Meet the yoga teacher who loves having a good stretch... with her HORSE

By Mary Isokariari

The 'Bow': Linda Guanti enjoys a yoga session with Lewis, a 17-year-old Egyptian Arabian horse

A veteran horse is still competing in old age after beating stiffness in his joints - by doing YOGA.

Super-fit Lewis, a 17-year-old Egyptian Arabian, mastered a string of yoga moves after copying his owner Linda Guanti, 35.

Linda was mucking out when she began practising her own stretches to help her bad back - and was stunned to see Lewis mimicking her.


She spent several hours a day showing Lewis how to adopt the complex poses and he can now hold positions such as the 'bow' and the 'neck side stretch'.

Lewis has even mastered an awkward pose where he kneels forward to push his nose into the ground and stretch his back while Linda stands beside him and reaches to the sky.

Their joint yoga sessions have cured Linda's lifelong back pain and eased Lewis' stiff joints so much that he can carry on competing.

X-ray technologist Linda, from British Columbia, Canada, said: 'Lewis is a great horse. I've had him since he was five-and-a-half and he loves to try anything that's fun.

'I was amazed when he began to do yoga. He really adores the stretches and it's great that we can both combine our hobby and spend time together.

'Neck Side Stretch' position: Lewis has beaten stiffness in his joints becoming a real poser after learning how to do yoga stretches


'Doing yoga with your horse is a wonderful way to make a connection with them.'

'Lewis has learned how to remain calm in vulnerable positions that would frighten most horses.'

'Plus, he's a fairly athletic horse who jumps and does dressage so there stretches help to keep him fit.' Linda turned to yoga after she fractured three vertebrae in her back falling from a horse when she was 14.

The injury was never fixed and gave her chronic health problems throughout her adult life that meant she was unable to ride properly.

Back improvement: Practising her own stretches with Lewis has helped Linda's back


Several years ago she then suffered three prolapsed discs.

But when Linda discovered yoga in 2007 she noticed a dramatic improvement in her health.

She began doing her stretches while she groomed Lewis in a bid to save time and be around her pet more often.

But to her amazement Lewis soon joined in. In one manoeuvre, Lewis kneels forward and pushes his head into the ground in a stretch that would cause most horses to spook.

The pose, named the 'Bow', stretches Lewis' shoulder forward while his other front leg is tucked behind to stretch the shoulder. The neck, back, and hind legs are also stretched.

Another pose involves Linda standing at the horse's rear and arching her back in a 'Neck Side Stretch' pose. The horse cranes his neck round to the side which helps with flexibility, range of motion and suppleness throughout the neck and also the back.


The yoga expert: Lewis has mastered a string of yoga moves after copying his owner Linda Guanti, 35


Lewis would normally have become stiff as he grew older but the stretches have kept his joints supple and he's able to continue competing in dressage, show jumping and cross county competitions.

Linda said that doing yoga with Lewis has helped to heal her bad back - and even helped with his stamina.

She has become a part-time yoga instructor and now runs classes that people can bring their horses too.

She added: 'There is nothing I can do about my weakened discs and damaged bones but the benefits of doing yoga with Lewis were unmistakable.'

'Yoga with him has helped with the initial healing process and was keeping my body in the healthiest state is could be. All the past limitations and pain from my injury were lessening.'

'I was overjoyed. My riding skills improved, my body awareness and balance improved. My outlook on life improved.'

'Yoga is also just as beneficial for horses as for humans. Horses have the same issues as we do. Stretching and body awareness reduces injury and enhances performance and pleasure in activity.'


source:dailymail

Story of world's first 'bionic' dolphin and his prosthetic tail is to become Hollywood blockbuster... and it's going to be in 3D

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Dolphin Tale: Winter's life will be documented in a new Hollywood movie which will be shown in the UK in October



Watching her swim through the water you would think she's like any other dolphin, doing backflips and splashing around in her pool.



But this is Winter, the world's first bionic dolphin, whose heartwarming story has inspired a Hollywood blockbuster.



At just two months old she lost her mother and her tail in a crab trap.





Splash: Winter with her prosthetic limb which took nearly two years to create





After 18 months of painstaking work, £150,000 and nearly 50 prototypes, the pair managed to create a 30 inch silicone tail.



Winter, who only wears the limb for a few hours a day, wouldn't survive in the wild and constantly needs a replacement limb as she grows.



Staff at the aquarium also spend hours massaging her muscles every day to ensure she is comfortable.



Visitors have also been inspired by Winter and a number of servicemen who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan have benefited from the work done by Mr Carroll.



Because Winter's skin is so sensitive, a special gel had to be created so that the fake limb wouldn't irritate her.



The gel has been so successful it is now being used for humans too.





A member of staff at the aquarium shows off the fake limb which moves along with Winter's spine





Brian Kolfage, who lost both legs and his right hand in Iraq, had such a severe reaction to the fake limbs he was unable to use them. But because of the breakthrough cream he is now able to walk again.



Young children visiting Winter are also inspired and find the courage to deal with their own deformities after meeting the inspirational dolphin.



Hannah Jenkins, 12, who was born without a left hand and forearm, said Winter helped her realise she too could survive.



Winter may never be the most elegant dolphin but, as she splashes about in the aquarium, it is safe to say that she probably doesn't care.



Dolphin Tale, directed by Charles Martin Smith, will be released in the UK in 3D this October.





Dolphin Tale 3D.





source: dailymail

Training going well? Irina Shayk struggles with her disobedient dog on day out in New York

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Training going well? Irina Shayk appeared to be struggling with her disobedient dog as she took him out for a walk in New York yesterday

It's a process most dog-owners don't look forward to.

And Irina Shayk certainly appeared to be struggling as she attempted to train her dog Caesare while on a walk in New York yesterday.

The 25-year-old model wagged her finger at her trusting Labrador, who appeared to have been pulling on his lead, as she made the most of the sunshine.


No! Irina wagged her finger at Labrador Caesare after he pulled on his lead


Clearly getting frustrated with the canine, Irina made Caesare sit down while she told him off for being disobedient.

Irina, who permanently resides in New York, once said that Caesare was named after Julius Caesar.

She also claimed that he was fathered by one of the dogs who played the title role in Marley & Me.


I'm sorry! The dog looked apologetic after he was told off by his owner


Despite the fact she was having difficulties with her dog, Irina looked stunning in her cut-out denim dress as she strolled the streets of Manhattan.

Teaming the bodycon outfit with a white Chanel handbag and black sandals, Irina looked in great shape as she enjoyed the warm weather.

But despite her toned physique, Irina recently insisted that she doesn't diet.


Disobedient: Caesare appeared to have got slightly excited and pulled on his lead when another little dog came up to him


She said: 'I’m never dieting, but it’s very important to take care of your health. I work out a lot, love boxing and Pilates, but I also eat healthy food and drink a lot of water.

'But the most important thing is to be happy and to be in love with your body!'

Irina added: 'I do work out five times a week, but I'm never dieting. I try to be healthy because to be happy and healthy on the inside shows on the outside.'


That's better: After a stern talking to, Caesare appeared to have learned his lesson



Reward: The dog gazes adoringly at his stunning owner as she rewards him with a stroke

source: dailymail

Botox for dogs? The goofy toy that brings a huge smile to your pooch's lips

By ANNA EDWARDS

Barking mad for it: This pooch looks thrilled with his new toy

Most dogs are simply content to fetch a stick if thrown one.

So this squeaky plaything is sure to bring a goofy smile to any pooch's face.

The novelty plush dog lips, made by pet product business Ancol, is guaranteed to give even the grumpiest dog the cheesiest grin.


One cheesy grin: This dog can't help but beam from ear to ear with his new plaything

In fact, it's almost certain they'll be grinning from ear to ear once they got this soft toy clamped between their chops.

With its oversized lips and huge teeth, any dog would be barking mad not to enjoy it.
Even lazy pets might be given a new leash of life once they pucker up and get their teeth into it.

And any owner would be thrilled to play with their pet if it meant seeing their mutt beam back at them.

The unusual toy is 16cm long, made from plush material and retails for around £3.50.


Open wide! With the plush toy clamped firmly in its jaws, this dog has got the biggest grin


source: dailymail