WHY HORSES?
It has been said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a person.”
How does it work?
We bring ourselves to absolutely everything we do. There is simply no escaping ourselves! W are in relationship with ourselves, but we are also in relationship with others. The horses are honest, unbiased beings that live in the present moment and are often easier for people to relate with than other humans. No experience is needed to be in relationship with the horse(s), just bring You, and gain perspective, insight and freedom.
Horses are social creatures with varied roles within their natural herd. They typically thrive in relationship with one another and like humans are capable of deep intimacy as well testing boundaries and negotiating terms.
Despite their large size horses are actually prey animals prone to the most common defense mechanisms of flight, freeze and fidget as well as fight if given no other choice. They are constantly reading their environment in order to discern their level of safety and therefore survival. Many humans can relate to varying levels of vigilance in our culture, but horses who experience safety model stabilizing/regulating self care and awareness with balance, grace and dignity.
Because of their hard-wired heightened sensitivity, horses have the ability to perceive physiological changes and psychological congruence, aka authenticity (i.e. do my thoughts and feelings and inner narrative all match or am I telling myself or other a mistruth) and true intention in humans. They are excellent partners in relationally growing self awareness!
Benefits of the horse as partner:
- Honest, unbiased and non-human yet sentient feedback lowers defensiveness and opens avenues of change
- Immediate cause and effect provides insight into patterns of behavior and belief systems
- Non-verbal interaction expands ideas of connection, attachment and healthy detachment
- Size and power of the horse raises awareness and need for assertiveness, boundaries and self-care.
Tiger Owl Ranch in Lamy/Eldorado, NM (20 minutes from the Historic Plaza)
Kodi is a chocolate colored Navajo mustang mare who was undomesticated until the age of two when she was brought in to The Horse Shelter. The most petite of the equine staff members, her name means “Here” in Navajo. She is delighted to join with people on their journeys, and has a bright, inquisitive temperament. Her previous name was “Happy” and this is indeed a great description of this big-hearted girl.
Opal Star, or “Opal,” is the youngest staff member and Kodi’s good friend. Sometimes described as more of a fairy or mythical being, Opal exudes palomino elegance, femininity and a bit of otherworldliness. She brings a certain stateliness to sessions but also a bit of tween testing of boundaries at times.
Nesbit is a paint gelding elder. Lynn found him at 3 yo over 20 years ago and then life brought them full circle back together when the owner of the barn, Devon, brought him into her custodianship. He is beloved “Saint Nesbit” or “Uncle Nesbit” to many humans and horses with a grounded demeanor and a quiet twinkle in his eye. (photo coming)
Tupelo is a buckskin gelding who is as handsome as they come. Regal and self–possessed he is often the patriarch or “king” in the herd dynamic. He is in his late teens and loves to show off in certain settings but otherwise conserves his energy with the wisdom that can come with age.