Winning Prompt​

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This mare cannot be ridden due to some back issues. How does your stable find her a discipline that she can still enjoy?

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Lytte has always been an extremely personable horse. Patient and kind, she was always happiest in the presence of people, happier being stalled all day when people are around than in the pasture with other horses. Those eyes would happily follow people around the stable block, those ears eagerly waiting for people to begin to speak with her. And, as crazy as it sounds, people seemed to find it really easy to speak with her. Her expression always seemed to show interest in what was being said, and when you were having a bad day, or when things just weren’t going your way, Lytte was always an impartial, non-judgmental ear to hear your problems. However, being unable to work under saddle in a barn that had no on-ground activities left her often alone in the stables or pastures while we worked with other horses, making her clearly saddened.
So, when I was approached by an old friend who was looking to try an experimental form of equine therapy, I knew immediately which horse I could suggest. It only took a few days for the first client to arrive, alongside the mental health professional. The patient was a young man, with a clear social anxiety. His hands trembled as he stood, eyes downcast and avoiding eye contact with both me and the professional. I introduced him to Lytte, and those same trembling hands steadied as they reached for her velvety pelt. The therapist and I walked to the tackroom to get a grooming kit, leaving the pair alone, and, by the time we had finished our chat and walked back, the man was speaking softly with the mare. Teaching him to groom her was fun for me, albeit slightly one-sided, but allowing him to groom her on his own, allowing their soft conversation to continue showed both myself and the therapist that this was something that could work.
In the coming months, many patients needing many different treatments came through my barn doors, and Lytte proved to be a brilliant worker. With her help, patients gained confidence, some empathy, some problem-solving skills and even some assertiveness. And, being the horse she was, she loved the attention, even beginning to nicker when some regular patients arrived, knowing that she was in for a pampering session. The job proved perfect for her, and beneficial for those involved, and, soon enough, we were sure that she didn’t miss being under saddle!