Riding is a Partnership.
The Horse lends you his strength, speed and grace,
which are greater than yours.
For your part you give him your guidance,
intelligence and understanding, which are greater than his.
Together you can
achieve a richness that alone neither can...
Lucy Rees, The Horse’s Mind
We love this poem because it exemplifies what we are striving for at 4 Winds Equestrian Retreat on a daily basis. Horses are natural teachers of self-awareness. They are masters at relationships because it is their nature to be alert, intuitive, emotional and authentic.Their very existence depends on being able to respond to the subtlest body language. So what does this mean?
You can't "fake it" with a horse. Through Natural Horsemanship participants are asked to become very aware of their emotions, and how they experience their emotions in their body. Natural Horsemanship teaches you to be aware of how much your energy and body language effects your relationship with your horse (and others). It can provide unique tools for delving into the secrets of your own restricting behaviors and thoughts. Therefore taking you beyond affirmations, will power and positive thinking.
Horses embody instinct, power, and grace. They inspire our dreams and awaken creativity. Interactions with horse empathy and wisdom bring us closer to our instinctual and authentic self.