This is just a short video from a discussion we had with the herd before haltering.
I will say that this can be a little controversial because some would say it is an invasion, but I always feel that the animal will tell you something or not. It depends on your intention.
Always do this exercise from a perspective of ‘How can I help?’. That is the only intention to have with this exercise. Be careful of the following:
- A need / or want for connection
- Focusing on what you think you already know
- A need to fix it
- Trying too hard
The only way to learn is to practice. This is all about connection and communication. Connecting with the horse with the right intent. Acknowledging what comes back.
If you feel you are getting nothing, that is a response. It is the exact right response for right now. Acknowledge it and say that’s okay. If you see a colour. Acknowledge it. If you feel heat or cold acknowledge it. If you feel heavy in an area of your body, or very light in an area of your body, acknowledge it. This is about being completely present with what your body tells you, and then allowing that to filter into the mind, where it will translate intellectually for you. It changes our focus from the mind leading the body, to the body leading the mind.
The Exercise
Get present for about 30 seconds to a minute with your horse.
When you are both still and present and all distractions and thoughts have passed through with the breeze, regard your horse softly and ask ‘How can I help?’
Then use your imagination to ‘see’ your horse’.
If it is safe close your eyes and picture your horse in your imagination. Feel your neck as their neck, your arms as their front legs, your hips as their hips and so on.
Any sensation that was not yours to start with is shared by the horse.