Self-Realization and the Training of Horses at Liberty

The most important aspect of Sharing Territory is that you will begin to communicate with your horse using your natural instincts and abilities. You will learn how to use trial and error to guide your choices. Trial and error, beyond being watchful, is the best tool you have to interact with your horse only when he feels relaxed and in harmony with you.

From Sharing Territory, you will become increasingly aware of the joy that exists within your own being. You will enjoy life and your relationship with your horse without needing an agenda. As this awareness grows, you will discover your true self in a state of gratitude, which will develop your natural ability to communicate with horses.

Horses know true freedom and always strive to maintain it. Despite being bred by humans for thousands of years, they have not been truly domesticated and have not lost their instincts for freedom.

Horses gravitate toward harmony, unlike humans, who gravitate toward problems, solutions, and conditions. Human consciousness today is dependent on numerous man-made conditions, while a horse needs nothing but togetherness and freedom.

Freedom is not a condition of circumstances; it is being at peace with things as they are. To experience the freedom and joy that comes from Sharing Territory with a horse, you must stay present and in the moment. While humans are not always present, a horse always is. Ponder how it feels to be present to life, like a horse. When Sharing Territory with your horse, practice this state of being.

Stay in the moment.

Keep your awareness of all that surrounds you.

Find your joy in the moments of your day,

in your breath, and in the feeling of joy for being alive,

like a lizard in the sun or a preening bird at dawn,

or grazing horses in the afternoon sunlight.

Watch for the changing rhythms of the day, wanting for nothing. Be open. Don’t expect anything to happen. Just be open and willing to let whatever presents itself happen. In this way, it will happen! This state of being helps you create the magnetic connection you are looking for with your horse.

In this state of awareness, your horse can trust that you will not take away any part of his freedom—because you are both free beings. This communication is always understood, and unity and harmony are the results.

This surprising gift received from Sharing Territory with a horse, in this fully present state, can be mind-altering. It can help you come alive and reconnect with your own free nature. In this awareness, you can converse with your horse in the most natural way. It is in this state of self-awareness that you will find the dance you are looking for. From this dance, you become “as one.” What happens next can be a true love affair—one you have never known before—and a true dance with the spirit of the horse is born.

Life is best experienced in baby steps, allowing what “is” to be. By allowing things to be as they are, you will gain a sense of freedom even when challenged by monkey-mind adventures. Practicing meditation with horses will open the door to a sense of freedom through accepting life as it is and accepting yourself as you are. Most importantly, you don’t need your horse to be right next to your chair because you can feel a deep connection wherever he is.

As you practice The Waterhole Rituals, give yourself “no-fault insurance” and watch how your days begin to flow into supportive harmony without your needing to control it.

For a horse person, nothing can be better than that. Enjoy!

Carolyn Resnick