How to Connect with Horses

coaching pet Oct 21, 2022

I'm honored to write a blog for Christina Marz and MarzMethod as guest author. Please revert to the original blog How to Connect With Horses on Christina Marz's website. 

The Keys to Achieving an Amazing Relationship with Horses

 

Introduction

There is something special about the connection with horses. It is a feeling of coming home, of finding what you have been searching for all your life. This connection is key to having a lasting relationship with horses. In this blog post, we will discuss what connection means to us and how we can achieve it. We will also explore the different aspects of communication with horses, and how horse-guided empowerment can help us create a deeper bond with these beautiful animals.

Connection with horses goes beyond just riding or handling them. It is a deep, soulful connection that can only be achieved when we are fully present with our horses. This means being in the moment, without distractions or thoughts of what we need to do next. When we are truly present with our horses, we are able to connect with them on a deeper level and create a lasting relationship based on mutual respect and trust.

One of the most important aspects of communication with horses is understanding their body language. Horses are very expressive creatures and can communicate a lot through their posture, facial expressions, and body movements. Paying attention to these subtle cues will help us understand what they are trying to tell us.

Horses also communicate through energy. They are empathic creatures and can understand your emotions and intentions telepathically. Horses are very sensitive to our thoughts and feelings and can pick up on even the slightest changes in our energy and feelings. This is why it is so important to be aware of our own energy when we are around horses. If we are feeling stressed or angry, they will sense it and it will affect their behavior. It is important to stay calm and centred when we are around horses, so that we can create a safe and supportive environment for them.

 

What horses represent and how to connect with that symbolism

 For centuries, horses have long been associated with freedom, power, and grace. They have been revered as symbols of strength, beauty, and freedom. For many people, they represent the very spirit of wildness and adventure. In many cultures, they are also seen as a connection to the natural world and the spirit realm.

For those of us who love horses, it is easy to see why they hold such power and meaning. The sight of a horse galloping across a field is enough to stir the soul and bring a sense of joy and wonder. But horses also offer a deep connection to the natural world and the cycle of life. They are creatures of great strength and beauty, capable of carrying us through some of life’s toughest challenges.

When we look into their eyes, we feel a deep connection to something wild and untamed. We sense their vitality and power, and we are inspired by their grace and elegance. By connecting with the symbolism of horses, we can access our own inner strength and power. We can also find joy in the simple things, like a sunny day or a moment of peace. When we open ourselves up to the energy of horses, we can tap into something truly magical.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that horses are extremely intelligent creatures, many people find horses overwhelming and are fearful of them. However, those of us who have formed a bond with these amazing animals know that they are so much more. Horses have an uncanny ability to read our emotions and understand our intentions and needs. They are incredibly sensitive creatures who can offer comfort and companionship in times of trouble.  

When we take the time to connect with horses on a deeper level, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We learn about trust, patience, and communication. We discover the true meaning of friendship and partnership. And we come to realize that horses are so much more than just magnificent creatures – they are our teachers, our healers, and our best friends.

 

What are the Key Concepts in Connecting with Horses?

 Body language is one of the most important ways to communicate with horses. Horses are very visual creatures, and they rely heavily on body language to communicate with each other and with humans. Learning to read a horse's body language can help you understand what they are trying to tell you. Paying attention to a horse's body language will help you build a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding.

In addition to body language, energy is also an important way to connect with horses. Horses are sensitive animals, and they can pick up on the slightest change in energy. If you want to connect with a horse, it's important to project calm, positive energy. Horses can sense when you're feeling anxious or scared, so it's important to remain as relaxed and confident as possible around them. When you approach a horse, do so slowly and calmly, making sure not to startle them. Speak in a soft, soothing voice and make sure your energy is gentle and inviting.

 

Tips for building a lasting relationship with horses based on trust and understanding

 Some people think that the connection with horses means allowing them to choose whatever they want and only interact if they completely and freely consent, similar to the anti-authoritative education model of children. However, in doing so they can bring themselves and others into dangerous situations as we should not forget that we are dealing with animals that weigh at least 400-500 kilograms and are a force of nature but not a toy or pet. Horses can harm humans unintentionally with even possible fatal outcomes simply due to their weight and powerful movements.

As even a dog needs to be trained to obey commands to secure a safe and smooth relationship with its owner then how much more a horse should be trained to follow commands? In addition, such a behavior of the horse would not even be tolerated in a wild herd as each horse has to take on its role in the herd which is led by a lead mare. All horses have to follow her commands and requests without questioning or disobeying as this would endanger the overall herd.

It is absolutely essential to clearly understand the difference between forcing/controlling the horse and encouraging it. We are not talking about breaking the will of a horse as this would destroy any kind of connection between you and the horse and is simply intolerable and unacceptable. A horse should never be forced into something it is afraid of or strongly refuses to do.

The connection between humans and animals can be enhanced by making it clear that a structured hierarchy exists because this provides a stable social safety net, security, and trust-enhancing environment for the horse. 

This works in the same way as the herd with its lead mare provides in the wild. This is where assertiveness comes in. Calm assertiveness takes into consideration the feelings, wishes, emotions, and thoughts of both, human and horses in the same way how it would be respectfully done in a herd. It includes listening to the horse as a partner, considering its opinion, and creating an honest dialogue.

However, in order to achieve the deep-rooted connection with the horse, horses same as dogs, children and humans need to understand that certain boundaries do exist. Those ground rules need to be set and followed at all times. Those boundaries and rules enable us to give commands and requests that need to be made. It can be called negotiations because it means that both have a say, but sometimes a request can be firm and non-negotiable e.g. to ensure the safety of people. This does not mean that we love our horses even an ounce less or might lose their connection and love to us as many of those people fear.

In contrast, it means encouraging the horse to work together with us as a team by respecting those ground rules and boundaries and creating a mutual trust. Encouraging means in this context that we actively motivate the horse to give its invaluable input in the current situation and to use all its innate and learnt resources to create this cooperation with us in the best way possible. Only a horse that is self-confident, trusting, and respecting us will be able to do so.

This connection also prevents aggression which is defined as forceful and hostile behavior. Horses can be aggressive by kicking, biting, and pushing which is a natural behavior e.g among males during the mating time or when defending territory or fighting with enemies. Often aggressive behavior is displayed in threatening bodily actions that shall intimidate their opponent. Again, such behavior can be disastrous for humans which can be prevented by boundaries and ground rules.

 

How to maintain that connected relationship by using Horse Guided Empowerment®?

Invented by Christina Marz, Horse Guided Empowerment® is a form of horse-assisted therapy that uses horses as co-therapists to help people through challenging life experiences. The horse provides an unbiased teacher that can help people to see themselves more clearly and to develop a greater understanding of their behavior and patterns.

The horse also provides an opportunity to practice new ways of being in the present moment and to develop skills such as assertiveness, communication, and boundary setting. Horse Guided Empowerment® is based on the principles of trust, respect, and cooperation. These are the same principles that are needed to maintain a healthy relationship with a horse.

During horse-guided sessions, clients are challenged to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. This can be a very powerful experience that can help to create lasting change in a person’s life. Horse Guided Empowerment® is an effective way to help people to develop a deeper connection with themselves and with horses.

 

Horse Guided Empowerment® is an effective way to help people develop a deeper connection with themselves and with horses. This connection can even lead to greater self-awareness.

Horses have the ability to reflect to us our own innermost thoughts and feelings. When we are around horses, we are forced to be in the present moment, and they will pick up on our nonverbal communication cues.

This can be a very powerful experience that can help us to see ourselves more clearly and to develop a greater understanding of our behavior and patterns. Horses can also help us to practice new ways of being in the present moment and to develop skills such as assertiveness, communication, and boundary setting.

Spending time with horses can be a very therapeutic experience that can help us to achieve greater self-awareness and to develop a deeper connection with ourselves.

Horse Guided Empowerment® is an excellent way to create a deeper connection with horses. In this process, horses can help us see ourselves more clearly. They provide us with honest feedback about our energy and intention and how we are showing up in the world. Working with horses in this way can be incredibly powerful and healing, and it is an excellent way to deepen our connection with them.

If you are looking for a deeper connection with horses, Horse Guided Empowerment® is a great place to start. It is an excellent way to learn more about yourself and your relationship with horses.

 

 Conclusion

 Connection is at the very heart of what it means to be human. It is an essential part of our lives, and something that we all crave. Horses are one of the most effective ways to achieve connection. They are social creatures who communicate with us in a way that we can understand.

Clear boundaries and ground rules are essential to have long lasting and deep connections with horses. Firmness and assertiveness are the keys to a sound relationship with the partner horse while being trustful, encouraging, open, curious, and honest.

Horse Guided Empowerment® can help us create a deeper, more meaningful bond with these beautiful animals and to reflect on our own feelings, emotions, actions, and relationships.

So, ask yourself: what is your relationship and connection with your horse? Have you been able to achieve the level of communication and understanding that you desire? Write your comments in the comment box below.

 

Author

Dr. Margit Gabriele Muller is a Certified Facilitator of Horse Guided Empowerment®, Certified Mental Health Coach specializing in Inner Dynamics, Professional Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation ICF, Master Life Coach, NLP Master, Certified Mindfulness Practitioner, award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and falcon doctor.

She's passionate about helping businesswomen with childhood parental mental illness trauma by supporting them by "Making Peace With Your Past in 3 Months" online course with private coaching sessions and creating a new positive, empowered, resilient, and authentic YOU in three months.

Dr. Margit hosts a free biweekly mindfulness and meditation group called "Peaceful Mind Group" that is delivered virtually via zoom.

Dr. Margit believes that coaching with pets and horses opens the way to a new kind of empowerment and healing. Her award-winning and inspirational book Your Pet, Your Pill™: 101 Inspirational Stories About How Pets Lead You to a Happy, Healthy and Successful Life enchants, motivates, enlightens, and fascinates the readers with stories full of inspiration and positivity. 

 

Find out more on www.coachformentalhealth.com and www.margitmuller.com or contact her on [email protected]

 

 Dr. Margit's books

Your Pet, Your Pill®. 101 Inspirational Stories About How Pets Lead You to a Happy, Healthy and Successful Life

Your Pet, Your Pill® Workbook. A Self-Discovery Guide About How Pets Lead You to a Happy, Healthy and Successful Life

Practical Handbook of Falcon Husbandry and Medicine

Modern Veterinary Practice Management. A Systematic Approach to Creating and Operating a Successful Veterinary Practice