Post by Catrin on Apr 19, 2010 15:42:04 GMT 1
Yesterday afternoon, four IH members and two Shy Lowen helpers had a little chat with some of the Shy Lowen residents. One of the first things that I teach, on an animal communication course, is how to sense the feelings around you. All six course participants were way ahead on the first exercise as they all felt the feeling of peace and contentment around the horses - especially the four Carneddau foals, one of whom slept all the way through his encounter with these strange horse telepathing humans!
As is usual, the participants had varying degrees of success, some picking up things quickly in certain exercises which were verifiable and others saying "I forgot I was looking at the shape of his neck," in others. Trying to 'sense' rather than 'look for' what is there is hard for those of us who are used to 'looking' for differences or changes in a horse's body.
Things that everyone scored well with when they met the horses included describing the 'personality'. Not as easy as it sounds from a horse that is half asleep and not interacting with anyone. Remembering to do what became a catchphrase over the day, "Say the first thing that comes into your head," everyone came up with the same answer almost simultaneously.
Two people were surprised when I asked about Moose - who was having his 33rd birthday yesterday - "If he were a politician, who would he be?" - they simultaneously said John Major. It gives students a lot of confidence when someone else picks up exactly what you did. Mind you it can also make you feel old, when one of the helpers asked, "Who's John Major."
My favourite part of the day, when we put the new skills to the test and answer questions about someone else's horse from a photograph, left everyone knowing that in some way, they had proved they could talk to horses. Some knew they could do so easily, some what things they needed to practice, but everyone knew that horses can convey their feelings and have opinions that we need to take note of!
It was great to meet Bernadette, to see how happy the horses were and how much the local kids were learning by taking care of them. Bernadette and her family put all their efforts every day into caring for twenty seven horses that were once in dire need. All the time we were there they were hard at work, we drove in through a ramshackle gate and out through a smart one.
It isn't just that they care for the horses, it's that they use their knowledge of how to identify the horses' all round needs and provide an environment without threat of abuse or neglect which caters for them. I have visited lots of yards and some of them looked like what they were - Royal Stables, but rarely do you find one that exudes contentment and tranquility like Shy Lowen does.
They have gone from a field with some fencing, to stable blocks and feed rooms. One day they might like some concrete or mains electric, or the heaven of heavens a sink and flushing toilet, a lot of that depends on you. Yesterday's members raised £250 and we gave a new insight into horses to two teenage helpers.
There are lots more ways to raise funds in the Charity Section, make sure you check it out soon and help put a bit more in the pot. We might not have money we can give, but we can always find something we can do to raise some if we look.
As is usual, the participants had varying degrees of success, some picking up things quickly in certain exercises which were verifiable and others saying "I forgot I was looking at the shape of his neck," in others. Trying to 'sense' rather than 'look for' what is there is hard for those of us who are used to 'looking' for differences or changes in a horse's body.
Things that everyone scored well with when they met the horses included describing the 'personality'. Not as easy as it sounds from a horse that is half asleep and not interacting with anyone. Remembering to do what became a catchphrase over the day, "Say the first thing that comes into your head," everyone came up with the same answer almost simultaneously.
Two people were surprised when I asked about Moose - who was having his 33rd birthday yesterday - "If he were a politician, who would he be?" - they simultaneously said John Major. It gives students a lot of confidence when someone else picks up exactly what you did. Mind you it can also make you feel old, when one of the helpers asked, "Who's John Major."
My favourite part of the day, when we put the new skills to the test and answer questions about someone else's horse from a photograph, left everyone knowing that in some way, they had proved they could talk to horses. Some knew they could do so easily, some what things they needed to practice, but everyone knew that horses can convey their feelings and have opinions that we need to take note of!
It was great to meet Bernadette, to see how happy the horses were and how much the local kids were learning by taking care of them. Bernadette and her family put all their efforts every day into caring for twenty seven horses that were once in dire need. All the time we were there they were hard at work, we drove in through a ramshackle gate and out through a smart one.
It isn't just that they care for the horses, it's that they use their knowledge of how to identify the horses' all round needs and provide an environment without threat of abuse or neglect which caters for them. I have visited lots of yards and some of them looked like what they were - Royal Stables, but rarely do you find one that exudes contentment and tranquility like Shy Lowen does.
They have gone from a field with some fencing, to stable blocks and feed rooms. One day they might like some concrete or mains electric, or the heaven of heavens a sink and flushing toilet, a lot of that depends on you. Yesterday's members raised £250 and we gave a new insight into horses to two teenage helpers.
There are lots more ways to raise funds in the Charity Section, make sure you check it out soon and help put a bit more in the pot. We might not have money we can give, but we can always find something we can do to raise some if we look.
