The “TTEAM Connections” Newsletter was a quarterly publication edited by Linda’s sister, Robyn Hood, for the better part of four decades. Each issues included interesting stories from Linda, how-to articles and incredible Case Studies contributed by practitioners and readers. Here is one such case study, submitted by Equine Practitioner 2, Sandy Rakowitz – www.onehearthealingcenter.com/
Background
Roulette was born on a PMU farm in Alberta and is out of a Quarter Horse mare. She was one of the many foals originally destined for slaughter until The Animal Farm in California orchestrated an effort to have 100 foals adopted across the U.S. by December.
Before her adoption, Roulette lived in a feedlot for several months while awaiting transportation. She eventually arrived in Virginia in a large rig alongside other rescued foals. Upon arrival at Catherine’s farm, she was completely wild and overwhelmed by her new surroundings.
Initial Challenges
After three weeks with Roulette, Catherine found the filly’s progress to be extremely slow. She remained highly reactive, high-headed, and fearful of human touch. Catherine was unable to touch her head or body without startling her, and any attempt to touch her legs would cause her to kick out. She was also terrified of halters and ropes, making basic handling impossible.
Although Catherine had been using a stroking stick to gradually desensitize Roulette, she was concerned about how she would manage to get a halter on her or even trim her hooves.
A New Approach
While assisting at a TTEAM training in Middleburg, Virginia, I stayed with Catherine and had the opportunity to work with Roulette. Over three short sessions of 20-30 minutes each, we focused on building trust and reducing her reactivity.
A Moment of Curiosity
Roulette seemed captivated by my presence as I quietly squatted in the stall, simply observing without trying to “do” anything. This stillness intrigued her.
Slowly, I stood up and moved toward her right side—an area Catherine had struggled to work with. Without the distraction of her dinner, she was initially uneasy. However, she soon settled, allowing me to stroke her back, legs, and chest with the wand.
Expanding the Techniques
Once she accepted the wand’s touch, I introduced Llama TTouches, Clouded Leopard circles, Abalone circles, and Coiled Python touches with my hands. Her back and hindquarters were noticeably tight, so I focused on these areas, gradually encouraging her muscles to relax.
By the end of our 20-minute session, Roulette stood quietly with her head level with her withers—a clear sign of increasing trust and relaxation.
Key Differences in Technique
Later, Catherine and I discussed what made this approach different from what she had been doing:
- Using a wand instead of a stick – The softer, more flexible wand followed the natural contours of her body, making contact more gentle and inviting.
- Starting with stroking before physical touch – This helped establish comfort before introducing direct hand contact.
- Incorporating essential oils – I applied blends of Trauma Life, Valor, and Sara to the tip of the wand, allowing the scents to promote relaxation and ease fear.
- Adding a second wand – This provided additional sensory input and helped create balance.
- Transitioning from wand to direct TTouch techniques – This gradual process built trust without overwhelming her.
Day 2: Progress in Confidence
The next morning, Roulette greeted us at breakfast with a soft eye and a relaxed demeanor. This was a remarkable shift from just the day before.
I had wrapped the butt end of one of the wands with an ace bandage, adding an extra layer of softness. As I approached, I was able to stroke just above her body a few times before almost immediately transitioning to direct contact with both wands—without any resistance!
Using the padded wand, I introduced circular TTouches all over her body—her chest, neck, shoulders, back, belly, hindquarters, and legs. This time, I was even able to work up toward her poll and ears, areas she had previously avoided.
A Milestone Moment
Catherine was once again amazed at how calm and accepting Roulette had become. I carefully worked around the base of her ears, noticing how much she enjoyed the sensation. Her eye softened further, her breathing slowed, and for the first time, I was able to begin working directly on her ears.
With one wand, I provided gentle support behind her ear, while with the padded wand, I rolled along its length, making circular movements. This process helped release tension and increase her comfort with handling.
Day 2: Continued Progress and Overcoming Fear
Within just a few minutes of gentle TTouches and wand stroking, I was able to transition to direct contact on Roulette’s neck without any flinching—another small success. I introduced Zig-Zag TTouches along her sides, shoulders, back, and neck, working my way up to her poll and ears with no signs of distress.
Once she finished eating, she calmly moved to the other side of the stall to eat hay. I took this opportunity to work on her left side, beginning with the padded wand. However, as I reached the upper side of her neck, she flung her head up, her eye widened, and she appeared visibly worried.
Catherine noted that she suspected a past trauma on that side, possibly from an injection before Roulette’s arrival.
To ease her tension, I returned to stroking her body with the wand, a technique she now recognized as safe. Within minutes, she allowed me to return to her upper neck without any fear reaction—a remarkable demonstration of how quickly trust could be rebuilt. I finished the session on this positive note, wrapping up another successful 20-minute session.
Day 3: A Turning Point in Trust
That morning, as I approached the stall door, Roulette marched up to greet me, sticking her nose out to take a good sniff—with a soft, curious eye!
Stepping into the paddock with a flake of hay, I noticed she was still uncertain about me moving around her space. While her head was lower and her eye softer, she would step away if I moved toward her. So, I simply sat on a fallen tree near her hay, allowing her to observe me in her own time.
When Catherine arrived and opened the stall door, I decided to introduce movement-based trust exercises rather than letting her simply walk in on her own.
- Standing nearby, I used my voice and body language to guide her, saying:
“Aaaaaaand waaaaaaalk,” as I stepped towards her stall. - After 3-4 steps, I signaled with my hand and gently said:
“Aaaaaand Whooooooa.” - We repeated this process several times, allowing her to experience moving with a person rather than reacting to movement.
This simple yet powerful interaction showed her ability to listen, process, and respond—a major step in her development.
Introducing the Rope
I brought a rope into the stall for the first time. As soon as I slowly pulled it from my pocket, she panicked—throwing her head up and backing away with wide eyes.
What past trauma had she experienced with a rope?
To help her associate the rope with safety, I placed it in her feed tub while she ate. She glanced at it but resumed eating without concern—a small but significant step forward.
Meanwhile, I returned to what was familiar:
✔️ Stroking with both wands
✔️ Abalone Circles along her shoulder, neck, and back
✔️ Clouded Leopard Circles—which she seemed to enjoy
✔️ Lifts to release deeper tension
Then, I slowly reintroduced the rope, coiling it around the wand and gently stroking her body. This time, she remained calm.
Gradually, I let the rope uncoil, allowing it to drape along her neck while continuing the wand strokes. She briefly lifted her head in response but quickly settled and resumed eating with a soft eye.
This was huge progress—she was now choosing to remain calm rather than revert to flight mode.
Expanding Contact
Switching between wand strokes and direct TTouches, I worked my way to new areas:
✔️ Abalone Circles down her jaw
✔️ Gentle hand strokes over her eyes, forehead, and muzzle—which she loved
✔️ Mouth and gum work—introducing new sensations without triggering fear
When I discovered a cold, sensitive spot on the bridge of her nose, she acknowledged the discomfort with a small head flip, but she didn’t bolt. Instead, she processed the sensation and remained calm—a major step in breaking her old flight response patterns.
By the end of the session, she even allowed Abalone Circles down her left front leg—all the way to her hoof.
For a once completely untouchable filly, this was a groundbreaking moment.
Integrating Movement and Relationship
To conclude, I led her out of the stall into the paddock using the same gentle guiding method:
✔️ 3-4 steps forward
✔️ A calm stop
✔️ Repeating until she confidently walked outside
For a horse unfamiliar with human interaction, movement, or touch, this was more than just leading—it was a fundamental shift in her relationship with people.
Reflections on the Power of TTouch
Catherine, an experienced horse handler, had spent three weeks working with Roulette before these sessions. Despite her best efforts, progress had been minimal.
Yet, within just three days—with only three sessions lasting 20-25 minutes each—Roulette underwent a transformational shift:
✔️ She accepted full-body physical contact, including her back, hind end, neck, legs, poll, ears, and face
✔️ She walked calmly alongside a person instead of defaulting to flight mode
✔️ She overcame her fear of ropes, allowing it to be stroked along her body
✔️ She became curious and engaged with TTouches, rather than reacting defensively
This experience was deeply inspiring—watching her transition from fear to trust was truly an honor.
A Message from Catherine
One week after my visit, Catherine sent this update:
“Sandy, your help with Roulette was invaluable. I can now put a halter on her while she is eating! I really think she’s making bigger strides since your work with her.”
And one month later:
“Roulette is making great strides. I really think your work broke through her fear patterns so she could begin to learn. I lead her in and out of the stall now—she doesn’t mind pressure on her head and follows me well. I’m working on picking up her feet, and so far, she hasn’t freaked out at all!
Please let me know if you’re visiting soon—Roulette would love to show off her new skills to an appreciative audience.”
Final Thoughts
Roulette’s transformation showcases the power of gentle, trust-based techniques. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, even the most fearful and reactive horses can learn to feel safe, engaged, and connected.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of equine transformation!