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| The Group |
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| The morning lectures and discussions were held in the lodge. All meals were shared in this beautiful space as well. |
Saturday October 2nd
The horses who participated in the learning experience lived at a stable that was a couple miles from the lodge. We all carpooled, formed a caravan, and made out way through the streets of Saint Saveur. When we arrived at our destination everyone put on their rubber boots and walked to the pasture. As we walked the road all the horses watched us, little Tiki even called out…
Inside the large pasture was a smaller paddock or arena area, this is where “school” was held. The horses were invited in and made their rounds to get acquainted with the new people, each in their own way. One volunteer participant, the paint named Taco, insisted on being part of the action even though he was not one who was expected to be there. He was very proud to be the center of so much positive interaction! Taco was wearing a halter that we all wanted to remove and had cockle burs in his hair that were left alone also as he was not one of the horses who had their owners permission to join us. (This was soon addressed and the owner was happy for him to attend, and we were happy to have him!)
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| In the fall along with the beauty of colorful leaves comes the time for seeds to spread, sometimes we do not like how that looks but it is natures way. The burs in Tacos hair were not a sign of neglect. That many can accumulate in as quick as 10mns as it did on some of the participants jackets. |
The people participating all had their own way of interacting with the horses, some eagerly approached, some hung back and observed, some made real connections. Michael described how the horse is always right, the beginning of developing a relationship, the art of asking, the importance of knowing when to stop asking, and the proper used of cordeo. Participants were then invited to try their hand.
Some interesting things observed were the horses who knew school elements were mostly interested in meeting new people and not showing their skills. The horses that had never been handled in the NHE way were very curious and enjoyed the different kind of attention. The more skeptical horses just watched. One, the gray, called Quizmo watched with his back turned from outside of the fence.
Sunday October 3rd
This day 2 horses who were stabled watched us walk out to the pasture, we all wished they could come out and play too.
When we arrived at the arena Quizmo, the one who seemingly ignored the goings-on of the day before, was waiting for us inside. He greeted everyone and was even interested in the position of film maker. Taco, whose person readied him for his adventure by grooming him to a bright white, was also waiting for all his new people friends to return. The others (NHE horses) were a little too busy eating to come right away.
With cordeos a lesson in awareness was introduced. Michael placed cordeos on participants giving instruction on its subtle use. Everyone had a turn being the horse then the teacher. In a very short time many found a new way to communicate and synchronicity in movement. As the humans developed their cordeo skills all the horses, one by one, came to take their turn in the activity.
While this was happening Quizmos person came for a visit and wanted him to come out of the arena. Quizmo was not to happy about that but went with him. They spent some time outside alone but in a short order Quizmo subtly brought his guy back into the arena. They stood along the fringe for a while listening and sharing some very tender moments.
Almost imperceptibly Quizmo (clever horse) brought his friend into the middle of the group where the discussion was about collection and self carriage… AXXA, which was the next lesson that participants practiced.
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It was time to say goodbye with apples and a thank you.
Taco stayed inside the arena gate and watched as everyone left.
I wondered if anyone was waiting for us to return the next day…
To read more about this event see Words About Horses blog.
