Reflections. Mirrors. Shadows. Light. Willingness to Listen. Grow. Learn
We are constantly learning from our Rubyvale Horses Teaching Humans Herd. Take last weekend – so many valuable lessons about where to be, why to be, what to be, and what to do when we get there – and most importantly – When to STOP! Thank you, beautiful Rubyvale Herd for the journey and the joy along the way.
When the weather is an arctic blast with sleet, snow and wild winds, our horses need us to listen to whether they are feeling relaxed and comfortable.
A conscious awareness to remain flexible and adaptable, to work with whatever horse shows up on the day, is a lesson often gained by finding out what we could do better - next time. Like us, horses’ emotions will vary depending on how they are feeling individually and as a herd on any given day; how the humans are feeling (emotions, body language); what is occurring in their environment; and how their humans are acting/reacting.
Thank you, Herd. I learnt so much on a wild, wintry Saturday. So many valuable lessons to learn and live by each day.
Sharing an excerpt from online ‘The Horse Class’ – I love this approach and philosophy, which resonates strongly with me.
Hi Elaine Delaney,
Rolling fields stretch out across the valley. The sound of horses munching the dewy summer grass is interrupted only by the slow hiss of the teapot as the water begins to boil.
This is the start of something new. A chance to step back, to slow down, to know yourself better, and to open to the real meaning of horsemanship.
The real key in riding is not how you sit.
Or where you put your leg.
Or even the timing of your cues with the reins.
It is not your level of training knowledge, or ability to handle a rope.
True horsemanship is a personal journey.
A practice.
No amount of riding theory will give you the ease in staying present with a frightened horse. Or the acceptance to have a bad ride, and walk away with a smile and a lesson.
Our horses invite us to a different pace of life. To a slowness and a mindfulness that is always available but that can elude us.
When we leave our normal routine we can find clarity that was not available before. We can not just see, but experience, what eluded us.