5 Whys Deep...

A 'SPARKY' or Electrician (as we call them in the UK) is smart, bright and a beacon of light for horses!

 

Having just moved my horses, myself and our mass of belongings to a newly built fabulous yard, understandably not everything was quite finished so work was still in progress. For example the electricity wasn't in place yet - not really surprising as when we moved in the concrete had only just set (I couldn't move in quick enough)!

For a few days, a male team of 'sparkies' climbed ladders, straddled stable walls and politely stopped drilling as my horses and I swaggered beneath them.

I watched the men with fascination:  two big, burly blokes one a Brit the other South African -  surprise me with their great gentleness towards the horses.

Every time they walked past a stall, if a horses head was over the doorway the men stopped, gently stroked the horse's head and spoke to them quietly.  They talked to them as if chatting to horses was how they filled their every working day. They spoke with care, consideration - it was almost intimate!

As we humans in the barn, began to exchange polite chit chat the men opened up and began to ask questions. That's when it got really interesting....

In Business there is a useful principle known as the 5 Whys Deep - meaning when you are solving a problem or making a decision you ask "Why" 5 times".  It's annoying to go through at first as its reminiscent of being with a toddler whose just discovered the word and now uses it all the time! "Why mummy", "Why..." "Why"... etc. etc.

However if you stick with it the technique ensures you get to the root of an issue and have a thorough understanding of it.

Back to our electricians... one of them demonstrated beautifully the power of "5 Whys Deep" in discussion with my 'clipping lady' who was here giving my guys a quick 'short back and sides' for winter.   It went something like this...

At this point I could hear the whole conversation was about to loop around again.  Mr Sparky would have gone on asking why until his own dinner appeared!

It was difficult listening to a horse 'expert' stick to the 'stock' answer like a redundant script without stopping to think about what she was saying.  Without providing a proper explanation, and without any sense of how crazy she was beginning to sound!  I wanted to jump in and offer an alternative more honest view about why the answer is almost always human convenience! 

Later on, I had the opportunity to take the curious minded sparky to one side and ask him if he had horses of his own, or rode them?  He said no.  This was my cue to encourage him to keep asking questions and to not always accept what he was told.  I said he could expect to come across two types of horse owner:

Type 1: Does what they do because they've always done it this way and no one has managed to convince them there is another way! (Many won't even listen).  They live with tradition born from either old fashioned BHS training or they genuinely don't know any better! They are drawn to gadgets, quick fixes, Bute and new bits!

or,

Type 2: Does many of the things that the Type 1 person does but knows there is a better way and is trying to find it! They live with compromise and try as best as they can to do the right thing for the horse.  They know the true 'nature' of the horse and it's and emotional needs.  They are drawn to life long learning about horses and the latest thinking surrounding their welfare.

Don't get me wrong, it's winter and so my own horses are now coming in at roughly the same time each day.  Most days the older horses (Solar and Essy) are hanging by the gate giving the appearance of wanting to come in.  I'm a Type 2 person who used to be a Type 1 who did her BHSAI at the British Equestrian Centre, Stoneleigh.  More recently  I've learnt to remember that - assuming they are not in pain, or hungry, this (gate groupie) behaviour is usually a result of other horses in the herd being brought in which disrupts herd security and belonging.  This then creates the illusion  (to us humans) that they all want to come in (which they do but not for the reasons we like to think)!

The test is that if we left all the horses out in their fields with suitable forage and shelter, 24x7, I doubt we'd see any "Gate Groupie" behaviour.  The tough piece is letting go of our own human emotion around the thought of being out in the cold, dark and damp winter nights.  Of course as Horses aren't actually nesting or roosting animals they are unlikely to share our concerns about warm beds and draft free stables (assuming an absence of pain, hunger or fear). 

I can't guarantee that hanging out with Sparkies will always generate such a natural born instinct towards horse needs and horse welfare. In general, I do recommend spending time with non horsey people from time to time, to see what they ask you and what they notice, that we no longer see!

Failing the revelation of any deep new insights you're bound to have a giggle or two at the things they say.  As an example, here's my old mum's most recent observation...

"I'm glad to see the horses looking settled in their new home Darling, but do they have to go out wearing those dirty macs....?"  

....Rugs, Mother, rugs!

Wakey; Wakey - MOT's & Emotional Audits Calling!

“Intolerance of your present creates your future”...

 

...A popular saying but do we know what it means and how to turn it to our advantage?

Similar expressions include "if we keep doing what we've always done, we'll continue to get what we've always got".  I've heard it say that insanity is "doing the same things but expecting different results"

What links these sayings is our ability to change our mind set - to experience a paradigm shift. That seems to be the one constant in my life since Essy hit me with his message that "humans have to wake up".

Waking up doesn't have to mean knowing exactly where we are heading in life, but it does mean taking more than an idol curiosity in the journey.  It means asking questions of ourselves and taking an active part in the proceedings not just going with the flow.  It can mean challenging expectations and norms, paying attention to things that go wrong - illnesses and injuries, relationship changes, people that show up and opportunities that catch your attention.

NOTICE WHAT YOU NOTICE and you'll wake up!

I'm always impressed by the work people will put in to changing their lives or their own behaviour.  Two recent examples include a man I am working with who is determined to conquer his anger and rage and not lose the one lady in his life who means everything to him.  Then there is a middle aged lady whose ridden all her life but had recently had a few falls from her new youngster - causing her to stop in her tracks and reassess what she's doing and why. 

Two different but similar scenarios. Both want to change and get to grips with their demons and stop their present reality becoming their future. Both are willing to do the work!  Both are learning the value of being honest (with self and others) and how to have self compassion.  

People get it!  When we are in pain (emotional, physical, or spiritual) we have all it takes to create whatever future we desire.

We have to want change

We have to be dissatisfied with the present

We have to do some work

Creating a new future means changing in the present - what we do, what we say, why and to whom.  Knowing WHY we do and say the things we do, in the present, means delving into our past.  Delving not dwelling; and there's a big difference!

What has been so powerful in working with Margrit Coates is that it has opened up to me my horses' past - 'pre me' - it has filled in some of the gaps that until then I'd only been able to make guesses about.  Going forward I don't think I'd even BUY a horse without asking Margrit to visit first. Seriously. Think about it; when we date a new partner, or interview for a new job we want to hear all about their past - experiences, successes as well as plans for the future.  With practise and experience we learn to spot the potential 'train wrecks' ahead of time and step off or say "no"!

When buying a new horse (or taking one on loan) we road test them mounted, we check their stable manners, and get the vet to do the physical MOT.  Who does the emotional audit? How do we know what we are getting into from an emotional fitness perspective, with a horse?

Why wouldn't we want to know more about the horses past trauma, treatment, fears, ability to cope with pressure, attitude towards work, comfort under saddle etc?  Wouldn't that tell us as much (if not more) about the likely quality of the relationship we will have with that horse,  than any vet check?  I'm not against vet checks.  I'm not saying don't have one.  I'm saying don't stop there!

When we pay for a 5 stage vet check often we want to rule out future costly injuries, illnesses. Yet we might want to remember that most cases of emotional in-balance will also manifest itself as illness, lameness, poor condition etc.  Any compromised or stressed internal organ will result in a sick horse.  Internal organ health can not be seen by a vet.  Blood tests aren't always accurate enough to show up problems. Besides which, without a history of regular blood tests for that horse its an isolated picture without any context for what is "normal" health and well being for him or her.

We have to have a way to check below the surface and not just focus on what we can see!

This is a picture of Essy in November 2010 - not a well boy!  After £2000 of vet checks, tests, steroids, blood tests, skin analysis, allergy testing, bedding changes, stable sterilisation, box rest, new rugs, new grooming brushes, dietary elimination,  we had no cause and no solution.

I'm not blaming the vets but feeling miserable and desperate to help Essy, I went holistic.  I found Equine Iridology.  It diagnosed a seriously stressed kidney and liver problem not revealed by blood tests.  The solution....?  HERBS!

After less than one week on a James Hart Liver Tonic and Dandelion Root (daily) every lump had gone and did not return.  With careful management it should not reoccur. 

Whenever I suspect Essy's immune system is struggling I put him back on a Tonic to suit the symptoms. Essy, Solar Sue and Grace now have a large offering of self selection herbs offered to them daily. They select the ones they need.  As I'm no expert in how nature works to restore an animals health I will quote others research and point out that only this week the Daily Mail reported on Oregano's amazing anti-bacterial properties.

Oregano can beat MRSA said the researched based article.  It is more effective than any man made product at fighting the bacteria!

The world is waking up!  We are waking up.  Our horses are helping us.  If Essy hadn't had this terrible break out I wouldn't have turned to Iridology, found James Hart's Tonics, or discovered the power of herbs and essential oils for healing, health and well being.

I didn't wake up one morning in 2010 and think to myself - "I must explore the power of Margarine and Parsley!"  Nor did I (consciously) wish a poorly horse upon myself.  But, what if....I needed to step up and wake up to another level? What if I am here to help prove the value in not giving up on our horses (or ourselves)?  What if.....I don't even know why this happened - yet!

Then for me to wake up I had to have a sick horse to learn from. (Another extraordinary example of  selfless giving from our horses).  How much responsibility would I be willing to take, versus leaving it to the vets?  How open minded was I to other solutions that help me discover more about a horse, its' nature, it's true needs and make up?

The mind shift that happened as a result - I could not have imagined.  What I know now is that Einstein was nothing short of legendary when he said:

"no problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it"

I am convinced that if we want to wake up then our horses will open up to us many new and exciting options to explore that will raise our levels of consciousness.

Going forward,

* Would I want to know if my horse had a compromised immune system?  

Yes. 

* Would I consider iridology as part of my pre-purchase 'health check' MOT?  

Yes.  

* Would I want to know how to bring out the best of my horses emotionally? 

Yes.  

* Would I invest in an Animal Communicator as part of my 'pre-purchase' routine?  

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Would this be additional expense? In literal terms yes.  Experts cost money.  What's the upside?  Analytically speaking: if I want a return on my horse investment I'd say the odds are looking good the more I check out upfront-  I'd know all sides of my balance sheet not just what makes up the revenues - the glory piece!

Would I walk away from a horse who presented concerns based on either of my new pre-purchase checks?  That depends.   After all, waking up doesn't mean a guarantee of always making a smart decision!  Doesn't the fun of being human entail getting it right sometimes, and other times, not!

The good news is that waking up actually means that even when we get it wrong -we get it right!  Providing we notice! Providing we listen, learn and grow a little more from the experience. Then, every event or encounter becomes an important part of what we draw from for the future.  If its true that 'today is determined by the past, tomorrow is determined by today' then wouldn't we want to spend today wide awake; soaking up life's little details that fill the wind and inspire our heart?

No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins130982.html#t4HtFbrmFFuZQdKI.99

No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins130982.html#t4HtFbrmFFuZQdKI.99

No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins130982.html#t4HtFbrmFFuZQdKI.

“You can have anything you want - if you are willing to give up the belief that you can’t have it.”

Daily Mail Article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1088893/MRSA-wiped--OREGANO-say-British-scientists.html

Firework Nerves - 5 Quick Tips

For anyone worried about the boom boom nights ahead for your horses her are 5 simple and effective tips worth considering:

1. Bucket of water: in or near stable with few drops of Frankincense Essential Oil in - wonderful calmer for horses (works for dogs too). Cost approximately £4.50 for a 5ml sized bottle. Beware it comes in a glass bottle!

2. Offer for inhalation: a few sniffs of Valerian Essential Oil -  it can have a sedative effect when inhaled so only use if not riding, or transporting your horse.  Don't let your horse bite or chew at the bottle as it is glass.  You can pour a few drops into the palm of your hand if he/she wants to lick it. 

3. Add into daily Feed:  the recommended does of Valerian  - I recommend a James Hart Tonic called V Calm.  (Don't use if competing within 24 hours as Valerian is FEI banned - because it works as a calmer!). Approximated cost for 500 mils £16.50

4.  YOU!  I like to be with my horses between 7-9pm on the Saturday night when most of the fun is kicking off.  As much familiarity as possible helps our horses stay calm.

5. Explain: Tell your horse what is going on - why and that it will end in a few days time.   They understand.  Send them mental pictures of calmness and tranquillity.

Finally, make sure you aren't upset by fireworks.  Many people hate them, so if that's you make sure before you spend time with your horse that you do lots of deep breathing in and out and really pay attention to your heart rate; keep it slow and calm.  Horses sense our heart beat and will follow your lead to "stress-dom" if you are already there!

Have a successful weekend!  Know you are doing everything possible until we humans chose to eliminate bangs and explosions from our repertoire of 'ways to have fun'!




A useful Website for purchasing products mentioned above:

http://www.naturallyanimals.co.uk/naturallyanimalsshop/prod_933619-Equine-Herbals-V-Calm.html

Finding your "WAY" can feel like a cross road of decisions ...

Ever felt surrounded by experts; all with different view points, all making sense...?

At times I feel lost amongst the myriad of contradictory opinions, experts and research vying to give me their advice - delivered with passion and often a dollop of emotional 'guilt' if you don't do as they suggest.

Today started well: I had time for an early morning coffee, and watched the rush hour traffic scoot by.  I was wearing my favourite new top in cheerful peach - I love heart warming winter wear!

I was to spend the day immersed in herbs, oils, macerates and tinctures. What could be better?

Early into the day I leaned Ive been making a mistake by adding my Garlic granules into my horse's feeds.  Ive done this for over a decade.  I felt stupid and sick with guilt for not letting my horses self select given all the other self selection herbs I offer daily.  However,  it is an easy fix, I will implement the change tomorrow; garlic will be offered separately from now on.

Despite this, it was a great day.  I learnt how to make ointments for mud fever; solutions for swellings; a compress for abscesses, injuries or aching muscles.  I even picked up some unexpected tips on home made Christmas gifts; facial toners, face packs and rejuvenating bath oils!

My note book was bursting.  My mind full.

Some of my take aways from today are below.  They may pose a question or two and challenge some of the things you thought you knew! It has me....

1. Never use Front line on animals - horses or dogs
2. Annual vaccines are not essential - flu protection lasts 3 months only! 
3. Large quantities of hard feed can induce colic and should be avoided at all times - body weight percentages quoted by feed manufacturers are there to sell the product not because the horse needs that amount
4. Frozen/frosty grass or very wet grass disrupts gut flora which can lead to colic
5. Ask your feed supplier if any of their feeds use oils?  If so, are those oils Genetically modified?  If so, don't feed to your horse for high rates of ulcers
6. Never give a joint supplement with animal derivatives in them
7. Don't let your dog eat horse poo if you use chemical wormers
8. High worm burden should NOT be dealt with using chemical wormers
9. Oregano kills MRSA better than ANY known manufactured product
10. Horses will clear choke if we can help encourage them to lower their heads
11. Valerian works like a sedative if inhaled, so don't use before going out jumping!
12. Juniper removes lactic acid (must be why I drink Gin a lot)!
13. Have a bath in Epsom salts for aching, tired muscles
14. German Chamomile works against Herpes, Strangles, and Cold sores!
15. Yew is the only tree poisonous to horses
16. 10 % of a horses diet should be bark, wood, twigs etc!  (Now you know why they eat your menage fence posts)!
17. Add a drop of Essential Oils to hot water for a human 'night cap' 
18. Tackle insomnia with a few drops of ylang ylang or Valerian on your pillow!
19. Old scars CAN improve and reduce in appearance even if 10 years old
20. Horses have over 5 million sensors in their nose compared to 1 million in humans
21. Every hair follicle has it's own blood supply - beware insect repellents as they are absorbed into the blood stream!
22. Do NOT STARVE laminitic horses - this is the worst tactic possible.
23. Bucket of fresh water with Peppermint Essential Oil drops in the field will help combat frosty morning gut inbalance, that could result in colic.

I'm not expanding on the above; I'll leave that to the experts!  What I am including at the end of this article are links to some interesting articles that discuss some of these issues further.  Read, enjoy and make up your own mind.  At least that way we all have the chance to move beyond 'doing what we've always done' - without knowing why, or worse - following others example which is just as likely to be as uninformed as our own, but without the honesty!

Vets will argue against some of the above coming from a position 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Everyone is adamant that they are right.  We - the untrained owners and carers of our horses, sit in the middle struggling to find the correct way forward and to know who to trust.

My best advice is to take your time, when reviewing lifestyle options for your horses.  Like me if we make some mistakes along the way, it shouldn't be a cause for recrimination.  Remember...

....we have to be willing to be wrong in the pursuit of what is ultimately right! 

 

I believe our horses will be on our side in our journey.  Their survival depends on their effective decision making.   A horse in the wild will never poison itself.  They smell new things intently, in order to decide if it is safe and necessary to eat.  If not, they won't eat it.  If they do eat it - they have to be sure it is safe to do so, as they can't vomit it up.  They need to get it right! Years of evolution helps them make wise choices, even in domesticated situations.

Our own evolution seems in many ways to have taken us further away from making wise choices, rarely taking enough time to assess our options.  Modern life thrives on speed, convenience and at times, someone else making our decisions for us. We have lost touch with abilities we used to possess as a species: telepathy, astral travel, aura reading, and we downplay instinct and intuition.  Luckily we are discerning beings and should remain so especially when it comes to making lifestyle decisions for our horses which impact their health and happiness.

It's decision time AGAIN for me - the next round - all as a result of today's education session.

Currently outstanding decisions to be made in support of my horses are:-

1. How do I keep my horses eating ad lib hay (while stabled at night) so their guts can work as planned without it costing me an arm and a length in extra livery fees?

2. Do I now stop annual vaccinations going forward?

3. Do I reduce feed volume to prevent colic, trusting that my elderly thoroughbreds wont drop weight with the same speed that I put it on?!

4. Can I wean myself off the love of offering different dried herbs each day for self selection, when I need the budget for extra hay?   Is it in the best interest of my horses?

5. How can I best provide my horses with bows, branches and twigs to replace absent hedgerows and tree bark to eat?

6.  Do I continue with investigatory work for Essy's nose bleeds despite lack of conclusive outcomes thus far and despite any apparent discomfort for him?

Big decisions I've already made that have worked fantastically well over the last year include:-

1. Going barefoot all round, in all three horses - without any abscessing!

2. Worming only using Herbal Wormers NOT chemical based ones - with great results!

3. Self selection of herbs and oils for illness, depression, even colic - again with great success.

4. Not riding Essy (as per his request via Margrit)

5. Investing in ground work with Grace to improve riding safety and our mutual understanding instead of riding her

6. Working with Margrit and listening to my horses as a result

7. Investing in Sue Devereux's chiropractic magic

8. Recognising it was time to change yards despite the ensuing disruption for the horses

9. Managing my mood before hanging out with my horses

Tomorrow is another day.  Tomorrow I'll start to address my outstanding list of decisions and know that some really big ones are behind us, worked well, and weren't so hard really! What's left I hope, should be the icing on the cake and I do love CAKE!

Thought provoking Reading: 

Flea control 

Forage and Turnout 

Animal Vaccinations:

Super Nanny To The Rescue...

Does Killing with Kindness work?

My recent homework was to watch more TV- specifically Super Nanny!

I'm beginning to see why... we can learn important lessons from her; the "master" of setting boundaries, keeping a check on 'love',  and reading the energy levels of others! She also knows the value of having a plan B!  Super Nanny is always the leader!

Translating super nanny techniques to our horses can work in many different settings.

One of my first 'nanny moments' with Grace was shortly after we began to learn Parelli.  In the stable with her, it took over 35 requests in the same session, of me asking her to stay behind me in the box, and not keep running forwards over me - before she said 'oh ok'!

If ever a horse has taught me to 'mean what I say and say what I mean' its Grace!

A big moving, forward thinking yet introverted horse like Grace often finds it hard to knuckle down to work for example on the lunge, preferring to do several high speed rounds of handstands and cartwheels first -  all of her own making!  A master of distraction!

In Super Nanny when the kids are "hyper" like Grace, super nanny recognises that and changes her plan accordingly.  So, if homework has to be done she'll take them to the park to have a blow off first, before sitting them down for studies. With our horses we have to decide if its best to let them do their antics for a few minutes to burn off energy or not.  I must decide if asking any of my horses to lunge in trot but quietly today is in step with what is the right thing for them given their mood and their energy level.

When mounted, on a lunge, or long line our horses should be willing and able to stay on their circle or line, take responsibility for their feet (and where they place them) and maintain the gait we request until asked to change it.  I love this principle as it helps remind me of our respective responsibilities!

I like the partnering element that underpins the principle: that we the rider/trainer can't do everything and be responsible for everything - let's face it, it's challenging enough some days such as at competitions, just remembering our test and getting past the flowers, flags and judges box!

Here are my top 5 'take aways' from translating Super Nanny skills to horsemanship!

1. Make it easy for your horse to do the right thing!

2. Be clear in your communication  ALWAYS not just some of the time!
3. Establish boundaries (and keep to them)!
4. Praise the result you want (when offered or achieved)
5. Realise quickly that every interaction is a training and learning moment for our horse 
(whether we intend it to be so or not)!

Is it bad to love a horse too much...?

... only if it creates a monster child in the process! There's nothing more heart warming than seeing a strong human - horse bond, where the human loves their horse to 'beyond and back'.  Sadly too often these can be the same relationships that lack mutual respect, honesty and true partnering. 

I've seen more owners get pushed about and walked all over (literally) by 'over loved' horses because there have been no boundaries set and maintained.  Horses are larger and heavier than us!  They understand space and body language - it's their native tongue!  Therefore it isn't unreasonable to expect them to respect our space and NOT RUN US OVER if we establish our space in the first place.  It works a little bit like the 'naughty step' in Super Nanny!

Where most parents seem to go wrong on Super Nanny is that they DON'T stick to the rules and regime she teaches them.  As soon as they waiver the child's bad behaviour returns.  I know from experience that with horses if we show them (or allow the creation of) a gap - they'll dart through it.  Our job as owner, rider, trainer is to pre-empt actual or metaphorical gaps and close them before the horse catches sight!

Besides a lack of boundary management, loving owners can fall short of doing the right thing for their loved one by getting emotionally caught up in the 'cuteness' of their horse - as it thrashes it's front leg in the air waving it about for attention, or the nearest unsuspecting knee cap!

If a horse can't be left alone for 2 minutes without causing a disturbance surely we should be concerned and want to get to the root cause, for the horse's mental well being.  Instead,  many laugh off these 'temper tantrums' as "cheeky" or "naughty wanting mummies attention" yet doing nothing to re-direct the horses' energy.  In fact in the process of loud exclamations of "being spoilt" the owner/rider draws everyone else's attention to how 'needy' their horse is in the process, seemingly with pride and glee!  In some cases these undesirable behaviours actually serve to help their owner feel more loved and needed!

Every interaction with our horse is a training lesson whether or not we planned it that way.  What sort of a role model have you been today with your horse?  What messages have you been putting out there - deliberately or accidentally?  Do you need to undo tomorrow what you did today or is it too late and now your only help is Super Nanny for Steeds?!

Deportment Lessons!

Can your horse carry a book on his head?

Which would you prefer when working your horse.... to exercise him/her for exercise sake, or to exercise him in a way that develops correct posture for physical development and well being?

Posture simply meaning having the correct position of body and limbs and the correct use of muscles.  Think deportment classes for horses!

For a dressage horse posture has to be one of our top priorities and the good news is that we can develop it from the ground.

In the past I've lunged Grace for exercise reasons of courses, and for my own safety before riding her to assess how calm (or not) she is from a distance - allowing her to burn off excess energy, BEFORE I get on.  I must admit that in the past lunging was more about attaining obedience to voice aids than achieving postural or physical well being.

That's no longer the case.  We are now embarking on a touch of Pilates by lunging with posture in mind.

How do we know when our horse has good posture?

Step 1: Your horse begins to stretch down reaching forward and down to the floor with his neck and head.  

Walking round in a circle on the lunge with their nose on the floor (or as close as...)  encourages them to round their back.  Down and round should be easy for our horses - they do it while they graze.

To offer this posture they have to step through from behind, which creates that lovely 'swing' in the back.  Think 'Bruce Forsyth dropping his chin down with concavity in the whole of his neck!

This video isn't the greatest demo but it was only our second time going for long and low - so you get the idea!

Step 2: You see the abdominal muscles coming into play! The 'heave line' appears and extends towards the girth as posture improves.  See below.

Granted our tummy is a little large given our period of forced rest, so the heave line is only just coming into play!

Step 3: Exhalation! Your horse begins to breath properly - from the diaphragm with lovely sighs and big exhalations to prove it - usually just as the abs engage!

It's a good idea for riders or trainers to plough through videos and photos of horses moving on the lunge and in competitions to learn to recognise this basic level of good posture.

To come full circle i'm not seriously considering asking my horses to carry books on their head but we're after the same goal - correct self carriage!

Somehow I suspect there is a lot more to it than these 3 simple steps but slowly slowly catch the monkey! 

Ignorance is Bliss!

They Say IGNORANCE is BLISS!

There may be some truth to that...

Before Margrit's visit I was a decent horse owner - I didn't over work my horses; checked weight changes weekly; paid for a professional to massage them every month - and went on as many horse related courses as time and money, would allow.  I'd quickly call a vet if needed and always give my horses proper time off while I was away...  what's good for the Goose etc.!

But there were many things that I was not doing or had not questioned before Margrit's visit.  Like my horses living out 24 x 7.  I had always been on yards where the routine was horses came in around 4pm each day.  Then there was the matter of shoeing.  I'd always had my horses shod because as my vet reminded me only last year "90% of horses in this country are shod".

What's really scary is that when Essy and Solar lived in America they lived out 24 x 7 x 365 days a year.  They lived on a ranch freely roaming hundreds of acres with 50 plus head of horses.  They were loaded en mass, into a trailer four times a week to travel to play polo.  They wore no head collars in the trailer nor travel boots.  In the fields they wore no rugs or fly fringes.  Naked ruled!

Yet, as soon as I brought them to live in England, I succumbed to our British traditions and piled on the layers, tied them up to transport them robbing them the freedom to find their balance. I stuck to human convenient feed times and wrapped them up in cotton wool for turn out with leg boots to look like the Michelin Man!

I had seen a different way of life in America but still didn't even STOP to consider my options once I was back in the UK.

I can't say I was subject to some big bullying oaf telling me  'it's his way or the high way' - I just slipped right back into how things are done without regard for if there was a reason why?

This is why I dislike  mediocrity, convention and rules, because it kills curiosity! Yet it's even worse when you realise you hate rules but you're the one now following them!

So is 'not knowing better than knowing and worrying?'  

In an earlier blog (what we resist, persists) - I fessed up about my habitual worry head nature. Of all the changes I've made and of all the insights Ive gained since Essy spoke with Margrit, one of them has actually reduced my need to worry.  It is this; now I know I can communicate with my horses.  So I do!  With intention, care, and conscious thought.  Perhaps more important is that I now wait for a response.  It might be a nod, or snort, a change in breathing, 'state' or expression.  By standing back, pausing and giving my horse space to 'hear me' - I am giving myself space to listen and look for a reply.

Suddenly moving yards ten days ago wasn't a big deal.  Ive never been so calm.  I had explained to each of my horses what would happen, why we were moving,  and I'd carried a mental picture of where we were going to be living so they could share that image, in advance of arriving.

If horses are like children - wouldn't some explanation and re-assurance be something a decent parent would offer their kid during times of unrest or change?  I'm not suggesting our horses are children in any way, but if we are supposed to love them AS IF they are .... we should honour them with the same respect.

Knowing that I can communicate with my horses and that they can react back means I no longer have to carry all the weight of the world on my shoulders. Horse ownership has at times felt like a massive weight to bear -  their health and welfare in my hands!  Once you have real communication (2 way) in any relationship the responsibility is shared, providing everyone is being honest!  Fortunately horses are always honest.  Question is are we?  Developing real conversations with my horses is making "honesty" a daily habit!

All 3 of them loaded within moments to move yard.  Grace hasn't loaded in over 2 years and Solar in nearly 4 years.  Last time we moved yard it took 3.5 hours to load Solar!  The difference now?  She's older, less fit for travel - which should have made it another long session.  What else was different? We talked! I asked her to trust me, I explained what would happen, that Essy and Grace were all coming too.

Essy poor boy, last time I loaded him in August was to have a hole drilled into his head so if anyone had reasons to not load it was him!  I had the same conversation with him too, only adding the promise of no hospital, no drill, no headache and no pain.  He walked straight up the ramp!

In the spirit of honesty then ignorance is bliss;  it reduces the number of decisions to be made.  It maintains the status quo.  It reduces our options and choices.  It avoids change.  It enables us to stay safe and 'fit in with others' and can stop us making an ass of ourselves or going it alone!

Conversely, ignorance is no excuse! It stifles curiosity, stymies our growth, and keeps us metaphorically asleep! Ignorance will dismiss intuition and deny us a way to integrate aspects of our life. It also opens up the possibility of regret!

We can of course continue to put our heads in the sand and plug our fingers in our ears...

Or, 

...we can seek to be what I term "map makers" and  carve out the route ahead. Take each turn in the road as it comes, and erect our own land marks along the way.  Finding our own 'path' guarantees a bespoke adventure and only tailor made solutions can ever meet our very individual life needs.

Time to stop hiding in the flock, take a risk and fly!

Waking up and connecting with our selves, our families, and the potential in our lives, requires our horse to be firmly in the center.  He is the catalyst for revealing more of who we are.  He or she will help us to transfer learning and skills across different landscapes: work, family, home, and sport.  He shows us what we are avoiding and reminds us how to help others be the best they can be!  All without expectation in return.

A Modern Day Moral Dilemma...

To Ride or Not To Ride ...?

Do you ever hear a voice inside your head asking...

"Why am I riding my horse?  
I know horses weren't put on this earth to have saddles and humans on top of them..." 

This is my current moral dilemma! 

Its a complex question leaving me not sure which way to turn for the best.  Who do I obey? Convention, tradition and the norm?  Or, follow natures lead and leave our equine friends alone, free from all the adverse effects that riding brings?

My decision is easier for my older horses; Essy and Solar who, both now in their 20's deserve a quality retirement - we only lunge, long rein or do a little Parelli to stay mentally awake and physically toned. 

Essy made it very clear to Margrit that he has always found it 'hard to move' with a saddle on and didn't want to be ridden anymore.  He's not had a saddle anywhere near him since, nor will he. Morally what choice do I have?  I'd never go back on my word to him especially after such a humble plea. 

The dilemma however is very real with my young horse Grace, now aged 8.

I have recently become obsessed with horse's backs.  Last year my obsession was hooves (more of that in a future blog).  Wherever I go my eyes are drawn to backs.  It's horrific to see the reality of what faces you when you stop and look...

Saggy backs, weak muscles, no top line, muscle damage and plenty of muscle wastage where the saddle sits.  Many naked horses actually look like they are still wearing a saddle - so ingrained is the muscle damage.  We take it for granted, barely notice or actually think that is OK because it is after all the NORM!

Then along comes a horse like Grace whose back in contrast is strong, supple, toned and free of pain.  Yes, physios and chiropractors have had nothing to do on her back commenting on how "unusual" it is to find in a horse, and not wanting to 'waste my money' with unnecessary treatments.  So, now that I am  preparing to get back in the saddle with her after a break for her seedy toe to repair - I'm torn!  Is it the right thing to do?

Ive got lost in my own morale debate which has spun off into other directions including 'should we keep dogs indoors?'  'Should I eat meat?'  'Should the human race fly?'

Because we CAN - humans have chosen to do so many things. If we weren't here (on earth) what wouldn't have happened that has?  My goodness how long have you got?

The closest analogy I identify with when it comes to riding or not, is our use of natural resources; gas, oil, wood.  Wood was not put on this earth to be burned.  Naturally occurring wood provides direct benefit to the earth through its production of oxygen.  We then come along and deforest it, using it for our own domestic or commercial purposes. Surely this is similar to horses.  They were perfectly fine in their wild herds then we came along and used them for transportation, wars, communication and agriculture.  Finally using them for recreation and sports - all our own purpose and design.

I'm not sure what the horse's 'direct benefit' to Earth was in the wild.  I'm sure experts and historians will know, but I am curious where it is all going?  We're now experimenting with cloning horses.  Why?  Haven't we go enough horses, or enough genetically great breeding lines?  Will we continue to do things outside of the laws of nature, simply because we can? Have we lost the spirit of hope and reliance and a bit of luck?  Since when was Mother Nature so out of vogue?

I know we can't turn back time but we can keep re-visiting what we do and why?  We can consider what is best for our horses on a case by case basis just as we chose to reduce our carbon footprint - on an individual basis instead of doing nothing and hoping others will do it all instead!

Will I ride Grace?  Yes, I believe I will.  I will do so with a strong plan of action to manage her back as I do.  It will be my most important priority.  I have never ridden her more than 4 times a week (simply to save her back) since I bought her, so that will continue to be our plan.  She will continue to be warmed up and cooled down properly.  I will always carefully feel and inspect her back before tacking up.  If she's sore, or tight and I can't release it with gentle massage, we won't even tack up!

She will have her monthly massage along with my other two horses.  Its' great feedback on how toned her muscles feel under an experts pair of hands.  We will also have saddle checks every 6 months or as her weight or shape changes.  I weigh my three every Sunday (along with temperature checks, membrane checks, respiration etc).  That way I can respond to any change quickly!

I rarely ride for more than half an hour. I'm happy with half an hour of quality work, if we are both relaxed and still comfortable.  But I won't obey modern conventions of keeping riding for an hour to get my money's worth or because that's the norm!  Who cares? Because its the norm does that make it right or good for the horse?

Riding with lots of breaks, to stretch, relax out muscles is key to keeping backs soft and muscles free of tension.  Both in me and in Grace.

After riding I massage her back and brush it to re-stimulate the circulation - anyone who believes a saddle strapped across your back with a 10 stone rider on top doesn't limit blood circulation must be bonkers! 

She'll have as much turn out as time and daylight will allow until April when she'll be out at night again which keeps heads and necks down, and top line relaxed and in a natural stretch for 16 hours a day.

Beyond these common sense practices I'm open to ideas.  I live in hope that her back continues to look like this....

An Ode to a friend - "Paradise Lost"...

Once upon a time...

 

...I noticed a young woman 

who spent her day smiling, laughing and enjoying life.

Daily she played with her off spring,

sharing her joy with her husband - to be.

One summers day they all moved house -

it was to be a move made in paradise;

an exciting time.... full of promise of luxury -

the best money could buy. 

The house inside a village was purpose built 

Facilities to die for, and friends all around! 

Could a girl dream of more?

But on moving in,  the skies darkened;  

heavy clouds and thunder rolled in, and hung over-head.

They say lightning never strikes twice; 

but here, it hit twice in a day!

No matter how often she asked for her kids to be escorted 

to and from their home - it didn't happen! 

She saw this to be the case but was told it was her imagination!

Food rations (to keep them trim) were ignored

over eating happened daily.

Extra curriculum activities agreed at the start of term

were unilaterally withdrawn,

Health and Safety caused her concerns

 Hygiene and cleanliness standards were poor!

When issues of welfare were raised, 'like it or lump it' was the reply.



Other families in the neighbourhood suffered too;

Kids weren't allowed to play together;

  House doors remained shut at all times;

'Green space' was for appearances only,

And medicines weren't administered.



 Then word came that term fees were about to go up!

...Paradise was lost!

Families everywhere felt cheated, bewildered and lost.

Things once so certain became unclear;

Purpose and direction temporarily lost;

Logic and reason abandoned their homes.

Saddened, friends stood by, unable to help.

 She would have to escape this land of broken promises

 to re-connect with what's most important.

To the lovely lady her friends wrote to say... 

"Don't look back; 
live for today

Follow your heart
 a great future awaits.

Ignore any who don't care

or don't know better,
Be your own best friend 
and be kind to yourself"

-----

Ethics!

"What is the moral correctness of how we conduct ourselves around our horses?"

 

As I battled with the trains and underground today I found myself relishing the thought of a meeting in Starbucks or a hotel versus the office.  It struck me that in this day and age work feels very different (positively so) when we conduct it OUT of the office.  Presumably most of us would rather NOT be at work hence the strategies to avoid it feeling like work. 

This made me feel instantly guilty for all those moments where I've 'got after' my horse on days where they clearly weren't in the mood to work either! It seems only natural that they should have on and off days - just like us right?

One of the most common habits I observe, when we work with horses is our propensity to 'nag' them! We nag with our leg constantly nudging their sides even when they are already going forwards.  Habit, or lack of awareness being mostly to blame.  Then there is our nagging on the lunge...  There must be nothing worse for a horse than being asked to keep on going round and round in a circle seemingly without purpose or rest bite.  Much like a day in the office of non stop back to back meetings!

If we go back another step, there are moments when we go to mount or tack up, and our horse steps away. This is our horses way of signalling they aren't ready to be mounted or tacked up. Yet often we proceed regardless.  Do we even notice and recognise its potential meaning? Isn't it like rape?

As humans it's in our nature to "ride others" to "drive for results", give people a "hard time" if at home or at work, but with our horses it tends to be counter productive.  It works against us.  (Perhaps this is why horses are such good teachers)! 

None of this makes us bad people but it does open up questions of ethics; what's right or wrong in our actions towards our horses?

This is the first year of keeping horses where I have tried to go 'rug free'.  All summer long the fly sheets have stayed in their bags.  To my relief my horses have been no more subject to fly bites than those horses wearing the protective sheets.  It's mid October and mine have all been naked day and night since early April.  They are still naked now (although they have just come in at night). 

It's actually felt uplifting to see naturally dusty coats, full of autumnal shine and warmth and to know their coats are full of natural oils, as nature intended.  

Grace's coat - not groomed for days!

I must confess I'm guilty of only grooming two or three times a week at the moment as it suddenly hit me that naked, they can roll to re-balance their coats or to boost circulation, promote coat loss and temperature control - far better than I could achieve for them!

So at the risk of sounding pompous - surely it serves us well to remember from time to time that the horse left alone can do a reasonable job of taking care of his own needs. We intervene with all our so called knowledge and that tends to trigger the demise of a simple and often healthy life for our horses.  

I'm keen to develop a checklist for boosting my 'ethics score' - this is how it looks so far:-

Don't .... ride out of balance.  Make sure my body is straight and in alignment using Equilates or similar routines.

Do.....  ride when my mind is in the right place for the job at hand: calm, present, focused, responsive and open to whatever comes along

Don't ... rely on old fashioned training methods - that require horses heads to be strapped down, creating tension and resistance - seek out alternatives based on compassion

Do.... remember horses don't have time lines or set progressive goals (that's our truth not theirs)

Don't .... think a 4 year old should be jumping 1 metre high fences - mounted and be impressed! (Long term physical and mental health will improve a horse's life).

Do... learn how to read a horse from the ground - to cement the relationship and learn how to move him/her around safely

Don't... expect perfection and understanding at the beginning of the relationship 
(we don't get that early on in our human relations so why expect it with another species)?

Do... think twice before mounting /tacking up a horse who clearly isn't happy!

Don't... rug, groom, stable or shoe horses unless its in their best interest

Do... ask myself what is right and wrong?  What feels right, right now? 


Don't... ignore gut instinct when it's directing me to do something different from how everyone else does it

Do... learn how horses' learn ! Help them be the best they can be! Play to their strengths and set them up for success!

This list won't float everyone's boat.  It may be helpful, it could be full of misguided error.  I'm learning too, so I'm not one to say what's the right answer to ethical conduct , but I am trying to ask better questions that will lead me to those answers.  I owe that to Essy and his clear message to me on behalf of all horses everywhere.  

That at least, feels ethical for now.

Fact, fiction or a place in between?

Facts and fiction are about as common place in our human language and understanding as jam and bread!  For some curious reason though,  I have been wondering is there something else - in between?

The cause of my musing was the sight of a White Chalk Horse, carved into the hillside, calling me to drive towards it!

Hackpen Hill, Wilts.

Is it just me who is compelled to turn off my intended route, in order to get up close and personal with hillside etchings? Do others find themselves drawn "off piste" in a similar way?

Why does it lift my spirit just seeing them carved into the landscape?  Is it their connection with the past?  Or because it's an image of a horse?  Am I reminded of "White Horses" the childhood programme that used to sweep me and my imagination away to Austria, every afternoon?

Instinctively I know it's none of the above.  The 'lure' is one of 'spirit' - awakening, calling - call it what you want.  There is something spiritual about these carvings; not faith or religion, spiritual meaning; moving, uplifting, and filling me with a sense of life.  These horses somehow remind me that there is much more to life than the small corners we currently perceive.  These horses are a connection point like a bus terminus between the past, present and the future.

I am sure that some would use facts (indisputable things) to explain their attraction and 'draw' for us -  facts about how long they've been around (impressive as that is). Facts about who first carved them; druids, medieval folk (I actually don't know who).  Facts about their position on lay lines or links with the earths magnetic pull. Robust sounding, convincing facts.

Facts however, don't make me turn off a road and romp, unplanned,  up a hill in my high heeled fashion boots! It has to be something else...

Standing on that hillside, with a 180 degree round view, a warm breeze and rain clouds rolling slowly toward me below an unending expanse of fields, kept me feeling comfortably small.  It is a nice feeling; reassuring me that the universe is far more than 'you and I'. 

Fiction is defined as 'stories about imaginary people or events' or 'invention'. I don't know of any specific folklore behind today's white horse (or any other) and the horses grazing there definitely weren't something I imagined - they are as real as the hill they munched upon.

Neither facts nor fiction are enough to explain why we sometimes do the things we do or the feelings that are stirred by certain events or experiences.

Is there a place in between facts and fiction  - a 3rd plane or dimension between the two? Logic would suggest if there is, its a place of indecision where we only exist while we wait to gather more information to conclude if something is real or not; fact or fiction. 

Mark Twain once said:

"It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense"

The attraction for me in the possibility of there being 'a place in between fact and fiction'. Then it wouldn't have to make sense or  be proven with facts or data.  It could just exist in Nomand's land calling us to our senses if we hear it, to indulge in whatever emotional experience it awakens in us. 

For me, this in part explains why we can be moved to tears by a scenic vista, painting or poem. Is that why these horses were carved in the first place - to unite man with the land?  To dig a deeper connection between us and nature, and to provide an outlet for our expanse of human emotion? 

Next time you notice a two dimensional hillside Horse give a thought to the mythology behind them; their early role in transportation, communication, invasion and conquest.

Ask yourself if you can resist it's power and try to drive on by without a second glance! 

It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/fiction.html#BJ41bq4DLhQH8kLJ.99

It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/fiction.html#BJ41bq4DLhQH8kLJ.99

It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/fiction.html#BJ41bq4DLhQH8kLJ.99

It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/fiction.html#BJ41bq4DLhQH8kLJ.99

It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/fiction.html#BJ41bq4DLhQH8kLJ.99

Dig Deep!

A Buddhist sutra states: 

"If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, 

look at the results as they are manifested in the present.  

And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future,  look at the causes that exist in the present".

As a follow on to 'Mirror Mirror whose in my shadow on the wall'.... I've been thinking about how we hide our true self from ourselves.  How this is the 180 degree opposite of a horse's nature of honesty; no masks, no pretence, no lies.

From the perspective of Buddhism, we never fail to receive the effect of our actions, whether good or bad; therefore, it’s meaningless to be two-faced or to pretend to be something we’re not. Do horses understand Buddhism I wonder?
 
American cowboys and natural horsemen believe there's no complexity to working with horses.  There are a limited number of different types of "problem horse" - horses that buck - buck; horses that rear -rear; horses that bolt - bolt, etc. With problem horses they deal with the problem not the horse.

In my coaching work with people who want to live more of the life they want  I follow a similar approach: we have to identify what's currently in the way of them having what they want, and  identify the cause/s and not focus solely on the effect or symptoms.  This is how it works...

In an earlier blog I mentioned how Grace was helping to teach me to be more Assertive, (for people who know me well this may come as a shock)!  Like many aspects of our personality a trait can show up (or not) in different situations or contexts.  Around horses, where my overriding desire to to keep everyone 'safe' and 'well' in my head there is no room for conflict, fights, and upset.  So, being assertive is something I can do in other parts of my life, but tend not to when around horses.  My belief is that it could end up with too much 'energy' on my hands and resulting in a fight or me being thrown off!  (Much like our horses our own survival instincts will usually win out).

So, given this is how I am, I could work on developing techniques - mental, or behavioural - that will improve my assertiveness with Grace.  However, I have to WANT to do that, then I have to REMEMBER those new tools and want to believe they will be of use to me.  Like a diet - the slightest sign it isn't working and i'll not bother!

Tools and techniques in life aren't always enough to get the behaviour change we need or want from ourselves or others.  (This applies when training our horses too). If it's not enough, then we have to dig deeper.  We have to search for answers to questions such as:

1. Where does this reluctance to be assertive come from?  
2. Why do I believe it is linked to  'safety'  or 'conflict'? 
3. How does it serve me well?  
4. What thoughts and feelings do I have about being Assertive?
5. What decisions have I been making, as a result of these beliefs?
6. What choices do I have?

Getting to the bottom of these questions will throw up the 'root cause' behind our current behaviours (symptoms) and the reality of why we don't do as others have told us to do, or apply techniques we've we have already learnt, or know.  

We have to dig deep to reveal things we may have forgotten about - hence they work like secrets: buried, locked away, never to be shared or discussed. Most of our 'secrets' are written and created by the time we are 7 years of age.  No wonder they aren't top of mind - that can be a long time ago!

When these forgotten events and experiences are significant such as experiencing fear, abandonment, violence, abuse, - they will have a habit of showing up again later in life as a pattern that keeps repeating;  another bullying boss;  partner who won't commit or leaves us;  another friend who can't be trusted.

Often when we struggle to be assertive around those who have some hold or power over us (in my case 600 kilos of horse power) a root cause lies in feeling that we don't have the right to assert ourselves.  At a deeper level that 'right' can originate in a life threatening consequence if we did.  That's very real.  Its a relationship with assertion that has a powerful hold based on fear, and needs to be healed before we can commit to change.

Hidden secrets can show up in unhealthy ways through our relationship with almost anything you care to think of: our relationship towards money, commitment, responsibility, trust or success, etc.  Does it mean we are in some way 'sick' because we have some buried secrets? No, of course not.  However, if secrets buried deep remain so, and do get in the way of us changing, growing or breaking free of unhelpful patterns then we can become ill.  Mentally and physically we can become sick.  We can even find ourselves accident prone, or suddenly suffering from back pain without an obvious cause. We trip up a lot, bang our right knee all the time, etc.  Small, apparently insignificant signals that we have 'stuff' to deal with.

When I fall off a horse I pay close attention to which part of me was injured, if any?  Which side did I land on?  Which part of me hit the ground first?  Luckily ive only had 3 falls in the last 2 years, but each one proved very helpful in revealing areas of my life to take a close look at.

Thank you Grace!

So rather than have secrets buried within us, I vote we all start to fall in love with ourselves, to find out whats lying dormant back there in the recesses of our past - and explore!  Imagine dating yourself for the first time - and ask all those questions you ask of another when trying to find out who they are and how they tick.

Most of all, remember why you fell in love with horses and ask yourself why?  Why you?  Why horses?  Why hasn't that love or need diminished over the years?  My parents used to say to me "one day you'll grow out of this childish horse obsession..."  I never did!  Now, it's even more apparent to me why I haven't.  Imagine the lack of personal growth in my life if I didn't have 3 wonderful equine teachers to give me honest, constructive feedback every single day.  This is something I'm very grateful for.

It is the Attitude of Grattitude that helps keep us well, balanced, healthy and able to experience the abundance that life has to offer.