It's About The Horse

Clarissa · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 4:25 am Post subject: Horses For Life article

How to Access the Truth in the Body. Anakalypsi/Discovery - at Every Level By Sarah Gummer

http://horsesforlife.com/content/view/2082/1639/

Here are a series of excerpts:-

For thousands of years we have felt entitled to help ourselves to generous servings of humility from our silent partners. As they have carried us through the insanity and destruction of our own species, their faith remains unshakable. We have used their power and silent presence as a voiceless witness to the growth of our egos. In spite of unspeakable atrocities, they remain connected to a realm of great wisdom and vibrant life.

It is the mind of the rider that will damage the body and mind of the horse.

Do the scales of orthodox training lead to the development of horses that are light in their bodies and calm in their minds? Are competition grounds environments where horses and riders can be seen enjoying harmony in graceful movement with their horses or battlegrounds of resistance as dominance prevails in an attempt to achieve a split second of something akin to harmony that slips through the fingers as water might disappear through the gauze of disillusionment.

When we restrict the natural free flow of energy through the body of the horse, we create a resistance within the body that is toxic. We also, often unconsciously, create fear. As a flight or fight animal it is essential for a horse to rid its body of fear. Many horses suffering from learned helplessness have internalised trauma. The use of restraints that prevent the horse from accessing the free flow of natural energy through its body creates low levels of stress within the body. The horse will often self-manage this stress depending on its intensity and how often it is repeated. The constant repetition of experiencing punishment in response to attempting to move will result in significant trauma to the cells of the body. This trauma will eventually lead to the breakdown of certain muscle groups, increased chances of illness and a weakening of the immune system.

This process explains the dressage horse who, at the pinnacle of his career, has a complete breakdown and can never be ridden again. It also explains the myriad of equine behavioural and psychological problems that inundate the equestrian world. Not to mention intermittent lameness and unfathomable back problems.

Unless we prioritise being friends with our horses, and I would never advocate jumping on top of anyone I was not friends with, this disparity lends itself to poor communication at best and physical abuse at worst. I know I would not enjoy dancing with a person that was tied up and I know horses do not enjoy restricted movement. I also know, in my heart, that this is not what people want for their horses.

By Sarah Gummer
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appellativo · Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:38 am Post subject:

That is lovely and so true, thanks for sharing.
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