This is an article written by Carla Webb, it was first posted in our August 2015 Newsletter. The subject continues to be of interest to the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness as we deepen our relationship with horses. Thank you for sharing Carla and for being part of this wonderful practice! Carla sits on the EFW-CAN board of directors and is engaged in an EFW-CAN committee to expand the knowledge of a horsemanship that recognizes the horse as a partner and a sentient being.
EFW-CAN
EFW-CAN
As a little girl I clearly remember my fascination with and passion for horses. I recall the stirring butterflies in my belly watching the TV show Black Beauty and the almost overwhelming excitement I felt when we drove to the “ranch” where I first began riding lessons. Although riding was the ultimate dream, being around horses in any way satisfied my soul.
Looking back, I cannot quite grasp what it was about riding that made me yearn so much. Perhaps, it was the chance to feel free and alive like I was on top of the world and to feel power and strength beneath my little body but there seemed to be so much more.
As I reflect on those days and compare them to my current journey I notice a slight shift in perspective. When I am working with and training members of our herd, regardless of whether I am riding or not, I am lost in time. If this was the only thing that I could ever do, I would be completely fulfilled and my heart full of joy.
What I notice now is a feeling of complete reverence for horses as sentient beings. Even as a small child I felt that horses and humans were equal. While I couldn’t have explained it back then I knew this truth in every cell of my body. When I am with horses it is about the relationship I share with each one. Each horse is unique; each has a story and a perspective on life. When I am observing and paying attention I find I learn many things. Sometimes it is about myself and other times it is about the horse but it is always about connection.
When I focus my attention on the relationship I understand that it isn’t about what we are doing but rather how we are being together. It may just be me spending time leaning against the fence and watching them sleep, walking aimlessly in the field as they graze, or running playfully together in the spring sun. The value is not the doing but in the being.
Which brings me to point of this article. I find myself moving away from offering horsemanship programs that emphasize riding. This has been a gradual shift after years of teaching, training and competing. My reasons for doing so are part of who I am today and how I perceive the interconnectedness of life.
As I reflect on those days and compare them to my current journey I notice a slight shift in perspective. When I am working with and training members of our herd, regardless of whether I am riding or not, I am lost in time. If this was the only thing that I could ever do, I would be completely fulfilled and my heart full of joy.
What I notice now is a feeling of complete reverence for horses as sentient beings. Even as a small child I felt that horses and humans were equal. While I couldn’t have explained it back then I knew this truth in every cell of my body. When I am with horses it is about the relationship I share with each one. Each horse is unique; each has a story and a perspective on life. When I am observing and paying attention I find I learn many things. Sometimes it is about myself and other times it is about the horse but it is always about connection.
When I focus my attention on the relationship I understand that it isn’t about what we are doing but rather how we are being together. It may just be me spending time leaning against the fence and watching them sleep, walking aimlessly in the field as they graze, or running playfully together in the spring sun. The value is not the doing but in the being.
Which brings me to point of this article. I find myself moving away from offering horsemanship programs that emphasize riding. This has been a gradual shift after years of teaching, training and competing. My reasons for doing so are part of who I am today and how I perceive the interconnectedness of life.
For centuries horses have been by our side. They have farmed with us, explored new territory, and been status symbols. They have carried us through the ravages of war and, despite their own fear as prey animals, have galloped courageously to their own deaths. Even today many people still believe that horses are here to do with what we will: to control and dominate over, or to use until they can be used no longer.
In order for us to change our world, be kinder, feel more connected, and have healthier relationships, we need to honor the two and four legged, furry and feathery creatures with whom we share this planet. We need to see them as worthy of love, kindness and respect, much like we want to be given ourselves.
Next time you find yourself near a horse take the time to really look into their eyes. Allow yourself to open up to the connection, the value of relationship, and what it feels like to be loved and accepted regardless of who you are, what you have done, and what you believe about yourself.
Riding a horse is, without doubt, an exhilarating past time. But until we truly feel this connection and join in relationship with horses as our equals, the riding will be just that, a past time. Horses can give us so much more if we only open ourselves up to the opportunity. This is about being Empowered by Horses.
In order for us to change our world, be kinder, feel more connected, and have healthier relationships, we need to honor the two and four legged, furry and feathery creatures with whom we share this planet. We need to see them as worthy of love, kindness and respect, much like we want to be given ourselves.
Next time you find yourself near a horse take the time to really look into their eyes. Allow yourself to open up to the connection, the value of relationship, and what it feels like to be loved and accepted regardless of who you are, what you have done, and what you believe about yourself.
Riding a horse is, without doubt, an exhilarating past time. But until we truly feel this connection and join in relationship with horses as our equals, the riding will be just that, a past time. Horses can give us so much more if we only open ourselves up to the opportunity. This is about being Empowered by Horses.
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Carla Webb is an EFW-Can Certified Equine Facilitated Learning Profressional and Equine Professional. She practices in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
www.empoweredbyhorses.com |
