![]() ![]() I felt this horse was getting deep into my soul just like other animals over my lifetime. Not about anything in particular but just to stop and stand for a few minutes helping me to work through a stressful night and weekend. To my astonishment he invited me over for another chat. With his failing eyesight I expected him to move off not knowing if I was friend or foe. Saturday night came and as I walked out to my car to collected painkillers I startled Razz, who was standing up next to the car. Soon after I found out his name is Razz and he had a history of abuse and now illness of old age as he is well into his 30’s. He was so like me a loner with many issues to deal and who now felt disconnect from his race. It was great to think all those years of thinking about how to approach animals in a positive respectful manner worked on this painfully aged horse. After a few minutes I thanked him and left him alone. I asked him for permission to approach and after a few minutes he allowed me to touch him with gentle soft TTouch™ strokes on his neck and sides. Respecting his space and watching carefully for his reaction I slowly walked up to him. Sure she said “But not many people can get near him”. I asked permission of the owner to go and talk to him as I had a compelling need to find out what the previous experience with him had been about. Except the old grey gelding who had once again taken himself off to the furthest corner of the paddock. Sure enough we were soon crowded by horses talking to us, nuzzling our hair, our shoulders, our arms, tasting our clothes. I don’t stop and smell the roses or that unique horsey odour near often enough. With gentle breezes, sunshine and a sense of nowhere to be in a hurry washing over me the relaxation was wonderful. To be able to stop and wait for a horse to connect with me was so calming. I have been working this way with dogs for some time but had sadly fallen into the “it has to happen now, horse” routine. Stopping and breathing ensures our body language become softer and more welcoming and as we becoming aware of the horses body language an entirely different interaction can occur. As humans we get more determined to “catch them” and the dance begins. Horses are naturally prey animals so when confronted by a stranger coming at them their first instinct is to move off. People working with horses are often conditioned to the fact that we decide when we want a horse to do something and make it happen. Lunch over and it was back to the paddock to complete exercises of human to human trust and then again connecting with the horses. So strongly that I got a sharp pain across my sore right knee and damaged left hip and I nearly collapsed to the ground in response and shock. As I moved towards him I was astounded by a wall of energy that came roaring straight at me. Then I moved to observe the final horse, an old horse standing the entire time apart from the herd, old and not in the best of places physically. ![]() What did we see, what did we feel, what energies were coming from these horses? I started down one end of the field feeling relaxed after a lifetime around animals and horses. Initially we stood quietly observing the group of five horses. Finally the rain eased and it was time to meet the horses. The day started cold and rainy and my scientific brain was being asked to think about chakras, energy sources and getting in touch with our emotions. I was anxious about having to deal with a group of complete strangers and not at all sure what I had signed up for. ![]() Our venue was the hills behind Murwillumbah NSW Australia. Living with considerable emotional and physical pain, I was under no illusions that hanging out with a herd of horses was going to provide a miracle cure, given the “You have chronic illnesses and you need to learn to live with them” messages from doctors most of my life. So I was very interested to investigate the role equine therapy could play in my life disabled with Depression, Fibromyalgia and Post Traumatic Stress. Worse still, are those that are being pressured to compete by the use of whips, spurs and harsh bits and harness in pleasure horse sports.Īs I grew up I found myself most at peace when hanging out with horses and now with four horses of my own the time I spend with them is very nurturing. Sadly thousands are now condemned to the sale yards for their meat value or forced to run endless circles around carefully manicured grounds so that people can win or lose vast sums of money. Previously they were an essential part of human society, providing transport, carrying food home or helping with farm work. ![]() What role do horses play in our modern society? ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |