With sophisticated nervous systems, horses are very efficient at moving through stress and back into peace and contentment – “going back to grazing” and being in the moment again and again.

 

They respond to their environment in each moment, without getting stuck in the past or the future like we can.  They use tools developed over their 56 million years of evolution to use emotions and stress as information, take appropriate action, and then let it go (e.g. fear tells them there is danger, they will run until they feel safe, then they will release the stress so they can let it go).  

 

Their tools for processing stress are ones we can learn from and practice: simple actions of movement (you see horses shaking, rolling, running, tossing head or swishing tail etc), breathing (they consciously increase and decrease breath and heart rate), connection (horses find support in herd members) and environment (they seek a safe place in the natural world, where eating, playing or resting can be enjoyed freely).  

 

This peace and ability to self-regulate their stress is contagious – they spread it through the herd and we feel it too (this is called co-regulation, where those around you affect how you feel and be a calming presence).  

 

We will support you in learning to find peace in the present moment (like a horse) using principles grounded in neuroscience and Heartmath Institute techniques, Mindful Movement, breathing and meditation exercises, energy-based interaction with the horses and other wellness and balance practices.

 

So not only will you learn tools on the art of being present and what it offers you, you will experience how it feels to be in that state with the horses.