Missy Wryn
Training the Whole Horse - HorseMAREship - Natural Barn
BENNY'S STORY
Benny, a beautiful Palomino Paint horse, had been locked in a stall for two years that I know of. By the time I got him I was his third owner in six months and his fifth new environment. Benny had Stringhalt so bad that his rear hind legs would literally collapse beneath him as he scrambled to keep himself upright. When he was rescued his front left hoof was overgrown to the point that it was curled and it had to be hack sawed off (see pic below).
Benny was covered in fecal matter from head to toe that had to shed out due to the raw flesh that could not be groomed (see pic below). He had been born with contracted flexor tendons which could have been repaired when he was still a youngster, but it didn't happen so now his back feet are very upright with rotated coffin bones and hooves like stumps. He had herpes lesions on the outside of his mouth his first two years with me and continues to limp on his left shoulder in what the veterinarians call a functional deformity due to the overgrown hoof that was hack sawed off. Needless to say Benny was a real messed up horse both physically and emotionally.
I have coined the phrase "Orphan Syndrome" since Benny does not understand normal herd and horse behavior being locked in a stall for so long and possibly never having herd contact. During a clinic a woman with a PhD in child psychology concurred that the phrase "Orphan Syndrome" is actually a "real" phrase which identifies children from China who have been tethered in their cribs for two plus year’s not receiving eye contact or touch. The PhD psychologist agreed with me that Benny's behavior is that of an "Orphan Syndrome" child and added that he has Autistic behaviors which were confirmed by another woman at the same clinic who specializes in autistic children for a local school district. What an amazing opportunity to have both these women at my clinic at the same time.
If you'd like to make a donation to Benny's continued care please click on the Donate button below which will take you to PayPal's secure website. Thank you so much for caring. Email Missy@MissyWryn.com any time for the latest on Benny.
From my trainer’s point of view, horses are fairly predictable and quickly learn within the first couple of sessions that dangerous behavior doesn’t pan out, so they are willing to learn appropriate behavior to get along with me as their herd leader. It is simple herd leadership. But Benny could not grasp the language or understand herd communication. I tried every method I knew. I explored, researched and applied other methods, along with seeking the opinions of fellow trainers, but nothing worked.
Most of the other trainers I consulted advised me to hit him or have him euthanized. Euthanized! Because he doesn’t conform to the ideals we expect? Maybe my expectations were not correct for Benny. But I was not going to give up. I felt challenged to communicate with Benny in a way that would make him a safer horse, thereby allowing me to give him the quality of life he deserved.
As a trainer I have used every method in the "book" and outside the "book" and have come to accept Benny for who he is. I simply play with him since normal horse behavior is beyond his understanding and I never feel in danger while keeping myself at a safe distance when we play "I'm gonna gitcha". Benny loves the trail, loves to swim and eat blackberries. He is typically the lead horse on a trail ride, but moves with small quick steps since he cannot make a full stride due to his deformities. I would not trade a day with Benny -- he has been a remarkable teacher.
I've had many people asking how Benny is doing of late so here's the latest:
Winter 2008 Benny experienced a serious allergic reaction to what we don't know. He was scratching himself raw with missing hair from his face to his rear. Our vet was stumped and no other horses were experiencing this. We tried everything from conventional to alternative medicines and I was fearing the worst, but by spring 2009 Benny began to grow hair and scratch less. By summer Benny appears to be fully recovered. I am cautious as winter is approaching and am keeping a very close eye on any behavior changes.
Benny's contracted flexor tendons continue to twist and contort his back feet and his back pasterns swell often for many days and the last time my farrier was out he could not trim his feet. This is the second time Benny could not get his back feet trimmed which is very disconcerting. Benny also suffers from digestive issues which cause loose bowel that tends to elude even the best professionals. Supplements of probiotics and supportive herbs are a continued diet for Benny along with high quality hay with low carb and low sugar. Benny is only 15 and we continue to hold hope that we will have many more years with him.
The good news about Benny is he made a friend this year in a new boarder, Gabe. Between Gabe and his owner Becky, who is an aromatherapist and Reiki Master, Benny has made remarkable strides in "normalizing" behavior. Gabe is the first horse to actually touch and consent in mutual grooming with Benny which invoked another boarder horse to accept Benny as well. This interaction has been remarkable to witness quickening my heart with joy for Benny.
Because of this interaction and the healing time Becky has spent with Benny over the many months, the last three months of summer 2009 have been the most miraculous. Benny is displaying many "normal" horse behaviors such as standing patiently next to me during clinics without needing to roll or holler. He also stands quietly when tied and loves to be ridden during my clinics to music. He responds beautifully to the All-In-One Bitless Bridle and I ride him in the Cashel Soft Saddle to give him extra cush. If it wasn't for his raised hips and functional deformed limping left shoulder he would be a perfect ride.
Benny has been my best teacher. Being authentic around Benny is one of the biggest lessons he's taught me. Thank you to all who have expressed concern and offered your healing prayers and communication.
Emotional Animal Training
How I Trained Benny to Stop Peeing in His Stall >>read here
