It was the sixth and last day of the Level Two Apprenticeship week. During the previous five days I had watched as each woman unraveled conclusions and preconceived notions of power so that she could step into a heart-based leadership that felt authentic and real. I repeatedly found myself saying to each apprentice, “You know. What is your truth?” Throughout the week the concept of “I know” flowed through the sessions and conversations. Sharon, my co-facilitator, and I coached each apprentice to trust their intuition, inner knowing and to follow their gut and guidance as they practiced coaching active round pen sessions. The last day, each session with horse and human flowed with ease and harmony. Each apprentice had gained greater clarity, congruence and inner strength.
We had started the closing ceremony at the last hour of the week. The ritual invites the spirit of horse to interact with each of us before we part ways to bring the wisdom of the horse ancestors back to our everyday worlds.
I picked up the Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. on my way out to the round pen. The group was gathered and waiting. Inside the round pen stood Woody, a magnificent tall dark thoroughbred. Sensitive, generous, and fully-honest he had graced us several times with this keen awareness of the human spirit and intention. Woody came to edge of the round pen just as I fanned out the deck of cards in my hands. I asked him if there was a card he wanted the group to read. He reached his head over the railing and I brought the fan near his mouth. Down came his head and his teeth gripped three cards. He lifted them out and tossed them on the ground.
The wisdom on each card reminded us of the importance of our mental thoughts, inner knowing, and relationship to self and body as part of our journey to balanced power.
We then circled the outside of the round pen, passing the singing bowl and sharing our appreciation and closing thoughts. Woody walked and trotted around inside, stopping and checking in with each person. Halfway through the ritual, Woody’s long lanky legs slowly dropped to the soft sand, his body followed. Back and forth he rubbed his back into the sand, grunting with glee and release. Then upward he came and with a robust shake sand flew and poured back to the earth revealing his dark coat once again. The apprentices continue to pass the bowl and share their thoughts.
Suddenly, as a grand finale, Woody reared with ease and grace onto his back legs. His front legs reached high for the sky. As he kicked at the air his mighty powerful spirit filled the indoor arena. Not once, not twice, but three times Woody reared up, proud of his power and grace as if to say, “Stand tall and own your space. Know who you are.”
We walked together as a group to bring Woody back to his pasture. A strong sense of completion and harmony prevailed. We felt blessed. Now, a few weeks later, we all continue to tap into the power and magic of Horse, riding on their wings in the privacy of dreamland and offering their Wisdom to others by day.
Thank you to all of the horses at the Colorado Horse Rescue that graced us with their presence, to the very special group of women that I feel honored to teach, and to Sharon Bringleson, Kate dela Grange and Debra Thomas for their amazing contributions as teachers.
Colorado Horse Rescue
I have a great amount of appreciation and respect for the Colorado Horse Rescue. They run a clean, efficient, and peaceful center. They give ultimate attention and care to the health and placement of the horses that come to them. Please feel free to make a donation to their horses.
Upcoming Programs
Consider attending one of my upcoming workshops at the rescue:
Hearts in Harmony: The Dance of Horse and Human Workshop
May 14-15, 2011
Longmont, Colorado
This workshop takes you into a deep exploration of building a connection and relationship through the heart of the horse. Several specially designed activities with the horses help you to better understand the energetic fields of both horse and human. A portion of the proceeds will to benefit the Colorado Horse Rescue.
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Program Description
Travel Information
Downloadable Flyer
Register Online, or Email Tracy
At the end of May, we will be back in the glorious mountains of Colorado. Join us for:
Dance of Authenticity through the Wisdom of the Horse Workshop
May 28-29, 2011
Carbondale, Colorado
The majestic nature of horses is a transformational experience for humans. During this program you will interact with horses, develop relationships, become part of the herd, and learn about yourself along the way. Horses naturally bring you deeper into your self and illuminate your path. Explore the natural rhythm of an authentic life and heart-centered power through the way of the horse.
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Program Description
Travel Information
Register Online, or Email Tracy
EFLC Level One Training
May 28-June 2, 2011
Carbondale, Colorado
This program can be taken by anyone who is feeling a deep calling to understand the healing and potential that horses offer. The Level one is the first step toward obtaining the Associate Instructor status or Approved Instructor status with Kathy. The Level One is the foundation for all of the work that Kathy teaches. This program includes the above workshop.
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Program Description
Travel Information
Register Online, or Email Kathy
