How a herd of horses helped a youth find their purpose

I have taken the opportunity to spend many hours observing horses in their natural environment. I have learned so much from doing this and it’s a big part of my Equine Assisted Learning Business.

Two children who were 13- year old twins came out to see me. While they looked almost identical; they were very different. One child was extraverted, got great grades without spending a lot of time doing homework and was popular among their peers, the other child was shy, struggled to get good grades without doing a lot of homework and was less popular among their peers than their twin.

While observing the herd I asked the shy child if they were a horse which one would they be? The child pointed to Donnie, a quiet gelding off by himself and said, “I’d be that one, over there off by themselves”. Before I could ask, they pointed to the group of horses around the hay feeder and said, “my twin would be one of those horses in the group with the other horses hanging around them”. 

I then shared that the herd is a like a family, there is a hierarchy and each horse holds a position. I told them about the lead mare, truly the one in charge, they shared “for sure that’s my twin”. I then told them about the sentinels who look for danger to keep the herd safe. Then I spoke about the nurturers who look after the very young and sick or elderly horses. At that moment the child’s face lit up and said excitedly “I’m a nurturer in my family I help my mom out with my little brother and my gramma who is sick and lives with us”.

In that moment, Donnie the horse who was off by himself provided this child with the realization their role in their family was very real, very valued and very purposeful.

Thanks to the herd for sharing their wisdom!

Workshops on confidence and anxiety are being offered in April, if you are interested in registering please email [email protected] or see my Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063565210860