When Two Energies Collide

There are no accidents in life. When a human and a horse meet, it is a divine act. My friend Alycia asked if she could have a riding lesson. I started recently working with Soldier, an older Connemara gelding. The two of them met for the first time on a beautiful September morning. Neither had any preconceptions and neither had an agenda. 

Alycia wanted to learn. Soldier wanted to teach. As for me, I observe and offer suggestions while making sure it is a safe learning environment. We started the lesson by meeting Soldier in his paddock and putting on his halter. Many call this “catching” a horse. I find this a funny term because the horse is catching you!

We stopped about two meters from Soldier. I explained to Alycia this is the edge of his electromagnetic field. This varies for every horse but this extends approximately two to three meters from the horse. A true horse handshake is not by letting them sniff your hand but standing at the edge of their electromagnetic field and observing. 

Soldier acknowledged us as he continued to eat grass, with his friend Eddie nearby. I showed Alycia how to put on his halter and then handed her the lead rope. You can’t do this with every horse. Soldier is such a pro and excellent with beginners.

Alycia is an energy worker with a gift of intuition. She went into action and did not hesitate. Soldier and Alycia started the lesson!

We went to the barn, put Soldier on cross-ties so Alycia could groom Soldier. Grooming is the most underrated aspect of working with horses. Grooming is the key to partnership. If you pay attention, the horse will communicate multiple messages such as likes, dislikes, anxieties, pain, comfort and if they are having a good or bad day. Grooming has obvious benefits: removing dirt and inspecting their health. The subtle benefits of grooming include promoting circulation, giving the horse a massage, and most importantly, encouraging bonding and connection in a safe environment. 

Soldier was tracking Alycia while taking a mini-nap. He instantly knew that she was a gifted energy worker. He welcomed it. 

I asked Alycia to continue the story and put it in her words. This is what Alycia wrote…..

The words that come to mind: Intimidation. Humility. Surrender. Acceptance. Humor.

“Guess I’m not so tough and commanding after all,” was my thought thanks to Soldier. 

As a woman, I consider myself to be a good balance of soft, caring, compassionate while also being  firm, tough, and badass! I’m an energy worker & a massage therapist, catering to the softer side AND I have trained martial arts for periods throughout my life to appease the inner warrior. I have also been working with dogs for the last couple of years, and I’ve learned the importance of firm leadership in the animal kingdom. I’m confident in leading dogs with a clear presence while balanced with a deep love and compassion for the animal. I’ve learned that clarity, direction & boundaries are a love language that they respect.

Horses, however, are an entirely different animal — literally. I was INTIMIDATED walking up to this giant, majestic animal. Not only are they stunningly beautiful, but they have an innate power about them. You can FEEL them from feet away. Apparently this experience has been scientifically documented. The electromagnetic field of a horse’s heart can be felt up to 2 meters away!

My teacher & friend Cam understands the importance of the initial introduction for both the human and  horse. He takes a gentle, subtle approach. Cam put the halter on Soldier and had me walk Soldier from his paddock over for some grooming before we even thought about hopping on for a ride. This part I could do. It is like leading a dog with a leash! Except this creature’s eyeball and shoulder were level with mine. (Oof! Humbling!) But I held love and respect in my heart as we walked, and trusted in Cam’s guidance and my own body to lead the way.

We secured Soldier in place for some grooming, and as I approached him from the side, I became acutely aware of just how POWERFUL these animals truly are. Their bodies are pure with beautiful muscles and legs that could destroy me with a single kick if they wanted to. Cam explained the safety rules around horses — one of them being to never approach them from behind for that exact reason. He also taught me about what their body language tells us about their mood. Soldier was calm and content. Even still, the underlying energy I held throughout the entire session was, “I respect the fact that you could destroy me at any second, you big, beautiful beast.” In other words, “I’m slightly on edge and all I’m thinking about is your power.”

It's not an unreasonable stance to take. It made me reflect. How do YOU feel when you are interacting with someone who is intimidated by your mere presence? You have done nothing to scare them. In fact you’ve been incredibly polite, yet they let fear and doubt rule them. 

And what if that same person stuck in fear tried to give you commands? Would you take them seriously?

To my surprise, Soldier didn’t take me very seriously. When it came time for riding, Soldier did exactly as he was told as Cam walked next to us with a lead line. Cam guided me on how to use my eyes, legs, hands, seat, voice, and intention to lead. However, the moment Cam stepped away and unclipped the lead line, Soldier stopped dead in his tracks. And nothing I did could get him to move. 

In response to his refusal to listen, my voice got louder & firmer, but my energy & confidence got smaller. My inner voice said, “He’s not going to listen to me, no matter what I do.” I was sending two messages.. Therefore, Soldier stood still. 

I attempted to tap into my leadership and shift my confidence back into gear, but the presence of this horse overpowered my attempts.

All I could do was laugh. At myself, at the situation, at the humble-pie I was being served by the universe. I shifted into acceptance, and honoring myself exactly as I was at that moment. Accepting that it will take time for me to grow my sense of confidence in the presence of these majestic, gentle beasts. Accepting that I am not so tough and firm after all. 

All that said, I cannot wait for another lesson with Soldier. He is an awesome teacher!