| By Heidi
Potter, PATH Int'l Equine Welfare
Committee
You are heading out to catch your
horse. Your thoughts are most likely
filled with what awaits you once you
get in the saddle. Maybe it is a nice
stroll in the woods or a schooling
session. Maybe it is a lesson that
you have planned or moving the cows
from one pasture to the next. Whatever
your endeavor might be, rest assured
that your equine friend probably won’t
be thinking the same thing.
Because horses live in the moment
their minds will most likely be quiet.
They may just be enjoying the morning
sun, snoozing in their shelter or
grazing in the pasture peacefully
alongside their friends. While we
have grand ideas about what lies ahead,
our equine partner most likely will
not.
One of the most valuable gifts our
horses give to us is the idea of living
in the moment. To help us understand
our horses better we need to clear
our minds of all thoughts about the
past or the future. We want to focus
on being in the present and approaching
him in a mindful manner.
Take a few big, deep breaths before
you head out to get your horse. Allow
the breath to travel through your
body. Upon exhaling, release all tension
and let your mind become calm. When
you see your horse, take a second
to connect with him. Think about what
he may be feeling. Become aware of
all that surrounds him. Observe his
body language for a minute. Get a
sense of how he is responding to your
approach, to the other horses and
to the environment around him. When
you do approach him, do it mindfully.
Say “hello” instead of
just going up and putting his halter
on. Give him a rub on the withers
and down his back. Scratch his sweet
spot. Allow him the pleasure of your
touch and being in your presence.
Then “ask” him for permission
to put the halter on. Wait for him
to turn his head and show that he
is ready.
Breathing, connecting with the moment
and approaching your horse mindfully
will help to ensure a more pleasant
experience for you both. Likewise,
practicing this during the time that
you are away from your horse is also
of great benefit. Remembering to breathe
and relax during busy or stressful
times throughout your day will help
you tremendously. Taking a few deep
breaths will help you relax mentally,
physically and emotionally. It will
also greatly improve your overall
awareness of the world around you.
Regardless of where you are or what
you are doing, your breath is your
most powerful tool. So breathe, relax
and enjoy living in the moment, just
like your equine friend!
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