Power to partnership.
In a recent interview I was asked how did I get into horse assisted coaching.
My love and journey with horses began as soon as I could walk and talk. I always asked for a pony for Christmas and in my naivety would reply that I would keep the pony in my room. In some ways that is still true for me because I have a painting of my beloved Oran who I guess is the key to why I moved from specifically working with dogs to working with horses to help people.
She is my heart horse, the manifestation of my dream of a grey mare like the one I looked after and rode as a child. The journey of breeding, training and establishing a partnership is a story for another day.
The pivotal moment was when I lost my beautiful Basil -my companion of 14 years( my Grey thoroughbred gelding who brought me back to horses in my 30’s) Oran had colic , an Impacted bowel and then in an accident fractured her tail. (Pictured together).
Francis Weller ( the wild edge of Sorrow) talks about loss of expectation and the 5 gates of grief ) Oran was going to be my competition horse to event . However, her injury brought me into contact with numerous practitioners from vets, chiropractors, acupuncturist and eventually contact care .
This awoke in me an awareness of another path with horses ( reference The path of the horse Stormy May). Thanks to Camille Nelson ( Epona) who came to work on Oran and me .
words don't express what I felt and the movement in my body and being when Camille began to work on me and Oran joined us. for anyone who knows my horse she is a strong personality is is vocal and direct in her communication .that day however I saw the depth and wisdom she was able to hold and be present for me. She has been both my biggest challenge and teacher put also my deepest connection and support.
As I write this tears come as I look back on my journey with horses and wish I knew then What I know now now and extend gratitude to all the horses that came before when I may not have been the highest version of myself .I said it all about partnership and we all carry injuries blockages which of course Become pronounced when we are astride a horse.
I know like the whales that they are my guides and offer great wisdom if we choose to listen.I guess I may have always known that horses and their presence in my life was more than about what they could do for me in terms of riding it is about partnership, relationship and connection.
With this I give thanks to all the four-legged both here and Over the Rainbow Bridge Who have assisted me and continue to assist in my work