WHY HORSES?
It is well known that small animals such as dogs and cats are very therapeutic for human beings. Dogs are both excellent companions and serve humans as guide dogs, protection, guarding, etc.
We are frequently asked: Why would I want to be in the company of a horse? They are huge, scary, poop a lot, and don’t want to watch TV with me.
The starting point of the answer is that dogs, cats and humans are predators; but, horses are prey animals. Dogs protect and attack. Horses rely on the herd (and human leaders) for safety.
Dogs obey masters. Horses require respect and follow leaders who they trust. The respect and trust are similar to the way humans interact.
Without awareness, humans cannot communicate with horses in the complex and immediate ways of the horse. Communication with dogs and cats are much less sensitive.
Similarly, being present to and with a horse is a matter of survival.
In the intimacy of trust, awareness and presence with a horse, humans learn about themselves and see themselves differently. Life changing and lifesaving outcomes for traumatized veterans are typical of their experience with horses.
Consider the nature of the horse
They are hypervigilant and prefer flight to fight when confronted by predators. Their existence and survival depend upon their senses.
They are very sensitive and aware of the slightest movement from a long distance.
They are natural followers – starting with Mom almost at birth.
Grazing is typical in the herd. Food is consumed in a hierarchy; and, with respect.
The hierarchy can change, and testing is frequent. Leadership in the herd entails the respect and consent of those being led (exactly as with humans).
Trust is natural and necessary in the herd.
Snacks and treats fed by hand often put humans in danger as food competitors. By contrast, dogs respond to treats with great energy and enthusiasm.
The skin of horses is actually an organ. They can feel a fly on their rump; and, can exercise precise muscle control necessary to rid themselves of the fly. It is a sensory organ.
Hypervigilance of horses demands humans to be present, and aware. There is no room for the trauma of the past.
An invitation to the join the herd is a partnership for safety that makes self-trust real.
Through human/horse touch, sense and feel communications, the horse accepts human leadership.
There is a unique bond with horses when humans are both partners and leaders.
Human leadership provides safety to the horse - as do the leaders of the horse herd.
The wordless communications between horses are complex, immediate, and precise. Humans can portray themselves in numerous ways that work with other humans. Horses ignore those images that are not in the present; and, quickly locate the part that they can trust. “Just the facts Maam”.
