THE HONOURING OF THE HORSE’S FREE WILL
Exploring the Horse Human Connection
By: Sue Dixon, Canada
I have been privileged to witness how horses communicate what their desires are if we afford them the respect of listening to them. I have found it is when we become mindful that they share their wisdom freely and generously.
I delivered a presentation about my business with a local PROBUS group. PROBUS is made up of retired professional and business people and, they often invite guest speakers into their meetings. After attending one of their meetings to present the work I do with horses, they wanted to meet the horses and experience them outdoors in their natural environment.
The August day was absolutely beautiful, full sun, bright blue sky, a light breeze and beautiful horses grazing in their lush green field enjoying their freedom.
When the group arrived, about 20 people, we walked out to the field. We could see the geldings grazing peacefully, approximately 100 yards away, as we stood outside the fence.
Empirical Evidence about Energy & How Horses Respond to it
I wanted to illustrate to the group how our energy can change when we become mindful and, that is when horses communicate and connect with us. When I receive clients in my equine assisted learning business, I do an exercise called “Busy Energy and Calm Energy”. I use dowsing rods which are copper wires that move independently and freely when held in one’s hands. Dowsing rods move, spontaneously when there is more energy and move less or stay stationary when there is less energy. I invited the group, that was standing outside the fence, to come to the fence, turn and face me with their backs to the horses, who were far off in the field grazing. I checked in with each person’s energy by approaching them one by one with the dowsing rods, pointed the rods directly at their body, and checked in with their energy. Each person’s energy resulted in the dowsing rods moving back and forth freely on their own. Busy energy.
With their backs to the horses, and me facing the horses, I spied the curious herd, approximately 100 yards away, moving closer to the group still standing outside the fence.
I asked the group to turn around and face the horses. Many were shocked to see the herd had moved a little closer to the them. The horses were now approximately 20 yards away from them. With the group now facing the herd, I took them through an exercise called “Breathing and Grounding”. This exercise is done in silence with the exception of my voice guiding them. It includes taking deep breaths for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds and exhaling for 4 seconds. I invited them to tap into their senses. I then invited each person to watch the horses in silence. I encouraged them to pay attention to what they heard; the birds didn’t let us down as we could hear them tweeting in the trees nearby. The crickets and cicadas too made their regular sounds for all to hear. The group tapped into their “feels” (what they felt), perhaps the breeze against their skin and clothing.
This is when many of the herd members came even closer to the group. Some horses were within 5 yards of the group.
The August day was absolutely beautiful, full sun, bright blue sky, a light breeze and beautiful horses grazing in their lush green field enjoying their freedom.
When the group arrived, about 20 people, we walked out to the field. We could see the geldings grazing peacefully, approximately 100 yards away, as we stood outside the fence.
Empirical Evidence about Energy & How Horses Respond to it
I wanted to illustrate to the group how our energy can change when we become mindful and, that is when horses communicate and connect with us. When I receive clients in my equine assisted learning business, I do an exercise called “Busy Energy and Calm Energy”. I use dowsing rods which are copper wires that move independently and freely when held in one’s hands. Dowsing rods move, spontaneously when there is more energy and move less or stay stationary when there is less energy. I invited the group, that was standing outside the fence, to come to the fence, turn and face me with their backs to the horses, who were far off in the field grazing. I checked in with each person’s energy by approaching them one by one with the dowsing rods, pointed the rods directly at their body, and checked in with their energy. Each person’s energy resulted in the dowsing rods moving back and forth freely on their own. Busy energy.
With their backs to the horses, and me facing the horses, I spied the curious herd, approximately 100 yards away, moving closer to the group still standing outside the fence.
I asked the group to turn around and face the horses. Many were shocked to see the herd had moved a little closer to the them. The horses were now approximately 20 yards away from them. With the group now facing the herd, I took them through an exercise called “Breathing and Grounding”. This exercise is done in silence with the exception of my voice guiding them. It includes taking deep breaths for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds and exhaling for 4 seconds. I invited them to tap into their senses. I then invited each person to watch the horses in silence. I encouraged them to pay attention to what they heard; the birds didn’t let us down as we could hear them tweeting in the trees nearby. The crickets and cicadas too made their regular sounds for all to hear. The group tapped into their “feels” (what they felt), perhaps the breeze against their skin and clothing.
This is when many of the herd members came even closer to the group. Some horses were within 5 yards of the group.
I had everyone put their hand on their hearts and think about something or someone in their life they were grateful for. This is the mindset horses seem to like us in.
0 Yards Away. Some of the horses came within reach of the group. The people were allowed to touch those horses who chose to come to them. James, a beautiful brown and white paint gelding, was standing at the far end of the fence enjoying the company of some of his visitors. Some enjoyed the smoothness of the fur on his forehead while he stood quietly enjoying those soft touches. Some of the people delighted in the softness of Andy’s face, another paint gelding who is black and white with a playful demeanor. I encouraged those who were touching James and Andy to tap into how the horse’s fur felt beneath their hands, realizing perhaps they hadn’t ever touched a horse or hadn’t for many years. I encouraged those who touched the velvety noses to bring that feeling into their body. I also had them consider the smells they were taking in with each of their 4 second breaths.
After some time, I had the group turn around again, with their backs to the horses, and I approached them once more with the dowsing rods pointing to each person’s body. One by one each person’s energy resulted in those rods not moving! The horses, the mindfulness exercise with breathing, and the acknowledgement of gratitude in their life changed their energy profoundly. Calm energy.
With all backs to the herd, James and Andy were soon joined by the rest of the herd; Fergus a white quarter horse who is unicorn-like and Dakota, a blue-eyed appaloosa who grazed peacefully several feet from the people dotting the fence. Also joining them was Chris, a shy Clydesdale-Thoroughbred cross, who stood with Fergus. As prey animals, horses possess a keen ability to sense. It is critical to their survival. The horses clearly preferred the calm energy from their visitors to the busy energy that was felt when they had arrived. The horses who were at the far end of the field originally, came to the group of their own free will, and did so because of curiosity and because the groups energy changed. They, the humans, were now in a mindset of gratitude and had tapped into their senses.
0 Yards Away. Some of the horses came within reach of the group. The people were allowed to touch those horses who chose to come to them. James, a beautiful brown and white paint gelding, was standing at the far end of the fence enjoying the company of some of his visitors. Some enjoyed the smoothness of the fur on his forehead while he stood quietly enjoying those soft touches. Some of the people delighted in the softness of Andy’s face, another paint gelding who is black and white with a playful demeanor. I encouraged those who were touching James and Andy to tap into how the horse’s fur felt beneath their hands, realizing perhaps they hadn’t ever touched a horse or hadn’t for many years. I encouraged those who touched the velvety noses to bring that feeling into their body. I also had them consider the smells they were taking in with each of their 4 second breaths.
After some time, I had the group turn around again, with their backs to the horses, and I approached them once more with the dowsing rods pointing to each person’s body. One by one each person’s energy resulted in those rods not moving! The horses, the mindfulness exercise with breathing, and the acknowledgement of gratitude in their life changed their energy profoundly. Calm energy.
With all backs to the herd, James and Andy were soon joined by the rest of the herd; Fergus a white quarter horse who is unicorn-like and Dakota, a blue-eyed appaloosa who grazed peacefully several feet from the people dotting the fence. Also joining them was Chris, a shy Clydesdale-Thoroughbred cross, who stood with Fergus. As prey animals, horses possess a keen ability to sense. It is critical to their survival. The horses clearly preferred the calm energy from their visitors to the busy energy that was felt when they had arrived. The horses who were at the far end of the field originally, came to the group of their own free will, and did so because of curiosity and because the groups energy changed. They, the humans, were now in a mindset of gratitude and had tapped into their senses.
Respect and Observance of Body Language
One of the attendees asked me about connecting and bonding with the horses. They shared they had heard about these connections but didn’t really know what it was all about. Could I demonstrate?
This is something I do all the time; however, it’s done in silence and it’s private; there were 20 people standing and watching. In that moment I let go of all expectations about demonstrating this connection. I trusted myself and the horses and concluded that whatever happened, even it if was nothing, would be just fine.
I went into the field with the horses while the group observed from the other side of the fence. I walked toward Andy who was approximately 10 yards away. I approached his shoulder a few feet at a time, stopping to breathe, observed his body language and felt his energy layers. As a prey animal Andy respected my approach that was slow and calm with lots of deep breaths. When I was about 3 yards away, he looked straight at me and pointed an ear to me. Andy walked directly to me and put his nose into my open hands. I heard some soft gasps from the group. In that moment I felt incredibly honoured because Andy trusted me. He chose to come into my space and he did so of his own free will. The respect of physical space Andy and I had for each other was reciprocal.
Chris was standing nearby so I approached him in the same manner I approached Andy, a few steps toward him, stopping, breathing, and taking a few more steps. When I got within about 2 yards of him, he moved away from me. This was my queue from Chris that he didn’t want to engage with me any closer. I backed away, respecting his message. I silently thanked him and turned my attention to one of my beautiful horse partners, Dakota.
Dakota is a solid, smart, no-nonsense type of guy who was in my space. So, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and managed to tune out the 20 pairs of eyes watching intently. I imagined my heart and his connecting like a laser beam. I put my head down toward the direction of his and our heads connected, touching each other on that sunny August day. The connection with Dakota was instantaneous, profound and meaningful. It was a gift to me and those observing it.
Someone in the group asked me about Chris. “Why did he back away?” I explained that he told me, with his body language and intent, that he didn’t want me to come any closer. In that moment I realized that, while I connected with Dakota, my connection with Chris was just as profound as it embodied mutual respect, gratitude, and free will.
One of the attendees asked me about connecting and bonding with the horses. They shared they had heard about these connections but didn’t really know what it was all about. Could I demonstrate?
This is something I do all the time; however, it’s done in silence and it’s private; there were 20 people standing and watching. In that moment I let go of all expectations about demonstrating this connection. I trusted myself and the horses and concluded that whatever happened, even it if was nothing, would be just fine.
I went into the field with the horses while the group observed from the other side of the fence. I walked toward Andy who was approximately 10 yards away. I approached his shoulder a few feet at a time, stopping to breathe, observed his body language and felt his energy layers. As a prey animal Andy respected my approach that was slow and calm with lots of deep breaths. When I was about 3 yards away, he looked straight at me and pointed an ear to me. Andy walked directly to me and put his nose into my open hands. I heard some soft gasps from the group. In that moment I felt incredibly honoured because Andy trusted me. He chose to come into my space and he did so of his own free will. The respect of physical space Andy and I had for each other was reciprocal.
Chris was standing nearby so I approached him in the same manner I approached Andy, a few steps toward him, stopping, breathing, and taking a few more steps. When I got within about 2 yards of him, he moved away from me. This was my queue from Chris that he didn’t want to engage with me any closer. I backed away, respecting his message. I silently thanked him and turned my attention to one of my beautiful horse partners, Dakota.
Dakota is a solid, smart, no-nonsense type of guy who was in my space. So, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and managed to tune out the 20 pairs of eyes watching intently. I imagined my heart and his connecting like a laser beam. I put my head down toward the direction of his and our heads connected, touching each other on that sunny August day. The connection with Dakota was instantaneous, profound and meaningful. It was a gift to me and those observing it.
Someone in the group asked me about Chris. “Why did he back away?” I explained that he told me, with his body language and intent, that he didn’t want me to come any closer. In that moment I realized that, while I connected with Dakota, my connection with Chris was just as profound as it embodied mutual respect, gratitude, and free will.
Donnie and My Wise Friend
In my work, I also have the privilege of sharing space with a very wise quarter horse gelding, by the name of Donnie. Donnie is an older horse who is able to graze freely on the property where he lives. When I arrive, I often find him grazing in lush grass and sunshine, enjoying his free will.
A young lady was coming out to the farm to meet with Donnie and me that lovely afternoon. When she arrived, we walked the property searching for Donnie. We walked around calling his name. The herd that was to our left observed us looking for him and eyed us as we moved around the area.
It was interesting to observe them observing us. My wise client who was accompanying me, shared some of her innate knowledge about how horses communicate. While this journey was lovely, we headed back to the arena without Donnie. As we turned the corner to the arena where we often spend time with Donnie, we found him standing at the arena door waiting patiently for us. It was like he was saying “hey I’m here. I’ve been waiting here all the time for you”. What a wonderful sight it was! Donnie, who had free will, could have been anywhere on the property. However, he chose to wait at the door where we always connect with him. It was nice to know he enjoys our company; he told us that very clearly with his physical presence.
In my work, I also have the privilege of sharing space with a very wise quarter horse gelding, by the name of Donnie. Donnie is an older horse who is able to graze freely on the property where he lives. When I arrive, I often find him grazing in lush grass and sunshine, enjoying his free will.
A young lady was coming out to the farm to meet with Donnie and me that lovely afternoon. When she arrived, we walked the property searching for Donnie. We walked around calling his name. The herd that was to our left observed us looking for him and eyed us as we moved around the area.
It was interesting to observe them observing us. My wise client who was accompanying me, shared some of her innate knowledge about how horses communicate. While this journey was lovely, we headed back to the arena without Donnie. As we turned the corner to the arena where we often spend time with Donnie, we found him standing at the arena door waiting patiently for us. It was like he was saying “hey I’m here. I’ve been waiting here all the time for you”. What a wonderful sight it was! Donnie, who had free will, could have been anywhere on the property. However, he chose to wait at the door where we always connect with him. It was nice to know he enjoys our company; he told us that very clearly with his physical presence.
In Gratitude of the Horses
Thank you, to all horses for telling us what their desires are. When we are silent and mindful, the information comes, and it is often very clear. It is a wonderful feeling to honour the horse and their free will by listening and respecting them. When we are able to communicate with the magnificent horse in gratitude, respect and mindfulness, it is a feeling like no other. We need not utter one word.
I have found as I walk along life’s paths, answers come when I’m in nature, tapping into all my senses, being grateful for all that I see, feel, hear, touch and taste. Horses have taught me that we possess an innate wisdom and we only need to breathe, be grateful and be mindful to access it.~*~
Thank you, to all horses for telling us what their desires are. When we are silent and mindful, the information comes, and it is often very clear. It is a wonderful feeling to honour the horse and their free will by listening and respecting them. When we are able to communicate with the magnificent horse in gratitude, respect and mindfulness, it is a feeling like no other. We need not utter one word.
- Imagine how our life would be if we walked through it in a calm, grateful, and mindful state.
- Imagine if we let go of expectations about what may happen and/or what might not.
- Imagine if those who cross our path did so with mutual respect, engaging us if we are willing and respecting us if we are not.
- Imagine if we were mindful in our own lives, would it allow some of the answers we seek about our challenges and desires to appear?
- Imagine if we took some time each day to remind ourselves of what we are grateful for.
I have found as I walk along life’s paths, answers come when I’m in nature, tapping into all my senses, being grateful for all that I see, feel, hear, touch and taste. Horses have taught me that we possess an innate wisdom and we only need to breathe, be grateful and be mindful to access it.~*~
