A rider from Lancashire has acknowledged the role a veteran pony she has on loan has had in improving her mental health.
Georgia Podmore started loaning Beau, an 18-year-old former trekking pony, at the beginning of February and is full of praise for how he has helped her to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“I have found my perfect loan pony and didn’t realise how much I needed Beau in my life,” said Georgia.
“He has kept me going through a tough few months by putting that smile on my face from just simply spending time with him.”
Last year, Georgia was diagnosed with a neglected tropical disease after a volunteer trip to Costa Rica.
“I spent months having treatment and this had a huge impact on my mental health with me being diagnosed with PTSD due to severe medical reactions,” said the rider.
“I spent a lot of time alone and struggled to ever feel relaxed.”
‘Complete inner peace’
Georgia added that when she is with Beau, she feels no anxiety or stress.
“He gives me hours a day of relaxation and happiness,” she said. I struggle to feel safe and trust with my PTSD, but this is something I feel when with Beau.
“Being around him is like therapy for me as I am solely focused on the present moment, whether it be grooming, riding or just sitting down with him in the field.
“I feel complete inner peace from the partnership we have built.”
Swollen legs
Beau has Chronic Progressive Lymphodema (CPL), a disease which affects draft horses and cobs with feathers.
It causes their lower legs to become progressively more swollen, as well as arthritic.
His owner, Vikki Colbeck — who manages Beau’s CPL through diet, supplements and daily creams — was looking for a loaner to exercise him regularly and give him some extra love and attention.
“When I started loaning Beau I had never heard of CPL so had lots to learn with the help from Vikki and the CPL Awareness CIC & support group on Facebook,” said Georgia.
“I learnt that movement was so important to Beau’s legs and therefore on my loan days I always aim to get him out for a hack. It’s his favourite thing to do.”
Fitness gains
Georgia has focused on increasing the horse’s fitness through hacking.
“He can now go for 60-minute plus hacks with gallops which he loves,” she said.
“He is the safest pony going, but he does throw in a cheeky buck when he’s excited on a gallop track.
“We have seen huge benefits of hacking for Beau’s CPL, along with lots of supplements and the best care from Vikki.
“Beau is thriving and his transformation in three months has been amazing.”
‘He has changed my life’
Georgia, who is based near Beacon Fell, said many people don’t realise how much Beau has helped her.
“He is so special and while I often get praise on the work I have done with him, many don’t realise how much Beau has benefited me,” she said.
“He makes me laugh, feel calm and I absolutely love the after-hack kisses he gives me.
“I spend our hacks chatting away to Beau telling him about my day. The locals probably think I’m mad!
“Three months in and I am absolutely smitten with my perfect loan.
“He has changed my life and I like to think I’ve had a positive impact on his.”
Images © Georgia Podmore
