20/03/2026
Republican Party, known affectionately as Stewy at the stables, is a Standardbred c**t. My relationship first began with Stewy when he was four years old - rising 5.
He had become highly strung and was increasingly difficult to handle to a point where he was roaring and grabbing out at other horses. Only a couple of people at the stables were able to handle him, which was totally out of character for Stewy who was usually very quiet and gentle.
The vet suggested the issue was hormonal and had arrived to geld him. I happened to be at the stables treating other horses when the vet arrived, so his guardian asked if I may be able to resolve the issue rather than resorting to gelding. With his future lineage hinging on my success, I suggested we allocate three treatments to work thorough the issue rather than making any snap decisions. It was agreed and the vet was put on hold.
Stewy was a little reactive when I began working on him, but I’d dealt with a lot worse. I incorporated several different modalities into his first treatment, including Kinesiology, Craniosacral Therapy and used some plant medicines to clear several energy blocks, and Stewy had a lot of lovely releases.
After his first treatment, he was happier, more content and not as highly strung and I received the following text; “Stewy is noticeably more content, on planet earth rather than having his head in the clouds. Very positive, I do think he will benefit with more work for sure”.
For his follow up treatment, I cleared more energy blocks, worked on his meridians and gave him more plant medicines. I received the following text a few days later; “Stewy is really back to his younger and pleasant self. I think it is nearly safe to say he won’t be getting gelded. He has you to thank big time! 😆”
I treated Stewy again approximately a month later and then again right before his Group One race in the IRT NZ Trotting Cup and I could see for myself that his behaviour had changed completely. In spite of having a few niggles to address he was an absolute gentleman and showed exceptional manners.
Republican Party went on to win the 5 year old Entire or Gelding of the Year award as an entire, beating some other big names and was also named Pacer of the Year. He has raced in the NZ IRT trotting Cup three years in a row now and after winning 4 Group One races in 2025 he was named Harness racing’s Horse of the Year! What a big career it’s shaping up to be for gorgeous Stewy! I’m so proud to be a part of his journey.
