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 with me to play and explore back there. How am I asking? I’m using my voice, body language, and sending them pictures of what I have in mind (telepathy). The horses are unhaltered and entirely at liberty – what will they choose to do?
And then when things don’t go as planned, how do Güliz and I respond?
Why do I enjoy this kind of adventure with the horses? Why do I find it so interesting and fun?
I find that when horses are allowed their full, unfiltered expression and autonomy, I learn so much more about how they think and feel. I also learn about the uniqueness of each horse’s personality. So many books and trainers talk about “the horse” as if they were one, uniform being easily understood and dealt with using blanket concepts.
But I find, the more I listen to each individual horse, the more I realize how different and unique each of them are. Having 3 kids, I would never discuss parenting as “the children” because there are virtually no principles that apply to all 3 of my unique children – each of them have different likes, strengths, weaknesses, triggers, fears, etc. Why would it be different with other beings currently under my care?
I’ve also watched how the horses invite each other to head to the forest, or to the back pastures, or to another part of the field. No one pulls, tugs, or manipulates each other to go. They will simply walk off and use their body language – style of walking, turned head, gaze, energy – to invite others to follow. The back pastures seem to have a unique rule – that no one goes there without Montaro. Leadership seems to be extra important back there.
I’ve noticed recently that there is a bunch of new growth in the back pastures, yet the horses are not grazing it down. After inviting them to follow, Montaro came first and the rest then followed, but they were only back there for about 15 minutes when he galloped them all back. A thought sprang into my mind, wondering if he could be managing the pastures?? We had humans and dogs with us, so plenty of protection/distraction for coyotes… I will keep an eye on things and see what happens. Perhaps the reasons will become clear over time.
Jini Patel Thompson is a natural health writer and Lazer Tapping instructor. She began riding at age 2 in Kenya, and got her first horse at age 8 in Alberta, and so continues a life-long journey and love affair with these amazing creatures.
I could not agree more with you when you say no horse as no child is the same as another. It happened to me after having 4 children to realize I could not deal with them all in the same way. But then having a horse I did not apply that principle and reality slapped me in the face when I realized my horse was unique and my relationship with him should be totally different from what horse people suggested… and I am happy he is lime that since he has taught me a great lesson. No living being is the same.
Funny how long it can take us to GET simple lessons, isn’t it! And yes, parenting books/mags/groups do the same thing as ‘horse people’ and just lump everyone together. So sometimes we need a reality slap 🙂
Oh! How wonderful! Just love it! I so want to try it with my crew. I will let you know how it goes.
What you said Jini, about standing in alone in one’s power regardless of losing friends etc. really spoke to me. I feel that is what I’m being asked to do at this time.
Thankyou so much, all of you, truly inspiring and greatly encouraging.
Much love and big hugs
Namaste
Erin 🐎🌳♥️
Ps. I just found out thatJarrahs buddies will be leaving next week so I am trying not to freak and trust I will find a permanent buddy(s) for him asap as I know his loss will be great. I feel it already aargh! the joys of being an empath! I did mention it to him today so he can adjust. I just have to TRUST! ay!
Thanks again for all you give! xo
Tell Jarrah to bring you the buddies HE wants. And then TRUST the timing of that. Keep us posted! xxo
Absolutely love this. Thank you for being you. I observe this kind of blanket mentality too in dog training. And as I work naturally and allow and observe I learn so much from them that very fre people are or speak about.
ohmygosh – SO true!! Puppy “Obedience” classes just make me cringe.
Another interesting adventure that Montaro shows us strength and courage! He does so without any negative vibes and pure ease! I know you are very passionate about how you feel and this is a space for you to express this in any way you desire! As it’s a space you have created…and that I am very grateful to be apart of!!! Every soul is unique and every relationship is different some will enjoy what others do not and some will fear or dislike what others thrive on! Connection and relationships do come down to the individuals involved and can be “real” in many forms! ✌🏼❤️🐴
Yes exactly! So not saying one way is better than another – but just giving permission for EACH of us to follow our joy/fun and do what we love and follow our heart, our gut, and our horse 🙂
As I watched the video, I kept thinking that I wanted to come back in my next life as a horse in your herd, Jini! Can the rest of you think of anything better?!! What is it that appeals to me in particular? Besides your loving, kind, compassionate and sincere self who provides a safe and expansive environment with nourishment, and protection, it is your unwavering determination and receptivity to provide freedom for the herd and individual horse (and humans, too) to be instinctual in expressing each one’s true nature. Not only the freedom, but the encouragement and support to do so!
Feeling a little selfish, I wished for that same attention, acceptance, and support in my own life. And then it hit me in a full blown epiphany. Though it is nice to have that from humans, too, my horses are multiple Jini’s for me! My own particular journey with the horses is precisely that, becoming my true self with their encouragement and support. That has been their purpose with me. As I listen and allow them their independence and free choices as much as possible, their focus has been on serving me. This is not in the traditional way of fulfilling human wishes as a command as Jini references, or for me, even fulfilling wants at all except in synchronous moments and deep connection, or minor situations mostly as movement in and out of gates. Many years ago, when I purchased my first horse and herd leader I thought I was taking him on. In reality he took me on. I have felt like an awkward and overgrown human child as I followed the yellow brick road and ultimately became the herd’s protege in teaching me some very serious and yet breathtaking ways in mystical living, their dwelling place. They have spent a significant chunk of my life and theirs clearing the mud off of my own camouflaged true nature and have insisted on my becoming nothing less than my true authentic self. For years they have been unshackling me and re-wilding me. Their persistence and patience has been amazing, as is yours, dear Jini!
The road for me has not been as gentle as what you provide, but then, you are working with magnificent and receptive beings. My horses have had to deal with a difficult human being but only because of my own resistance to their lessons our of fear, lack of trust, and my ingrown shackles. But understanding the bigger picture today has helped me even at this moment as I am facing one of the toughest and most risky lessons in trust I’ve had to learn so far. But it is all to lovingly provide me the ability to graze and even lie down in my own internal green pastures like those you provide for your horses. It is a story I am already writing.
In the midst of it all, a sweet memory of lovingkindness dangles like a small crystal, and there are many, but one stands out from years ago while dealing with one horse’s laminitis which was an excruciating lesson that finally has had a beautiful outcome. One night in my exhaustion, he stood tall even with tender hooves, and looked astoundingly regal. The white in his coat shone brilliantly and his words came simply and clearly. He told me to go home and have some soup!
Oh Beverly your “multiple Jinis” comment made me laugh out loud!! At the same time I can loudly say, DITTO! It’s interesting how different the horses I have now are to the horses I had in my childhood/teen years. But of course, I am very different and while my childhood lead mare was basically a guide and helper that saved my life during a very difficult time, this herd just calls me to mastery, over and over again.
Although I language that process a little differently to you… you say, “becoming my true self with their encouragement and support” and I say, “kicking my ass from sun-up to sundown!!” LOL How fortunate are we. But of course, in the matrix… your healing is my healing is your healing is my healing is your healing…. and so I believe the horses are also, somehow, moving more into wholeness themselves through this process.
So beautiful…sending so much love and gratitude to Jini, Güliz and the amazing Singing Herd and so much love to everyone else here, I feel us to be one herd all together and pure old what is experienced, expressed and written here. Schmuack!!!!!!
PURE GOLD I meant to say!!!!
Thanks Rachel and right back atcha!!
Thanks Jini. This is what I call horsey shenanigans! Of course catching them with headcollars would be quicker but not half as much fun or educational. Your adventure in the film seems completely normal to me but can all seem crazy to other people whose main priority is to get a horse in quickly and tacked up to ride. Your place is out of a horse’s dream and I loved watching you interact with the herd. The only problem is that I should be out playing with the horses who live here and not on my PC enjoying yours!!
A couple of observations. The other horses returned after you called Montaro. Were they coming back to your call? When Guilz goes up to Montaro on her own, one of the other horses neighs from below. What are they saying to Montaro? Does he come down because of the neigh or because he doesn’t feel safe in the top pasture with just Guilz? I sensed her nervousness at being there alone. (I could be wrong) Also I love your total flexibility throughout the movie. Thinking on your feet and changing tack according to the behaviour of the horses. Teaching how respect the individuality and unpredictability of other beings and responding quickly but gently. Very interesting XX L
Great questions Lynne! I have no idea whether the other horses returned to my call, or because Montaro was not with them. I do use same cadence/sound of call whenever I’m asking them to follow or come to me – it consists of their names called a certain way, “Audelina, Taro, Jax”. But who knows?
I suspect they wanted Montaro to return with them – Juno in particular will call to his Dad.
I think Montaro came with Guliz because SHE wanted him to come and he could feel the urgency/concern in her voice/energy. This is the first time Guliz has worked with any of them in an unfenced area so yes, she was tense. Trust me, I was NOT as calm either my first time back there with Montaro! If you haven’t seen that video, it is here:
https://youtu.be/6FfgswflHXY
So I don’t have the fear that he will take off in this video. I have done this with Taro enough times that I know he is solid – but Guliz doesn’t know that yet. That’s why I threw her in there and told her to just feel her way.
I remember the first time she took Jax out on the road with Montaro and me (they were haltered with pull-through lead ropes) and I told her that if Jax needs to bolt, just let him go. But Guliz has had decades of training to ‘never let go of the rope, no matter what!’ So the first time Jax took off, she held on and was running at top speed next to him, while he was side-kicking towards her – not in any danger of hitting her, but to communicate, “LET ME GO!!” I was actually laughing watching them – it was so funny!! Of course, as she learned to release the programming and trust Jax, she realized that he would bolt, run off his frustration and then return to her – every time, without fail.
I remember the first time Aude stayed with me – when the entire herd was in flight, thundering down the field, but we were out on the road. She had NEVER not run with her herd. She knew she could bolt if she needed to, I held the pull-through rope loosely, but I was asking her to stay with me, if she could. And she did. THAT was amazing – her whole body was quivering, working against every primal instinct, no restraint from me other than my request – that was a sacred moment of relationship between us. And then she chose to continue on with our walk, rather than go back to the herd, surprising me yet again.