Woo hoo! Love this photo of Triana.

Last year we were very worried about Triana after the vet came to do a checkup. Triana has many melanomas in locations with good blood supplies to them. The melanomas have spread and become larger as time has passed. We discussed treatment with the vet, but because she has internal melanomas too which affect her hormones we decided on the vets´advice that as long as she was pain free and happy then it was best to leave things alone.

Triana has had a great year, we have managed to keep her weight down and she is much more active. She is clearly feeling better in her body because she is keen to move, this had had a positive effect on her outlook on life too. She is always willing to be worked with and loves brain games and connecting with sensitive people who strive to understand her.

She is a non ridden equine, and because of her health issues we will not be re-backing her. Instead she is enjoying life on her terms like Pegaso. We are committed to them both as non ridden horses for the rest of their lives. They have so much to give and as teachers they are incredible. We are so lucky to have them helping us promote how wonderful  non-ridden horses are.

When Triana arrived she wasn't very aware of where she was placing her feet or how high she was stepping over objects - her body awareness wasn't great.

Using ground poles working with her at liberty has enabled her to become more body aware. 

Working at liberty has meant that she has been able to figure things out for herself.

In the photo she is being guided over the poles using a hand held target which she has been trained to follow. Using targets gives the horses clarity about where we would like them to stand, walk etc. Cues are very clear which Triana finds essential to training sessions. If she is unsure of what is being asked she will disengage and walk off. Giving her this ability to choose to leave the session has made her much calmer and less likely to explode.

As Triana became softer and calmer we started to work at the mounting block.

In the beginning she didn't really like scratches, but as she developed wither scratches became a favourite.

We started hanging out at the mounting block not asking anything and concentrating on soft, relaxation.

The mounting block becomes a favourite place where good things happen.

Triana and Pegaso have made quite a close bond and although she and Leo are friends she much prefers to mutual groom with Pegaso.

Triana has become a superstar with her feet and is a regular demonstration horse on our Hoof Trimming for Horse Owner Courses.

She is very relaxed to have strangers handle her feet, which is big progress for her - she used to get very impatient and didn't like to stand still.

The body awareness work has helped her become more balanced and happier to stand on 3 legs.