Equine Reiki

Case Study

Immi 14.2hh eventing pony

Immi was a talented, but opinionated, sensitive little mare. She loved her work, but was obviously unhappy the rest of the time. She had issues around other horses and had be turned out alone. If she wasn’t brought in first, she’d be over the fence. In her stable, she couldn’t tolerate seeing horses each side of her and grooms had to be warned about her teeth and her quick hooves! Immi was treated for ulcers and although her behaviour improved, she was still scratchy and not at all easy to do.

Having tried all sorts of supplements and in-hand training methods Immi was improving, but she still wasn’t a happy horse. I felt that Reiki would help Immi on various levels. It could alleviate and heal her gut issues and relax both her mind and her body. It would also imprint on her that being around people can be enjoyable!

Relaxing into reiki

At the first session, Immi resisted Reiki, walking away, pinning back her ears and leaving me in no doubt that she wanted me to leave her alone. However, once she really began to feel the energy, although still unsure and tense, she stood still. Gradually her eyes began to soften and eventually she lowered her head, rested a leg and became relaxed. She still had half an eye on me and I knew that if I did anything that she considered to be overstepping the mark, I would lose her co-operation. It was clear that she was a candidate for further treatments to give her the benefit of full relaxation and healing.

Immi soon became very aware that Reiki was a treat and she stopped her negative behaviour and allowed me to Reiki her, enjoying the process. Nowadays, she falls asleep pretty much right away and as soon as we’re done, she lays down for a long, restful, sleep, sometimes before I have left her stable!

A winning horse!

Immi is now a much happier little horse. She has her moments, but her negative behaviour is now occasional rather than constant, and she loves being groomed and likes you to hang out with her. Her sensitive tummy has improved (unless she gets hold of her favourite snack, haylage) and she is now turned out with the herd. The farrier says that she’s now the best behaved horse on the yard. Reiki has very much been part of this turnaround since it has been embedded into her regular routine. As a thank you, in her first British Eventing season, Immi won her BE80(T) section at Keysoe. What a result!

Reiki does not replace veterinary treatment and your vet will always treat as usual, but Reiki can be used safely alongside to enhance your horse’s wellbeing and natural healing processes.