Archive for the Blog Category

Networking Neighs with Theodora F. Izzard – TFI Reiki

On March 30, 2022 / Blog, Charity, Commercial Photography, East Sussex, Horse Photography, Networking / Leave a comment

Ahh, it was great to be out in the sunshine, surrounded by the countryside, in the field with horses munching on grass and networking with such nice people in a super relaxed atmosphere.

I was very surprised when I realised that there were so many creatives there on the day. Photography is definitely not just one size fits all. Adas (AdasGold Photography) specialises in branding, lifestyle and food/commercial photography, which is getting increasingly important with clients finding companies online.

I was interested to learn more about Carsten Birkebaek (Flying Pix) and his aerial drone photography & filming business. Just stunning! Here Carsten is connecting with Dainty, who is a bit hesitant about men at the moment. I think they got on really well, don’t you?

Sadly I didn’t get to chat much with Alex Durham (Alex Durham Freelance) your VA-Va-Voom Videographer based in Canterbury (in the middle of the picture). She specialises in engaging videos for people and businesses. She is currently offering short video sessions for your LinkedIn Profile Video promotions.

Theo’s talk was very captivating and honest and I am sure it helps being with a group of non judgemental people. During these down to earth networking events the best connections are made.

It is always a pleasure to see Anwen (Get Fruitful Marketing). Anwen is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to all your marketing needs. I was very interested to listen to her ideas for the future.

Lucy, in her role of bookkeeping, told us about the upcoming changes in 2024 for sole traders, not everyone is aware of the changes but we would all do well to prepare ourselves for the change in MTD (make tax digital) for freelancer / sole traders with a yearly income of over £10k.

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

For our first Networking Neighs of 2022 there was a theme of the participants that attended – filming and photography! Over half the participants were involved with a camera in some way, allowing beautiful connections and some great synergies as they enjoyed their one to one conversations in the field.

Networking Neighs is perfect for encouraging collaboration. Horses must work as a herd to survive. Different specialisms within the herd result in the greatest chance of success for all. Domain experts mean that different horses at different times will take the leadership role as the seek the tastiest food, shelter or water as their needs dictate.

Following the horse’s lead, we too have the potential to collaborate and work together, enjoying the benefits of companionship, strength in numbers and expertise of others.

This is just one of the way the horses continue to have a profound impact on the way we do business.

Becci Godfrey

Personal and Professional Development Coach

The next Networking Neighs on Friday 17th June 2022 continues with the theme of film with Brandon Croft of Brandon Screen Creations taking the guest speaker slot. You can sign up here: www.horsesenseuk.com/service-page/networking-neighs.

All proceeds continue to go to our Thank You NHS campaign.

Networking Neighs with Sophie Allain-Equine and Canine Manual Therapist

On July 14, 2021 / Blog, East Sussex, Horse related, Networking, Socially Distanced Networking / Leave a comment

Socially distanced Networking

Here we are, a much needed face to face networking – still with social distancing rules applied. Actually, I think the way forward is to apply common sense, whilst being out and about. I have seen so many people lately who were not wearing masks in shops and standing too close to strangers in closed spaces prior to the government lifting of the restrictions next week.

It was great to meet likeminded people whilst networking last week. It struck me as totally amazing that after chatting for a while, we discovered that we all have one thing in common, our businesses stem from our hearts. Not one business owner did what they were doing, just for the money or because they fell into it and never changed that situation. This realisation gave me a real fuzzy feeling.

Sophie Allain is really passionate in helping animals and by listening to her talk, you can’t but feel her desire to help animals live better lives. Check out her website www.sophie-ecmt.com , Sophie is based in Brighton and travels across the Sussex, Kent and Surrey (or further afield by negotiation).

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

With everything going on in the world at present, I was struck just how important these networking sessions are right now.

One of the reasons we run Networking Neighs is because they help attendees to make a deeper, lasting connection. The “Know, Like, Trust” experience is accelerated at these events as you quickly find you are meeting others that have similar deep values to your own. Through observing everyone’s interactions with the horses you get to see what kind of a person they are. Are they kind? Confident? Supportive? Empathetic? How you do horses is how you do people.

It’s not surprising therefore, that significantly more meaningful business is done on the back of a Networking Neighs event than any other networking events I attend. Networking Neighs is an instant friend making event, with three horses, even if with no-one else!

To honour how important these sessions are, I’ve been encouraged by Barbara to put the next session on sooner rather than later, so we can aim for another two events before the year is through.

Therefore, the next Networking Neighs will be on Friday 10th September at 9.30am. We’d love to have you join us. http://NetworkingNeighs.eventbrite.com

Here are some more pictures from the networking event to give you a taste of how the horses help to successfully network:

Networking Neighs with Anwen Cooper of Get Fruitful Marketing

On April 26, 2021 / Blog, East Sussex, France, Germany, Horse related, Networking, Socially Distanced Networking / Leave a comment

Socially distanced Networking

The sun was shining and it felt great to be outdoors and meet people in person! I, like so many others no doubt, have been attending many virtual networking meetings and it was like a breath of fresh air. The herd was eager to be with people too!

I can’t wait for the next meeting on the 9th July 2021. And maybe the restrictions have eased a bit more and more people can enjoy this rather unusual networking event.

Hope to see you there!
Best wishes
Barbara

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Wow, what a glorious day to enjoy our first Networking Neighs of the year!

The last year of lockdown’s, virtual meetings and lack of connection has been difficult for many, the horses included. An outdoor networking meeting with horses was the perfect antidote for people to show up as their authentic selves and enjoy some in-person connection time.

As usual, the horses brought their individual flavour, joining conversations and asking for fusses. With a fully international group (France, Germany, UK and Portugal), it was great to see the language of heartfelt connection is the same no matter where you come from.

Huge thanks to our guest speaker Anwen Cooper of Get Fruitful Marketing who wowed us all with her insight into the history of marketing. The words campaign, target and strategy won’t ever land the same again after Anwen shared how they were all the ‘language of war’. For all those that have shied away from marketing as we’ve not enjoyed being on the receiving end of aggressive campaigns that are more about sales than service, the insight was illuminating.

Networking Neighs is back on Friday 9th July. Tickets are available here: www.networkingneighs.eventbrite.co.uk

In the meantime, check out the HorseSense UK Be-ing Herd sessions for ways to help process the pandemic. Using the Listening Circle format and in the presence of horses, these sessions are all about helping people to find themselves and move forwards after difficult experiences.

Government guidance on pets and COVID-19 self-isolation

On August 19, 2020 / Blog, Cat related, Covid-19, Dog related, Horse related / Leave a comment

Are you up to date with what to do with your pets when you have to self-isolate?

The UK government has set out clear guidelines, for an up-to-date version here is the link to their website.

It is holiday season and with more and more countries being added to the 14 day quarantine list, you may well find yourself in self-isolation.

Here are their current guidelines (*correct as of date of blog post)

If your animal needs vet treatment

If your animal needs treatment, phone the vet to arrange the best way to meet their needs.

Dogs

You must follow the rules on self isolation if you:

have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
test positive for coronavirus
have been abroad and told to quarantine on your return

If your dog cannot exercise at home, you should ask someone outside of your household or support bubble to walk your dog for you.

If you’re walking dogs on behalf of someone not able to

You may walk a dog for someone who is unable to leave their house because they are self-isolating.

You should wash your hands before and after handling the dog and keep 2 metres away from other people and animals, including when handing over the dog to the owner.

Cats

You should:

wash your hands before and after any contact with your cat, its food and bedding
avoid close contact such as kissing or cuddling if you are self-isolating
not share food with your pet

Horses, livestock and other animals

You must follow the rules on self isolation if you:

have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
test positive for coronavirus
have been abroad and told to quarantine on your return

If you have a horse that you don’t keep at home (for example, you keep it in livery, a stables or on private land), you should not visit it whilst you are self-isolating. You should contact your yard manager or vet to make suitable animal welfare arrangements.

If you have livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, or any other types of livestock or kept animals such as alpacas, you should arrange for someone else who is not self-isolating to care for your animals.

Where this is not possible, you should ensure the basic needs of your animals are met.

You should wash your hands before and after handling your animals and stay 2 metres away from other people.

If you’re too unwell to care for your animals and there is no one to help, you should call your local authority.

If your horse needs attention from a farrier

If your horse requires attention from a farrier, you should phone the farrier for advice to best meet your horse’s needs.

Latest Equine Photo Shoot – Sneak Peek

On August 12, 2020 / Blog, Covid-19, Equine, Horse Photography, Kent, Sneak Peek, Socially Distanced Photo Shoot / Leave a comment

Equine Photo Shoot – with social distancing rules

It has been a while – and now I am back photographing! Oh, I have missed being able to spend some quality time with my clients pets!

Initially it felt really weird but we soon all got into the swing of keeping our distance. I used to turn up at the yard or at my clients home and we had a chat over a cup of tea or coffee before taking a quick recce to earmark locations. We skipped the tea drinking and handshaking on arrival, maybe we will return to these niceties at some point.

I have been pouring over this latest set of client images and I not sure but somewhere along the line I have forgotten how to make quick decisions on which image to show my client and which one to cull. It seemed to take forever and after spending 2 1/2 hours on the actual photo shoot I have 50 beautiful and very individual images to show.

Due to Covid-19 the viewing will now take place via screen share. Before the pandemic I used to drive to my clients house and we would watch the slide show together. Just as well we are all so adaptable!

As mentioned in the subject line, this is a

Sneak Peek

of my latest socially distanced photo shoot. It can be done and I looking forward to many more, … The image I chose is in fact a classic door step photo.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to make memories with your beloved pet.

Four Positive Paws – Top tips to help your anxious dog

On July 16, 2020 / B2C, Blog, Dog related, West Sussex / Leave a comment

Top tips for your anxious dog

Hello again! I hope you enjoyed reading the blog featuring Dawn from Four Positive Paws about anxiety during lock down. I caught up with Dawn again and as promised, here are her top tips how you can help your anxious dog/s!

Before we dive into how to help your dog/s you really have to ask yourself first:

How much stretch do we have with our own coping elasticity?

The amount of stress and anxiety we can cope with is individual. We experience situations that require us to stretch and relax. If we do not allow ourselves and our dogs to relax, we may over a period of time lose our elasticity and may no longer have so much stretch or it could simply snap.

No elastic, no matter how big or strong, will withstand being overstretched too often or for too long.

Self care and individual resources

#tip 1

Take the time to get more rest/sleep:
I know how cranky I feel if I don’t get enough sleep. Tolerance levels lower and activities that are usually completed with considerable effort seem to demand an enormous effort. Dogs have different sleeping patterns to humans and many are losing their day time quality sleep and rest while their humans are so often at home now.

#tip 2

Finding a quiet space for our dogs to retreat to:
Giving them a few hours when they can get comfortable and putting in some clear boundaries for the dog to be enabled to rest. If there is a lot going on in the home a dog is unlikely to be able to rest and we confuse this eagerness to keep going with choice yet, similarly to young children, they will keep going in spite of being tired and often become irritable, fractious and over tired. This then impacts on their sleeping pattern and can have a really negative outcome depending on your dog/s development stage, tolerance, coping strategies and health.

#tip 3

Recognise the change in behaviour:
An anxious or fearful dog that has not been able to sleep and rest may start to display and practise unexpected and unwelcome behaviours. Our dogs are not naughty and do not want to behave in ways that are not comfortable for them but they are often practising behaviours because they feel they have no choice and may have exhausted all other avenues of communication.

Snapping at people on walks or in the home

Upset stomach or vomiting

Toileting accidents in the home

Destructive behaviours like chewing shoes, walls, remote controls.

They may start to be more vocal, whining, barking, growling.

Walks may become challenging with no recall or running off and disappearing.

Some dogs may refuse to leave the house or be reluctant to walk much once outside and sit or plant themselves.

They may also start to get some health issues like itchy skin, ear infections or sore, weepy eyes.

#tip 4

Decrease demands on ourselves and our dogs:
Walk free days (Duvet Days), walk at different times and in different environments, hire a private field and have the whole place to ourselves.

#tip 5

Be as clear as you can be communicating with your dog and implement a good daily structure:

Discover how your dog communicates and listen. Dogs rely on their owners for safety and support. Be your dog’s advocate!

As a fully accredited member of The Association of INTODogs and ICAN I am able to display this symbol. Please check out the Charter website to see what assurances this symbol brings at www.ukdogcharter.org”

Dawn is passionate about supporting owners to teach their dogs to gain more confidence and improve their social skills.

Dawn offers 1:1 sessions, courses and workshops for nervous, anxious dogs, good socialisation, reliable recall, lead skills for both ends of the lead and sensory enrichment for building confidence.

To find out more about Dawn, here are her contact details:

Website www.fourpositivepaws.co.uk
Email dawn.allen@fourpositivepaws.co.uk
Facebook @fourpositivepaws

*Disclaimer: Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak all images from this blog have been kindly submitted by Dawn.

#stay connected #helpindependentbusinesses #anxiousdog #anxietyindogs #behaviourchangeindogs #betheleader

Four Positive Paws – Talking about Anxiety and survival during the pandemic and lock down

On June 26, 2020 / Blog, Coronavirus, Covid-19, Dog related, West Sussex / Leave a comment

Anxiety and survival during the pandemic and lock down

Lock down is thankfully easing and more and more dogs are feeling the difference. As a pet owner I am sure you can relate when I say that dogs feed off your own emotions. Recently I connected with Dawn. Her business Four Positive Paws is based in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

Her clients have all noticed changes in their dogs’ behaviour including separation anxiety as many people are preparing to go back to the office.

Here is what Dawn said:

Many of us are struggling and looking for solutions. Exploring and considering what may be going on for us and our dogs can be helpful.

We can find ourselves in an almost constant state of fight or flight for everyday tasks. You might experience any of the following yourself:

Fatigue

Overwhelm

Frustration and increased demands

Giving more time and thought to basic tasks

Concerns about our basic needs like safety

Cognitive difficulties with memory

Mixed messages and conflicting information about what we should and should not be doing provide us with the opportunity to consider the parallels with experiences and perspectives with our own dog/s.

What can we do for our dogs and ourselves?

Walks with our dogs seem to be more challenging with more people around. What used to be our usual quiet, calm or happy walks may become stressful for us and our dogs.

Rest, recover and rejuvenate our own and our dog’s bodies and minds need good quality sleep and rest to process the events of the day. We can underestimate how much our dogs have to cope with in a day or a week.

Decompress To survive and thrive we can discover ways to decompress. If we are continuously in flight or fight and we are constantly in a state of anxiety we deplete our coping resources and our resilience can also be affected.

Who needs who?

Our dogs look to us for stability and predictability yet we have been living in uncertain and unpredictable times. Dogs take their cues from our body language and our verbal communications and they can even pick up on our hormones.

If our dogs are anxious or nervous and they look to us and we are behaving oddly, unpredictably or in a stressed and anxious state they will pick up on it. Often, we look to our dogs for comfort but our dogs look to us for their safe space. Some dogs may not cope with the demands expected of them.

We can observe how fraught and sensitive people are at the moment, on a short fuse, reactive where they may previously have been responsive. There is plenty of tension around.

How do we behave when we are woken up again at 2 or 3 am to let our dog or puppy outside?

How do we react when they have another toileting accident?

Depending on how we behave will affect our dogs but it can be more challenging to keep cool, calm and collected when we have more demands put on us than we may be able to cope with.

As a fully accredited member of The Association of INTODogs and ICAN I am able to display this symbol. Please check out the Charter website to see what assurances this symbol brings at www.ukdogcharter.org”

If you need help with your dog/s, Dawn is passionate about supporting owners to teach their dogs to gain more confidence and improve their social skills.

Dawn offers 1:1 sessions, courses and workshops for nervous, anxious dogs, good socialisation, reliable recall, lead skills for both ends of the lead and sensory enrichment for building confidence.

To find out more about Dawn, here are her contact details:

Website www.fourpositivepaws.co.uk
Email dawn.allen@fourpositivepaws.co.uk
Facebook @fourpositivepaws

Watch out for the next blog with Dawn when she will give you some tips how you can help yourself and your anxious dog/s!

*Disclaimer: Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak all images from this blog have been kindly submitted by Dawn.

#stay connected #helpindependentbusinesses #anxiousdog #anxietyindogs #behaviourchangeindogs #helpyourdogthroughcovid

Lucie’s Lambs, Sevenoaks, Kent

On June 10, 2020 / B2C, Blog, Covid-19, Equestrian, Horse related, Kent, Spring / Leave a comment

Lucie’s Lambs

In my effort to promote local businesses during lock down, I recently connected with Lucy. Her business is based in Sevenoaks, Kent. It was very interesting to hear how lock down has affected her business and what she has been up to. This is what she said:

Lucie’s Border Collie

Living with my parents in the Kent countryside, I am lucky to have plenty of space for pet animals. Over the years, we have collected various cats and a rescue donkey in addition to my old pony and horse and the family dogs. But my pride and joy is the Border Collie (Scout) I bought while working in Ireland to help me care for my flock of pedigree Romney sheep.

Lucie’s Little Lamb

They are a bit like pets, too, especially this little fellow, who was too greedy for his mother and had to be bottle-fed. I take very good care of them – feeding them nothing but fresh grass and hay from our fields according to the principles of what is now known as regenerative agriculture but is really good old-fashioned husbandry. By doing this I am making a small contribution to improving the environment and so slowing down climate change. But it is no sacrifice because in their short happy lives the lambs produce meat that tastes so much better than what you can buy in the supermarket.

My customers are queuing up for more this autumn and you can join them here – www.lucieslambs.co.uk. You can call me on 07712690318 or follow me on my Instagram @lucietrapp or on Facebook @Lucie’s Lambs

At Lucie’s Lamb Farm every year* they tend to have a surplus of hay, which local equestrians are able to pick up in a socially distanced way straight from the field.

*Update: This year’s harvest did not create a huge surplus and has already been collected. I will keep you updated on next year’s situation.

*Disclaimer: Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak all images from this blog have been kindly submitted by Lucie.

#stay connected #helpindependentbusinesses #regenerativeagriculture #improvingtheenvironment #slowingdownclimatechange

Archive for the Blog Category

Networking Neighs with Theodora F. Izzard – TFI Reiki

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Latest Equine Photo Shoot – Sneak Peek

Equine Photo Shoot – with social distancing rules

Sneak Peek

Information

Recent Blog Posts

Are We Connected?

Archive for the Blog Category

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Socially distanced Networking

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Socially distanced Networking

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Are you up to date with what to do with your pets when you have to self-isolate?

If your animal needs vet treatment

Dogs

Cats

Horses, livestock and other animals

Equine Photo Shoot – with social distancing rules

Sneak Peek

Wowser, what a scorcher!

If you are feeling the heat, remember your pets – they too feel the heat!

Top tips for your anxious dog

How much stretch do we have with our own coping elasticity?

Self care and individual resources

#tip 1

#tip 2

#tip 3

#tip 4

#tip 5

Anxiety and survival during the pandemic and lock down

Mixed messages and conflicting information about what we should and should not be doing provide us with the opportunity to consider the parallels with experiences and perspectives with our own dog/s.

Who needs who?

Lucie’s Lambs

Information

Recent Blog Posts

Are We Connected?