I am privileged to work with people and horses from all over the world. As a Natural Horsewoman and Animal Communicator, I often hear the same requests – not from the humans, but from the horses. Our horses may not have the vocabulary we do, but they have a lot to say!
Resolve to bring joy and serenity to your interactions with me . How often have you come to the barn to cry on my shoulder? Sometimes I willingly accept my role as “healer,” but occasionally I prefer you to leave your baggage outside the stall. Being a master of reading energy, I pick up on emotions and am immediately affected by your thoughts. Is how you feel my fault?
Before you enter my stall or paddock, find out what is happening in my world . In an ideal world you would spend all of your time with me, but your life often gets in the way. Because you don’t see me all the time, you cannot always be aware of my experiences throughout the day. Maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the stall, or my companion passed away, or was sold. Perhaps something spooked me or I feel under the weather.
Consider my wishes. How would you feel if you couldn’t follow your dreams or your destiny? Trapped? Lost? Stuck? Maybe you would act out or fall into depression. I also have a personal path, a destiny to follow. My dreams may not fit perfectly with yours but, as you would with any partner, try to understand and respect my wishes too.
Let me show you how to be in the now. So often you fill any silence with noise. It’s time to put the cell phone down, stop the constant chatter with your riding buddy, and instead be present, connect with me and with nature.
Be flexible with your plan . Many times you have goals and lesson plans in mind when “training” me; this doesn’t always allow me to have a voice. Listen to your heart, your intuition and, above all, me. Maybe today you sit with me as I eat and experience the magic of togetherness.
You are family and your home is my home . Unlike your canine companions, my fellow horses are often sold when they no longer fit in, are discarded when the show is over, or are let go at the first sign of pain or lameness. Remember, we trust you. Retire us with ease, considering what makes us happy. Repay me with the same unconditional kindness and devotion I gave you for my entire life.
Grant me dignity in death . You may feel it’s “time for me to cross over.” Before you make any decisions, connect with me and listen to my last wishes. I’m willing to share where, when and how I wish to cross over; who I wish to have present; the time I need to visit, say “good bye” and share my messages. Remember to give me this final chance.
Anna Twinney is an international Equine Specialist, Natural Horsemanship Clinician, Animal Communicator, Reiki Master and the Founder of Reach Out to Horses®. Working in the horse’s own language, she teaches people of all disciplines the art of creating a trust-based partnership with their horses. For more information visit reachouttohorses.com