more freedom * more joy * more horse
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
Have you ever felt inadequate as a horse guardian? Did you ever wish you had more resources to care for your horses better? Have you ever felt despondent and discouraged about your horses’ living conditions? Personally, I can answer aRead more
What a journey it’s been with pain – both with my dog Sigh who underwent a major hip surgery, as well as with the herd. We haven’t had many injuries in the herd, but we have had two major incidentsRead more
One thing every vet will tell you, is that animals experience pain the same way humans do. So just because your animal doesn’t appear to be in pain, doesn’t mean they are not feeling pain. I understand what the vetRead more
Falcon was standing alone in the field, which in itself is not a strange thing as this particular thoughtful, dreamy horse often lets the herd drift away while he occupies his own little world. What was strange was that heRead more
Every now and then I remember to go muck around without with the beasts without any agenda. This time I brought my camera, and was treated to an intimate invitation into the birch grove where the cows and horses spendRead more
I am an absolute rookie when it comes to pasture and grass management. For years I couldn’t really conceive of it; I guess I took grass for granted. Being the ongoing steward of a small piece of the earth hasRead more
We are so lucky here at LTYH, because we get the best reader questions! And I know that if 1 person is asking, there’s at least 30 more wondering the same thing. We use initials to protect identity in cyberspace,Read more
You asked for it, so we’ve created it! Here is the very first episode of the Listen To Your Horse Podcast with me (Jini Patel Thompson), Kesia Nagata, and Güliz Ünlü. Since many have already heard my story from myRead more
In my last post on the topic of working with victim energy and the victim archetype, I told you how sore and painful my throat became as I vented and cried with the herd. Not just a sore throat typeRead more
If you’ve ever wanted a tutorial on HOW horses talk to each other – this is it! Feel free to watch it at least 10 times as you notice the body language of each horse, their facial expressions, ear positions,Read more
My equine chiropractor/bodyworker Ainsley Beauchamp (who has owned 21 geldings) came out to show me a super easy, no-water-needed way to clean my geldings’ sheaths and remove the hardened smegma bean (which can press against the urethra). BUT keep reading,Read more
One of the wild mustangs, Cobra, doesn’t want his hooves trimmed – by anyone! He has a massive crack up the middle of his right front hoof; nearly splitting it in half. And he still doesn’t want any help. He’sRead more
Contract goat grazing is a new niche business that assists horse and cattle owners with pasture management. It is also utilized by cities to manage vacant lots, creek bed areas, or other public lands that need to be maintained withoutRead more
The significance of the exchange shown in this video, was the fact that a month earlier, Juno, Jax and Montaro had escaped and ran down a busy highway, then got stuck in a bog (halfway up their belly) and hadRead more
I had a full-blown, snot-dripping, throat-aching meltdown at the barn. I was hissing with anger, stomping my feet and swiping the air with my fists, as I punctuated my tirade. The horses stood where they were when I began myRead more
I went to the barn the day after a big healing session… why do most of the horses want nothing to do with me? I processed some deep childhood stuff during the session with my friend Jenny Andrews (EFT, MatrixRead more
The back pastures can be a scary place for the horses because a lot of coyotes live back there. And at this point, the far back hasn’t been fenced yet. I’m asking the horses to trust me, and come withRead 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
Have you ever watched guys working on your ranch or farm and wished you knew how to operate that machinery? Every year when a guy comes to dig out the manure pit, or spread gravel, I wish I knew howRead more
Last week, I spent the afternoon with my 18-month-old nephew, Ren, while he watched horse footage I’d shot on my iPhone. It was very interesting to see which scenes he was drawn to, and also how long his attention spanRead 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
Some of you may remember the rather brilliant DIY scratching post I came up with a few years ago. Unfortunately, in my sodden climate, it only lasted a year before the horses had pushed the post (machine-pounded 3′ deep) rightRead more
Many readers have asked for a quick-reference ‘glossary’ of all the horses in my herd that I write about. What?? Is it difficult to keep all the details of 11 horses you’ve never met (in person) straight in your mind?Read more
I invite the horses to join me for a playtime in the woods… let’s see who wants to come and what happens! Rather than ‘training’ my horses to come when I ask, or do things on command, what really thrillsRead more
In this final installment of the Mustang Herd Integration saga, Kaliah and Montaro finally meet! Again, I am letting the horses drive and direct every facet of this integration process between two tightly bonded wild and semi-feral family herds. TheRead more
If you live in a rainy climate, then you already know how horses’ hooves can get infected with thrush. Parts of the frog can appear mushy, very soft, with a dark discharge, and just flake off with very little pressure.Read more
A reader once asked me: “If you can communicate through energy (telepathically) to your horses, why do you need to use body language, force or pressure etc. to get them to do what you want, and why do they sometimesRead more
Güliz Ünlü gives us this spontaneous animal communication session with the herd – tuning in and seeing what they have to say to us, at this time. In this video, Güliz talks about the importance of giving animals permission toRead more
The herd and I had a lovely time hanging out with a couple of horse listeners from Chicago and Cambodia – Christina and Maddalena – when they came to visit one afternoon. After spending time with them, they were struckRead more
Here’s a video of the simple pleasures hanging out with horses as winter comes to a close. My dog Kumba is only 18 months old in this video, so still needs to learn how to control his impulses around theRead 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
In my herd of 11 horses, it’s relatively peaceful while the top 2 or 3 powerful horses are receiving their feed – because no one would dare push in on them, or challenge them. But after that, it can turnRead more
Trailer play with the 3 adventure lads together! Jax (white Arab/Belgian), Montaro (Lineback dun) and Juno escaped a couple weeks ago when my barn help left a gate ajar for a few minutes. This video is part of the trailerRead more
Get comfy and follow along in this guided meditation with the horses, led by BodyTalk practitioner and Animal Communicator, Güliz Ünlü. Come into deeper connection with your body and the horses/animals around you. Follow along to activate and open yourRead more
Guest Post by Melissa Bishop In 2011 there was a terrible drought, the worst in Texas history. After several years without rain, the trees of the piney woods were dying. They were as flammable as gasoline. Then came a hurricaneRead more
The whole herd (except for Xadaa) is either sleeping or meditating. At the beginning of this livestream video (below), we just catch the tail end of Aude, Kaliah and Zorra’s nap. They all went into deep sleep, leaving me toRead more
Three of my horses escaped last week, after my barn help left a gate unlatched. They galloped down a city road, then onto a highway and then ran up someone’s driveway, into their field and got stuck in a bogRead more
The idea I’ve evolved to with my Livestream videos is to simply let the horses speak, or show what they want. My role is supposed to be to just hold the camera. However, I’ve yet to be able to stickRead more
Scientists have long been trying to figure out why Zebras have stripes. There’s been a lot of speculation/testing of theories related to confusing predators, social purpose, or heat regulation, but none of those have really panned out. Then a studyRead more
One of our fellow horse listeners in California asked me to shoot some video of the horses in the snow. When I arrived, all 11 horses were in the barn – waiting for my barn help to finish clearing theRead more
I know I made y’all wait a hella long time for this next installment! But hopefully the fascinating equine body language conversations, demo’s of animal communication, and front row seat to exactly HOW I listen to these horses and followRead more
In early January, my mom and I spent 3 days traveling a 5 hour round trip to spend time supporting land defenders at the police blockade on the way up to Unist’ot’en Camp, where members of our neighbouring First Nation,Read more
If you’ve ever wondered where I get some of the crazy ideas I write about here on Listen To Your Horse… Or perhaps you’ve watched my non-training videos and wondered what made me approach things that way…? Then this podcastRead more
I talk a lot on here about listening to my horses – and pretty much doing what they say, because they usually have better ideas, or greater wisdom than I do. But just as we have both spiritual and physicalRead 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
Cobra is one of our wild mustangs who doesn’t like to be touched by humans. However, if you respect him and understand how to position your body and contain your energy, then he likes to explore YOU. My friend CarlottaRead more
She’s been asking for weeks to go with me beyond the fence. There is always a reason not to, and usually I can argue the legitimacy of those reasons. The days are short. I haven’t been well. I have toRead more
I can now tell you with some confidence what the temperature is outside by looking at the light; before coming here, how could I have known the seemingly endless variations of light on snow? Here we sit at a perfectlyRead 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
If you’ve ever wanted a way to explain to laypeople or skeptics how you listen to your horse; or what that looks/feels like, then just show them this video! What’s brilliant about it, is the story is told by someoneRead more
I’ve been going through a puzzling health issue with our herd guardian, Montaro, surrounding his sheath, scar tissue and other trauma from his castration 3 years ago. A few of our long-term horse listeners on the blog here have alsoRead more
I received a most fascinating email from a reader (let’s call her Jill) whose horse is now attacking her after she tried the Trust Technique and Reiki with him. And while her email is unique, at the same time sheRead more
Here is my curated list of wonderful horse-themed gifts for this Christmas (or any time of year for the horse lover!). Some of these come beautifully gift-wrapped and all support artisans from countries around the world. If you haven’t heardRead 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
By Mary Walby I first began feeding soaked hay pellets when I received a senior horse for rehab who suffered from chronic diarrhea. The equine dentist told me that his teeth were completely worn out and incapable of chewing hay.Read more
What insights might emerge as we hold space for the animals in the California wildfires, as we merge with the herd and their teachings, or space-holding, around this trauma? Join Güliz Ünlü for this livestream video on a rainy, muckyRead more
Here’s Part 2 of the Mustang Herd Integration story. In this video segment, Siyone and her filly, Posa, arrive. Makah is still badly injured, but slowly rejoins the herd. I have no idea when to introduce a vulnerable little foalRead more
So how exactly do you integrate a tight herd of wild mustangs, into a very bonded herd of previously semi-feral horses, plus one domestic horse? And will they even want to become one herd? Maybe they will choose to stayRead 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
I invite the herd to go into the back 20 acres at dusk – just before the coyote pack gets active. Audelina comes along, but doesn’t think that’s a good idea! And guess what happens…? Let’s take another journey intoRead more
Kesia Nagata plays and sings selections from her album, Looking For Horses, as part of a Hot Yoga fundraiser for Fire relief. She also does some some Cover songs and some brand new songs. Hope y’all enjoy this as muchRead more
One of our horse listeners, Capucine, shared a photo of this sculpture in our Facebook group and I was SO taken with it! Not just the majesty of it, but HOW did artist Claudia Fontes create this startling, ginormous sculptureRead more
It’s been roughly a million years since I sat down to write about life on the edge of the wild. What can I say? There is not a lot of time to spend pondering, when you reside primarily in theRead more
About a month ago, at the request of several horse listeners, we started a private LTYH Facebook group. Of course, if you’re reading this blog, you are welcome to join! The thing people enjoy about the private group, is thatRead more
In this video, my big Belgian mare Audelina gives me an experience of what it’s like to receive LOVE from Divine Mother energy. Aude invites me to join her in meditation and then tells me I have a ‘mother wound’.Read more
Here is an excerpt from an astounding book, Eclipse of The Heart, by fellow horse listener, Adam Adrian Crown. My review of the book follows afterwards: I call her Corazon. Her actual name, in the record books is Cora’s Own.Read more
Join me for a stimulating discussion with animal communicator and life coach, Alecia Evans, about the essential lessons she’s learned from working with dogs, horses and wolves. Things like: What’s wrong with treat training or clicker training, based on ChineseRead more
Have you noticed changes in your horse after being gelded? Perhaps he moves differently, or urinates differently. If you ride, perhaps there are now bucking or behavioral issues that weren’t there before? I’m going to share the innovative Osteopathic VeterinarianRead more
Well, since my last video showing herd dynamics and negotiation (in slow motion) had such an enthusiastic response, I was encouraged to do another one for y’all! This one focuses on Makah-Mahpee (Earth-Sky in Sioux) before his castration, interacting withRead more
I could feel my heart rate increase as I watched her words drift across our table, on the wings of echoes and restaurant chatter, over our pizzas, and land in my hard and sleepless brain. I could feel the strongRead more
Some natural horsemanship instructors talk about body language, and energetic communication with horses. But it’s usually with one horse at a time, either haltered or confined to an arena. So what happens when there are 11 horses loose in aRead more
Join Güliz and me as we explore energy bubbles, boundaries and safe zones with Cobra, one of the new wildies, who still does not want to be touched. If you’ve forgotten it, or missed it, I invite you to readRead more
Watch what happens when my friend Ken flies his camera drone through the barn… and then out in the field over the horses: It was fascinating to me how some of the horses did not care about this drone atRead more
Heart Breathing is a technique that Linda Kohanov created together with her horse Indigo Moon. You may remember Indi is the horse I had a powerful, yet puzzling encounter with at Linda’s ranch. Linda says, “This horse, Karlo, was oneRead more
Posa’s mother is Siyone – one of the wild mustangs culled from the herd north of Vernon, BC. A month after her capture, Siyone birthed Posa in captivity at the rescue ranch. So although Posa has grown up in captivityRead more
My lovely friend Ken Berentzen is visiting and brought his cameras to the barn – where he caught this amazing sequence in slow motion. I give you the chance to watch the clip first, on your own, to form yourRead more
When Jax (Arab/Belgian) got a ginormous matted tangle in the middle of his tail, I posted a picture on Facebook and asked if anyone knew of a natural product that could untangle the mess. People told me about ShowSheen (notRead more
Stud piles are mounds of manure left by rival stallions in the wild. Poo is used to mark territory and so when rivals come along – just as you see dogs doing with urine – they poo on top ofRead more
Whether you’re dealing with a wild horse, an abused horse, or a horse that just doesn’t trust you, or want to hang out with you… how can you genuinely shift that relationship to where the horse freely chooses to beRead more
I arrived at the barn. I could feel a rumbling of anger beneath the rib cage, just above the belly button. Like a heartbeat that with every pulse, the anger would swiftly move up to my throat, then back downRead 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
Note: This is Part 8 in the Series, click here to start at the beginning. If your horse injured his leg so badly he could barely walk, and you suspect he has cracked a rib, dislocated his shoulder and sprainedRead 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
Note: This is Part 7 in the Series, click here to start at the beginning. I posted this photo on Instagram of my dog Sigh and Jini’s dog, Tiah. I just threw out a title and called it Waiting forRead more
Note: This is Part 6 in the Series, click here to start at the beginning. We can feel his boredom. His depression and his spirit shutting his doors. This is not what he has come here for. He did notRead more
Montaro had his first session with certified BodyTalk practitioner, Güliz Ünlü, about seven months ago. Güliz also runs animal communication workshops and is trained in Equi-Bow (the equine version of Bowen Therapy). So she tells us what’s happening in thisRead 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
Carrying on from Part 4 of this saga… On April 5th the first pregnant mustang, Kaliah, birthed her foal. I drove up four days later to see Kaliah and her new filly Xadaa (Zayda) and was startled to discover thatRead more
Jess Belair Campmans is an experienced horsewoman, whose horses and body (pain, malfunction) pretty much forced her into recognizing and then developing her psychic/intuitive abilities: “My pivotal point was turning 33: with a husband, 4 kids and a dairy farmRead more
You may have heard the advice, over and over again, to allow your pasture grasses to reach 6-8 inches in height before you let your horses graze. And then you’re also advised to pull them off when those grasses areRead more
I haven’t written in ages. At first it felt like there was nothing to say. The long snowy winter was gentle, monotonous; a much needed break from the insane pace of the last year. With all the seasons under ourRead more
Since many of you horse listeners here have your own business (or would like to!) I thought I’d share this short, yet powerful discussion Güliz and I had about MONEY AS ENERGY… If you want to move into flow withRead 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
When you want to give your confined (non-pastured) horse a more natural experience of eating, or, you want to continue their natural grazing during the winter months, or, when they’ve eaten down their pastures – slow feeding is the solution.Read more
In the last installment, the herd sent me a very clear message that they needed to stay together. That it was not okay for just Kaliah to come with me. So now what? I honestly did not see how IRead more
In the good old days (when I was a kid) hay bale twine was made of natural substances. We re-used it for all kinds of things – I once made an entire harness out of braided sisal hay bale strings,Read more
I scrambled for my phone, realizing I had left it in my car. I didn’t want to miss this precious moment I was quietly witnessing between Jini Patel Thompson and her giant horse Aude. She was sitting on the earth,Read 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 decided to tell you this story in video form. Because you really need to see-hear-feel how ridiculously out-of-connection I am with Montaro as we set out for the day’s adventure! Giving this story a title was equally difficult; becauseRead more
