Rescue, Rehabilitation and Re-homing
Most of the horses at The Positive Herd Project have come from a background of maltreatment, abuse or neglect. Others have exhibited such extreme behaviour that people have struggled to find a safe and understanding home for them. We aim to help as many horses as possible who are in distress or danger of mistreatment. Horses that come to us are assessed, rehabilitated and retrained using positive and force free techniques. Eventually they are able to find suitable and understanding homes who are able to continue handling and training the horses in this kind and gentle manner.
We never sell any horses that come into the care of The Positive Herd Project, instead they are placed into permanent adoption homes. This safeguards the horses from falling into the wrong hands again, if the behaviour reoccurs or their new family can no longer care for them. We aim to support the adopters withe information, advice and training should they need it.
We never sell any horses that come into the care of The Positive Herd Project, instead they are placed into permanent adoption homes. This safeguards the horses from falling into the wrong hands again, if the behaviour reoccurs or their new family can no longer care for them. We aim to support the adopters withe information, advice and training should they need it.
Specialising in Complex Behaviour
Although we endeavour to help any horse in need, The Positive Herd Project specialises in cases with challenging behavioural problems. Horses who have challenging behaviour are much less likely to find caring, understanding homes and instead are often sold many times as each person tries to fix the behaviour, often making it worse before selling on again. They are often subject to harsh, punishment based training and abuse. The number of horses destroyed each year for behavioural problems alone is increasing. We want to step in and stop as many horses as we can from having the same fate.
Using science based, positive methods we are able to accurately diagnose and treat the cause of the behaviour, rather than trying to suppress the symptoms. Our horses are assessed by our multi-disciplinary team and bespoke behaviour modification plans are put in place for each one. The horses are then able to work through these at their own pace, without any need for fear, force or coercion. Working in this way creates lasting results, and horses that were previously written off because of their behaviour can then find loving and understanding forever homes.
Using science based, positive methods we are able to accurately diagnose and treat the cause of the behaviour, rather than trying to suppress the symptoms. Our horses are assessed by our multi-disciplinary team and bespoke behaviour modification plans are put in place for each one. The horses are then able to work through these at their own pace, without any need for fear, force or coercion. Working in this way creates lasting results, and horses that were previously written off because of their behaviour can then find loving and understanding forever homes.
Rehoming
We never sell any horses. Once they are in the care of The Positive Herd Project they are protected for life. Our horses are re-homed on a permanent adoption scheme to vetted, suitable homes. Adopters are supplied with the horse's existing behaviour modification plans if applicable and are taught how to implement these. They are also supported should they need any additional help, advice or training. Adopted horses are visited regularly to ensure their well-being, and should they ever need to be re-homed they are able to return to us before finding a new adopter.
If you are interested in adopting a horse through The Positive Herd Project please contact us at info@positiveherd.org.uk for more information.
If you are interested in adopting a horse through The Positive Herd Project please contact us at info@positiveherd.org.uk for more information.
Success Stories
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Bojangles when he arrived in March 2019.
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Bojangles
Bo was relinquished to the us after we were contacted by his previous owner regarding his challenging behaviour. He had been rescued by them from a dreadful situation and had endured extreme abuse, including being ridden as a yearling by adult men. He was abandoned in a concrete yard with no company and was terribly scared and neglected. Although his owners loved him he displayed some aggressive behaviour due to fear of being handled and touched. It became impossible groom him and have his feet trimmed, in fact the farrier who attended to trim his feet suggested he be put to sleep following a long battle when trying to provide routine treatment.
When Bojangles arrived at The Positive Herd Project he was still very apprehensive and didn't like to be touched. His coat had become very matted and he was incredibly itchy. We allowed him time to settle in and then began short sessions teaching touch acceptance using positive reinforcement. All his sessions were carried out with him loose which allowed him choice to move away if he felt the need, and ensured that he consented to any form of touch. Our farrier Paul Randles did extensive work with him, allowing Bo to become comfortable in his presence and gradually learn to trust the farrier enough to have his feet done. He will now stand happy and relaxed while he is touched all over and all his feet are trimmed while loose.
Bo was relinquished to the us after we were contacted by his previous owner regarding his challenging behaviour. He had been rescued by them from a dreadful situation and had endured extreme abuse, including being ridden as a yearling by adult men. He was abandoned in a concrete yard with no company and was terribly scared and neglected. Although his owners loved him he displayed some aggressive behaviour due to fear of being handled and touched. It became impossible groom him and have his feet trimmed, in fact the farrier who attended to trim his feet suggested he be put to sleep following a long battle when trying to provide routine treatment.
When Bojangles arrived at The Positive Herd Project he was still very apprehensive and didn't like to be touched. His coat had become very matted and he was incredibly itchy. We allowed him time to settle in and then began short sessions teaching touch acceptance using positive reinforcement. All his sessions were carried out with him loose which allowed him choice to move away if he felt the need, and ensured that he consented to any form of touch. Our farrier Paul Randles did extensive work with him, allowing Bo to become comfortable in his presence and gradually learn to trust the farrier enough to have his feet done. He will now stand happy and relaxed while he is touched all over and all his feet are trimmed while loose.
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Bojangles has become a chirpy, curious and extremely friendly pony. He is a relaxed and balanced addition to the herd, and relishes human attention. In particular he has shown a great interest in equine assisted therapy sessions conducted in the field, and will come over to get involved. Bo's gentle and trusting nature is a testament to him given all he's been through and how scared he was when he arrived. He will be available for adoption in the near future and looking forward to finding a loving forever home.
Bojangles in the summer enjoying some enrichment with his new friend Reno
