23/01/2023
From Symphatetic Nerve system ( flight / fight /freeze response , wood and water fase. ) into Para sympathetic nerve system ( safety and relaxation, processing , digestion , lowering heartrate & blood pressure, stress release, metal & eart fase ). First of all I hate seeing things black and white. It rules out all of the layers you are unable to see as a human. Yes to scientific research but also trust your gut. Your intuition. There is more to behavior then outer signs that we can see. Like every creature there is emotional and spiritual layers to everything we do with the horses. Behavior is just the physical part. Don’t forget that.
Back to Equus. How do I deal with this flight response? Really depend on the horse. But let’s be honest also on how I feel that day. We cannot always be a balanced - flat lake minded human. Equus spooks and shows all the signs. His adrenaline is high, fast breathing neck high worried eye , tensed face features. But he clearly asks me- what is this and what do I do. He is insecure. I don’t move him, yield him or back him up. I let him look. I speak to him. I am there and solid. Then when he calms down a bit. I breath with him. I whistle (the cue for slowing down, release, all is well , end of exercise) . Look this obviously doesn’t work when your horse is a balloon on a rope. You have to already have some sort of connection there. I worked on that with him last 3 weeks. But I will always try to create a safe space. Lower my energy. Stay balanced. Excuse my terrible voice over - it’s the first time ever!! Haha.
