Here is an exercise you can try whenever approaching a horse. Horses, being prey animals, are extremely sensitive to the non-verbal signals and body language that you project when you are in their vicinity. Being aware of your state of mind and emotions, or even your “state of energy” if that is a term to which you can relate, can help you tune in to what you are relaying to your horse. This exercise, suggested by our Free Rein Ranch trainer, Katelyn Carter, is an adaptation of one suggested in our upcoming book project, Sharing The Now: Mindfulness Exercises to Enhance The Connection With Your Horse. We include it in the section on Getting Prepared, which is a chapter outlining strategies to stay emotionally and physically safe during the exercises and how you can also foster that safety for the horses around you. This exercise offers ways in which you can achieve a non-threatening energy state, which is ideal when approaching a horse. Some readers may want to consider that this exercise also adjusts ones body language to be welcoming or inviting to a horse, if the term “energy” does not fit for their belief system around horses.
Achieving Calm Energy near Your Horse
Think – I am here for you
Drop your shoulders as you exhale during your breaths
Allow your eyes to blink slowly (slow blink)
Smile softly at the horse (soft slow smile)
Breathe slowly and deeply (slow deep breaths)
You may want to try this exercise at other times of the day, for a few minutes at work or when driving, or even at home. Notice whether it makes an impact to your state of mind, emotions, or physical awareness.