As animals that are preyed upon in nature, they have also retained a highly developed ability to sense changes in the stance and arousal levels of other herd members, an ability they easily transfer to interactions with humans. Horses see through the slightest incongruities of emotion and intention, yet they are exceedingly patient and forgiving.
These mindful creatures also seem to have the ability to help humans achieve a state of relaxation and to live more in the present moment. As humans we tend to habitually dissociate into our heads, planning ahead, thinking of what we have to do next or an old conversation we've just had, rather than staying fully focussed on what is happening right now in this very moment. As prey animals, horses stay in touch with their bodies, their environment and each others' feelings and movements from moment to moment. Interacting with them, even just being in their presence, enables us to do the same.
The Horse to Human Biofeedback System
Author of the groundbreaking books The Tao of Equus, Riding Between the Worlds and Way of the Horse: Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery and founder of Epona Equestrian Services, Arizona, Linda Kohanov writes:
"The equine system is like a huge receiver and amplifier for emotional vibrations. No matter how good you are at hiding things from yourself and others, your nervous system still involuntarily broadcasts what you're really feeling, at a frequency horses are especially good at tuning into."
"Through EFL and the Epona methods, we have seen that many so-called "problem horses" are simply mirroring feelings and intentions their owners had no idea they were projecting."
The Way of the Horse
"The Tao of Equus essentially translates as 'the way of the horse,' while emphasising the healing and transformational qualities of this path. Interacting with these animals can be immensely therapeutic physically, mentally and spiritually, helping people reawaken long-forgotten abilities that are capable of healing the imbalances of modern life." Linda Kohanov, The Tao of Equus.
Heart-Based Connections...
Recent research into the study of the heart and it's role as an information and communication centre at the Institute of HeartMath, shows that the energy field of the heart is many more times powerful than that of the brain. This electromagnetic field allows us to connect and communicate with other living beings more effectively and deeply.
As animals with very large hearts, horses teach us how to connect from the heart and to align our true emotional state with our actions. Research also shows that spending just five minutes in the presence of a horse allows the heart rhythms of a person and a horse to "entrain"; that is beat at the same pace. Therefore a simple activity like grooming a horse offers people huge benefits in terms of relaxation and a reduction in arousal levels. You can read more about this in a fascinating article by the Institute of HeartMath. (Adobe Reader required, download this free here).
Artwork "Prelude" Copyright Kim McElroy. www.spiritofhorse.com