Denise's Diary

February and yet More Sad News

On February 3rd  PAWS rescue horse Mo'giza came down with colic, she did not improve after an anti-spasmodic injection so Dr. Sathish came over to treat her. Despite our best efforts Mo'giza passed away at 03.15hrs the following morning. This was such a devastating blow to us all, in fact it has taken me all this time to bring myself to write about her. Mo'giza was our first rescue horse and despite all her poor condition on arrival she thrived and became such a gentle, kind horse we used her to give small children rides. It always amazes that an animal so cruelly treated in the past can become so loving when treated kindly and cared for. So a sad farewell to Mo'gza, she will always be in our hearts and she is so sadly missed.

 Mo'giza on arrival.

Mo'giza as we all remember her

Ria is schooling Failach who is becoming a lovely horse, she has had a couple of rides out into the desert and is maturing nicely. The only problem encountered - she was putting her tongue over the bit. This has been corrected with an Australlian cheeker, many thanks to Astrid and Julie who gave us that invaluable piece of equipment, plus a big bag of goodies including a new stable rug.

I am still working with Sabiha, we are now trotting but she has her mother's high head carriage so I am taking things slowly so she can be relaxed and lower her head without me using  harder hands.

We have had a very high rate of damaged headcollars over the last year and I now have photographic evidence of the culprit in action!!

Sherif caught in the act of vandalising tawfiq's headcollar

 I also backed Wafi in February and although I felt I was too heavy for him ( I am 47kg) we walked around so calmly I tacked him in Kuwaiti national colours and he worked as a lead rein pony for the smaller children over the Holiday weekend. This year was extremely busy at the stables but the horses and staff worked so well as a team I was proud of them all. Even little Aziza took the little ones for rides and behaved herself impeccably.

Wafi in his patriotic tack

   RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

Those that we set out to help are adults and children residing in Kuwait who have disabilities of varying degrees. Their infirmities may have been caused by accident or they may have been born with cerebral palsy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy. Other who can benefit by riding might include stroke suffers, those with learning difficulties or visual or hearing impaired.

The above are only examples - if you feel unsure of your suitability as a rider just send an e-mail to me at denise@safirhotels.com or telephone on 66982244 and I will advise as helpfully as possible. Groups are most welcome.

The benifits are numerous, riding presents a stimulating challenge to the disabled, helping to improve co-ordination and balance. When newly found capabilities begin to take precedence over previously acccepted disabilities, a greater degree of confidence and happiness is attained. Additionally, relationships, both with the helpers and other riders provide the first step to an exciting world outside their normal life.

Riding is an excellent recreational sport in its own right and offers many positive benefits as a non-weight bearing exercise, for example:

• Improves circulation and stimulation.
• Stronger and more efficient muscles
• Increased activity leading to better posture, balance and co-ordination.
• Symmetrical exercise encouraging equal use of both sides of the body.
• Increased confidence, independance and self esteem.

Failaka Stables are part of Masharee Al Khair, a Kuwait charity and as such all riding for the disabled participants as shown above are entirely free of charge.

As one wheelchair-bound young man told me after his ride, "It's great looking down on other people for once, that was fabulous!" Some benefits can be surprising....