Stories of peace, trust and transformation.

This mare was diagnosed with Kissing Spine and had become extremely reactive and dangerous due to the pain and discomfort she was experiencing. Through our holistic rehabilitation program, we focused on addressing both her physical and emotional wellbeing, helping her rebuild strength, balance, trust, and correct movement patterns.

Over time, she became sound, began using her body correctly, and was able to move comfortably without the compensations that had developed from pain. Most importantly, she regained confidence in people, allowing us to safely touch, handle, and eventually ride her again.

Demelza came to us as a young horse after sustaining injuries when she jumped a fence. The physical trauma led to compensatory movement patterns throughout her body, and over time she became increasingly difficult to handle. Living in a constant state of fight-or-flight, she would rear, run over handlers, kick, and bite. The chronic tension in her body was clearly visible in her posture, including the development of an ewe neck.

Rather than viewing Demelza as a "problem horse," we recognised that her behaviour was communicating pain, fear, and a nervous system that no longer felt safe. Through our AMANA approach, we focused on rebuilding trust, restoring correct movement, and helping her find relaxation in both her body and mind.

Using groundwork, body awareness exercises, and a relationship-based approach, Demelza gradually learned to regulate her emotions, move correctly, and develop the strength needed to support herself comfortably. As her body changed, so did her behaviour.

Today, Demelza is almost unrecognisable from the horse she once was. She has transformed into a kind, willing, and affectionate young horse who is eager to learn and connect with people. Her groundwork is exceptional, her posture and musculature are strong and correct, and she is now confidently ready to begin her ridden career.

Demelza's story reminds us that when we address the root cause rather than the symptoms, horses are given the opportunity to become the partners they were always meant to be.

Trendy's story is currently being written. This section will share her journey through kissing spine diagnosis, rehabilitation and the gradual return to comfortable, correct movement.

Full copy to follow — including the early signs that something was wrong, the changes made to her management and groundwork, and the milestones along the way.

Tallulah spent much of her life as a riding school horse and, despite being kind and willing, had never received the correct schooling needed to develop strength, balance, and confidence in her body. When Donna began developing the AMANA method, Tallulah became one of the very first horses to go through the program.

Like many horses, Tallulah had learned to move through life in a state of tension. She was often anxious, rushed in her work, and struggled to find true balance, both physically and mentally.

Through a combination of groundwork, correct schooling, body awareness, and nervous system regulation, Tallulah began to transform. As her body grew stronger and more balanced, her mind became calmer and more confident. She learned to slow down, trust the process, and move with greater ease and self-carriage.

Today, Tallulah is a wonderful example of how even horses without major injuries can benefit from a holistic approach. She has developed into a relaxed, balanced, and enjoyable riding horse who carries herself with confidence and grace.

Tallulah's journey reminds us that transformation isn't always about fixing problems — sometimes it's about helping a horse discover the comfort, balance, and confidence that was missing all along.

Ant, a large Warmblood gelding, arrived as a horse that many people described as "lazy." He was reluctant to move forward and appeared unmotivated in his work. However, when he did move, he was extremely strong, heavy on the forehand, and difficult to ride in balance.

Looking beyond the symptoms, it became clear that Ant was not lazy at all — he was a horse whose nervous system was severely dysregulated. He appeared shut down and depressed, struggled to maintain a healthy weight, and suffered from frequent colic episodes. His body and mind were simply not functioning as they should.

We began with groundwork, focusing on nervous system regulation, correct posture, and rebuilding strength from the ground up. As Ant learned to feel safe and use his body more efficiently, his movement began to change. Once he had developed sufficient strength and balance, we gradually introduced ridden work and schooling.

The transformation was remarkable. The recurring colic episodes stopped, he began maintaining a healthy weight, and his entire physique changed as he developed correct musculature and self-carriage. But perhaps the most beautiful change was in his spirit. The horse who once seemed withdrawn and disconnected began to enjoy life again. His personality emerged, his confidence grew, and he became engaged with both people and his work.

As his body became stronger and his nervous system more regulated, Ant transformed from a heavy, strong horse into one that was sensitive, soft, and responsive to ride. He became a pleasure to work with — a willing partner who moved with balance, lightness, and enthusiasm.

Ant's story reminds us that what appears to be laziness is often a horse asking for help. When we address the whole horse — body, mind, and nervous system — we create the opportunity for true healing and transformation.

Clarabella is one of the rescue horses that found her way to our farm. When she arrived, she was severely emaciated, traumatised, and frightened. Her condition was so poor that we were unsure whether she would survive.

Rather than rushing her into training, we focused on what she needed most: safety, consistency, and care. Through a gentle feeding program, patient trust-building, and allowing her the time to settle and feel secure, Clarabella slowly began to recover. Day by day, she gained weight, strength, and confidence.

One of the greatest joys of rehabilitation is watching a horse begin to believe in life again. As Clarabella's body healed, her personality started to emerge. The fearful, fragile horse that arrived at our gates has blossomed into a bright and willing young mare with a future ahead of her.

Clarabella is still at the beginning of her journey and is only now starting her groundwork education. However, her transformation has already been remarkable. From a horse we feared might not survive, she has become a healthy, thriving mare who is ready to begin her training as an AMANA Sanctuary horse.

Clarabella's story reminds us that healing doesn't always begin with training. Sometimes it begins with kindness, patience, and simply giving a horse the chance to feel safe enough to live again.

The donkeys play a very special role at Amana Sanctuary. Around the world, donkeys are often among the most overlooked and mistreated animals. Millions of donkeys work long hours carrying heavy loads, pulling carts, and transporting people and goods. Many suffer from neglect, poor nutrition, untreated injuries, exhaustion, and a lack of veterinary care. Despite their incredible strength, loyalty, and gentle nature, they are often seen as working tools rather than sentient beings with thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

In recent years, donkeys have faced an additional crisis. Millions are being slaughtered for their skins, which are used to produce a traditional product called ejiao. This growing skin trade has led to a dramatic decline in donkey populations in many countries, leaving communities without the animals they rely on for transport, farming, and daily survival.

At Amana Sanctuary, each of our donkeys has a story to tell. Most have experienced hardship, neglect, trauma, or abuse before finding their way to us. The only exceptions are Mistletoe and Holy, who were born here and have known nothing but love and safety from the very beginning.

Watching our donkeys heal has been one of the greatest privileges of our journey. Animals who once lived in fear now greet visitors with curiosity, confidence, and affection. They remind us that healing is possible, no matter what we have been through.

Because of their gentle and grounding nature, our donkeys are often included in retreats, camps, workshops, and group experiences. Whether through a quiet donkey meditation, a healing journey, mindful interaction, or simply spending time in their presence, they have an incredible ability to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience peace.

At Amana Sanctuary, our donkeys are not just rescued animals — they are teachers, companions, and living examples of hope, healing, and second chances.