S4 E3: 'The Non Ridden Equine' Facebook group - with Vicki Yates

In this episode of our Special Edition Season on ‘What Else Is There?’, I’m delighted to introduce you to Vicki Jayne Yates and the Facebook group she established with her husband Steve, ‘The Non Ridden Equine’.This free group that continues to grow weekly with a current membership of over 32,000 people from around the world. I’ve been a member for a number of years now and love being part of such an inclusive, welcoming group and a place where I can draw inspiration on ideas of what activities I can be doing with my horses besides riding.I wanted to showcase this community to you because I think we can sometimes feel isolated and perhaps lonely if we’re not riding. So much is focused on the ridden world and there can be peer-pressure to ride, I know I’ve faced it. I want you to know that if you are not riding your equines or even if you are, that there is this amazing, international community out there that you can be part of if you’re not already. There are SO many people around the world who have equines that they don’t ride & enjoy in other ways. The Non Ridden Equine Facebook group is somewhere that you can find connection and possibly some inspiration too (listen next week for more on this).I also find Vicki and Steve’s story with Kez, which inspired the establishment of the group very powerful and wanted to share that with you too.Enjoy & see you in The Non Ridden Equine Facebook group soon. Vicki Jayne Yates:Vicki is an artist, Reiki healer, animal communicator and founder of the original Non Ridden Equine Facebook group. Vicki has many years’ experience in the equine industry. Her horsemanship approach has been showcased many times in published articles in magazines. Vicki is passionate out non ridden equines and the many lessons we can learn side by side from equines. Vicki’s passion for non ridden equines comes from years of seeing first-hand how disadvantaged they are in a world in love with riding. Vicki and her husband Steve’s own horse Kez cannot be ridden due to his health conditions. He is a daily reminder that more must be done for non ridden equines. Not all are lucky to have guardians who love unconditionally. Vicki and Steve set up the original Non Ridden Equine Facebook group. Tens of thousands of people have joined. It was clear that social media is a fantastic way to connect and share stories. Kez has his own social media page and Vicki has also created free non ridden resources for all and called it Kez’s Club. On a very personal level Vicki has been on profound and life changing journeys with my own equines. Each has gifted her insights and knowledge. Lessons can be deep, personal and take us out of our comfort zones into new learning. The bond between 2 souls is real and spiritual.  The Non Ridden Equine Facebook groupThis is the original Non Ridden Equine group on Facebook and is the pioneer in raising the non-ridden agenda and influencing change. It has gone global with members worldwide. The group is not an anti-riding group.Horses are not born with tack. Plenty cannot be ridden or driven for many reasons. Some people choose not to ride. The non ridden equine is often over looked and under-valued. This Facebook group has been created to celebrate the many joys non-ridden equines can bring to us. It is a place people can exchange ideas and experiences of enjoyment of the non-ridden equine. Plus show off their beautiful equines. People who ride are also welcome. As everything non-ridden is great for ridden equines too. Riding is wonderful if it is ethical and FUN for both horse and human. In this episode we discuss:1:21 - episode introduction3:23 - introducing Vicki & The Non Ridden Equine Facebook group5:46 - a thank you & Vicki’s story of finding this passion8:36 - the personal journey that led to the group’s creation: Kez’s story12:22 - setting up the Facebook group, & going global14:06 - who is Kez?15:56 - the importance of persevering to figure out what’s going on to know what you’re dealing with & being aware of who any treatment is actually for18:54 - the group & how it ‘ticks’23:00 - importance of a safe space to share personal journey’s & a long intergenerational history26:00 - how young it starts & a different way30:34 - diversity in the group32:39 - what do people share in the group - what are the diverse activities do people get up to?38:21 - how to find the group to join in & the benefits of non-ridden activities to ALL equines40:35 - episode wrap-up & what’s on An Equine Conversation next week Links from Vicki:The Non Ridden Equine Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenonriddenhorseWebsite: www.VickiJayneYates.co.uk  Kez’s Club: www.vickijayneyates.co.uk/kezs-club.htmlKez’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kezthenonriddencob Our links mentioned this episode:  Sign-up to our email listFrom Green to Growth: developing positive partnerships for the futureAbbey's Run Equestrian websiteAbbey's Run Equestrian on Facebook Thank you to Matthew Bliss for podcast production & consultation. If you'd like him to help with your podcast, get in touch by email at [email protected]