A thought for horses

It was a shocker seeing images of clearly terrified horses bolting through Central London during rush hour this week.

Especially that poor blood splattered grey.

I’m not horsey but it’s not hard to spot an animal in distress.

I couldn’t help but think about what had caused them to bolt. What state were their riders in? What injuries had they sustained?

Horses careering through London is a shocking sight on any day of the week, but injured riderless horses? I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

I don’t profess to know much about horses - until recently that is.

I was approached by a New Forest Equestrian Centre earlier in the year, to write copy for their new website. The existing site didn’t reflect their full service offering and - as often comes up - their existing copy didn’t do them justice.

They’re a very impressive outfit that I’ve passed a million times on my way to Brockenhurst station and never knew was there. Just down a track, tucked behind the hedgerow.

And just like every new job, I was thrust into a whole new world. And had to get up to speed quick.

I had to understand the owner’s facilities, her clients, what she does, how clients benefit, what they say, what she does that she takes for granted and why people come to her - from all over the world! Feel-based training, working equitation, western riding, therapy rides, gaited horses, obstacles, rehabilitating and spooked horses, she works with the lot. And more.

By writing her website, press ad and editorial, I couldn’t help but learn about the importance of rider/horse relationship. What it means for a human to listen, feel and respond to the horse and how that holistic approach benefits both rider and animal. And their performance together.

It has been a unique experience learning from Amanda and a privilege writing for her.

My thoughts go out to everyone who was involved in Tuesday’s incident.

Riders, military staff, bus drivers, commuters, builders who may have inadvertently been the trigger and of course the injured horses.

I hope your recovery is as speedy as it can be, but above all, I hope your recovery is complete.

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