The Art of the Roll
Winston Churchill, who was a complicated politician with depression and mood disorders, loved horses. He is often quoted, “There is something outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
The quote is very telling because it is exactly the crossroads we are at as a human species. For the majority, we treat these animals as the instruments for our goals and desires — winning competitions, riding trails, jumping fences, playing polo, driving carriages, and in my field, offering equine therapy for humans.
Few are willing to challenge Winston Churchill and his thinking. It is an old belief in desperate need of updating. There is something much more interesting and meaningful awaiting us — there is something about the INSIDE of horses that is good for the INSIDE of man.
Enter Hunter, an older gelding, and Romeo, a miniature horse. The two are very different in size, shape, emotions and their internal energy. Yet, both find value in each other. I quickly noticed that Hunter has a keen interest in Romeo. Both are rescues. Both were rejected because they no longer had value to the humans.
I decided to do something different. Romeo is usually with two other rescue minis, Pixie and Fluff. I started to bring all four together in the indoor arena. I made this decision because 1) I recognized Hunter does not like being without other horses and 2) I observed how Hunter consistently helps other horses who need support. When another horse attempts to bite or strike Hunter, he simply moves out of harm’s way and stares at the other horse.
Hunter is a martial arts master. He rarely is the aggressor. He deflects the energy of the aggressor and holds his ground. He is not phased by the emotional outbursts of other horses.
Hunter has shown me that he has a very clear purpose — to help dysregulated horses find regulation and learn to ground.
When I put the four horses together, Hunter became most interested in Romeo, who is somewhat disconnected from the other minis, head shy to touch and does not like to be groomed or touched by humans. When I try to brush him, he almost always moves away unless I have him on the cross ties.
Yet, when I stay still and invite Romeo to greet me, he will approach me from behind and will touch his nose on the back of my neck. The neck is the one of the most vulnerable areas on the body. Think about that for a second……Also the back of the neck is behind the vocal cords. This is where you speak your truth.
Romeo gave me this enormous gift. All I did was stay still and lowered myself to his height, allowing him to touch me without trying to touch him.
Romeo expressed something deep inside. I heard him, so did Hunter! Now, to watch them roll together gives me such joy! This a regular exercise they do.
But there is something much deeper happening. Horses only roll when they are relaxed. Not only did they roll, but they rolled together. This is a very vulnerable act. After they finished rolling, Hunter shook his body to release tension and energy. Romeo ran in a circle and bucked, which is also a release.
As the observer and camera operator, I am not excluded from the energy releases. I received the same benefits, thanks to this odd couple. Because I filmed it, I have the gift of sharing it with you so you can experience and feel the peace.
Let go! Release!
Hunter, Romeo and I did it. So can you!
Camron Adibi is a sailor, 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.