04/02/2026
The Adventures of Super Ted 🦸♂️🐴
Super Ted has been with us at Quiet Kin for 10 days now, and I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much change this little soul has already navigated.
Until recently, Ted’s whole world was a field in Cumbria. His mum, other mares and foals, sheep, fresh air, and countryside as far as he could see. His herd. His safety. His known world.
When the time is right, foals leave their mums to begin learning about life with humans. It’s done gently, in pairs, so they’re not alone. Ted arrived here to meet his little friend Harley, and that companionship matters more than words can say.
From there, they’re “handled” daily to help them get used to humans. And this requires incredible trust. A horse’s instinct is flight — get out of here, humans are predators. To stay, to pause, to allow contact… that’s brave.
Since arriving, I’ve chosen to go very slowly with Ted.
He’s now comfortable with:
• a headcollar on and off
• me appearing with a head torch in the dark
• scratches (we’ve found his sweet spot!)
• being groomed
• having all four feet picked up — deeply vulnerable for a foal
• me mucking out his stable (and trust me… there is a LOT of muck 😅)
Even the everyday things — forks, wheelbarrows, new scary bags of shavings — are all part of him learning that this new world can be safe.
All the while, Harley is right there beside him, able to touch noses through the rails. Social connection is essential. None of us are meant to do big change alone.
It’s such an honour to earn the trust of these animals. And it mirrors the therapeutic relationship so closely. Trust takes time. It’s built slowly, moment by moment. And it can be exhausting.
Ted has lots of naps as he absorbs his new world. Honestly… same, Ted. 💛
Welcome to Quiet Kin, Super Ted. We’ll keep going at your pace.
