Monday, February 20, 2012

Cookie (Not Pattie)

This is a picture of Cookie, a Hispano Breton mare, used as a brood mare in the Pyrenees to breed foals for the equivalent of veal horse meat. When they get older and are unable to breed they are used – as often as not – for dog food. This fabulous horse was bought and saved by the Center for Equine Therapy Cadí Moixeró for the modest price of one euro a kilo. Beth and Trini of Cadí Moixeró have been so convinced of the incredible therapeutic value of these horses that they gave one to me for both my therapy and that of many others and to promote the use of these fine animals for therapy instead of meat. Horse meat is very popular in France and many other countries and these cold blooded horses have the most meat on their bones which also makes them the perfect therapy horse. Because of their size, strength and good nature they are suitable for just about any type of therapeutic riding. Cookie has finished her training and is now helping children with severe Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and a host of other special needs. They can carry a tremendous weight yet they are not so tall as to prohibit the use of side walkers and back riders which are so important when dealing with wheelchair-bound people, who tend to be heavy and need assistance in order to participate in hippotherapy. Their loving, gentle nature makes them ideal for people who are afraid of horses, those who may have psychological problems and for activities to stimulate eye/hand coordination and other sensorial activities.

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We have now resumed Animo and are looking – as charities do – for your support. Become a member of Animo for 20 euros a year and receive an Animo Card and regular updates, photos and news of our activities.

Write to animoalbero@hotmail.es or brbrnapier@yahoo.com

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Wisdom of the Ancients

"Once I am in the saddle I never willingly dismount, for, whether well or ill, I feel better in that position. Plato recommends it as good for your health, and Pliny says it is good for your stomach and your joints." Montaigne.

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Animo Meeting

Barbara gave a talk today about animal assisted therapy to a group from the Club Taurino de Mojácar at the Bar La Finca.
Her talk touched on two different points - her own experiences and medical problems together with her remedies plus the larger subject of what Animo is now doing.
Animo, as Animo-Albero, currently meets every Sunday in Almería at the Centro Ecuestre Albero where a group of professionals help disabled children with hippotherapy using techniques pioneered in Spain by Barbara over twenty five years ago.
Today's talk was aimed at informing the local Mojácar public about the activities of the national association as well as offering membership in Animo and - as always with charities - collecting much-needed funds.

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We have now resumed Animo and are looking – as charities do – for your support. Become a member of Animo for 20 euros a year and receive an Animo Card and regular updates, photos and news of our activities.

Write to animoalbero@hotmail.es or brbrnapier@yahoo.com

Saturday, February 04, 2012

Only a Mother Could Love

Here is Cariño enjoying some lunch. Horses are beautiful creatures and always take a good picture. Well, almost always.