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templars
Platinum Member
 England
1852 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 6:47:13 PM
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Some of you may remember that I posted on here a while back about the abuse my poor homebred stallion suffered at the hands of a producer. I explained how when he was finally returned, after spending considerable time at Newmarket, he had a complete emotional breakdown and how he became aggressive and violent and at one time, I thought he may have to be put to sleep because of his behaviour.
Well, gradually, things have started to settle.
First, we got the help of TTEAM (Tellington Touch) who worked miracles with Harley so that we could actually get in his stable.
From there, it took us an additional year to be able to handle his head and be able to get a bit in. We thought of using bitless bridles but he had been beaten on the head so badly that he couldn't stand any pressure on his poll.
After we got the bit back in, we faced the problem of the girth. We suspect Harley was jabbed in the ribs to teach him to bow and rear and so any tightening of the girth or pressure from the legs just made him drop to the floor and shut his eyes. These panic attacks have been horrible to witness but we've slowly helped Harley to start to trust again.
Today, he went for his first hack with Evie - and I've been in tears. My beautiful, beautiful boy ridden by my wonderful daughter - homebred on homebred.
Given his breeding, we had originally hoped he would follow a ridden showing career but sadly he will never be able to cope with a judge riding him - he still has panic attacks and has a very serious trust issue.
So, he's off to start a performance career. He definitely has the ability and scope, it all depends though on whether he can manage emotionally with being away from home at competitions.
Thought I'd share these photos of him. Here he is:
Templars Orchestral Pearl, known as Harley, 15.2 grey stallion, 99.97% Crabbet (Last Crescendo [Imad x Carillion] x Templars Magic Pearl [Achims Silver Magic x Hadida Pearl]}
These photos were taken the day he came back from the producer. Apart from him being so thin, you can see the flanking scars and scabs where he had started to self harm
This is Harley yesterday with my husband, Stephen
And this is Harley and Evie on their first ever hack today.
First with Stephen quite close for confidence
Then Stephen moved a bit further away
And then they went alone!
For those who may remember, Harley was known as "the big, pink colt from the North" and as a youngster, he won or was placed at C shows many times, taking 20's for movement and conformation, he was Champion at Bolton Arab Show, Reserve Champion at Northern In Hand Show and he was NCPA Champion and Arab of the Year as a two year old.
A grandson of Imad - the legacy lives on..........
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   www.eviepeel.com    |
Edited by - templars on 13 Apr 2009 6:59:05 PM
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mogwai
Platinum Member
England
2717 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 6:54:41 PM
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Goodness, Harley's story bought a tear to my eye! What an unbelievable tale of sadness and cruelty, but with kindness and care winning over all. I can't believe the level of complete evil people can stoop to, poor Harley  .
He is a wonderful young man, and his story is yet another credit to Templars hard work, patience and kindness, and Imad's great legacy.
Ros |
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Honeyb060674
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4301 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 7:06:44 PM
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WOW!What a handsome boy he looks amazing now , such a shame he's had to endure such horrific cruelty at the hands of someone you entrusted him to. Hes a real testament to your devotion & patience. Good luck to you all I'm sure he's got a fantastic future in performance look forwards to hearing all about it  |
      
Claire & Sunny x
http://sunnyandclaire.blogspot.com/ |
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BabsR
Platinum Member
England
2790 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 7:12:35 PM
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Wonderful and initially very sad story, due to abuse of your beautiful boy. The pic on the day of his return says it all...a very unhappy boy.
Am sure that now his trust is returning and the sparkle is back in his eyes, he will reward your prolonged TLC......and with Evie`s confidence and ridden capabilities..the future looks very bright for team Templars
Good luck and best wishes Evie and Harley
Babs
www.SunrayAngloArabianStud.co.uk |
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pintoarabian
Gold Member
Scotland
1242 Posts |
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Kharidian
Platinum Member
England
4297 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 7:43:13 PM
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A true labour of love to have persevered with him. Well done for achieving so much in restoring his trust and faith in humankind.
Caryn |
Kharidian (Prince Sadik x Khiri)........ Alkara Cassino (H Tobago x Rose Aboud)
aka "Roger".................................... aka "Chips"
     
The first image is from an original painting by Pat Shorto.
South-East Essex |
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Judith S
Platinum Member
Wales
15686 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 7:45:28 PM
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| Oh my - this has made me cry.....how wonderful............I am lost for words!!! |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 7:51:13 PM
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| What a terrible story. Hes very lovely. Hes got those rocking horse dapples - Evie looks great on him doesnt she? How long was he away and how long did it take you to bring him back to normal? |
   
West Sussex |
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Sahir
Gold Member
England
847 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 8:00:35 PM
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I can well understand why you were in tears when writing your post, I was almost in tears reading it, what a lovely boy Harley is and how good Evie looks on his back. I'm sure proud isn't a sufficient description for the way you feel.
As for the "producer" - well some are totally evil and should without doubt be prosecuted for the way they treat some horses and charge you a lot of money for the privilege !! I really do hope you reported the evil B - - - - d not only to the AHS but ILPH/RSPCA - to cause a horse to start harming himself through stress brought on by this professional's treatment of him is totally disgraceful. I know you can't name the person on this forum but I hope you've told lots of people as this sort of thing needs to be known by a wider audience, it takes a long time to earn a good reputation & only a moment to lose it. I have an Imad grand-daughter, she is without doubt one of the sweetest natured horses I've ever owned and to just imagine anyone treating her the way Harley was treated, well I would not be responsible for my actions - gelding the producer would just be for starters Hope Harley & Evie enjoy the summer ahead and bring you and your family great joy & peace of mind.
Elaine xx |
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templars
Platinum Member
England
1852 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 8:12:41 PM
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The producer was reported to the AHS, BHS, RSPCA and police - there are a lot of owners whose horses were mistreated though non nearly lost their lives like Harley.
The person got away without any repercussions at all. And I believe may be making a re-entry to the Arabian showing world soon.
All the wins with Harley were when he was shown from home. He was sent away to someone who asked if they could bring him out under saddle - I stress, this was NOT a ridden Arab producer. It was someone who showed in-hand but who seemed like a good rider and I thought I was helping give this person a break into ridden showing.
Harley was away less than a year and it has taken over 4 years for him to heal - one year to get over the physical trauma - starvation, broken pedal bone, ruptured muscles and acute liver failure (due, we believe to being given repeated overdoses of bute) and it has taken over 3 years for him to be able to trust anyone enough to let them anywhere near him to ride.
How the heck this boy has even come through is amazing. The fact that he trusts us enough to let a 14 year old ride him is astounding. If he's asked to do something he's not sure of he just drops to the floor but he's now working with us and gives signs that he's unsure, like pawing the ground, and then Evie can use her voice and tickle his scritchy scratchy spot just on his wither to help him through. The biggest breakthrough has been that he is working through his panic and started to listen and trust again.
My motto with Harls is - he's alive, anything else is a bonus. |
www.eviepeel.com |
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white bryony
Gold Member
United Kingdom
778 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 8:31:29 PM
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What a terrible thing to happen, so glad you have him back home, poor horse must have gone thru an awful experience,
How did they get away with this
well done for being such a caring owner to try and rebuild his life the best you can, he looks a lovely boy |
Emma
   Salsifis |
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Vera
Membership Moderator
United Kingdom
8652 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 9:01:27 PM
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Oh Rachelle I've got such a lump in my throat. As you know I am a big fan of Harls having seen him up close and personal. He looks magnificent, a proper horse. He is a credit to you, not only physically but giving him the time to come round emotionally.
Well done Harls, and Team Templers  |
    
Hampshire |
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Bex
Gold Member
Wales
559 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 9:18:18 PM
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Oh such a terrible sad story, I will never understand the mentality of some people
He is absolutely beautiful and a credit to you, your love kindness and patience is obviously working wonders and restoring his faith.
Becci |
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phoenixbruka
Gold Member
England
1190 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 9:25:49 PM
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a massive well done to you with all the time patience and love you've done an amazing job
The difference ebtween the 1st and the last picture is amazing, every inch of him looks like he's given up ... to looking very proud and happy, you can positively see him smiling!!
It's a pity you can't name and shame (libal and all that) but these so called producers should have a warning tattood to their forheads !!! 
well done again, inspirational. |
   
www.liveryatcordwell.co.uk |
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haggis
Silver Member
England
278 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 10:50:27 PM
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| Oh Rachelle, what a wonderful progression. I know that I have heard the Harley story before but It still is unbelievable what that trainer did to your kind , well-mannered and beautiful stallion. Maybe the fact that he DID have such a good start has been his saving. Would love to come and see you all soon. Haggis. |
    
CUMBRIA |
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tamila
Platinum Member
England
2532 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 07:30:09 AM
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| This has made me both cry and smile. Well done to you all. He looks fantastic. |
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Poppy
Gold Member
England
549 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 09:37:40 AM
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Oh Rachelle,how wonderful to see Harls with Evie.I actually caught this cretin in the act with Harley and 3 of my horses were also on the receiving end of his abuse. I removed them promptly. We were distraught when we got them back. He is back on the show scene for definite. Only hope word of mouth is enough to make people aware of him .
Janet
rosebankstud@btinternet.com |
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Slave 2 Magic
Gold Member
England
1023 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 09:45:34 AM
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| What a truly remarkable horse! It made me cry too! The evil excuses for human beings that did that to him should never be allowed near a horse again. The love and trust that Harley has regained in you just shows what a fantastic lad he is. If he goes on to compete its an added bonus. Time and trust can heal most things. xx |
West Yorkshire
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Pasha
Platinum Member
England
3622 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 10:06:40 AM
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I agree with what everyone else has said - Harley's story has brought tears of both saddness and joy to my eyes!!
What a truly special boy he is!! People shock me everyday with the cruelty they subject our beautiful animals to but thank god he is back home with you and on the road to recovery!
I'm adopting your motto for my boy if that's ok, as it's how we feel with him at the moment!
Wishing Harley all the luck in the world to go from strength to strength and start enjoying being ridden and doing a job again xxx |
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Acorn Arabians
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2052 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 10:25:05 AM
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| What a wonderful recovery, a pleasure to see. Well done Harley and well done Evie. |
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Varaina
Gold Member
United Kingdom
606 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 1:22:48 PM
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| Such a sad sad story....But well done to you and your family for bringing this boy back to the picture of health, after being at the hands of a monster....Unfortunately I did see the person in question back in the ring this year and it appalls me to think he is on the end of any animals lead rein..... Fi |
Fiona Grant-Chivers |
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rosie
Platinum Member
England
3662 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 1:29:35 PM
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What a sad story, but a marvellous happy ending.
You must be so proud that you have achieved such brilliant results, after what he went through.
He looks gorgeous!
Well done to you all!!!!!!!!! |
     
Last picture courtesy of Sweet Photography |
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nikki
Platinum Member
Wales
4384 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 2:42:30 PM
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| aww bless him, a true credit to you and your family. he looks fantastic |
pagey |
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bridie
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2395 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 6:24:49 PM
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Yes I remember the story when you posted it on here. How can anyone do things like that?? I still get surprised by human cruelty.
BUT....look at him now, he is simply stunning. WELL DONE to you all for having the patience, love & understanding to help him heal and I look forward to reading about his exploits with Evie.....Im sure they will go far.
Mandy xx |
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templars
Platinum Member
England
1852 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 7:18:05 PM
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Thank you all for your lovely comments. Harls and Evie went on their first cross country training day today - bit optimistic cos it's only the second time she's ridden him.
But the boy done brill!!!!!!!
Bit hesitant at times but listening and working with Evie - ditches, water, skinnies and he's discovered his favourite type of fence - drops!!! He loves those. If he's at all unsure, he slows to an extended trot and then you can just see him listening and taking guidance from Evie. When he'd finished he gave a massive whinny as if to say "aren't I good?"
He stood without being tied up or anyone holding him whilst he was untacked and has his boots taken off. Lots of cuddles and polos then it was bath time and again, he was as good as gold and just stood there. He self loaded and came off the lorry quietly when we got home. He's called to all the others to let them know he's home.
He's tucked up snug and warm now, he's had a big wee and he's enjoying his tea.
After today, I really think I might just dare to have dreams about him competing at a one day event!!!!!
And heavens, will I bore you all with photos if that happens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
www.eviepeel.com |
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Vera
Membership Moderator
United Kingdom
8652 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 7:22:18 PM
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| Yes please you can bore me all you like!!!!! |
Hampshire |
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