There is a Difference: For the Horse and for the Human

There is a difference between Equine Assisted Learning/Psychotherapy (I use that term but include all EAL/P modalities), mounted work, liberty exercises, etc., and simply sharing time and space with the herd. 

To lump them under one heading is misleading and frankly unfair to those who are looking to find growth alongside the horses. And, ultimately, to the horse.

The difference is in expectations and control. 
What are my expectations of this methodology?  i.e. results
What are the expectations of the horse: to perform, to complete a task, to interact with said human?
What forms of control or pressure is one applying to obtain said results?
And, if control or pressure is applied (in any way, shape or form) then are the results true and authentic? If not, then are they benefiting any humans involved if the goal was for human personal growth?  Then the question begs here ~ What is the definition of human personal growth? Are we experiencing true personal growth if we are putting pressure on and controlling another? 

Even within the EAL/P field, how much control is being assumed and expected results pressured, even in a learned helplessness way?  Expectation and control can be invisible to many. 

What if we go to the field and ask nothing, I mean nothing of the horse or the herd? No control ~ no expectations. Only a shared energy of love and compassion. And nothing of the human but to be a human, authentic and present.  To be able to do that is human personal growth with a focus on the well being of the horse and the herd. 

The hypocrisy lies where personal growth is mistaken as control and the request for submission.

I taught riding lessons for years. So, I don’t come at this from a high and mighty stand. We all walk our own path, and no one is above another. I am simply sharing my heart and my thoughts, my path. From control labelled as leadership and strength, I am moving to a space of no expectation or control over another being. On that path is where the healing lies. Where control is diminished, and strength becomes soft and fluid. A space where horse and human walk together.

When I chose to put my feet on the ground beside the horse and keep them there, things changed. My relationship with them, other humans, and my life’s direction. Everything slowed down, and I focused inwards. It is a lifelong adventure, but putting my feet on Mother Earth was truly a healing step for me.

Is change true when control is applied?
OR
Is change true when we relinquish control and make space for it to happen naturally for each individual horse?
 

If you are interested in exploring the personal growth possible when we slow down and spend time and space with the herd, contact a professional near you.  Consider the questions above to determine if they are a fit for your personal growth needs. 
If you are in southern Ontario Canada check out my offerings at: 
www.equineleadership.ca/ljwequineguidedwellness