With enthusiasm, my husband and I moved to the great community of
Aiken, SC two years ago. We were attracted to Aiken for many reasons:
the size of the community, the vibrant downtown, the many civic and
social activities, the weather, and so much more.
To my surprise and delight, I came to realize the rich heritage of the
equine community here. From the many artful horse statues
throughout the town, the street names honoring horses with a
connection to Aiken, to the experience of watching these majestic
creatures cross Whiskey Road while the traffic waits for their regal
“parade”. All of these things add to the flavor and culture of our best
small town.
As a life and career coach, I have been blessed to have made new
connections and friends who are equestrian folks. From the polo field to
the steeplechase, from the dressage-training ring to the nature trails, I
have been welcomed with open arms by these caring people.
With my coaching knowledge and experience, I quickly recognized
how horses can offer a powerful road map for creating or restoring a
genuine state of peace and playfulness within us. The relationship
between human and horse can connect us with our inner wisdom and
harmony.
So, I respectfully suggest to you, if your head is not on straight your
horse will know it. Here’s how this works.
Do you feel your life is lacking purpose or passion? Perhaps you need
an overhaul. Stop simply going through the motions of life – make a
change for the better.
Your horse’s outstanding communication skill allows you to harness
results, awareness and access to your inner resources – especially
when you are working with a life coach.
Why Horses, You Ask?
The Horse is a glorious being offering significant contributions to the
human heart and spirit. A recent study shows, for the first time, that
horses respond to human emotional cues by integrating the emotional
value of the voice they hear with that of the facial expressions they see.
These exquisite creatures of God live in groups in wildlife, so they have
developed the ability to “read” their immediate surroundings. They
sense and interpret the “nonverbal language” of those around them
and instinctively act on it.
Horses are the greatest teachers related to our energy fields. They are
energetically open creatures. Their innate, intuitive nature senses any
distraction or emotions, which, in turn, causes a reaction in the horse
that echoes the human’s emotions.
Horses operate the way a mirror does, reflecting back everything we
need to see about ourselves. They can give many people a real, honest
insight about themselves that might not have been revealed otherwise.
Sometimes this reflection reveals your greatness, enthusiasm,
happiness and success, while other times it mirrors your stresses,
shadows and sadness. Horses have great sensitivity. They are very
perceptive. Your horse can instantly realize if you are stressed,
aggressive, nervous, fearful, and uncertain or calm, serene, safe, etc. This
allows you to gain insight into yourself, increase your emotional
intelligence, and discover the importance of self-love and acceptance.
Ask a war veteran participating in Aiken’s own Saratoga WarHorse
Connection Process. The veteran will tell you that, through this
program, they experience profound benefits: “A sense of
empowerment, decreased anxiety, and…. increased resilience.”
Ask yourself the following questions. What can you learn about yourself
from your horse? What is your horse doing with the energy and
emotions you offer them? Why is your horse so willing to be a conduit
of change for you?
Without realizing it, you emit energy that your horse reads, and your
horse will react instinctively to any negative energy. Your horse’s
reaction is different depending on the energy they receive, whether
clear or confused. The more you are aware of how deeply you feel, the
more your horse receives quiet and reliable energy which allows them
to relax in your presence.
The horse, as teacher, offers us lessons in:
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” – Winston Churchill