07/20/2020
Days in Essaouira at this time of year begin with a soft cool sunrise. The bright rays and light breeze touching my face. Melting me, reminding that inner warmth is a radiating force.
The Atlantic current on the beach drawing the water into itself and pushing the foamy waves towards the shore bringing daily inner peace.
The call to prayer echoing in the distance throughout the day.
Like deep breathing for the soul.
I began paying attention to the wind and the tides. Waiting for the oceans in breath to present a wide sand beach to venture out on horseback. Fulfilling my horse lover dreams.
I found horses, camels, quads and their owners at the far end of the wide beach from mid morning to sunset.
The work day with horses consists of horsemen drawing people in with a friendly sales pitch to take a trek down the beach for an hour or more.
The men, each caring for one to four horses. Barb Arab stallions from the age of 3 to about 15. Certain horses had been gifted to these men as family heirlooms when they were young boys.
The horse men are relaxed, flexible and strong in their bodies. Clearly comfortable around horses, dogs, camels and quads. There is a feeling of deep respect, love and admiration for their animals combined with a Wild West beachy twist.
Horsemen drink tea, socialize and converse in the shade of their horses bodies. Paying attention to every subtle detail in their environment.
The gift of spending so much time creates bonding horse heart to person and is reflected in the hospitality of the people and generosity given by the horses.
I have to acknowledge that horses are graciously helping humans the world over.
Wether it be throughout history, a trail ride or blessing with a spiritual connection.
The demeanor of the horses I encountered in Essaouira is one of animals that are well cared for robust and healthy. They are relaxed, interested and full of personality. Hands touch them gently. They are mostly strong hardy animals. Willing and ready to work.
In between clients horses rest in the soft sand with camels while waiting for the next opportunity for their stewards to make some dirham.
Riding with this band of characters on this beach is not about safety, the best quality tack or wonderful horse training. More about love of horses and creating memorableadventures.
There was no mounting block in sight and I was never offered a helmet or boots. Assistance with how to go about riding my mount needed to happen on the spot in French, Arabic or the language of the horse.
Get on and figure out how to move down the beach was the only plan.
Once mounted I had to trust, the horse and myself. The latter being the most challenging.
The horse knew just what to do.
We walked out through the shallow water along the picturesque sandy beach. Trotted into the forest. Walked through some winding hilly paths and ran into the canter on the beach stretch home.
My body finally relaxed enough to enjoy being reminded of the exhilarating gift of power a horse lends to humans.
My grateful soul filled with a light feeling of connected inner freedom that made me smile from ear to ear.
Pure bliss.
Velda Thomas
Essaouira is a surf town about 2 hours away from Marrakech in Morocco.
Photos January 2020
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