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HORSES (page 2 of 5) |
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HORSES (page 2 of 5) |
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TONKA
TOY who is a
15.1 chestnut cob was foaled in 1987. He is unique in that he has his own bank account! He was purchased
by The FCRT in 1998 but his previous owner has more than wiped out the
cost with generous donations to his account in the years since. This
money is used specifically for his personal needs which include the
costs of any special outings which he enjoys such as competitions. His
middle name is adaptable. Tonka is the gentlest of creatures
whose caring nature suits all beginners and those who lack confidence.
Unlike so many classically 'quiet' horses he is not lazy and as the
rider improves so does his performance. He loves jumping and can be seen
helping unsure young people with a built in 'I can't' mechanism-
change their attitude to I can! Many readers will be familiar with the fact that young people depend on horses as friends in whom they can confide because they 'do not answer back'. It has been said of Tonka, 'He is a great listener who will keep the things you tell him confidential'!
FLOYD ("Mr Floyd Funtley" to give him his full name) has been with us for long time. He is a piebald cob, standing 15 h.h. and will be 21 years old in 2007. In 2006 he won the FCRT Award for Therapy Horse of the Year. Floyd has a great deal of experience. He is remarkable in that he has never tired of his job and this alone makes him a great role model for students who find sticking to projects difficult. If he has a fault (and who doesn't?) it is an unwillingness to go forward from the leg (only in the school!) when it is insufficiently applied. You will have read elsewhere that many students on arrival for their course tend to be unfit and quite overweight. Since Floyd is one of the first horses they may ride his tendency to idleness is the very best way of improving their condition! At the same time Floyd teaches that there are ways to draw others out of their shell if they go about it in the appropriate manner. His greatest teaching aid is on the lunge where he excels as a vaulting horse. Here he is patient and rhythmical and totally dependable. Students improve their balance and coordination because of him and develop a feel for the harmony that can be established between themselves and others. In the stables he is faultless at his job and will put up with endless grooming, bandaging and rugging-up that can be transferred to health care and dressing.
ANNIE was born in 1994 and is a (dun) skewbald colour. She is 15.2 h.h. A very willing and happy ride she is not the easiest as she can be quite lively and is not beyond putting in the occasional buck! However she is one of the most patient to care for in the stables and a great favourite. She is also adept as a vaulting horse. Because of her many good points the students are tolerant of her occasional lapses and this helps them to realise that no one is perfect and that the good must be weighed against the bad! Annie also jumps well which makes her a horse that presents a challenge to work towards for students in the latter part of their time at FCRT. Currently kindly sponsored by The Concrete Society
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