Hearts and Hooves Equestrian Centre

04/12/2025

I watched our amazing participant Jamie work today with our newest herd member Halo. She did absolutely beautiful work and he was soft eyed, so willing to collaborate and offered his curiosity and positive regard to her; demonstrating just how resilient, adaptable, and generous of spirit these magnificent athletes are. Halo hung up his racing plates and retired to Hearts and Hooves earlier this year and has spent his time since resting and beginning his new life here as an OTTTB.

As an OTTTB it is fair to say that he has more challenges infront of him than some breeds and types if horses in this type of work due to confirmation, temperment and the transition from racing; and Halo certainly hasn’t had the easiest run. The change from repetitive, high intensity exercise, high energy nutrition and racing lifestyles to that of an OTTTB is a very significant transition and the process involves much work around nutrition, health, and soundness management. Not only does this make them more susceptible to gastric ulcers, muscular-skeletal and respiratory issues; but slso greatly influences behaviour, responses to stimulus and regulation processes.

However, if we don’t climb the mountain, we don’t get the breathtaking view from the summit; and the thoroughbred horse is generous, brave, athletic and sensitive; and well worth the time, effort, love and care to bring them to a place where they can reset and reinvent themselves. Today my heart was full of love and admiration as I watched Jamie and Halo creating magic together; just as I feel every time I watch Josie and Tommy (also a TB) soar.

Here are some of the beautiful moments Halo has gifted us with since coming to us Jan 2025 ❤️

14/11/2025

Most of you are familiar with our incredible therapy team, but the Hearts and Hooves herd also comprises members who are performance horses, pony clubbers, and of course our most valued and cherished retirees. Each of these individuals has unique needs to maintain health, soundness and wellbeing. So we are eternally grateful to our superstar farrier Robert Hicks who attends to the whole herd and has done since his apprenticeship days. Some are hot shod, some cold, some need corrective work, some just a trim. Some are tricky and complex (Tom) some are perfect in every way (Cash of course). Our darling Freya is at a very advanced age, is almost blind, has neurological and cardiac changes and soundness challenges due to arthritis. Whilst her trim is actually very straightforward; she does need very careful and experienced handling to ensure her's and everyone else's safety. We LOVE that Robert is not just exceptional at shoeing and trimming; but all aspects of the trade, inclusive of handling and caring for the horses in ways which are safe and do not result in stress or discomfort. Many thanks to you Robert, we are huge fans of all that you do.

07/11/2025

The weather’s getting warmer ☀️luckily Abe and Cash know how to cool off after an awesome session in the arena.

01/11/2025

12/09/2025

🌱🌼🌸 welcome springtime 🌸🌼🌱 thank you to all our participants, support workers and families who have celebrated with us the return of green grass, wildflowers and short, sleek, glistening coats on our herd; and give gratitude to our resident wild ducks for allowing us to host and watch over their beautiful brood of ducklings on the dam; and for the lengthening of sunlight hours to our days. Spring reminds us of the importance of renewal and growth; of letting go of old, implicit beliefs, patterns, ways of being and coping that are no longer serving our wellness to give way to new stimulus, energy and intention so we too can grow and thrive.

04/07/2025

Thank you to all our participants, their families, support workers and carers who have been a part of what has been an absolutely beautiful and very busy term 2 ❤️We would like to wish everyone a safe, warm, snuggly winter break spent with those you love and we look forward to welcoming everyone back second week of term 3.

18/06/2025

So early in the week and it’s already been a cracker ! Thank you so much to all our amazing participants and their supports for your patience over the wet weather. So grateful to have you all back on board, out in the paddock doing what we love ❤️