It's nice to be appreciated!

Horse Canada is an all-breed, multi-discipline magazine with emphasis on equine health and well-being, with practical advice and tips from industry experts. It aims to entertain and educate readers in order to enhance their enjoyment of equine activities and improve their equine partnerships. Recently their online magazine published a story about the Non-Ridden Equine movement, and they took the time to be in touch with BlixxHorses. We hope you find their article informative:

A Different Horse/Human Dynamic: Loved but Not Ridden

 Can't ride, but still want horses around you every day? You are not alone, as the popularity of the Non-Ridden Equine movement would indicate.

 By: Kim Izzo | September 9, 2020

(CLICK HERE to go to original article.)

For the majority of horse owners, riding is the main focus of our passion and time with our equine partners. Whether your goals are to compete on the A-circuit or barrel race at the local rodeo or pleasure ride on the trails, the emotional and harmonious connection between horse and rider has long been established and even extolled as the ultimate goal.

Gabriella Quinn, with Fritz & Lexxie

But there is another side of the human/equine story that is gaining popularity on a global scale; the non-ridden equine. This movement extols the intrinsic value and virtues of horses that cannot be ridden for various reasons. Conversely, the movement also welcomes people who cannot ride but want to enjoy the other benefits of horse ownership.

The non-ridden equine movement began in England with horsemanship practitioner Victoria Yates, whose horse Kez was unable to be ridden because of a health condition. “I am super passionate about riding as a partnership. My own personal journey is that riding must be permissive. So when we discovered riding is not for Kez I gave up riding,” she explains. “I have zero interest in riding a horse I have no relationship with. For a while I grieved terribly the death of riding in my life. Now I am totally at peace with not riding.”

Victoria and her husband, Steve, wanted to connect with other like-minded horse lovers, so they created the Non Ridden Equine Facebook Group in 2017. Their aim was simple: for non-ridden horses to be as acceptable as ridden horses.

“Non-ridden equines are the most disadvantaged in an equine world geared towards riding. And people who choose not to ride face challenges and pressures,” explains Yates. “Non ridden activities are wonderful for all equines, be they non-ridden or ridden. The activities are also of great benefit to people.” Seeing that Facebook had limitations, the couple created the not-for-profit Non Ridden Equine Association UK  that same year.

The Yates’s view is one that is shared by Gabriela Quinn, a horse advocate and educator who owns and operates the non-profit BlixxHorses and has provided interactive, therapeutic non-riding programs since 2007. “The riding community and industry frowns upon not using horses traditionally because it’s bad for the economics of the industry. This movement grew from the desire of horse owners to break tradition and keep their horses safe,” says Quinn. “The non-ridden organizations exist to provide a community where people can share ways to enjoy their horses and find support that the riding communities do not offer. Some people still ride, while others have kept their aging horses despite pressures to get rid of them once they can’t be used.”

Quinn has had three rescue horses and participated in low-level competitions with her first horse; her second horse has never been ridden by choice. And her third, a dressage/jumping horse, came to her with many issues at the age of 12, including chronic lameness. “Selling or re-homing my horses was never an option. You never know where the horses will end up,” explains Quinn. “I love my horses no differently than my smaller pets, but more importantly I am committed no less than I would be to a child. Obviously, horses are a much more work, but I am committed to their care and well-being for life.”

It is Quinn’s goal that through the work of her non-profit she is able to show the value of horses beyond riding through interactive, educational programs. “It’s about being a responsible horse owner and understanding the reality of what happens to them as they age, become injured, soured, and lose value. These horses are in danger of neglect, abuse and slaughter,” explains Quinn. “Since horses have always been synonymous with riding or sport, tradition to do what is ingrained in the culture is hard to break. For those of us who keep our horses their value has nothing to do with how they are used and everything to do with the relationship we develop. It’s about doing the right thing and being able to live with the decisions you make.”

A scroll down the non-ridden equine Facebook groups – and yes, there’s a Canadian chapter – will show you how passionate people are about the horses in their lives. It’s touching to read posts from people who get such enjoyment and satisfaction from being in the company of horses rather than having riding ambitions.

“When riding is not on the agenda, it opens up a different world and range of experiences. For many it is the deep connection and bond that is important,” says Yates. “There are many non-ridden activities we can enjoy with our equines that are of huge benefit physically, emotionally and spiritually. It also enables us to engage with equines from the perspective of what our equines enjoy, what they find rewarding. Permissive riding can grow from this approach.”

Some sample activities that non-ridden equine owners and horses participate in include agility, hiking, meditation and many others (see below) that involve friendly competition or simply offering different ways to spend time bonding with your horse or pony or donkey.

While the non-ridden equine benefits may sound similar in principle to equine therapy programs (and the UK association does have a Therapeutic section), the non-ridden movement has a wider context. Yates, for example, tells of her own journey with Kez helping her through treatment for breast cancer ‒ and she’s not alone. “Many people share their stories of how their horses have helped them through difficult times. However, non ridden is not just about the therapeutic benefits. Each person’s connection to their equine is unique and there is a rich diversity of activities and fun to enjoy.”

There are also people who have developed a fear of riding, perhaps through a bad fall or an aging body, that still want to continue having a horse in their life. Quinn respects this choice wholeheartedly. “People who have a fear of riding are smart in that they recognize the risk of restraining a 1,000 lbs prey animal and getting on their back. Riding is dangerous,” she admits. “Though interacting with horses on a regular basis carries high risk, the relationship that develops is unlike the relationship of dominance that exists through riding. On the ground we are equals and you learn more about the horse that you could ever on their backs.”

The non-ridden equine movement has really taken off. According to Yates, their Facebook group has over 18,500 members. “From this group we have local, regional and national affiliated non-ridden equine groups. Each has its own direction and admin team. It has created a good practice network or family of non-ridden equine Facebook groups,” she explains. “The groups have a shared ethos, vision and commitment to the non-ridden equine agenda. Each local or national group will explore issues and challenges that are pressing for that country or region.”

People who keep horses that aren’t rideable are often criticized by members of the equestrian community or even their own friends and family who don’t see the benefit. Negative remarks like “lawn ornament” or “never own something that eats while you sleep” are common enough refrains. People are judgmental, especially when they don’t understand something. But for Yates, it has been an empowering experience.

“If it wasn’t for Kez arriving in our lives, we would not have started the non ridden journey we have taken,” Yates explains. “They say when the student is ready, the teacher arrives. And Kez has certainly pushed us outside of our comfort zone and started something that has taken on a life force.”

Our programming continues, with stringent precautions

If you are a horse owner and succeed at the task of caring well for a horse for life, you must be resourceful, resilient, flexible and tough. Our programming will continue according to Gov. Janet Mills Orders and infection control procedures, like washing hands before touching the horses and prior to returning to your vehicle will become commonplace. The following is an article that appeared in a recent edition of The Village Magazine, thanks to the generosity of Editor Gina Martel.

Horses, Humans and the Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a family of viruses found in some animals which can, in rare  cases can be transmitted to humans, with human as vector, then spread person to person.  The current outbreak is not a reason to fear animals, but a wake up call to practice basic infection control everywhere including barns and equestrian facilities.

Hand washing, using sanitizer, keeping  barns clean by removing  waste, including urine and educating people about transmission is the best prevention.  People are the ones responsible for actively spreading viruses.

Anywhere animals share space including boarding facilities and animal shelters, increases  risk of contamination. Poor practices also increase the risk and spread of infections from person to person and from one animal to another. It's important to make certain that people handling and touching horses, aren't inadvertently facilitating transmission.

According to Dr. Niels Pedersen, a distinguished emeritus professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and a renowned expert on infectious and immunologic diseases in dogs and cats, addresses the question, "Can pets contract coronavirus from humans or vice versa?"

The simple answer is as follows: No, you won’t get or give the coronavirus to your family pet. Coronaviruses occur in virtually every species of animal, including humans, and are commonly associated with unapparent or transient intestinal and respiratory infections. They tend to be very species specific and cross-species transmission is uncommon.

Viral transmission may affects species differently but transmission of illness is similar. Coronavirus affects the respiratory system in humans causing a variety of symptons like the standard flu. In horses, the digestive system is compromised but respiratory could also be affected. As with people, horses can be exposed to viruses and other infections through contact with everyone who handles them.

If uncertain, ask barn managers what precautions they are taking to regularly control the spread of pathogens and promote hygiene. Vaccinations can prevent  specific diseases but infection control is a crucial part of good hygiene. In order for this to be accomplished, barns should have hot and cold water available to wash hands as well as sanitizer.

BlixxHorses encourages public & private facilities to learn more, and practice good infection control to protect everyone, including the horses. It's also important to teach children good habits at an early age.  It's not enough to have sanitizer available and not use it correctly.

Limit what you touch, and what touches your horse. It's never a good idea to share bits or brushes. Items should be cleaned after each use. Everything that is touched including the horses, aids in the process of transmission of pathogens which could survive for days. Keep in mind that younger children are  more inclined to explore with their hands. Practicing good hygiene does not mean less time with your horse, but a safer and healthier environment. They deserve it.

Why this pandemic has me very concerned --- about horses

I’d like to alert my community to a serious situation, a consequence of the worldwide pandemic.

It's happening already. Horse owners abandoning their horses because they can't pay the rent or feed them. Understand that many folks are “into” horses because they like to ride, and they like to compete. For some, when riding and competition are the top priority, it's much easier to get rid of your horse. There's is no true relationship and, let’s face facts, in that situation the animal exists to serve at the pleasure of the human.

If you really care and love your horse, find a way. Get some help, ask for help, but don't abdicate the responsibility you accepted to someone else. Rescue organizations are already full because of people doing exactly that. This is why we have a huge population of unwanted horses and why the slaughter business booms. Yes, I hate to confront you with that reality, but there is a slaughter business.

Weigh your options. If you've been around, you know the horse world is a vicious place for a helpless animal that can live 20, 30, or even 40 years. It is not unusual for a horse to be riddled with injuries or illness. Don't fool yourself into thinking they'll find a “forever home” elsewhere. That is a ploy by the industry that encourages irresponsibility.

Perhaps a kinder option would be to sedate and euthanize. Talk to your vet. It's not fair for animals to pay for our mistakes. Horses are not something to acquire if you live paycheck to paycheck, can't handle the work, or you simply cannot make the tremendous sacrifice required to care for an animal that can't thank you.

For me, that means putting them first. I can’t take vacations, I can’t shop for things I would like to have, I can’t even go out to eat. If you can't do that, don't get a horse. And in tough times, like we are all going through right now, don’t make a rash decision. Look deeply into your horse’s eyes and make the right decision.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gabriela Rodriguez Quinn is the program director at Blixx Horses. Her extensive expertise in the behavior of horses has evolved during 25 years of care and close interaction. She has invested thousands of non-riding hours observing, researching & documenting horse behaviors, leading to her highly refined communication skills. Read more HERE.

One of BlixxHorses most loyal supporters: The Village

Many people in Southern Maine may have noticed the amazingly strong support BlixxHorses has been getting from The Village NEWS Magazine. Editor Gina Martel has just been wonderful to us, and her love for animals is passionate and heartfelt. The most recent article about our programs is “Another Facet of BlixxHorses: Education.” Give it a read if you can, and please thank the magazine’s advertisers for their support of local journalists.

A winter hint for "thinking ahead horse care"

Soft snow is easy, but if you get rain & icy footing with a crusty top, make paths for the horses so they can move easily. Jagged edges can cut skin & cause injury to underlying tissues, particularly since the lower leg is void of muscle. Being a horse owner can keep you busy and in great shape, just by keeping your horses safe & injury free. Don't forget to remove ice from lines before they collapse, and adjust lines according to snow height, so horses don't walk out. Be prepared for power to fail & fill water buckets just in case.

An informative article about a horse’s signals

This is an excellent article published online at TheHorse.com. We all understand human body language. The same concept applies to horses as well. Remember, something as simple as a tail swish may not mean what you think. Further, some familiarity with horses doesn't necessarily supply you with all the information you need. And of course when you’re riding, you can’t see the entire horse --- you may be missing critical visual clues. We highly recommend that you read this informative article.

Equine Body Language: 7 Signs to Recognize

While each horse is different, here are some common behavioral signs that can help you tell if your horse is happy, sick, or painful, as well as keep you safe.

Horse, let’s talk. How are you feeling? Oh, you like it when I scratch right there? Oh, but not here, right? Okay. Whoa, wait a minute. You’re not about to bite me, are you?

On paper, it seems like a one-sided conversation. If you happened to overhear this discussion across the stall wall, you might think your neighbor’s having an imaginary sit-down with her horse. But the truth is, horses do communicate with humans. In fact, when given the chance, they do it quite well. And they do it all through body language—the use of their faces, ears, legs, backs, tails, and entire bodies to communicate information.

So this is not a one-sided or imaginary conversation. And your fellow barnmate isn’t nuts. On the contrary, when humans make an effort to learn to read their horses, they can create pathways toward a stronger and safer interspecies relationship. (Continue reading here.)