Working with horses is my passion, my heartsong. It's something I've dreamed of doing since I was very young. The path to discovering how and what form this would take was long and intriguing.
Now that I'm here, I LOVE the work and the transformations that occur with the horses, often from the very first session. It's rewarding, encouraging, heartwarming, and wonderful to see a horse that was in pain finally relax, breathe, and feel much better—all within that first session!
However, my work doesn't end there. It's almost always a journey to full or near full recovery, requiring many sessions, patience, time, and sometimes even a bit of regression before we achieve true recovery. Do they improve with every session? Yes! Do I do this work in isolation? No!
It requires teamwork. The vet diagnoses the issue, the farrier improves the feet as the horse's body improves and stands better, the owner does regular daily and weekly work with their horse, and various other professionals contribute to the team.
Occasionally, I encounter an owner who believes that after a couple of sessions and significant improvement, my work is done, and I'm no longer needed. Most of the time, this isn't true, and they often face the same or worse issues later.
This is frustrating for both the owner and me. It's not that the work I did wasn't effective; it's simply that the work wasn't completed.
I understand. There is a visual perception that the horse is better, and there are financial constraints. Allow me to point out that you end up spending much more in the end by ending the work early than by taking the time to allow the horse the full benefit of the entire process. Yes, it is a process. The horse didn't get this way overnight. Usually. Therefore, they won't fully improve "overnight" or with just a few sessions.
I apologize if this sounds a bit "preachy." This is an issue I encounter too often, and then I'm called in once again as a "last-ditch effort" to "fix" the issue I had begun to address initially.
Don't get me wrong; I don't mind coming in as a last resort. However, I would appreciate being given the chance to truly do the work to bring them back fully. That's what I live for—the full, or nearly full (depending on the issue), recovery of your beautiful horse.
Then there are those clients who understand, who invest the time and effort into their horse's recovery. They are my ideal clients. The ones who experience lasting results with their horse and actually don't need me anymore except for the occasional "tune-up" or such. They are eager to learn what they need to help their horse improve and sustain their health.
Why do they need me, you ask? Because it is my delight and my intention to share my knowledge with them and help them achieve full recovery for their horse. When I work with your horse, I share what I notice, what I am doing, and what your horse needs between my visits. Sometimes this may include checking in with the vet, chiropractor, or other professionals. There is a lot I don't know about many subjects, such as veterinary care, feet, nutrition, etc., and I'm okay with that! There is still plenty I do know, and I am always learning and honing my skills to further add to the tools I have to help your horse and you.
Thank you for the gift of working with you and your horse; it truly is my honor and joy.
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