Equine Coach

A story in the NYT about visiting a horse facility that does equine experiential learning. I confess I liked that the writer followed up after the experience with a couple of evidence-oriented Purdue University folks. I was going to say 'I could write a book about all this." But then I have... I enjoyed the reality-based feedback those two gave to the writer. The experience of taking 'post-combustion engine' people into experiences with horses is fraught with many levels of c...omplexity and learning opportunities. It is magical and it is pragmatically animalistic. We are mammals too and being with horses can remind us and that alone is a valuable lesson. It is a rich experience and there are many approaches to take. Everything is possible there from creating a vision for your life, evaluating your leadership capabilities, developing skills that turn on brain cells that are otherwise way too under-utilized, and, yes , listening for messages from the horses. It isn't magic and it is. It takes a lot of dedication and time to learn enough about horses to make their lives comfortable and safe, to help people understand the dimensions of potential that horses expose us to, and to do that with the sacred respect that the horses and the people deserve. http://nyti.ms/30ZmZRL See more

I see a lot of great content these days in pages and orgs that focus on trauma and recovery from trauma. This paragraph speaks volumes to me. As a coach I can 'hold space' for someone and experience and appreciate the greater toll that affects people. As a person, especially in relation to family and friends I sometimes forget this principle and when I do I can easily hurt people and my relationship with them. I love how this spells it out so succinctly. What are your thoughts?

For those interested in understanding the horse-human relationship more fully this webinar series upcoming might interest you. Both of these smart people are presenting a lot of great information into the equusphere. https://youtu.be/7F5pHGYDSxs

A fabulous example of body language. This baby is SO expressive. Even though they are speaking in Italian one can almost know exactly what they are saying - certainly the emotional content is obvious. So sweet!

The wonderful Melody Owen interviewed me for her youtube channel on Authornationtube.com. Live on tape on March 18th at 11 AM PT if you care to watch. It isn't very long...

A useful approach to having dialogue with people in opposition to your views. Such a difficult topic these days. It's a bit long but well worth it. Check the comments for the link.

This is humorous. Understanding when and how to use counter-bend is an essential skill for horse people. In order for a horse to feel safe in a situation like this they need the rider to allow a counter-bend (bend away from the threat) and not to force the horse into a defined response. This, not surprisingly, is what we humans need in relationships as well - we need to know that our circle of trusted friends/co-workers/family is on our side and will allow us to have our reactions to perceived threats and will help us to feel safe and not force us into a defined response to said threat.

A great quote about the efficacy of horses in human well-being. I hope you have a horse experience in your future!

This night. This coming day. Make them yours. Each night. Each day.

I have been waiting for this! https://www.horsebrainscience.info/