Continuation of “Exploring the Potential of Connection
with Our Horse’s”

An example of connection is “feeling of and for my horses.” What I mean is I stay in tune to them and in the “present” or “moment” when around them. I am carefully paying attention to the many subtle levels of communication they exchange with me all the time. This not only allows me to listen to what they have to say, it allows me to respond immediately, thus making the most impact at that moment. They know too that as a leader, my actions speak volumes and through them I can communicate how much I care.

I also believe that we can connect with our horses on an intuitive level as well. This intuitive sense is referred to as the “ability to sense or know immediately without reasoning." It is also referred to as a “gut feeling.” Even though horses and humans operate very differently cognitively we both use the instinctual side of our brain similarly. This is referred to the creative, intuitive and emotional hemisphere. The intuitive side of us aligns itself with the horse because it is spontaneous, staying true to its authentic nature and living in the now, or present. This is part of our horse’s survival as well. Their instincts have them predisposed so that they are constantly on self-preservation mode, keeping them highly tuned in to their surroundings – all the time, which in turn keeps them alive. They are just as sensitive and in tune to us; our body language, our energy – moods and emotions that emanate from us. Some researchers refer to this level of awareness within the horse as a sixth sense (highly intuitive). I believe this to be true. Between reading and studying horse behavior, I too have heard and seen horses respond amazingly to extreme weather conditions and human emotions with grace and foresight. Perhaps this is why they have become so effective when used in Equine Assisted Learning Programs where they “mirror” and “reflect” our most inner thoughts.

Let’s talk about creating connection in your hands. What does that mean? It means to develop a 2-way communication with your horse through the “feel” in your hands. “Feel” referring to the contact you make every time you handle the reins. This contact begins with your fingers and runs down the reins to the horse’s mouth, or bit, thus causing your horse to respond. This too creates mental engagement and if done properly, and with respect to the horse’s mouth, becomes a great way in which to stay in-tune to our horses and vice versa. I like to refer to this level of connection as “softening our horse’s mind;” that which must be achieved before we can soften and supple the body.

How do we achieve it and maintain it.
When we acquire our horse’s mind first and then the feet will follow!

My first DVD: “9-Step Program to Creating Unity with Your Horse,” explores this through a series of ground exercises. I narrate throughout so you can see the many subtle exchanges I have with my horse as we perform each exercise. As my horse’s leader, these subtle exchanges are most important as they are my guide to what is truly accepted by my horse. Once I am accepted, I have their trust and from there we can build a strong foundation.