News About the Coaching With Horses EFLC Teaching Herd

News About the Herd

Spring finally sprung here in the Rockies and then moved right into summer.  We had snow on Tuesday and a sunny 80 degrees the last two days. I am excited for the upcoming Horse Wisdom programs and the long days of summer.

Here is an update on the Herd:

Sylvie
Sylvie, the newest addition to the herd arrived two weeks ago. The journey with her has already been interesting. I truly feel this horse picked me–twice.  However I am not sure if either of us really understood what we were getting into.  As a 3/4 Clydesdale-1/4 Quarter horse she is a beautiful big boned four year-old.  Her experience in being ridden far exceeds any experience with groundwork.  She is much greener than I originally thought.

I wish I could say we are sailing right along into a relationship based in unity and harmony.  However we have not.  Negotiations for lead mare began the second day and there is a constant dance of boundaries and understanding space. The first time I asked her to give me appropriate space while standing she became very frustrated.  I discovered just how tall a horse is when they rear two feet in front of you.  She is a young soul and exploring her power.

She is having a tough time adjusting here at the ranch. Sylvie is a high sensitive horse and eager to belong.  She has gone from hundreds of acres and a big free herd to living in a smaller area with just mares.  It will take some time for her to adjust to her new person, environment and diet.

Questions based in doubt come into my mind in times of weakness: Is she the right mare for me? Can I trust her with clients? What if she becomes too dominant?  As each question arises I return to my deeper self to find the TRUE answer, the one that is based in my heart and in alignment with my path.  This voice says: “She is a good horse and things take time.”

I am talking with Sylvie a lot these days.  Telling her how much we can explore together, teaching her about staying a respectful distance away from me, letting her find her way around the other horses, grooming and walking her around and most of all assuring her that she has a home now and she will stay with me.

As she matures I am certain she will teach students who are truly dedicated to their path and are serious about doing their life’s work.  If I could speak for her she might say: “I am trying to adjust and understand how to be here with you. It is different than where I lived before-with tons of space. I want to get it right. Will you love me and give me a home?”

Corazon
Corazon also is going through a transition. He will spend his summer months partnering with Emma.  Emma is a 13 year-old fearless rider with excellent skills and a high level of confidence.  Her first day with Cor she groomed him and then I put the bareback pad on him. Slowly we worked together as she explored his sensitivities on his back.  She climbed onto and laid across him, scratching his withers and offering sweet words of support. Forty minutes later she slowly sat up and took the rope halter in her hands.  The four of us (me on Moon) walked, then trotted around the arena together.

Yesterday Emma worked with Cor again.  In no time she had the bareback pad on, she was sitting on him, and then walking and trotting. I was just about to suggest she try a canter– and when I turned towards them I saw the two of them cantering with such grace and unison my heart soared. They are so well matched.  Emma is very petite and strong.  Cor is smaller and compact.

Emma, with purse glee, took Cor over several jumps, bareback and with a simple rope halter. Cor has not been ridden much for almost two years. He will still be a part of my programs, however he also has a new friend to stretch his confidence and purpose!

If Corazon could speak he might say: “Thank you for finding me my new friend. I can’t wait to jump over logs in the woods and feel the freedom and joy of carrying a human.”

Moon
Moon is happy to be out on the grass filled with bright yellow dandelions. He is so busy eating that his head seldom comes up. Moon’s colors are glorious this year. He is a bit late to release the last of his winter coat. His barrel is light and fluffy while the rest of him is smooth and sleek.   Maybe he is hanging on because we have a bit more snow to come.
Now that Cor will go with Emma, Moon will enjoy having me to himself.  Last night at dusk as he and I moved in silence through the grass field and over the water filled ditches, I realized it was the first time in months that we had rode without Cor beside us. Moon is part of my soul. He is a wise horse with the personality of a gentleman and, as many of you know, with a sprinkle of good humor.

Moon shares: “I am your steady steed and will always be here for you. I cherish our private moments.”