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About the Golden Carrot...
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Casey conversing with Cuervo
I am Casey O'Connor, founder and until recently sole supporter of the
Golden Carrot and its horses. I am a legal secretary/paralegal/word processor by trade, with
a love for horses that goes back to childhood. My family was too poor for me to spend much
time with horses when I was a kid, but I baby-sat and did ironing to earn money, and then begged my
Dad for a ride to the local stable. I mostly just sat on a tired old campaigner who walked me
directly to the first patch of grass. For me it was heaven!
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Casey leads Alex on Buck while Hava looks on...
At age 21, I was given a 16 year old pony named Bobby Sox, who is the
inspiration for the Golden Carrot. I thought he was too old; I thought he was too small (13.3
hands); I thought there wouldn't be much I could do with him. Boy was I wrong! Bobby
Sox did it all, and taught me everything I know about horses. He was smart, strong, tricky
and kind. I lost my darling Bobby at age 42. Please see his information under the
Memorial Page. Little Erin Lyons rode Bobby in his last lesson in 1999, and my heart swelled
with pride, as I know his did.
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He was the best! Bobby
Sox taught me that horses don't necessarily want to stand around eating all day. While the
Golden Carrot offers horses the opportunity to be part of a herd (some for the first time since
they were foals) allowing them to be horses in a more natural way, it also offers them light work,
because I cannot forget how much I enjoyed being around them when I was small. I believe that
most kids, when they finally get a horse, get someone like Bobby Sox and the other Golden Carrot
horses - older, with years of training and seasoning, some with disabilities such as arthritis
ringbone, navicular, bowed tendons and the like. Just like myself they are still useful, just
a little creaky and in need of additional attention such as warming up before and cooling down
after exercise; special feed requirements; knowledge of pain medications, etc.
A lot of kids have shown me that I was right - the smiles on their
faces as they do the chores, ride and feed tons of carrots to the horses will warm your hearts
- the bright eyes and proud carriage of horses like Bobby Sox and Zayler carrying a small
rider will convince you they WANT to do this.
Since this site began, both Bobby Sox and Zayler have passed
away. Both were giving children lessons into their latest years - maybe only photo
opportunities, leadline and the smallest kids, but it was work they could do and
enjoy.
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Casey O'Connor, founder of The Golden Carrot, is also a certified Equine
Massage Therapist. With the older and disabled horses living at TGC, this comes in mighty
handy. If you have a horse that might benefit from massage, give a call, as the money Casey
earns giving equine massage goes directly to The Golden Carrot horses.
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Tender Touch Massage information click here!
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I would be happy to offer the services of TGC horses in a
therapeutic riding program, but can't find any takers. If you know of handicapped or
disabled people who have an interest in learning to ride, I will be happy to work with you to
provide a safe therapeutic and enjoyable experience.
When I was 35 I received formal riding instruction at the Portuguese
Bend Riding Club in Palos Verdes, California. My instructor, John Garvey, taught me how
horses think, how to ride and how to instruct. I did give beginning riding lessons at
PBRC. I read a great deal to fill the gaps of my horse education and a list of the books I
have found useful over the years can be found below. Finally, over the past 13 years, the horses of
The Golden Carrot have themselves given me an irreplaceable education about horses.
Please feel free to email me!
Sincerely,
Casey O'
Connor
cocarrot@earthlink.net
Reading List
There is always more to know - keep learning!
Centered Riding, by Sally Swift
Centered Riding 2, by Sally Swift
Physical Therapy and Massage for the Horse, Jean-Marie Denoix and Jean-Pierre
Pailloux
The Lame Horse, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Dr. James R. Rooney
The Tellington TTouch, Linda Tellington-Jones with Sybil Taylor
Amateur Horseman's Theory and Practical Textbook, Margaret Clarke
Basic Horsemanship, English and Western, Eleanor F. Prince and Gaydel M. Collier
Hands-On Senior Horse Care, Karen E.N. Hayes, DVM and Sue Copeland
Understanding The Older Horse, Robert E. Holand, DVM
Horses are Made to be Horses, Franz Mairinger
Horse Care Tips from A-Z, Equus Reference guide
Investigating Lameness Equus Stable Reference guide
There are No Problem Horses, only problem riders (Mary Twelveponies)
Horse Structure and Movement, Smythe & Goody, revised by Peter Gray MVB
MRCVS
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