Why Horses? The horse’s survival depends on living in the present moment, making accurate assessments, and responding immediately to the environment. Their senses are created and finely tuned for awareness of what is going on around them in all directions. They are large and powerful animals, however their keen senses detect even the tiniest insect on their body.  Different from humans, horses respond to what is actually happening. When interacting with humans horses respond to what we are actually communicating – not what we think we are communicating. They know our intention – often before we do. The horse recognizes the slightest tension in our bodies. They effectively read every non-verbal message communicated.  This is true whether or not we are aware of what we are communicating. Horses immediately sense when a person is acting anxiously, confidently, aggressively, passively, fearfully, lovingly or honestly. They also pick up on inconsistencies between our actions and our emotions, and always respond honestly to what we communicate. Through such genuine nature of their behavior they lend critical insight into and information about our communication, our emotions, our actions, and our behaviors. Interacting with horses provides the opportunity to gain fresh, honest awareness of our authentic self. Horses have no agenda. They are not impressed by our former accomplishments, not critical of our past failures.  Nor do they care about our power, position, title, degree, or salary. They know our truth. Through their authentic and genuine nature they provide us with the chance to learn what is profoundly difficult to learn from our human relationships. Horses respond honestly to our human actions which provides us a unique opportunity to develop ourselves and our relationships as we notice the impact we have on the horses. Because of their honesty and immediate feedback horses can be effective teaching partners. Horses quickly educate people about how effective their actions are, how consistent they are in communicating, and how clearly they define their goals.

• Horses don’t lie and can’t over think your real emotions, so they recognize incongruence between behavior and emotion, telling the true story.
• Their sensitivity to non-verbal stimulus gives them an amazing ability to read people and reflect these emotional states so they immediately offer unconditional, observable, physical feedback to the emotions and moods of the humans around them.
• As social animals, they provide valuable insight into individual or group dynamics and roles.Successful interaction with horses requires being present in the moment, communicating clearly and consistently, and having thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are congruent.

Non-authentic and incongruent communication does not work with horses.  Both verbal and, even more importantly, non-verbal communications, (body language and facial expressions) are keenly evaluated for authenticity by horses. The achievement of such genuine dynamics in human interaction will enhance our personal and inter-personal balance. We honor and respect your comfort in discovering and learning with the horses. We provide a safe,(emotionally and physically) and confidential environment where you always have choices in experientially exploring new learning. Please accept our invitation to your involvement in Equine Assisted Services, (EAP or EAL) as a genuine opportunity for growth and learning. Please contact us if you and or your organization are interested in obtaining equine assisted services at Little River Ranch, LLC.  Allow nature’s greatest teachers to transform your life. Call or email us for services. 405 820-4944 paul@littleriverranch.com    

This is a blog post about horses.