Arrival:

 

Over December, we welcomed new girl Dafoeska for a year of rehabilitation. For ease, we have been nicknaming her Daffy.

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Daffy's owner has had her since she was a foal and when of age, sent her away to be backed and worked with by two different trainers. We think during this time that she was pushed too hard, beyond her emotional capacity and limitations and has since returned to her owner very defensive and unhappy.

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Her owner has reported that she is now difficult to handle, reactive and overall, not happy in herself. She also lunges at her saddle when approached. Due to this, Daffy is now with us for a year, learning to be a horse again without pressure or demands.

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The owners own observations:

• Very sensitive around flank area to be groomed

•  'Mare-ish', particularly when in season

• ​Does not like her saddle or the sight of her saddle​

• Separation anxiety 

• Pontentially guards shelter

• Very defensive 

• Not respectful of personal space

• Can take off when working or leading

• People with 'bad' energy

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Over winter she will be pretty much left to 'switch off', which is standard practice for all new horses upon arrival, before we begin building a relationship with her. In spring, we hope to work on some very basic ground work with her, which is more so about being in her space. We will also be accessing her physically and making sure she is taken care of from that aspect too.

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Once she has been with us for a year, we will re-access and hopefully, Daffy and her owner can begin rebuilding their relationship incorporating trust, mutual respect and understanding with further help.

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Although obvious that Daffy is quite an anxious horse, she has been very friendly with our staff so far and has very much taken to Julian. As with all horses upon arrival, but particularly those with anxiety and behavioural issues, we leave them to approach us whilst getting used to being in a new place, with new friends and new people.