An insight into how we transform the ordinary horse into the best version they can be. At Arandth our aim is to give every horse that comes into our stable the opportunity to shine bright and become the best version of themselves. Too many horses are cast aside before they have been given this opportunity. Sad but way to many who are born superstars end up being very ordinary. Plus some tips that we hope you will find useful.
When most people look at a horse they have more of a literal eye. They assess conformation, style, size, personality and suitability etc. Often they focus on the negatives like; his head is too big, his feet are too small, his colour is pale, his back is weak, his neck is upside down he is rather ordinary etc. With Andrea's experience she will see all of this but she see's so much more. She looks beyond the obvious challenges and says ….
"ok so today you are not presenting the best version of yourself. I can see there are some challenges but I also see how great you could be. So if it is ok with you, we will work together to develop an holistic plan for your future and in no time at all your star will be shining brighter and you will have the opportunity to become the best version of yourself. Perhaps even a super stare."
Over the many years Andrea and her late mother Ruth have been working with horses and established Arandth Performance Horses they have transformed many such horses to be high level successful competition horses. Many of these having been passed over or cast aside by others as either not worth the effort, to hard or limited.
1. Listen closely to your horses and allow them to have a say in their training and progress.
Often our goals and plans are not aligned with our horses mental, physical and emotional state. Thus we push and push when we should be maybe taking a step back to give the horse more time to catch up, consolidate, process or become stronger. Progress needs to be at the horses pace not ours. You will find it will be way faster if you keep this in mind.
2. Faced with a challenge and the traditional methods are not working? Look outside the square. Just because an approach is the accepted way does not mean it is the only or best way. The best solution may have not been found yet.
3. Adopt an holistic approach to all aspects of horse management and training. This means that the whole is much greater than the individual or one part of the horse. So how does this transform to horse management and training? If a horse does not have good health in all aspects of its being - physical, mental and emotional then it will struggle to become the best version of itself. Attention to detail is vital and not leaving things to chance is essential to ensuring a horse has the necessary resources to light their star.
Feed: all horses have an individual diet to suit their work requirements and level of training, body type, personality, health requirements and breed. There is no one recipe for all at Arandth. Many diets are configured with assistance from Angela Davidson from The Horse Herbalist following a hair test. Some days the feed room does resemble Witchy Poo's ingredients being readied for her cauldron.
Feet: balance and health of feet is an integral ingredient in any transformation. We all know the saying "no foot no horse'. Health of feet and balance are assessed regularly and we are lucky at Arandth to be supported by Harry Berg who takes great pride in his work.
Saddlery: every horse has a saddle that is fitted to their specific shape. Some like Romeo have their own tailor made saddle. His is a Black Country which was provided and fitted by Zoe from Performance Saddle Fitters.
Bits and Bridles are all fitted on an individual basis, with each horse having their own. Thinking outside the square, Joules was schooled for many months in a bit-less bridle.
Body work: like all athletes we need to look after their bodies and all receive body work on a regular basis. We use and recommend highly Naomi Harmer from Integrated Animal Wellbeing. Who doesn't love a massage.
Work/training program: All horses in training with us are introduced to our Triple SSS In Hand Program -Stronger Straighter and Suppler. Our program is aimed to assist the horse to become stronger, straighter and suppler before we commence the mounted work. The benefits include, the horse being better balanced when riding, stronger, able to maintain self carriage more easily and assists the horse to learn and accept what his job will be.
Horses have individual programs, but are usually worked 3 to 5 times per week, for no more than 30 to 45 minutes. Their work is varied, arena, poles, jumps paddock, fast work and in hand. Something to consider. The best work is usually achieved in the first 25 to 35 minutes. Once mental or physical fatigue sets in there is not much to be gained.
At Arandth we believe that knowledge is valuable. Additionally, if knowledge is shared it increases in value. Consequently, we would like to share our knowledge and experience with others within our equestrian community.We would like to help more horses to shine brighter and become the best version of themselves no matter how deep it may be hidden. All of what we do can be learnt by others. We have great success stories of clients transforming their horses with help and support from us at Arandth. If you too can see the super star within but not sure how to let it shine then contact us. Together we can develop a plan to transform you and your horse into the best version possible.
Cheers and happy riding.
Andrea Williams
330 Burma Rd, Table Top
New South Wales AUSTRALIA 2642
0412859756
Arandth