Elle is doing so much better.  The supplements that we are giving her is putting some weight on her and her coat is looking wonderful.

Captain is still struggling at times.  His breathing problems get better and then he gets bad again.  The weather and hay that is even slightly dusty can set him off.  At least the herbs are helping.  I put too much oil in his mixture today.  Poor guy was hacking all over the place.  I always feel so guilty when I do something like that.  At least it is really good for his coat and hooves.

Cody has balance problems.  She never wants to go into a canter.  It was funny that when I did get her into a canter she was all over the place.  I decided to lounge her and see what she looked like from the ground.  Sure enough, even her trot is off balance.  I had to start right from the walk.  I encouraged her to stretch her neck out by pulling out on the line.  As she stretched I praised her.  Then I took her into a trot; it was better.  There is definately more work to be done.

It is funny when you think about it.  Here is a horse that is almost seven years old and has had hundreds of hours (maybe thousands) of riding yet, she still has balance problems.  It is funny that when even a person does not get the proper start in life it affects everything they do.  Going back to the basics is so important when this happens.  Cody's balance problems are a good example of how we use Equine Therapy to teach the students about life.  They can see concretely that this horse really needs to strart from the basics.  They can see that how the proper training results in a more balanced horse.  They can then accept that they need to go back and get some basics down.  They see how there is no shame in going back and fixing things.  It is just a fact of life and needs to be done.  They can see that no matter how much riding, this horse would not have fixed its own balance issues.  This horse was set into a pattern and did not know how to get out of it.  She needed help.  They see how there is no shame in getting help; only healing. 

I am constantly amazed at how the Lord teaches us at Shalom Ranch through these Equine friends.  I hope to share more of these stories with you. 

Shalom,

Marie