Take a few minutes on your own to try this exercise. If being grateful feels difficult, you can imagine caring for your horse or sending them light or warmth during the exercise. If it feels natural when doing this exercise on your own, then try this for a moment or two with your horse. This is a brief version of an exercise we include in our upcoming book project, Sharing The Now: Mindfulness Exercises To Enhance The Connection With Your Horse.
Notice your breathing, body, and where your horse is right now. Now, create a picture of your horse in your mind. Begin to focus your attention completely on your feelings towards your horse. Intentionally radiate feelings of gratitude and love to your horse. Use words if that helps.
Frustration, sadness, or other feelings are okay. Sometimes feelings of gratitude don’t arise. In that case, sense your breathing mindfully until you may want to try radiating loving feelings again. If you find this too challenging, imagine spending time with your horse and showing them that you care.
Refocus on your own bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and then focus back onto the mental image of your horse. If you can, imagine your horse also feeling kindness towards you.When you are ready, stop this exercise and focus on something else.