Common Ancestors
Horses and humans share approximately 85% of their DNA sequence similarity. That is due to the fact that both species are mammals and share a common ancestor. Despite the genetic similarities, horses and humans have evolved separately and have distinct physical and behavioral characteristics.
Somewhere along the way, our species lost the gifts horses offer us. The two most important traits we lost:
The ability to recognize the feeling in our bodies. We can describe our feelings but don’t easily identify where they come from in the body.
The importance of the herd and the group. We value the individual in our societies.
The good news is that we have access to our ancestors through working with horses. They are willing to share their knowledge with us. And they don’t keep secrets like we love so much. To a horse, a secret is funny. For example, if you walk up to a horse smiling and saying how much you love the horse, but inside you have turmoil and conflict, the horse will respond to the internal state, often called the truth.
Think about it for a second. How many people in your life say one thing, but do the complete opposite? For me, the list is long. Why is that? In my opinion, we lost touch with our ancestor, the horse.
Our ancestors don’t exactly need our help. We need their help. The farm is training for the human, not the horse. Only the good horse trainers will share that with you. All the rest are in denial and salespeople.
Same with all the humans who offer to teach you. They will tell you how valuable they are as individuals, never acknowledging how they learned, while keeping their secrets. How do I know this? I was a consultant in New York City. That is the whole game. Sell secrets.
It has been said that humility really means being teachable. Are you open to saying, “I don’t know?” If you take that approach to a horse and get curious, they will reward you. They may give you a carrot!
How did our species become so arrogant? I don’t know. But for all those stuck on “horse riding,” try being open for half a second and let go of the concept, “horse riding” and replace it with “horse gifting a human to ride.”
I go with the ancestors. The current mindset is for the birds (no offense to my bird ancestors). I want to know more about the horses. They never fail me. Me and the horses laugh and laugh about all the secrets.
What is the secret you are holding on to? Bring it to a horse.
Camron Adibi is a horseman, equine relationship coach and a PATH Therapeutic Horse Riding Instructor who holds a master’s degree in education. He offers equine assisted therapy, sound therapy and Chi Equine Massage. He has a mission to improve horse and human interactions through education and storytelling.
Another great example of your insight into the gifts we are given by horses. Thank you!
I didn't know this 85% sharing of DNA, Camron. But I was intrigued by your piece and thought back to my not-very-frequent interactions with horses and the way they seem to listen, clearly understand instructions, have ways of expressing their feelings about two-legged riders, feeders, trainers, caretakers. Thanks for your post, Camron.