The Healing Hooves Blog
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The Perfect Pony
Sneak peek at one of our most popular therapeutic stories! Pickle tries very hard to be a perfect pony but it never works out as he plans. Learn how Pickle, with some help from his four legged friends, discovers that he does not need to be perfect to be loved, and to belong.
The Empty Water Trough
Sneak preview of our brand new Therapeutic story! Teased by another pony, Pickle questions why he often gets in such a pickle about things that feel scary. Is there something wrong with him? When the day arrives that the water trough he relies on is empty, Pickle panics. Join the ponies of Healing Hooves as they learn important life lessons about what to do – and perhaps not do – with big and scary feelings.
The Stories behind the Stories
Introducing a simple and effective way to help those you care about benefit from the human animal bond. Our new blog series explores how, why and when to select, read and draw upon therapeutic stories – either as a parent or grandparent with your own kids, or as part of a teaching or therapeutic practice.
How do you Keep your Equine Therapy Animals, and Practice, Thriving in Winter Weather?
Keeping an equine therapy practice running year round can be quite an endeavor when you live in Canada, but it is possible. Learn what you need to think about to keep your animals – and your practice – healthy during cold weather.
One (Horse) Step Removed: The Gentle Power of Being Indirect
“Why won’t she share this with us?”“How can I get him to tell me what he’s feeling?”“I just don’t know what I’m feeling.”I hear these concerns regularly in my practice from parents, from spouses, from people seeking support for themselves. It seems to be...
Take Our Pony Personality Quiz – Which One Are YOU?
Welcome to the Healing Hooves Pony Personality Quiz! This is a short, simple and fun quiz to help you determine which Healing Hooves Pony Personality you are the most like. Choose the answer (A, B, C or D) that fits you best for each question below. If...
Attachment Theory
This explanation and review of attachment theory explains a key aspect of the theory underpinning the approach followed at Healing Hooves. It is a good read for anyone interested in attachment theory, whether as a part of an equine therapy approach or elsewhere.
Top Ten Attachment Friendly Books for Children
Reading stories together can be a wonderful ways to connect with our kids. It can also help us address areas of concern or need without overwhelming a child or triggering defenses. Th books on this list have been tried and tested at Healing Hooves and are both attachment friendly and simply great books which kids love!
Top Ten Attachment Friendly Books for Parents
A key goal at Healing Hooves is to support parents in ways which are informed by attachment theory and, of course, by all we learn from and experience with our animals. We hope this list of our favourite parenting books helps!
Why Horses: Relatable Role Models
Close enough to be relatable, yet distinct enough to show us a different option. Through a real life example, learn how horses can be powerful role models and teachers, inviting us to a place of emotional congruence and well being.