One Small Step

Hunter has a sizable fan club. He is the type of horse who is tolerant with a sweet grounding energy. Not all horses are like this, same as with humans. I am still getting to know him, but it is clear both horses and humans look to him for guidance. It is funny to write this, but I feel that Hunter is a humble horse.

Why do I feel this? Because I have met many horses who are the opposite — in your face, loud, demanding, push others, their needs are first, and most glaring — they will not change.

I recently invited one of Hunter's fans and asked her if she would like to bring her 15-month old daughter. She asked if she could bring her mother, her 5-year old nephew and 3-year old niece. I said, “absolutely!”

Not all horses like children, but most all horses like families, aka the human herd. It is something they appreciate because that is how they communicate and interact. When the family arrived, I decided to introduce the family to the three miniature horses first. In general, minis get a bad rap by horse people for their capricious attitudes. To people new to horses, the minis are less intimidating. The minis did their job and ‘broke the ice,’ so to speak.

After I showed the brother and sister how to lead the minis, we went to say hello to Hunter. He reached over his stall door to say hello as they walked up. He recognized the family as a unit, studying them curiously. For a horse, the herd is a safe place. I asked the children if they would like to groom Hunter. I brought him out of his stall. Instead of putting him on cross ties, I led him outside and to a nice place for him to eat grass.

Most people feel it is safer to have a horse on cross ties, especially with people unfamiliar with the animals. This is true for many horses but when you build a relationship with a horse or any animal, the physical attachments are often a reflection of the human’s insecurities. (i.e., the current news about abuse with the Olympic riders). 

This young girl had no fear. I gave her a soft brush. She carefully and attentively groomed Hunter’s legs, reaching as high as possible. Hunter shifted his weight ever so slightly to help the little girl. 

When it was time to say goodbye, the young girl ran back to Hunter, so she could thank him. She reached over to pat his neck. Hunter, as he does with the younger horses at the farm, stood there patiently waiting for her touch.

Hunter is a teacher for us all on how to forgive. He had a tough life as a school horse, never being allowed to have choices and forced to do his job. He has embraced his new role as a “faculty member” of a new equine assisted learning program that I have launched. 

ENROLL NOW! 

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.