TTEAM FOR MARES AND FOALS

BY SARAH FISHER

One of the many advantages of learning TTEAM techniques is that it can be applied to every equine situation.

TTEAM TTouches, body work and Ground work help to promote relaxation and can keep the mare stimulated physically, mentally and emotionally without placing undue stress on the mother to be. The work can be tailored to the individual needs of the mare and helps to increase awareness in the handler should any problems start to arise. Whatever the situation TTEAM gives the owner or carer new ways of interacting with their mare whilst deepening the relationship between the two.

TTouches and Body Work

Tail work can be helpful in preparing mares to be bred and after covering to accept veterinary checks. As Tail Work helps release tension through the back and pelvis, this gentle work can be of benefit to mares throughout their pregnancy.

Stroking the ear from the base to the tip lowers heart rate and respiration. This can also be useful for helping the mare to stay calm and relaxed through veterinary examination and helps to develop trust between the horse and the handler. If the labour is arduous for the mare, Ear Work can be extremely beneficial for both the mare and foal as it helps to overcome fatigue and shock in all animals. It has been used countless times around the world to revive animals that are so exhausted they are on the verge of giving up and has literally saved lives in many situations. Ear Work and TTouches around the base of the mare's ear can also help with the passing of the placenta. None of the TTouch work should ever be used as a replacement for veterinary care but used simply as a valuable tool to help your horse whilst awaiting veterinary attention.

The circular TTouches and lifts such as the Clouded Leopard TTouch and Python Lifts help to reduce over sensitivity in the body, helps increase circulation in stiff and filled legs, relieves the aches and strains of carrying the foal and helps to promote an overall sense of well being. If a mare is sensitive around the belly it may affect her willingness to let the foal feed as the foal may irritate or cause discomfort to the mare when seeking milk. The TTouches can also be used around the udder to reduce sensitivity in this area to help prepare the mare for feeding and can be done through a warm towel held over the udder to stimulate and even increase the milk flow once the foal is born. Some cases of rejection are sadly due simply to a mare's concern about contact from the foal around the flank, belly and udder and not as a result of the mare not bonding with her offspring. This can be caused by tension in the back and hindquarters and can be easily overcome during pregnancy by using a variety of TTouches and other TTEAM techniques.

Mouth Work is helpful for mares that are over sensitive and emotional. Hormone changes can be linked to the mouth and doing gentle TTouches around the mouth and inside the mouth can be helpful in keeping the mare settled and happy through the gestation period.

Once the foal has been born and is bonded to the mare, light TTouches can be done all over the foal's body to accustom it to contact. If the foal is reluctant to feed, gentle Mouth Work around the muzzle, lips and along the gums can trigger the feeding response. Gentle Ear Work and Tail Work can also be done. As well as benefiting the foal by promoting a sense of calm and self-confidence, the TTouches and body work will stop the foal from becoming concerned should a veterinary examination be required. Care should be taken to ensure the mare and foal are not stressed by this interaction and the sessions should be short. The work should never be forced on the foal and it is important not to over handle youngsters as it can cause a major problem later in life. Home bred foals that are brought up without the company of other youngsters of a similar age can become dangerous as they mature. It is not uncommon to hear of over handled, unsocialised horses being put down at four or five years of age because they have become so difficult to handle.

Other TTEAM Tools

One of the TTEAM tools used for ridden and rehabilitating horses is a length of elastic bandage. With one length placed around the base of the neck, a second length is attached and taken either around the girth area or around the hind quarters. This simple piece of equipment can be used with pregnant mares to help give them a greater awareness of their changing shape and to reduce over sensitivity in the flank and belly. Some mares that have concerns about allowing their foals to suckle may also have a tendency to rush through stable doors and gateways. The body wrap will help both issues since they generally stem from blocked awareness and tension in the lumbar area and hindquarters.

The body wrap can also be used to do gentle belly lifts to help relieve downwards pull on the back from the weight of the developing foal.

Another tool that is regularly in TTEAM is a long dressage schooling stick. Called a 'wand' when used in TTEAM exercises, it offers a simple way of initiating contact without overcrowding the horse. Stroking the mare all over with the wand helps to settle and relax even fidgety horses. As the wands can be used to start touching the foal at the appropriate time it is important that the mare is already accustomed to the wand.

From covering to foaling, TTEAM offers ways to help your mare stay calm, relaxed and happy throughout the pregnancy and a contented mare = a contented foal.

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