I have often wondered…
Why do we have horses?
I think for most of us, at least those of us that abide by natural horsemanship, we have horses in our lives because of the connection that is possible. It is that interconnection that causes us to have horses. Somehow it makes us feel better.
Kind of mushy… but you know what I mean.
What is that connection, that mystical bond we seek? I think that this bond has different facets for each one of us. For some it could be as simple as a connection to another living being, to others a deeper connection to oneself and for others it’s a spiritual connection to nature. I don’t know what it is for you, but I do know that for most of us this connection is not a means to something more but an end in itself. And that’s why the idea of relationship rings so loud in our ears.
If your relationship with your horse is simply a means to an end then your horse becomes a tool to further your own ambitions or an extension of your ego. When we use our horses to further what we want then I’m not sure that we can call that a relationship. Maybe an association would be more appropriate.
Ok I’ll get off my soap box…
Sometimes I get a little carried away.
Recently I heard an idea that “relationships are emotion intensifiers”. They are the place where we feel our deepest, most intense emotions. Although this was directed toward human relationships I believe it holds true for our relationships with our horses and other animals as well. We feel the deepest hurts and the greatest joy in our relationships along with a whole range of feelings in between.
I found this video and I think it embodies all I have been trying to say. This clip is a story about a relationship two young men had with a lion. Many of you may have seen this but I just discovered it and it moved me enough to share it with you.
Enjoy and please leave a comment about how a relationship with an animal has impacted your life.
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Leave A Reply (4 comments So Far)
Julie
1065 days ago
“I think this is one of the reasons Parelli is a great fit for me. The philosophy is in line with the way I feel about relationships with animals – not to be forced but to be earned and nutured. And…to honor the dignity of the animal, no matter the species, above all else.” – Kathy C.
I agree, our relationship with animals is an amazing bond that cannot be forced, but earned by trust and that only some of us can understand. I saw this show when it originally aired (can’t remember where), but I thought it was so cool!
I have always felt the same way Kathy feels about Parelli. When I was younger (19-29) I had a LBE horse that I had to sell due to a divorce. We had a huge bond and great relationship, I just did what felt natural to me as far as working with him and didn’t listen to the typical horse advice from others. When he saw me or heard me he would run to the gate, always willing to do whatever I asked of him. Little did I know, a lot of what I did with T.C. was what Pat has been teaching.
When I got back into horses when I was 38, I had an accident with my horse when he was 2 1/2, of course not his fault. I broke my back and was so scared to continue training him and was thinking about giving up my dream by selling him, until one day I was watching RFD TV and Pat and Linda came on. As I watched, I just started to cry-I knew I could do this because it was the same philosophy I had!-but put into a program. Pat and Linda saved my dream.
Striving to always be savvy
Julie Fenoglio
Kelleen
1106 days ago
I could watch this video over and over again. It is absolutely amazing! How true what Kathy C. has said above, “relationships with animals – not to be forced but to be earned and nutured.” And what an amazing story from Therese K.!
therese k.
1114 days ago
Why horses? Ask God, this burning love inside could have only come from him. After a 2yr (almost fatal) illness, I found a new equine friend. Three yrs. later he was stolen (by someone I knew), and never recovered. I grieved for over a yr. Then one day shortly before my 50th bday I had a waking vision. I saw myself on a great white horse out on a local trail. I truly believe the universe gives what we need, so 2 days after my bday I went to a local auction. I looked at almost all the horses prior to the auction, but refused to go down one isle. I saw a white head high in the air, stressed out, eyes rolled back. I couldn’t handle going down there to even look. The auction started and after awhile a fleabit grey arab came in. At that very instant I knew this was the horse I had seen in my vision. With only enuf $ for the reserve I didn’t bid as I was afraid the locals would raise the bid. But something had come over me. Everything disappeard but this horse. I ran out of the barn hoping to catch the owner in the parkinglot.( It turned we had parked right behind him.)Well, this steed came home w/me that day, found a new name, “Prophet”, & quickly filled that dark place in my soul. We found the new language thru tv & found the “peace” I had been seeking my whole life. There is no such thing as “training” a horse, there is only learning what he has to teach. Peace, truth, patience, laughter,(he makes me laugh every day) and love. I have never known a greater love inside myself than what I have for this grand old horse. We will grow old and grey together, & I will truely know the purpose of all life because of him.
Kathy Craig
1121 days ago
Hi Jerry,
I love this video. What a relationship those three had! So amazing!!
I had a cat, Jet Black, when I was very young. He was a outdoor barn cat and completely wild. No one could touch him, he just wouldn’t allow you close enough. Well, I spent a lot of time just hanging out around him especially when I fed him. I spent time just sitting there while he ate. (It was easy when I was a kid – I had lots of free time!!!) Eventually he learned to trust me and finally allowed me to pet him. I remember how thrilling it was to finally touch this wild, independent animal!! Eventually he would allow me to pick him up and hold him for short periods of time. He never became completely tame and never allowed any one but me to touch him or pick him up. I learned a lot from that cat about give and take, learning to trust and taking care of our relationship.
I think this is one of the reasons Parelli is a great fit for me. The philosophy is in line with the way I feel about relationships with animals – not to be forced but to be earned and nutured. And…to honor the dignity of the animal, no matter the species, above all else.
Sincerely,
Kathy C.