In our time working with horses, especially with rescue horses, we have found that many of them are confined by the stories that are told about them. People create these definitions of who an individual horse is and then tells everyone else the definition. This horse is then treated as if they are this thing, even when they might not be. So many horses get labeled as a “bad horse” a “lazy horse” a “mean horse” and are treated as such. We want to help ReDefine horses in our care to no longer be labeled, to be themselves as they are.

The definition of horse is:

“1. a large plant-eating domesticated mammal with solid hoofs and a flowing mane and tail, used for riding, racing, and to carry and pull loads.”

“2. a frame or structure on which something is mounted or supported, especially a sawhorse.”

We ask if this is really all a horse is. They can do so much more than carry and pull loads, or be ridden. What we strive to do is help horses to show us what they wish to be defined as.

It starts with getting to know the individual horse without any information about what others think of them. We take our time one on one with the horse in various settings to see how they respond to us as well as other animals, horses, and people. Then we will begin connecting with the horse, showing them respect and trust to help the horse show and define what their boundaries are. We do not force the horse to move at a pace that is not set by them. We do not ask the horse to do anything that adds to issues they may have.

Our team are certified Animal Reiki practioners, and use this as well as other energy work to help the horses brought to us. We have also worked with animal communication, and have studied the work of Dr. Susan Fay and Masterson Method. Should a horse needs go beyond what we can provide, we will discuss this with the horse’s caretaker and give them suggested specialists we work with.

Once the horse and caretaker have gone through an assessment period, we will work with the caretaker to come up with a goal for the horse and themselves. This could be that the horse shows a desire to do work to build up to being ridden more, or to do different types of “traditional” work. Or perhaps this is a horse who needs to do coaching and connection work. We then move forward in a way that is lead by the horse to accomplish goals.