MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE STABLE WALL
| MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE STABLE WALL Following a successful trial, Redwings Horse Sanctuary is fitting mirrors in stables and horseboxes at all eight of its sites across the UK. The charity, which has more than 1000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in its care, began trialling the mirrors at its Reception Centre in Norfolk, and has found them to be so effective that they are now extending their use across the Sanctuary. While the majority of Redwings residents live out in natural herds all year round, stabling is required when veterinary treatment is needed or sometimes for long periods during quarantine. Staff found that the mirrors, made of acrylic for safety, have a dramatic calming effect, particularly for those horses that are timid or suffer from separation anxiety. Redwings are also looking at using them regularly in their horseboxes after some very successful initial trials. |  |
 | One recent arrival, a pony called Flash, was known to have severe problems loading and travelling, so the staff used a mirror in the horsebox to ‘keep her company' and the 27-year-old chestnut mare travelled all the way from Bradford to Norfolk without any problems at all, even when the lorry was forced to stop to change a tyre! Redwings Welfare Officer Rachel Fairhead said: "The mirrors have been excellent and we have seen some incredible results, even with the most extreme cases. The horses respond very well to having what they perceive as a ‘friend' in their stable and instantly become calmer and generally happier. The only word of caution we would offer is with horses that are known to be aggressive, as they don't always take too kindly to having an ‘intruder' in their stable! And of course, there is no substitute for providing your horse with a real companion wherever possible." Redwings would like to extend their immense gratitude to The Stable Mirror Company, www.stable-mirrors.co.uk, who have very kindly donated enough mirrors for every stable at the Sanctuary and who have offered their support and expertise from the start. Find out more about Redwings at http://www.redwings.co.uk/ |
Added on: 08/09/08.
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