by Carey Khan
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13 Dec, 2023
Introduction: Pete, a horse with an apparent increase in windsucking and extreme separation anxiety, prompted concerns from his owner regarding his overall happiness and well-being. This case story outlines the objectives, process, and positive outcomes of our Horse Empowerment sessions aimed at addressing Pete's emotional struggles and enhancing his psychological well-being. Objectives: Primary Goal: To improve Pete's overall sense of happiness and well-being. Specific Goals: Reduce separation anxiety. Alleviate his sense of loneliness. Address and release emotional pain from past separation trauma, possibly related to weaning. Communication Session: Due to the travel distance and the owner's concerns, we conducted a distant animal communication session to connect with Pete as a starting point. Key findings included: Windsucking increased to ease burning sensation causing stomach discomfort. He was later diagnosed by the Vet as having ulcers. Hunger, at times, was a contributing factor, leading to changes in his management for continuous access to forage. Deep emotional pain and loneliness stemming from past separation trauma, causing guarded behaviour among other horses. Horse Empowerment Sessions: Following the communication session, we initiated Horse Empowerment sessions to help Pete process and release his emotional pain and improve his behaviour and connection with others. Themes of being emotionally guarded persisted, emphasising the need for a slow and trust-building approach to gently support him on his empowerment journey. Outcomes: (1 - 10 with 1 being very anxious/lonely and 10 being not anxious/lonely) Pre-Sessions Scoring: Separation Anxiety: 2-3 Loneliness/negative behaviour towards others: 2-3 Post-Sessions Scoring: Significant improvement observed in both categories. Separation Anxiety: 9 Loneliness/negative behaviour towards others: 6 Impact: Pete displayed visible transformation during and after the sessions. Post-sessions, he exhibited peacefulness, quiet confidence, and increased playfulness and curiosity. Notable behavioural changes included: Absence of separation anxiety. Comfort in solo turnout without other horses. Eagerness to interact with peers. Positive environmental factors, including first-class care, 24/7 forage access, and veterinary treatment for ulcers, contributed to Pete's improved happiness and comfort. And of course an owner who listened to him, trusted her gut instincts that things were not right and was committed to do her best for her horse to ensure his happiness! Conclusion: The combined communication and Horse Empowerment sessions resulted in a remarkable positive shift in Pete's psychological well-being. His newfound peace, confidence, and contentment stand as a testament to the effectiveness of holistic approaches in addressing equine emotional challenges. We look forward to continued collaboration to support Pete's ongoing well-being and to capture his final score on the impact post-sessions on his sense of loneliness and interaction with a group of horses once he has completed rehab and is able to integrate again. Owner testimonial: "I asked Carey to come and see Pete, my horse, whilst he was on box rest and in rehab as he was suffering with separation anxiety and had become very inward. After her visits Pete is a lot happier, the separation anxiety is barely noticeable. He is more relaxed and has started to be more playful and inquisitive and has started to interact with other horses. Carey has a calm and reassuring approach and allows the horse to make its own choice. She listens and this enhances the horses wellbeing which aids healing. Thank you Carey". KL Empowering Equines: At One with the Horse, we provide a holistic approach to enhance your horse's wellbeing and happiness. Through communication and play, we give them a voice. If you seek to understand your horse better and support their happiness, book sessions now . Ready for personalised assistance? Book a discovery call to delve into your horse's needs and discuss how we can embark on a journey together.