Day 4 - Synchronicity
“Did you know that when you are within 4’ of a horse their heart begins to synchronize with yours?” I went on, “The effort to self-regulate and to be an authentic partner is real because your safety is in each other’s hands. What is Only good for the human can not eventually be good for you both.”
As the kids and I began to talk more about these larger than life concepts, Doug was prepping our horses for the day in the roundpen. Soon our guest equine bodywork teacher, Sara, arrived with exuberance. After I handed the kids over to her, I hopped in the round pen to lunge my own horse, Naia. From the moment I put pressure on her, she starts snorting and galloping and then turning and facing off with me. Ugh, why do I love lead mares? I’ve literally been charged before in this same situation. I wish Naia didn’t know, but somehow she does. My own damn energy is a dead giveaway and it pisses me off, but I know my limitations; I know when to walk away. Then Doug finished her off in the roundpen so I could ride her out for the day.
And there it was. The teacher, no shame in my game but mad as hell. The teacher, who had to self-regulate her emotions, slow her breathing and be real with herself and her horse was cussing under her breath. There is no cheating and no lying and no lip service that works with horses. And, there is just about nothing kids miss either. I could see they were watching me while they were in their lesson with Sara.
As I’m grooming Naia, I hear the kids learning about the power of Touch. With every stroke, I slow down. Between brushes, I pause. Then I just stop grooming altogether and place the palm of my hand over Naia’s third eye and my other hand along her neck. She stops eating, lowers her head and licks and chews. We exhale together.
Today, each keiki was able to explore their own horse through touch. They were able to find physically tense areas and just areas that needed to be energetically released. They learned how to read their horses subtleties of pleasure and of discomfort. And, they got to see their teacher practice what she preaches.
In 5 days we managed to cover some of the basic mechanics of riding. Yes, I drilled into them to sit with a centered and balanced seat, quiet hands and to lead with your eyes. They surely learned how to tie a quick-release knot, a halter and how to tack up as well. But, I think (I hope) it will be the life lessons they will carry with them: confidence, fair leadership, boundaries, self-regulation and authenticity…….and maybe, quite possibly, how to cuss under your breath in one moment and exhale in the next.
The boys sourced the most beautiful logs for our Farewell Bonfire. Mike Farris played in the background and flames and kids danced in the rain. I sat in perfect peace with my dogs and my Doug, giving thanks for our time together and giving thanks for the knowingness that deciding to follow these 8 beautiful vegans was one of the best choices of my life.
Love is all there is, all there is is Love
AloHa
