KAMLOOPS THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION - Nala's Journey

Nala's Journey

Becoming a Therapeutic Riding Horse

Hey Y'all
My name is Nala, and I'm the newest member of KTRA! I am a 3yr old Haflinger mare and I am the youngest horse KTRA has ever purchased. My training was started by one of KTRA's instructors, Asher and my training will be continued by Ashley, Matina, and Cherise until I am ready to be a full time Therapeutic Riding horse!

I can't wait to meet all of you and I hope you will follow my journey on Instagram, Facebook and our Website at www.ktra.ca to track my progress. You can follow my hashtag #nalasjourney to see updated photos of me as well!

Xo ~ Nala

Spring Session

5/4/2022

Hi Everyone! I have some exciting news to share. Due to my winter training going well I graduated into an intro position as a therapeutic riding horse in KTRA's 2022 Spring Session! I have been participating in weekly lessons. Most of my lessons are just lead-line lessons but I do have a few where I can go unclipped with a rider who is riding independently at the walk.

We have been doing really interesting things in our lessons helping riders prepare for the BC Therapeutic Riding Association's Para-Equestrian Video Competition. In lessons we have been working on pole bending and barrel patterns, equitation/horsemanship patterns and my favorite an obstacle course with a bridge!

I had a few lessons where I wasn't too happy with a few things but I am lucky to have some amazing humans that care for me and really listen to what I am trying to say. They have made some minor adjustments and I am much happier now. I am excited to help my riders participate in the BCTRA video competition and I can't wait to see how we do together as a team!

One of the instructors, Cherise, took me in another Shelley Mill's dressage clinic. I am very proud of myself for keeping composed through the crazy weather we had on Saturday - it snowed, rained, hailed - you name it, it did it!

The weather is getting warmer and I enjoy my daily naps in the sunshine. We even have something called 'Field Fridays' where we get turned out on the grass which I have enjoyed with my field and paddock mate, Piper.

Enjoy your spring!
Love Nala

January – February 2022

2/23/2022

Happy New Year everybody!

I trust that you all had a safe and Merry Christmas and are enjoying the New Year so far. I spent the month of January at the Will’s, most of January was very cold and I didn’t get to work on my training as much as I had hoped. I got to have a little bit of time off and play with a new friend, Chevy, in the indoor arena once in a while for turnout time!

On February 6th, Ashley moved me up to Sun Meadows where I have been continuing my fitness and training journey. I got another fancy haircut and have been staying very warm and clean under my blanket all winter. At Sun Meadows, Ashley has been taking some lessons with me from Tracey Comte at TLC Equestrian and Eiren Crawford at All Points Dressage. I have been learning lots of new things in the different lessons and I have been taking everything in stride! During one of my rides, another horse in the arena had a spook and reared, causing their rider to fall off. I knew it was my job to stay calm and safe for my rider, Ashley, and to help the other horse and rider re-group as well. I am very proud of myself for being so brave.

Recently, Ashley has noticed that I have been a bit stiff in my hind end, so she has asked Deb from Lunar Grove PEMF to come and provide me with some Magna Wave sessions and Red-Light Therapy. The Magna Wave and Red-Light Therapy both feel so good and have helped my muscles relax a lot! Ashley also organized for Matina to come out and give me an Equine Massage Therapy session. I loved the massage so much that I backed myself into the stall and sat on the wall so I could rest and enjoy myself… I still can’t figure out why Ashley and Matina were laughing at me for this? Anyways, I feel so much better after all my special treatment!…Maybe I should pretend I am still sore so that I can get special treatment all the time? *horse wink*

Thanks for checking in and reading my blog update, I hope that next time you are reading my blog I will be telling you about green grass and sunny days! Until then, stay warm in a blanket and eat extra snacks.

Love, Nala xo

December 17th, 2021

12/17/2021

Hey everyone,
I wanted to update you all on my new adventures so far this winter! I got to have a nice 2 week break after Fall Session, and then Cherise gave me a fancy winter haircut and told me I was going to spend the winter at a different barn! On November 15th, 2021, Ashley loaded me up into her horse trailer and took me to the new barn. At first, I wasn’t sure where we were going, and I was a bit nervous. There were lots of new smells, sounds and sights. It was a lot to take in, but I am now quite settled, and I like it here! The new barn I am at has an indoor riding arena so I can keep learning through the winter and stay in shape. Ashley and Cherise have both been spending time with me and riding me, and so has 1 young community rider, Nora. I have mostly been working on staying light in the bridle and maintaining my rhythm while trotting – this requires me to pay attention to my rider and stay focused. At first this was a bit challenging for me because there are lots of new things in the indoor arena that I am not used to! (Like a tractor, a roping shoot, a big mirror, and dog agility equipment). Ashley, Cherise, and Nora have been very patient with me and make sure to spend time with me on the ground in the arena as well as riding so that I have the chance to check out the things I am not used to. I especially like to touch everything with my nose! Grazing my whiskers over objects helps me process what they are and understand that they are not a threat to me. I am mostly curious about seeing myself in the mirror and I think it is funny when I whinny to myself and my reflection whinnies back!
I am getting very excited for Christmas this year, I have been a really good horse, so I hope Santa brings me a big, orange carrot!
I wish you all a safe and special Christmas with your family.
Talk to you in the New Year!

Xo – Nala

August 2021 Update

8/31/2021

Hey All,

I thought I would jump on here and give you a quick update!
I had a super fun summer and wanted to share with you some of my new experiences.

I got to go on my first adventure to the beach with two of our staff members, Matina and Taleya. Piper the pony also joined us on our adventure to the beach. It was exciting to leave the property and there was lots to look at. I saw everything from moving vehicles, bicycles, dogs, airplanes and a baby stroller! I handled everything with stride until we got to the beach.
I wasn't sure of the waves from the river at first... I had never seen water move like that and I had never seen that much water in one place before! After a little bit of convincing, Piper and I both worked up the courage to check out the river. We put our noses in, then our hooves, and before we knew it we were knee deep in the water splashing and playing! It was so much fun, I love the beach!

I also got to participate in my first Summer Camp at the end of August! My rider, Taylin, was carefully chosen to ride me in my first camp because she has her own pony and lots of riding experience. During Summer Camp I had one 45 minute lesson with Taylin for three days in a row. Taylin and I shared our lesson with another camper and her lesson horse, Usti. Usti has been doing lessons for quite a few years, so it helped my confidence that he was so calm and sure of himself in the lesson. I got to ride around some cool obstacle courses, do lots of trotting and even went on a little trail ride around the barn! Taylin and I had so much fun - she even got a small Schliech Horse replica of me so that she could remember our time together at Summer Camp. I loved Summer Camp and I can't wait to participate in more next year!

Well everyone, that's all for now.

I am excited to see what the fall brings for me... I think I will be participating in some more lessons! I will update you again in a couple months.

Catch ya later,

Nala
xo

July 2021 Update

7/21/2021

Hey Everyone!

We had a busy June with our 2021 Spring Session coming to an end, the start of our Summer Camps, and a smokin’ hot heat wave in the middle of it all! It has been pretty warm and quite smoky here at times, so I thought I would take a break in the shade this afternoon and update you all on my journey!

In early June I participated in my second Shelley Mills Dressage Clinic with one of our Instructors, Cherise. Shelley said I did much better in this clinic, and my homework is to work on my trot to canter transitions… I feel like this is a lot of work, but Cherise has been committed to helping me.

Another fun update is that I got to be ridden in my first ever Therapeutic Riding Lesson! The student who rode me was carefully selected based on her riding experience and she helped me feel comfortable and confident for my first lesson. I am hoping to be used in more lessons in the fall so that I may help future students feel comfortable and confident, just like this rider helped me! I guess that means I have to work on my homework from Shelley over the summer. Who knew horses would be assigned homework?... especially over the summer? *insert pout face*

I am in a new herd now and I’ve made some new horse friends: Georgia, Tandy and Autumn.
When I first entered this herd I felt really lonely and unwanted… it was hard for me to get along with the other horses because I was used to being bossy and pushy when I lived with Indy and Piper. I couldn’t understand why suddenly the other horses in my heard were the boss over me? I don’t like getting my food last. *insert another pout face* I have slowly been accepted into this herd and I have learned that being respectful and patient gets me truer friends than being bossy and pushy. Although I miss Indy and Piper, I am thankful for my new horse friends as they have helped me grow into the kind of horse I would like to be.

Since my last Blog update, I have also been improving on standing patiently for the farrier. I’m starting to figure out that my hoof will be placed back on the ground sooner if I balance myself and stand still. Who knew that would be such a difficult concept to learn? Thankfully, I learned some respect and patience in my new heard, and I am now looking forward to my next pedicure!

With all that being said, I think my favorite thing that has happened over the summer so far is…HOSE BATHS! It feels so nice to get sprayed down after a ride, and it really helps cool me down. The bugs here at night are really annoying but being sprayed down by the hose helps my bug bites not feel so itchy, and its fun to roll in the dirt after and give myself a mud-coat to protect myself from the flies. I love the hose so much I even try to drink from it sometimes and then I smile because I love the feeling of the water spraying my teeth!

Well… I think that’s all for now!
I hope you all are staying cool, safe and hydrated…
Love,
Nala xo

May 12th, 2021

5/12/2021

Hey everyone, it is Nala!

Sorry I did not update you sooner, I have been so busy settling into my home and learning new things that I totally forgot! Today is a rainy day at KTRA so I have some time to write to you and let you know how I have been doing in my new home so far.

Since moving to KTRA, this is what my life has looked like:

I have made an absolute best friend! Her name is Indy, and she is a black and white paint pony. Indy and I are such good friends that we even share our hay!

I have had 2 visits from the farrier, Justin Buhler. Justin is very patient with me, even though I am not particularly good at standing still while my hooves are being trimmed yet. It is one of my goals that I will soon have the patience of an adult horse and be able to stand nice and quiet for Justin!

This is how still I would like to stand for the farrier soon!

I have been doing training sessions with 4 of our staff members - Ashley, Matina, Asher and Cherise! Asher was my owner before I lived at KTRA, and I am so lucky that she teaches lessons here on the weekends so that she can visit me and still put rides on me! Having Asher work with me makes my transition of being in a new home much easier and helps me feel comfortable in my new surroundings. I am also getting more used to Ashley, Matina, and Cherise and I am learning new things with each of them whenever we work together.

A couple of weekends ago, a lady named Shelley Mills came and taught a dressage clinic at KTRA. Ashley rode me in the clinic, and even though I was unsure at first, I learned so much about having a work ethic and balancing myself with a rider as I move. Shelley is coming back in June and I am excited to keep progressing in my dressage training!

Well, that is all for now. Thank you for checking in with me and reading my blog. I hope you enjoy the photos!

Time to bet back to munching hay...

Nala's Pedigree

2/11/2021

Nala was bred by Juri and Irinel Agapow who own bar2aranch.com/ in Hanceville, BC Canada.

She is registered with the American Haflinger Registry: Naila BTA

She was born on 06/14/2017

Her Sire is:

BANDITO (DE 2200783)AHR No.: 31290-09 ; 2021 Licensed Stallion No.: 2140-122009 Haflinger Stallion out of world elite-stallion 'liz.Barolo'
Known as the "The Gentleman", Bandito stands at 15.1 hh. An impressive and stout, darker chestnut stallion with an utmost beautiful head and gentle eye, which reflects his true character! He is a true gentleman, who impresses with his easy going disposition and exceptional trainability while showing off his strong and solid stature with beautiful movements.

Her Dam is:

Nala EGR2011 AHR-registered mare, Reg.No.: 33465-11

Nala is a lighter coloured chestnut mare and while only standing 14.1hh tall, is amazingly strong and stout. She is a very well put together cross out of Nyssa TLF and Samson-C, who loves to work and please. She is very smart, energetic and also somewhat strong-minded, but still loving - a true power-horse and a pleasure to work with! Nala is a tough, little mare! - She works incredibly well out on the range moving cattle, is very forward going and moves through every terrain without hesitation or spooking, no matter if there are steep slopes, larger rivers, dense bush with blowdown or deep sandy hills.

Where is Simba?

2/3/2021

If you have seen The Lion King, you know that Nala is not complete without Simba! Our dream for Nala is to purchase a “Simba”, and we need your help!

Our dream Simba is either another Haflinger or a Fjord.

Please click here app.simplyk.io/en/donation-form/767aebae-d65f-466c-bd7a-cb19007a8bd3 to donate to help us purchase a Simba for Nala.

Welcome Nala

2/3/2021

Who is Nala?
Nala is our new program horse! Nala was purchased by KTRA from Asher Lorette (one of our weekend Community Riding Lessons Instructor). Nala is a 3yr old registered Haflinger mare.
She is the first horse that KTRA has purchased! (KTRA mostly uses donated horses and “free-leased” horses)

What is a Haflinger?
A Haflinger is a breed of horse developed in Austria and Northern Italy in the late 19th century. They are relatively small horses that are always chestnut in color with flaxen mane and tails (facial markings may vary). They have distinctive gaits described as energetic but smooth, and are well-muscled yet elegant. Haflinger horses are sturdy and built to last!

Why a 3yr Old?
KTRA has made the decision to purchase a younger horse to bring-up in the program opposed to purchasing an older horse that has already had a career. Our hope is that Nala will have great longevity in our program and “pave the way” for future potential Therapy Horses. KTRA has often been offered older/retired horses for our Therapeutic Riding Program, but we have found that they have a higher “burnout” and “turn-over” rate because they have already spent most of their life working hard in another career such as jumping, dressage, rodeo or
ranching. Having Nala in our care from such a young age will ensure that we know her history and will be able to help her have a promising future!

What is our Plan for Nala?
Nala has been put on a light training schedule with 3 of our trained staff members to properly prepare her for a Career as a Therapeutic Riding Horse! She will be exposed to our many props we use in our lessons such as: colorful cones, ground poles, mounting blocks, jump standards, barrels, poles, beanbags, hula hoops, game balls and our wheelchair lift! Our plan is to integrate Nala into our program by the time she is 4yrs old and have her in our program full time once she is 5yrs old. Follow #nalasjourney to track her progress with us!

The Story Behind Nala’s Name:
KTRA has named Nala after one of Disney’s favorite cubs in “The Lion King”! Nala’s Character is Described as: “A rambunctious lioness cub ready to go wherever and whenever with her best friend Simba. As Nala grows up, her spunky cuteness ripens into sleek, tawny
beauty, and her childlike bravado becomes true courage.” Nala’s Name Meaning: In Swahili and other languages spoken in countries of Africa, Nala means Queen, Lion and Successful Woman.