Why Horses?
Horses are highly sensitive creatures that rely on their senses for survival. They mirror human body language, and react to non-verbal communication. They are fully present and intensely sensitive, and highly vigilant, without agenda or judgement. They provide immediate feedback about who we are, how we carry ourselves, and how we relate to ourselves and others. Horses are herd animals who seek leaders. In order to work effectively with them, it is necessary to model behaviours to which the horse will respond positively - qualities such as calmness, confidence, and fair command - in order to provide opportunities for learning new forms of behaviour. Work which depends entirely on non-verbal communication through reading the cues a horse sends via its facial expression, body movement and vocalisation teaches a skill which can be used in human relationships.
Horses provide metaphors and illustrative symbolism when dealing with intimidating and challenging life circumstances. The size and power of the horse is naturally intimidating, which provides an opportunity to overcome fear by developing confidence. |