The Human - Helping Others With Equines

The human

Being in the human body can be a challenge, especially as we age. Learning how to negotiate space and contact, being a good leader, developing awareness skills, to Love and let go or dealing with health issues are all Life Experiences. These experiences, just like with a horse, are held in the body on a mental, energetic and cellular level.

On a good note…
There are many ways you can mix things up, change your perspective, stand or move in a different direction. This may also include changing one’s own definition about what it means “To be Healed.” Along with aligning your Heart, Head and Gut, I always say “Lead with your Hip, let the rest follow.”

Here are just a few things you can try. These are just ideas. You can always improvise…Stay Safe!

When you do these exercises with Horses around, it gives a whole new meaning to Full Body Awareness!

When you are in the presence of a Horse, take notice and be present to how you feel when you are around them. Is there a connection? Is it love, excitement, fear, nothing? Given the chance, they can teach us how to be present and in our bodies. This heightens our awareness to what is happening around and within us. As soon as we don’t walk our talk, they call us on it! It’s nothing personal, it’s what they do with each other. It’s completely natural to them. What they can show us is priceless and I truly mean that.

Being with a Horse can help with something that’s often pondered, “How to Know Thyself.” There’s nothing like a horse, to show you how to be with something bigger than yourself. The heartfelt lessons they teach can include different ways to be a leader, establishing healthy boundaries and healing different parts of the body. This may also include opening the heart to a different kind of relationship that is built on Trust. There is no limit to what you can experience with a horse, no matter what you are doing with them, including Dancing!

God Bless the Horse… a symbol of Freedom, Loyalty & Love.

The Horse

Howe to stand Tall

I love the pole/stick/rod/staff, whatever name that you resonate with. I started doing these exercises with my “apple picker” to stretch out when I was cleaning stalls. I’m a firm believer in using both sides of my body evenly. Each person has unique way to use it. These exercises are designed to help parts of the body to feel pressure where we would not get it in a sedentary life. Used in daily routine, it can help ground, compress, stretch, establish space and create connection.

Howe to warm up with a Wrap

Wraps are a good aid in body awareness. You can do these to warm up even before you get out of bed! Once you learn what it feels like to compress into your body and wait for the desire to expand out, you will never stretch the same way again. It’s an aid to strengthen our core and listen deeper to what the body needs instead of what we think it wants.

Howe to warm up with a Wrap

Wraps are a good aid in body awareness. You can do these to warm up even before you get out of bed! Once you learn what it feels like to compress into your body and wait for the desire to expand out, you will never stretch the same way again. It’s an aid to strengthen our core and listen deeper to what the body needs instead of what we think it wants.

Howe NOT to hang on your Horse

The Ball has been around a long time and is used for many different exercises. For riders, it’s a good aid in learning to wrap your legs around a horse, feel your sitting bones, and how to balance with complete control of your arms and legs. Body awareness also includes how you are applying your legs and hands in relationship to using the reins. Realizing if you are hanging on the reins for balance or being light-handed and one with your horse is very important. It helps with skill and safety, in case of an emergency.

Howe Not to hang upside down

When I first started sharing what is often called an inverter board, I had no idea how many people were afraid of this aid. It appears to come from thinking they have to flip upside down and are unable to get themselves back up. Unfortunately, this fear stops them from reaping the health benefits and building inner strength. This gadget, when properly adjusted, is very helpful in balancing the lymph system and increasing circulation. I encourage everyone to have a helper/spotter and try it with no intention of anything but keeping it flat or at a slight angle. Most of them have an adjustment to keep you from going upside down. Once you find your hips and add action and mobility with your knees, you can control whatever level you desire. Not everyone needs to go upside down, most just like to float a little while.

Howe Not to hang upside down

When I first started sharing what is often called an inverter board, I had no idea how many people were afraid of this aid. It appears to come from thinking they have to flip upside down and are unable to get themselves back up. Unfortunately, this fear stops them from reaping the health benefits and building inner strength. This gadget, when properly adjusted, is very helpful in balancing the lymph system and increasing circulation. I encourage everyone to have a helper/spotter and try it with no intention of anything but keeping it flat or at a slight angle. Most of them have an adjustment to keep you from going upside down. Once you find your hips and add action and mobility with your knees, you can control whatever level you desire. Not everyone needs to go upside down, most just like to float a little while.

Howe to have Trust

Trust is a Big thing in this life. Remember, this exercise is done with a helper/horse handler. Whether you are talking family, friends or God, being able to trust and have faith can be tested to the limits. With a horse present, one can learn how to relax under pressure, which is something we ask of them daily. As we start to understand the world that a horse lives in, the more it opens our awareness and creates a space for us to have a different perspective. Then we can believe something else can happen.

Dancing- Howe to have Fun!!!

For me, Dancing with the horses is the most fun exercise of all! At times, I don’t even need music, although it adds an extra component for timing. Taking the moment to relate with a horse on the ground, in a type of rhythm, creates a connection that is no less than sheer bliss. To reach this point, one lets the music go and only focuses on the horse. I may suggest a step, then they will lead. Just like good dancers, at times you can’t tell who is leading who.

Dee Howe is not a licensed veterinarian. She does not treat or diagnose illnesses. She is an equine consultant, addressing the present state of the horse being evaluated. Dee is a practitioner of bodywork that is based on Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. This alternative therapy is not licensed by the state of California. Dee Howe is a traveling consultant and horse trainer/teacher that focuses on the body as a whole to improve overall health and performance of the horse.

We recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before choosing to engage in any type of body work or alternative therapy.