There are many commonalities between how we approach life and how we approach the horse.
An equestrian needs balance. Physical balance in the saddle, emotional balance to curb unproductive anxiety, mental balance to be patient and keep a healthy perspective in competition.
A horse also thrives on a healthy balance of work, play, direct communication, patience, and beyond.
There just has to be a perfect balance for every human + horse. I want to talk about balance this week and figure it out.
Day 28/100: Reiki Ahead
I have been interested in achieving a Reiki Certification for some time. And now, it's set to happen!
I have worked with Cathy Buelow, the founder of Freedom Horse Coaching, before in other coaching/therapy capacities, but I am particularly excited about this new direction.
Cathy sums up the program as, "personal development, energy awareness, and healing" and that all sounds fantastic.
Day 26/100: Hello Nostalgia
When I was a young lass growing up in a wholly insignificant crevasse of southeastern South Dakota, I spent sunny summer days at the barn.
I reminisce about afternoons sitting in the cool, shaded grass while my horse grazed close by, swishing his tail at the flies. I sipped on a bubbly Sprite (or Mr. Pibb, depending on the day) and chatted with my instructor, a friend, or maybe my horse. I cannot imagine what I talked and giggled about when I was 8.
Sometimes, I wonder if my love for the horse started here. If all I have experienced and achieved with the horse has simply been part of a wonderful nostalgic quest back to these moments. That if you zoom out, you see a tiny version of me chasing those quiet, beautiful memories of subtle connectedness.
Whatever the reason, it's awfully fun.
Day 21/100: Life in Silhouette
Is it the idea of the horse that is so mesmerizing, enticing, captivating? Is it the sound of their hooves on the pavement, the feel of their fur under your fingertips, the flare of their nostrils after an honest run?
These surface details are full of sensory beauty and fulfillment, but with some perspective, it's easy to see that these simply make up the silhouette of a life with horses. If you travel deeper, exploring new areas, asking questions, developing lovely relationships, you'll uncover what fills the silhouette.
And this sort of reflection translates seamlessly into the contemplation of really knowing of who we are and what we desire in our lives.
We mustn’t forget to look around. It’s easy to do. To get stuck in routines and petty conversations and the aspects of life that draw us apart. But the Earth, with its mysterious mountains and endless lakes and cavernous valleys, calls for humans to come together. Together, we shall find depth in its beauty, hope in each sunrise, connectedness in its awe, wonder in the exploration.
In my eyes, the horse has the ability to bring us closer to the land — calling for us to respect the soil, the trees, the animals, and the humans who inhabit this time and space.
Day 17/100: Alive & Well, Refreshing
Today, I took Max for a walk. Outside!
He stretched his neck and angled his nose upwards, breathing deeply and taking in the fresh air. I imagine him trying to understand and place the smells — the trees and the nearby stream and the dirt and grass — contemplating all the newness.
At one point, I reached out and touched his neck as his eyes were locked at a faraway sight. His fur was warm from the sun and I felt his heart beating so powerfully, with so much vibrance and alive.
It felt like a beautiful reminder of everything honest and good and real.
And this makes me think.
What would happen if we (the small, silly bunch of us with show horses) focused less on extreme, intense, and anxiety-provoking performance? What if our goal was to make our horses as quiet, at-ease, and calm as possible? What if we created a space for a shared experience between human and horse that feels fulfilling, challenging, and harmonious for both parties?
I don't know. I think it'd be cool.
Day 14/100: Freedom Farm - Part 1
A inspiring, informative, special visit to Freedom Farm in Waverly, MN today for this precious 100 day project. Beautiful humans, horses, and mission .
This farm offers three programs: a Therapeutic Riding Program, an At-Risk Teens Program called Hope with Horses, and Healing with Horses, a Veterans Program. At the base of all of these—patience, empathy, compassion.
On the farm’s website, Susie Bjorklund, the Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Farm, shares, “It has been said that, “in riding a horse, we borrow freedom.” In 2000, I decided to fulfill a dream to share that freedom with those whose lives, minds, and bodies are not as free. And so, inspired by my life experiences and training, I opened my heart and the doors to Freedom Farm — a therapeutic riding center in Waverly, Minnesota.”
I cannot wait to write more about Susie, the farm, and the humans and horses involved with Freedom Farm. In the meantime, I will share a few photos from the day. Just a tiny sample. A minuscule nugget. A single droplet. That’s enough — scroll down already!
