I would like to focus on at least seven things (in the next 7 posts!) about horses that can be helpful to human growth and development. I’d like to start with the fact that horses are relational beings. So many of us in the natural horsemanship world like to focus on putting the “relationship first” when working with horses. This is so important! Instead of focusing on mechanics or the predatory aspect of what we would like to “accomplish” in a day, (like a predator catching its prey) we will focus on putting the relationship first. And when we do that, the good stuff of life can take place!
Research science has come to support the idea that it is in and through relationships that we heal. Sadly, many of us have experienced the power of damaging relationships in this life to also hurt! Those hurts may have lasted and potentially brought us much emotional baggage.
The fact that horses live and get along in herds (naturally ranging from two to twenty-five individuals) is significant. They are not naturally loners. They instinctively understand their need for the group, in order to promote the survival of the individual. We can learn so much from them!
In a group, horses work out such issues as: communication, leadership, role setting, discipline, assertiveness and compromise - all for the survival of the whole. Horses instinctively understand conflict and conflict resolution. When horses can’t work out their conflicts, the herd will suffer. Some will die. In order to ensure their future survival, they have become very good at primarily peaceful conflict resolution. They have worked out how to communicate their needs clearly, to reinforce their desires with action, and to move on from conflict, not holding grudges.
And there is so much more…. Which we will get to next time!
I’d love to hear from you! Please share if you have had a healing experience from a relationship with a horse. And if so, do you know what element felt healing and why?