I have often wondered who I am!
As a person this concept is probably something many of us dabble with once we reach a 'certain age'. Some spend thousands with counselors to accompany them on their search.
I am sure many horse owners would give their right arm to know the answer to the same question about their horse.
I have always suspected that Essy's early life was not ideal; that when he should have been learning to socialise and be a young horse it was some how cut short. He doesn't know how to groom with another horse, and most of the time he meets a horse (regardless of its sex) he tries to suckle their teats. Others could probably provide a more deep and meaningful interpretation of this equine behaviour, to me it just felt like his early 'horse' education was limited.
Our visit with Margrit confirmed my suspicion and I sobbed to hear Essy speak of how his early life with his mother was 'interfered' with by humans. He missed his mother terribly and has grieved for her most of his life. Why do we do this to our horses? What is all the rush about? Seriously! Do we pull new born human babies from their mothers? We follow strict guidelines when purchasing puppies after their 12th week, so why do we think our horses can emotionally cope when we don't obey the same courtesy and biological need.
On a brighter note, since his healing conversation with Margrit his confidence and apparent happiness with just 'being' is blooming. On Thursday I followed my instincts and let him off the lead rope in the menage. (A risky decision when you appreciate he has not had field turn out since the end of December due to mud fever, snow, then water logged fields).
Here is a you tube link to him enjoying a roll, then a short stroll - great decision making in action!
What touched me most on Thursday was after he rolled, he just sauntered off. Such a strong, confident relaxed walk, he calmly strolled down to the menage gate where I then caught up with him and offered to take him in. He seemed content with that. Another 'wow' moment of loving such independence. All I kept saying was 'you do whatever you want, it's OK with me'. It was such a simple experience to share but so powerful and on Valentines Day - what a great gift of love.
As a person this concept is probably something many of us dabble with once we reach a 'certain age'. Some spend thousands with counselors to accompany them on their search.
I am sure many horse owners would give their right arm to know the answer to the same question about their horse.
I have always suspected that Essy's early life was not ideal; that when he should have been learning to socialise and be a young horse it was some how cut short. He doesn't know how to groom with another horse, and most of the time he meets a horse (regardless of its sex) he tries to suckle their teats. Others could probably provide a more deep and meaningful interpretation of this equine behaviour, to me it just felt like his early 'horse' education was limited.
Our visit with Margrit confirmed my suspicion and I sobbed to hear Essy speak of how his early life with his mother was 'interfered' with by humans. He missed his mother terribly and has grieved for her most of his life. Why do we do this to our horses? What is all the rush about? Seriously! Do we pull new born human babies from their mothers? We follow strict guidelines when purchasing puppies after their 12th week, so why do we think our horses can emotionally cope when we don't obey the same courtesy and biological need.
On a brighter note, since his healing conversation with Margrit his confidence and apparent happiness with just 'being' is blooming. On Thursday I followed my instincts and let him off the lead rope in the menage. (A risky decision when you appreciate he has not had field turn out since the end of December due to mud fever, snow, then water logged fields).
What touched me most on Thursday was after he rolled, he just sauntered off. Such a strong, confident relaxed walk, he calmly strolled down to the menage gate where I then caught up with him and offered to take him in. He seemed content with that. Another 'wow' moment of loving such independence. All I kept saying was 'you do whatever you want, it's OK with me'. It was such a simple experience to share but so powerful and on Valentines Day - what a great gift of love.
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