Equine therapy day
Fortunately Tuesday was a gorgeous day. There were 8 of us, along with the 3 counselors and the horse staff. This place does a lot of therapy work, so there are trained people on staff. We all met, introduced ourselves and told our stories, then while we made nametags and stenciled bandanas we were told the schedule for the day, and got a talk on horse behavior.
After that we split in 2 groups. My group went outside to observe horse behavior in person while the other group "connected" with the horses they would be paired with in the arena. We also had a discussion about obstacles we were experiencing in dealing with grief, or just with life after loss. Then the groups switched and we got to meet the horses. We went in 2 at a time and were given time to observe 3 horses and after about 10 mins were asked about what we observed, and if we connected with any of the horses. I selected a horse who turned out to be named Lena (pronounced Leena, as opposed to my granddaughter's "Layna"--we were not told the horses names before we chose, so that was coincidence)
Once we chose our horses (and the other horse led away) we got to meet our horse up close and personal. Lena, it turns out loves belly rubs. Then we were shown how to properly lead our horses and took them for a walk around the arena to get to know them better.
Once everyone was paired with a horse we had lunch. After lunch we, as a group, laid out an "obstacle course" of cones, barrels, pool noodles, etc. After we laid that out we were given signs with the obstacles we identified earlier and placed them around the course. Then again, 2 at a time, we led our horses around the course and were told to think about the obstacles we encountered and how to deal with them.
I did notice that the 2 times I got kind of emotional, Lena stopped and refused to move until I settled down. Interesting--she knew.
I did notice that the 2 times I got kind of emotional, Lena stopped and refused to move until I settled down. Interesting--she knew.
While we were doing the obstacle course the people who weren't doing that were given an opportunity to groom a Clydesdale mix named Bob, who was quite large. We talked more about horse care and behavior, how to groom a horse, got to clean out their hooves--it was pretty interesting.
After that we had a group discussion about what we observed on the obstacle course while we decorated miniature horseshoes to make Christmas ornaments. At first I balked at that--Christmas is a sore spot with me--but eventually I sat down and made one.
Then we were given time to further bond with our horses. We got to walk around with them, or just stand with them, and encouraged to talk to them for about 15-20 mins. I did have a good talk with Lena about Leslie and life. She listened patiently. She reacted when I cried--not sure how to describe her reaction--she had been staying very still, but when I cried she turned her head away from me, and I just leaned into her and cried into her coat.
Next we got to paint our horses. They were cross-tied and we were given poster paints and told to "paint our grief" on our horse. I was pleased to tell Leslie that I had painted her name on the side of a horse, along with orange flowers (which Leslie specifically requested at her service). On Lena's other side I just did random slashes of paint. It was more anger and frustration. Not a great work of art, but I'd never painted a horse before.....
Last project, we were each given a lock of hair from our horse's tail, and we made keychains. I actually have mine hanging as a decoration in my kitchen. Last, we were each given a small plastic horse with a tag reading:
"Horses carry the wisdom of healing in their hearts and offer it to any humans who possess the humility to listen."
It was an amazing day. Laughed, cried, shared, remembered and loved. And spent time with a beautiful, compassionate animal. This is something I will never, ever forget.
Replies
I was thinking of you as I knew Tuesday was the day. It feels as if it was everything that you needed it to BE. I got teary when I read the part about how the horse reacted when you cried.
I hope that you can have some more experiences with horses as it feels as if you're not "done" with this?
I'll bet you were not riding alone as Leslie was right there with you. It's these kinds of experiences that I've learned to always invite Douglas to join me as Kala expressed to Teri years ago. It is something that I learned from Teri and Kala and it has helped me so much.
I have no doubt more will be coming into your heart as you ponder your amazing and healing experience. Thanks so much fo sharing, Sue.
Heart hugs and horse nuzzles, right at the softest part of their noses, my favorite place. :)
XO Joanie
Sue, your journal is so moving. I too was moved to tears as you described the horse's reaction when you cried. Interacting with animals is so healing. I remember right after Eddie passed every night I would go to a local park and walk and walk to get the pain and anger out. Many people walk their dogs in that park and I asked all the owners if I could pet their dogs. The doggie kisses were very healing.
Your experience sounds like it was a good one. I believe Leslie was right there with you. I've also followed our dear Kala ' s lead (Teri ' s daughter) and I invite Ed along as Kala taught her mom to do. These kids are such amazing teachers!
I hope you have more healing experiences, maybe with horses? You made a great decision to spend a day doing this.
Lots of love to you and dearest Leslie from Ed and me. ♡
OH WOW! What a day! Thank you for taking me on this journey with you; I truly "felt" the experience as I was reading your words. I so believe animals, and I've heard very often horses more than most, can and do feel/understand our emotions. I find it fascinating and very comforting. It sounds like this was a very special experience for you and I'm so glad you were able to go and look forward to hearing more about this amazing type of therapy. I'm hoping this can be an ongoing thing for you.
(((LESLIE)))
Tight hugs and lots of love energy being sent~
Teri