The Odd Couple

Hunter and Romeo are my all-star colleagues. We work together on a common goal: to help humans learn to communicate and bond with horses. If you told me one year ago that I would be working with these two horses, I would have been curious, but told you that you were crazy.

We, humans, are so awful at seeing the limitless and the greater plans of the universe. One year ago, I was still convinced that I needed to find a riding horse who can be used for therapeutic lessons. I had just lost a horse who had been my colleague. The owner decided to sell the horse for a price that I could not afford. I still grieve that loss.

My business model is risky in some regards, but also by leasing horses, I can reduce my risk. Ownership is getting more expensive each day. Full board in this region is about the same price as taking a three-week trip to Portugal. Full disclosure: I was considering moving there a few years ago. If I did, I would have never met Hunter and Romeo.

I found Hunter (those who are wise know the horses always find us) about one year ago. He is a 24-year old gelding with severe arthritis and did time as a school horse. All his life he was forced to do his job. Romeo, a 10-year old miniature horse, is the full package. He can do it all. Romeo was purchased at an auction before going to a slaughterhouse. Hunter, Romeo and I have built a relationship on trust.

They have enriched my life in ways I cannot describe.

Hunter is a leader and sentinel. He is always observing and listening. His hearing is better than any most horses who I have met. He has an appreciation for music and sound. He rarely engages with a horse who is aggressive or attacks. He has no interest in the small-minded. He looks at the big picture. Often, when I bring him to his stall, instead of going for his food, he will look outside to make sure his friends come inside. He constantly teaches me to stop and listen.

Romeo is Hunter’s protégé. Romeo has great respect for Hunter and is learning from the wise one. I like to call Romeo, “Little Big Man.” He does not see himself as a miniature horse. He prefers to be with the full-size horses. His best friends are Hunter and Galloway, a gentle giant draft horse. He is one of the smartest horses who I have ever met. He can open gates, he can find treats that others hide in the barn, he can play musical instruments, and now is learning skijoring (driving with me behind him while I am on cross-country skis).

Hunter and Romeo are opposites but they have respect for each other. Both understand the new Equine Guided Learning program. They are excelling. I feel this is mostly because they get to share their knowledge with children and adults who are struggling with emotions, anxiety and depression.

In theory, it is very simple: let people spend time with a horse. In practice, it is difficult. We, humans, always want something. Some want to learn to ride, some want the perfect pony, some want to be seen for their talents, some want the horse to love them, and some want to control. Our expectations and all that we know, block us from having a relationship with the horse.

Hunter taught me to give up my idea that I need to have a therapeutic riding program. All my programs are unmounted. Romeo taught me that miniature horses are the most misunderstood animal. Like most, I believed minis were difficult. When I mention that I work with minis, I always get the comment about their cuteness. Romeo taught me there is such depth behind that cutest. He is a horse!

Romeo always wants to learn. He will call out to me when I walk to his paddock, because he knows that I have some new challenge for him. Hunter and I do liberty work with no physical attachments. I will ride him on occasion with no bit and bareback.

I had to unlearn some things to keep up with this odd couple. If you are a horse person, this is the fundamental lesson for us all. If you are a human, this is the basis for growth and adapting to an ever changing world.

If you would like to know more about Equine Guided Learning, or my bi-monthly “Listening with the Herd,” contact me at cam@camronadibi.com

All my posts are free. If you become a paid subscriber or a founding member, you will help the care of the horses with their feed, vet care and new equipment for the equine program.

Camron Adibi is an Equine Human Connection Therapist and a PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor who holds graduate degrees in education and architecture. He offers Equine Guided Learning for children and adults of all backgrounds and ages, who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional/social difficulties. He also offers “Listening with the Herd,” as an invitation to explore sound, movement and breathing with horses. He has a mission to improve horse and human interactions through education and storytelling. Oh yeah, and Cam is a sailor with a captain's license. www.camronadibi.com