We recently came across an online article that was published on Horse Canada Magazine's website, featuring Winsong Farm and their brand new Equicizer! Finding no record of Winsong Farm in our customer base, we were intrigued and sent them an email to learn more. After some initial correspondence, farm owner Winnie was kind enough to answer a few questions for our blog:
We don't give lessons in the traditional sense, however we love showing people how intelligent, fun-loving and amazing horses are. We hold several fundraisers each year featuring the horses at Winsong Farm performing. The horses are clicker trained and very happy to dream up new games to play. Anyone interested in watching our sessions with the horses or interested in learning more about how we play with them is most welcome to come visit. We don't charge for learning! We love sharing the fun we have with our horses.
How did you first learn about the Equicizer?
How did you first learn about the Equicizer?
I was looking at a YouTube video and an Equicizer was in the sidebar. I was fascinated with it and researched the Equicizer on-line. The research made me even MORE interested and I contacted several dozen people by email and asked if anyone knew anything about the Equicizer. One friend had met a lady who had one. I contacted the lady and asked her many questions. Turned out she was selling hers. I committed to buying it sight un-seen.
I initially thought I'd send the Equicizer home with one of the beginners we have here. This person has quite a busy schedule and is only able to come and rider her horse a few times each week. I knew that having the Equicizer at home would give her many opportunities to ride. BUT we found so many uses for the Equicizer at the farm every day I ended up keeping it in the arena instead.
What went into the decision to purchase one?
Currently there are a few beginner riders here. I thought the Equicizer would be GREAT for helping the people learn balance and tons of things without wear and tear on a horse. For example: the beginners were having balance problems with the canter. We turned to the Equicizer and they practiced riding in a two-point. Now the riders LOVE cantering on a horse.
I read the Equicizer website and knew that the Equicizer would be of terrific benefit for anyone who was not able to ride (either due to a human injury or a horse injury). And, wouldn't you know, within weeks of placing our Equicizer in the arena a friend came off her horse and broke her leg AND injured her ankle and knee. As soon as the doctor gave her the go-ahead she came here and rode our Equicizer. She was amazed at the cardio workout she received. She loved the feeling of being on a horse again. I actually offered our Equicizer to her (allowing her to take it home during her rehab), but she graciously declined, knowing how much we enjoy using it every day. And, she has returned several times to ride the Equicizer.
Does your Equicizer have a name?
I read the Equicizer website and knew that the Equicizer would be of terrific benefit for anyone who was not able to ride (either due to a human injury or a horse injury). And, wouldn't you know, within weeks of placing our Equicizer in the arena a friend came off her horse and broke her leg AND injured her ankle and knee. As soon as the doctor gave her the go-ahead she came here and rode our Equicizer. She was amazed at the cardio workout she received. She loved the feeling of being on a horse again. I actually offered our Equicizer to her (allowing her to take it home during her rehab), but she graciously declined, knowing how much we enjoy using it every day. And, she has returned several times to ride the Equicizer.
Does your Equicizer have a name?
Our Equicizer is pre-owned and came with a name engraved on the plate on his chest. It reads, "Titus".
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about Winsong Farm or your new Equicizer?
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about Winsong Farm or your new Equicizer?
Here at Winsong Farm we hold fundraisers at least twice a year with the horses playing games. You'll see some of the activities on YouTube at "Bill Stott Channel" and "Winnie Stott Channel". Other videos are at our website www.winsongfarm.com .
We have a fundraiser for North York Cat Rescue October 21. One of the acts we're working on includes vaulting. We started on the Equicizer and moved to the horse. Then we decided to try some vaulting movements with two vaulters. We don't have a vaulting horse at the farm, just nice horses that are trying to help the vaulters. However, two people on one of these horses doing movements didn't sound all that safe to me. Vaulting schools have barrels for the students to practice on BUT the barrel can't move. I turned to the Equicizer and everyone had a great time! And, once again, when the vaulters were secure at the standstill we added some movement to the Equicizer. The Equicizer is a super transition from doing the movements while the Equicizer is still, then setting the Equicizer in motion. What a wonderful way to progress in vaulting, bit by bit. Talk about a safe way to learn something new!
We love the Equicizer. I ride it every morning while the horses are eating breakfast. I showed it to our vet this morning. I'm 72 and she was amazed when I dismounted by swinging my right leg over the "horse's" head and slid off the left side.
One of our boarders is learning the two-point and the Equicizer helped her tremendously.
We've printed the thirty exercises from your website and do some of them before riding. We have gotten through all thirty and find some of them really challenging!
I wondered if the Equicizer would be of any benefit at the canter. Our instructor, Alex Reinfels, instantly answered that question. He showed us how to work on our aids for the flying changes, canter depart, canter/trot transitions, etc.
I'm sure we'll find more and more ways to integrate the Equicizer into our fitness and riding programs.
~~~~~~~~~~
We'd like to wish everyone at Winsong Farm much success with their upcoming fundraiser and many more happy rides on their Equicizer - "Titus"!
by Kayla Jarvinen
