. Everything there reminded us of our stay in Canada.

After the three of us each found “our” horse and saddled it up, it was off to the ri- ding area accompanied by Gina and Petra. They seemed to be very pleased with our riding knowledge since they gave us the opportunity to ride around the pro- perty with the accompaniment of Gina. Everything worked out wonderfully and Lea is doing great. After a wonderful two hours we made our way back home.

We will continue to come as long as Lea; other than a runny nose; does not show any further allergic reactions. Thank you to the happy and open Gina that took such great care of us.

Cheers Jeanette and Nina

Curly Horses are the Answer

I love horses but unfortunately I have a horse allergy. In the past I rode a lot but sadly had to give it up because of health issues and asthma dangers. But then my mother and I discovered the Curlys. We came upon the website by Petra and To- mas Wolf. Hope was restored with the thought that I may be able to ride again.

I wrote Petra an email and through regular email contact we agreed upon a mee- ting date of June 14th. I don’t like to drive, but this was a drive that I was looking forward to for days.

After 180km my mother, my big sister and I arrived at the Ranch. When we arri- ved we had to look twice. There were three horses just walking around freely on the parking lot :-) Petra showed us around the large property with the many hor- ses; a real paradise.

Then it really got started. My mother got *Misty, my sister *Carmalitta and I got to ride *Diamond. It was so funny in the riding area because I had *Andrea in tow. During first round around the Ranch *Diamond was not really cooperating because of anxiety towards what could happen to her foal. It was no use anymo- re so I became *Chocolate Chip, which ended up working out just great. As we happily got off the horses and attended to them I lead *Chocolate Chip back on- to her pasture. This is how the perfect day came to an end; only with having to sneeze a few times :-)

I would like to thank family Wolf and Gina for the wonderful day. To all those people allergic to horses don’t give up; there is hope with Curly horses.

Lea

Edith Kudielka

My Philosophy

Over the years, my experience as Animal physiotherapist, it became more and more conscious to me how important the psychological condition of a horse is and how strong it is aligned with the physical condition. Horses with back pain are mo- re often than not very jumpy and agitated, just as horses with limited flexibility in their upper neck. It is a devils circle because it can lead to ruptures and breaks. If at the same time the horse also has dominance problems it becomes even mo- re difficult.

This was one reason why I visited Sachen Body Language and Communication Centre to further educate myself through technical literature. If a horse is difficult to examine I try; either in the round pen or in a small riding arena/area; to ap- proach the horse in a different manner. If this is not possible I use the recom- mendations by Tellington-Jones. Often by using this way I can approach the hor- se more productively and can examine the horse in a more relaxed manner. I gladly pass my knowledge onto horse owners if they are interested in knowing. This is how it happens that a therapy session includes certain therapy methods along with certain exercises, based on what is needed.

After the manual work often comes lunge work, open work, double lunge work or training. The method that seems to work the best is the one that is used. I call it: Horse orientation ground work. It is very important to me with this type of thera- py to follow the criteria of the academy of horsemanship.
The horse friendly handwork by Bent Banderup is a very good indication of the horses’ physical level of training. This type of work also gives me a good oppor- tunity to check the horses isolated muscles and movement of the pelvis. Many horses lack the thought association between hind and forehand, because lots of stomach muscles are not mobilized and do not release the back muscles. This
can be taught to the horses with this type of work.

The combination of the manual technical with the movement work is very im- portant to me because many problems that the horse has need to be assessed through their movements, since horses are moving animals!

Below in the picture you can stallion Levi and I at work. Passive mobilization through the dilation of the front muscles: stretching of the shoulder muscles, stretching of the elbow muscles. Extension of the muscle latissimus dorsi, pec- torales ascendens, trapezius thorakalis, triceps brachii, deltoideus, infraspinatus and serratus ventralis cervicis. Extension of the fascia thorkolumbalis (above
the muscle latissimus dorsi). Indication: contracture of expanded muscles and mobilization for sport.

I would like to congratulate you on your offspring!! I think you have chosen be- autiful Curly’s and I feel very at home in your Canadian paradise; as do your animals. Your horses radiate well being and harmony. I am excited to come vi- sit you again for a cappuccino, or to support you in your work. I will gladly re- commend your Ranch. Curlys are not only hypoallergenic, they are also uncom- plicated and because of that make wonderful family horses. This is how you live on your beautiful farm.

Greetings and until soon, Edith