More freedom | More joy | More horse
If you’ve ever ridden a horse, and you’re now reading this blog, you likely have a more informed, liberated, or expanded view of the whole riding issue. Here’s one more aspect of it: “I felt like sharing a thought IRead more
I was talking to Audelina about riding… if she wanted to do that, how she’d like to go about it, etc. And she assigned me an exercise. She told me to go stand on a tall box, or one ofRead more
So I have a confession: my horses work for a living. Or I make them work for a living. Or they choose to work for me so that I can continue to buy them hay. Or we co-create experiences forRead more
Guest post by Jocelyn Grey – How an Ontario rider met the horse of her dreams on an Alberta trail riding trip, brought him home – and discovered he had other ideas… In September of 2008, a group of middleRead more
I’ve written about the trauma my Andalusian mare suffered from her brief Dressage training before. And I thought we had pretty much processed and healed that trauma – through several bodywork and EFT Tapping sessions. Followed by me giving herRead more
I rode my horse the other day. This sounds fairly unremarkable, but it’s been awhile. I wrote about this a while back – I gave up riding as a singular goal, or right as a horse owner, several years ago.Read more
This article by Stormy May was originally published in Horses for Life magazine Oct. 2008, titled: The Truth in the Back. The information in this article is very similar to Chapter 10 of Stormy’s new book, A Better World forRead more
I first became aware of the icky, shocking and viscerally repulsive parallels between sexual domination and the way we treat horses when I was reading the book, Saving Baby: How One Woman’s Love for a Racehorse Led to her Redemption.Read more
Following on from my book review of Riding On The Power Of Others, Ren Hurst’s story threw me back (again) into the throes of my own tangled journey on this issue of consensual riding. As Ren so rightly pointed outRead more
Whilst I really loved Ren Hurst’s book Riding On The Power Of Others, in my last book review. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about this book, Riding Home: The Power of Horses to Heal by Tim Hayes. And thatRead more
I’m working my way through my recent Horse Book Haul from Amazon – talk about combining two of my favorite activities: reading and horses! And I found Ren Hurst’s book, Riding on the Power of Others: A Horsewoman’s Path toRead more
I was riding Zorra bareback one day and she asked me to hold the reins in my left hand only. So I did. And instantly felt as though I was going to slide off the left side of her! IRead more
This was such a great ride – so beautiful and relaxing. We rode at Spur Cross Stables near Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona, and the horses were well cared for and treatedRead more
I love to hear stories from other horse listeners about their horse’s healing, growth, or transformation. Johnny’s owner, Tina, first contacted me with questions about one of the supplements in our shop. She proceeded slowly, adding one supplement at aRead more
I’m so pleased to introduce you to the wonderful author of some of my favorite novels. And I’m not the only one, as she has sold over 70,000 books on Amazon to date! In this interview, I ask Lynn whetherRead more
Dr. Sue Dyson is doing excellent work in an industry that desperately needs a reality check on what a horse in pain looks/feels like. In competitive equine sports it seems like the suffering or injured horse has become the normRead more
Although I had natural horsemanship training in my 40’s – just to see what it was about, and experience this ‘kinder gentler’ training method, I was originally trained in all things Horse, by my Arab/Morgan mare when I was 8Read more
Imagine, for just a moment, that you were not afraid of death. Imagine you had already had an NDE (near death experience) so you already knew that death (aka transition to oneness and your most vibrant self) was a beautiful,Read more
How do you feel about riding horses for your own pleasure? And how were you initially taught to interact with horses by a trainer or human teacher? We have written quite a few posts on this blog about the tangledRead more
This is the first time Jax has ever carried a human. Humour me, and take a minute to watch it, feel it. Notice what you notice, and then I’ll tell you how I experienced it. I’d love to hear yourRead more
I sat down at my computer last week and there was a message waiting from Kesia: “Jax and Taro asked for your help – they both lost their minds just a few steps up the back trail today. Jax hadRead more
How many of us have been in a situation where we are deeply connected to a horse, and the horse is asking for our help, yet we don’t own the horse? And the owner of the horse sees things veryRead more
What can you do when you know your horse hates his living conditions, is not getting his needs met, is getting anxious and grumpy as a result, but yet you cannot move him elsewhere? Sometimes we know our horse isRead more
By Tamara Nowlan Working with animals is one of the most enjoyable, soul-fulfilling activities for me. It is just me and my horse and my dog, and a crew of young people I have educated. We work together with theRead more
KESIA’S HERD: Here are the 5 horses that live permanently with me in Northern BC, in the order they’ve come to me. Amalia or Molly – is a purebred Quarter Horse mare born in 1999. She is the eldest ofRead more
Did you know that people are booking experiences (not accommodation) on Airbnb that focus on hanging out, interacting, or simply hiking with animals? Horse owners have traditionally offered riding lessons, or trail riding to help defray the high costs ofRead more
The largest non-human genome project has just been completed and guess which other earthling species they focused on? Horses! My brother is a medical geneticist so he shot me this study the moment it crossed his desk. He titled hisRead more
You have probably seen at least 20 different Facebook and blog posts where people talk about a study from the HeartMath Institute, showing that a human’s heart will sync or entrain to the heart rhythm of a horse’s heart –Read more
We occasionally get questions from readers who love learning about this more intimate, spiritual way of being with horses, but they find it very challenging to try and have a similar experience – or even exploration – because they don’tRead more
By Ainsley Beauchamp The first recorded chiropractic manipulation was in 2650 BC, in China. I only mention it because contrary to some beliefs, chiropractic care is not a new age, new fangled, placebo-esque treatment. Recently a LTYH reader wrote onRead more
She turns suddenly from my outstretched hands, the plea in them hanging, unanswered, between us. I can feel the hard light of the summer sun arrowing through the dappled shade. The back of my neck is moist – like myRead more
When we’re dealing with difficult situations with our horses; whether they’re health issues, behavioural issues, or environmental issues, it can be really helpful (and quick and cheap!) to use a deck of oracle cards, or medicine cards, to give usRead more
By Mary Walby Rehabilitating the senior horse is a bit of science, with a whole lot of art (and heart!) thrown in the mix. But these same protocols of training, communicating and healing, can work incredibly well with all horsesRead more
Note: This is Part 9 in the Series, click here to start at the beginning. You know how when you follow spirit, your intuition, guidance, the divine… even though it’s difficult, or crazy, or scary… But Source says to you,Read more
Need a forest cleared of underbrush and great trails for hiking, biking, or riding? Just turn a herd of horses loose for a month or two! Forests are wonderful, stimulating environments for horses – much better than just a flatRead more
Here’s the story of my very first horse trailer purchase and our very first haul, picking up our wildie, Siyone, and her filly, Posa. And what Siyone thought about my choice! It took me two full years to decide whichRead more
I came across this sweet video of such authenticity and peace. I just couldn’t wait to share it with you: Whatever your views on whether horses should or should not be ridden, look beyond those beliefs to the relationship portrayedRead more
I have used this Colic Pump technique effectively on four different horses at various stages of colic. I first came up with this technique when my friend’s horse had a rock hard belly, no gas sounds, not eating or pooping,Read more
What can you do to gain the precious trust of a previously abused horse – without using manipulation, pressure/release, or other forms of coercion? I recently received this question from one of our fellow Horse Listeners: “Hello. First thing IRead more
I must admit, after my post last week, I thought this story was pretty much finished. But as they often do, the horses had a different idea. Not only was there another big piece to come, but another Tapping videoRead more
There is a shockingly primal fear that takes hold when an animal seizes more than half your skull in its jaws. It feels like my left ear, around the back of my head, to my right temple has been clampedRead more
By Andrea Datz It’s a lovely idea to give my horse his voice, to take his thoughts, emotions and opinions into consideration. I will never forget the first time I made a conscious choice to connect with my horses andRead more
How is it that by doing very little with my horses; mostly meditating, doing chores, and avoiding the rain together… when I put us in scary or high pressure situations, they respond like an old cow horse? You know, oneRead more
The Healing with Horse Collective is an organization of 3,000 equine-assisted therapists worldwide. And every year, they host an experiential learning symposium. So if you work in this field – I call it the field of 1000 acronyms! (EAL, EAGALA,Read more
This blog post kicks off a series where we’re going to examine a number of different mind/body/spirit healing techniques that work well with horses. Whether your horse came from a rescue situation, or performance barn, or you raised him/her yourselfRead more
By Ainsley Beauchamp The 4-year-old mare was all shining palomino dapples, her creamy mane and tail were soft with brushing. Her name was Ghrian, Gallic for sun, and she was as beautiful as any golden sunrise. She stood on alert,Read more
By Ainsley Beauchamp It seems a small thing, to lend a friend a book. We don’t necessarily recognize when life changes. Trumpets and fireworks don’t usually accompany the quietly profound moments, when we may hold a catalyst for change inRead more
When I was fourteen and lost in my own dark mind, I found comfort in this particular paradox presented by my Buddhist father: everything is sacred and thus nothing is sacred; everything is profane and thus nothing is profane. ToRead more
For those of you who found my post about healing trauma stored in the horse’s body from previous riding experiences (using equine chiropractic, bodywork and Psych-K) weird… here’s another one to throw in the pot. Australian trainer, Jenny Pearce, tracksRead more
By Ainsley Beauchamp Three different people warned me this client’s mare would bite. The leasee, who’d arranged the appointment, said in her message that the mare was wonderful under saddle, but would bite at the least provocation. Having worked withRead more
I’m going to start this review by telling you why I wanted to go on a retreat and why I chose Equinisity. Then I’m going to get into what I loved about this retreat and also what I felt wasRead more
I received this beautiful question from one of our readers in Europe. I say the question is “beautiful” because it shows this woman is in that precious space of opening, transition, and transformation. And yes, this space also feels veryRead more
By Ainsley Beauchamp I read an article on Facebook, the gist of which was, I am enough. Such a small statement, yet profound if you just sit with it for a few moments. At least it was profound for me.Read more
What it takes for me to write these days is 12 hours and counting of heavy rain. The absolute reticence to leave the tent until a break in the deluge propels a run to the log house. The puppy sprawlingRead more
Several weeks ago I wrote about the vision of this journey I’m setting out on with my human-and-critter family: buying the land and living the dream. Or, whatever the dream looks like when it lands on firm ground and becomesRead more
By Ainsley Beauchamp I feel so confused. This morning my horse and I went to war. Maybe I should explain what that looks like. Make the wrong thing difficult, right thing easy… you know, that whole horsemanship deal. So itRead more
So in my continuing hunt for great horse books – and may I put in a plug here for anyone who is thinking about writing a horse-themed memoir or novel – please do so! Every month I comb Amazon lookingRead more
By Ainsley Beauchamp I was thinking about horses and how sensitive they are to our thoughts and intent… As an equine therapist, I’ll be happily massaging away, some sweet horse melting into the strokes, and sometimes, just as I think,Read more
In this film, trainer Elsa Sinclair asks the question: If a wild mustang were given the choice – without ropes, halters, whips, food rewards, etc. – of whether to be ridden, or not, would the horse let Elsa ride her?Read more
Emma Massingale is a British horse trainer who came up the traditional hunter/jumper route and then migrated over to liberty training and trick riding. She has 2 fabulous films out showing her journey with her wild Connemara herd. You mayRead more
I introduced you to trainer Elsa Sinclair in my consensual riding post, but I wanted to give you a little bit more… Here’s the longer trailer for the Taming Wild documentary, where Elsa asks the question: If a wild horseRead more
I practice a martial art called Ki Aikido, also known as the Art of Harmony or Peace. Being less about hurting people and more about energy flow and reconciliation, it takes a long time to be any good at, andRead more
One sunny afternoon I was feeling thwarted and frustrated because my mare Zorra had injured her front leg. The injury came right when our riding was really getting fluid and we’d just begun to have adventures together. Aaaaarggh!! I know,Read more
If you were never going to ride, would you still have a horse? Or would you feel guilty, or extravagant, or question the point of having such an expensive pet? Have you ever even considered the notion of owning aRead more
Many natural horsemanship trainers talk about how to get your horse to do what you want with the least amount of pressure necessary. And one of those methods is to make your idea the horse’s idea. Ray Hunt writes inRead more
I saw a post in a horse classified ads page on Facebook a while back. The woman had been in a bad accident and said it would likely be 1-2 years before she could walk again – so riding wasRead more
It has recently come to my attention that I have not formally recognized the teachers in my life. Not here, not anywhere. I was recently reminded of my desire to chart my own path and recognize the rich lineages eachRead more
This is how it goes most days. I arrive in the beat up black truck they know so well. As I climb out and get sorted (apples, check! tools for the day, check! water, check!), I hear the usual ear-piercingRead more
Although my horse Zorra is a big, 16.2 hh Andalusian, she has been bullied by other horses her whole life – even horses half her size. Since she came to me a year ago, I’ve had her in with 4Read more
Am I the only one who finds it heart-wrenching, ridiculous and WRONG that zoo animals are better housed, and legally have higher living standards than horses?? I did not grow up around stabled horses. I was not taken to ridingRead more
I stopped regularly riding my gelding, Spero, a couple years ago. I was using a bitless, treeless set-up with, I thought, pretty good results. We’d spent years riding trails together, and then spent some time in arenas trying to findRead more
What’s the best way to feed your horse when you live in the Pacific Northwest, or the U.K., or anywhere else that produces rich, high-sugar grass and hay? What can you do when your horse gains weight at the dropRead more
I remember when I first started questioning the use of round pens and lungelines in horsemanship. It started by learning about the “flight zone” of the horse, the exact distance of which is debated – suffice to say that whenRead more
I was talking about my recent ponderings around the effects of chronic circular motion on the horse’s body, specifically how those effects can show in the hooves. These thoughts were sparked by a great article I read on Facebook byRead more
When I first saw this story on Facebook, I traced it back to Andy Andrews site: This may be a first… A couple from Montana were out riding on the range, he with his rifle and she (fortunately) with herRead more
Best way to reach me (Jini Patel Thompson) & the herd is to use this Contact Form. If you don’t see my reply within 3-5 business days, please check your Junk or Promotions folder for my email. If you stillRead more
Those of you who have read any of Linda Kohanov’s books, like Riding Between the Worlds: Expanding Our Potential Through the Way of the Horse or Margrit Coates’ Connecting With Horses will already be familiar with various methods used toRead more
Singer-songwriter-guitarist Mike Beck has two obvious passions: music, and horses. To this, I can certainly relate! In fact, his website, mikebeck.com, is aptly titled “Mike Beck Music and Horses”. As a performing artist and working cowboy, he can’t seem toRead more
