GlenOlive Equitation

24/06/2025

The thorny issue of over-rugging!

As the weather cools at this time of year and we start to feel the cold, there is an often misplaced perception among many horse owners that their animal must also be getting cold and will need to be rugged. But before dashing out to cover our horses up, it's worth considering if this is actually th

20/06/2025

A lovely Matariki morning ride- Mikki in a bitless bridle - quite different .. but if she can be happier then so can I!

14/06/2025

A thing happened 😀

🐴 Big Congratulations to Professor Nat Waran – Awarded an OBE! 🎉

We’re thrilled to celebrate Professor Natalie Waran, Director of our A Good Life for Animals Centre, who has just been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the UK King’s Birthday Honours! 🇬🇧👑

This incredible honour recognises Nat’s lifelong dedication to improving equine welfare, research and education across the globe — including right here at Companion Animals New Zealand 💙

Her leadership has shaped animal welfare science for decades, and her passion for horses and all companion animals is unmatched. As CANZ Chair Steven Thompson says:

“Nat’s OBE is a wonderful and well-deserved recognition of her dedication to science, advocacy and education in animal welfare.”

We’re so proud to have Nat advocating A Good Life for all animals. 🐶🐱🐴🐰

👉 Read more about her inspiring work and this prestigious recognition: https://www.companionanimals.nz/articles/professor-nat-waran-recognised-with-order-of-the-british-empire-for-services-to-equine-welfare-research-and-education

12/06/2025

Animals learn through avoiding something unpleasant or getting something desirable. Just stop and think about that.

The majority of horse trainers/riders are taught to use pressure (legs, reins, body, voice..) to create a response. They are rarely taught that pressure only shapes the desired response if it’s removed when the correct behaviour occurs. This relies on good timing and consistency.

In their natural state, horses remove themselves from negative or dangerous situations by responding to the negative emotional states (discomfort, fear, pain) those pressured circumstances stimulate.

But horses also learn to approach, interact with, explore and seek pleasure through experiencing positive mental states such as comfort, pleasure and joy.

What kind of an equestrian do you want to be? What mental states do you want your horse to experience during its time with you?

Working towards being able to use negative reinforcement humanely and correctly (release of pressure to increase desired behaviours) through use of lighter pressure, good timing and consistency is essential for giving your horse a good life, But there’s also a need to consider how to use more positive reinforcement (adding something pleasurable to increase the desired behaviour) - to ensure your horse is really enjoying their time with you.

How would it feel if your horse saw you as the light of their lives?

You can learn about use of secondary positive reinforcement training for horses- it’s great fun for both horse and rider/handler!

Happy to teach you 🙂

12/06/2025

In late May, Professor Nat Waran, Director of our A Good Life for Animals Centre, attended a specialist workshop hosted by Via Nova Training in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

23/05/2025

Very blessed to have had the opportunity to learn more about the application of positive reinforcement training techniques for horses with the fabulous Via Nova Training team based in SantaFe as well as the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of talented equestrians who are all committed to horses living good lives. https://www.vianovatraining.com

27/04/2025

Facebook friends- we are looking for the perfect horse to join our family. He or she needs to be 15.3 to 16.1 - used to being on farm, mustering and dogs, sure-footed, happy alone and well behaved in company and uncomplicated. To be used for farm riding, trekking, schooling, low level dressage and jumping, beach riding and generally having fun!
In return he or she will be cherished and given the best care by an experienced and committed owner.
Sensible but not huge budget!

If you know of a suitable horse please pm me.
Thankyou!
(Picture of Mikki for attention😀)

23/04/2025

Help us get to 10,000!

Will we make it to 10,000? We certainly hope so!!

Check out more about the pledge and sign at:
https://www.companionanimals.nz/national-pet-day-pledge

14/04/2025

We have a space coming available at GlenOlive for a horse/pony to join our grazing family. Fenced paddocks, use of yards, 60 by 22 metre arena, rides on property around olive grove, wash bay, tack room and feed area. Share with anyone you think might be suitable to join us.

Pm for price per week and details.

09/04/2025

Please complete this and share !! It’ll take only a few minutes of your time but will be a huge help to us!

Calling all horse owners, riders, and equine professionals in New Zealand! 🐴

Companion Animals NZ (CANZ) wants to hear your thoughts on horse microchipping and registration on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register – the leading national microchip database designed to reunite animals with their guardians if they ever become lost.

Your feedback will help us understand the challenges, opportunities, and barriers in this space, shaping future education initiatives. Here at Companion Animals NZ, we are all about the welfare of horses, and ensuring they have positive identification is one important piece of this puzzle.

🔹 Must be 18+
🔹 Must live in New Zealand
🔹 Must own, ride, or work with horses

Your responses are completely anonymous - take the survey now and help us make a difference for horses in NZ! 🐴

This survey will remain open until 28 April 2025 at 5:00 PM.
Survey Link here👉https://ow.ly/ygRA50Vx2Xr

08/04/2025

Happy Wednesday!