Authentic Animal Connection

🌿 Rocky’s little healing moment this morning 🌿

He seemed a bit uncomfortable in his backend, so I slowly worked across his body to see what was going on.
From his reaction, it was clear he’d been holding onto some tension that really needed a release.

It’s not wild how much our animals are just like us—they store stress in their bodies too, and when it builds up, it can turn into discomfort or even pain.
I’m no professional at this stuff, I just go with what feels right for my boys in the moment.
And honestly, as I watched Rocky let go of some of that tension, it made me think about my own body. I’ve been feeling out of whack for months now… maybe it’s a sign that we’ve both got some healing to do—together. ✨

Here’s to listening to our bodies—whether they’ve got two legs or four. 💚

Sometimes all you need, is to just sit in the presence of a horse and and just feel everything in a shared moment of healing ❤️‍🩹💪🌎

So nice when youngsters have confidence🥰

There are so many ways to start a horse’s ridden career, but I love to keep things as natural and relaxed as possible. That way, we can build a true understanding and connection right from the get-go!With Cowboy, I took my time to make sure he understood each step, so he could grow confident in both himself and in me. I also brought Rocky along for some moral support—having another horse around can be such a comfort and boost!All these little positive moments are already helping Cowboy see the process differently. One that’s built on trust, confidence, and calm—exactly how it should be.I’m looking forward to our journey together💚

Seperation Anxiety

Seperation anxiety is a common thing and not always the easiest to deal with which is why it’s so important to do small steps.

Rocky is now able to leave the field but just outside the field as that is where is most comfortable with.

Today I felt like he was ready to take a small step further. Rhian took Rocky up the track that’s next to the field.

As you can see he plants, his breathing changes and also his attention isn’t fully on Rhian.
This is because he’s starting to get a little bit anxious. However because we are able to see this, we can allow him the time to process and calm down a little, to then find confidence to walk more.

We only walked a few more strides up the track before giving him lots of praise (scratches and verbal praise) and bringing him back to the field.

No matter how small you think the task at hand is, it’s always a learning curve for all involved. 💚

Processing💭

Allowing horses to process their enviornment is so valuable to them. It allows them to see everything, work things out and also be okay with the task you ask them to do.

By us (humans) allowing the horse (or any animal) to take everything in and move on with the task in hand builds up confidence and trust.. not just in themseleves but with us as well💚

It’s often hard to allow processing time due to timing we have put on when with horses (due to everything else going on in life) but you really do see the difference in your horse!

🐴Horse Loading🐴

Cowboy has only travelled a handful of times so far in his life which means it’s still a new thing for him.

This is good as with my help, he can understand that loading is not a scary and stressful event.
Creating a quiet enviornment to help him process and understand the task in hand, he is able to see it differently.

Just like humans, animals can really only understand and learn things in the environment that’s set up nicely for them.

Giving Cowboy time to explore and really look at the situiation and seeing that I am calm and patient gives him confidence in himself, myself and the situation that everything is going to be okay.

No food is in play as horses act differently when food is about and won’t process the situation in the same way.
I am not saying that treats are a bad idea as they are always a nice reward but when it’s just you and your horse working through a situation, like humans, we just need:
•Time
•Patience
•Clear mind

If you would like to get in touch to learn further, I’d be happy to help. I work in person and online.