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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by madeline on March 22, 2007, at 17:50:19
I swear sometimes I think that the soul of man can be made whole by coming to know horses.
Maybe it's their eyes, or their manner, or just their size, but they have advanced my recovery from all sorts of abuse just as much as psychotherapy (and have been quicker and cheaper about it too) :)
Maybe it's what they teach us too. I have learned more from the horses about life than I could have ever imagined:
1. Don't overdo instruction - tell them what to do & don't get in the way of them doing it.
2. Don't gallop until you are ready and you may never be ready.
3. Letting someone else take the reins sometimes really helps.
4. Communicate clearly and confidently.
5. Love and trust your partner.
I wish you all could come join me in one big babble trail ride and could share in the happiness and freedom I feel on horseback.
Maybe one day...
Maddie
Posted by Happyflower on March 22, 2007, at 19:25:35
In reply to I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by madeline on March 22, 2007, at 17:50:19
Your post is so beautiful, you sound so content, is it so nice to hear. ;-) I wish people relationships could work out as nice.
I have never been on a real horse before, it seems kinda scary, but maybe it isn't, but they seem so much bigger when you get up close.
Posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2007, at 21:56:17
In reply to Re: I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by Happyflower on March 22, 2007, at 19:25:35
My husband's sister and brother-in-law in little Washington board, train, and buy and sell horses. Not my thing. Too big I like the little dogs. Love Phillipa and I have access to ride any time.
Posted by Angela2 on March 23, 2007, at 10:47:06
In reply to I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by madeline on March 22, 2007, at 17:50:19
Madeline, what an inspiring post. I'm glad you had fun.
Angela2
Posted by madeline on March 24, 2007, at 5:50:33
In reply to Re: I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by Happyflower on March 22, 2007, at 19:25:35
After working with tigers and other predators for so long, it took me a while to understand that a horse instinctually will want to run from you. This huge animal is actually afraid of me.
It caused a marked shift in my thinking and made me approach these gentle "giants" quite differently.
Having come from such an abusive background, I spent a lot of my life in constant fear - it's like I felt like "prey" myself. So I think one of the things that touched me so much about horses is the fact that I know what it's like to be afraid and how hard it can be to feel relaxed - even when there is no reason to be afraid.
Good riding, I think, is about keeping the horse calm and passive (I have a good instructor that can teach that).
Thank you for your post - I am quite content right now.
Love to you
Maddie
Posted by madeline on March 24, 2007, at 5:51:34
In reply to Re: I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by Phillipa on March 22, 2007, at 21:56:17
I like little dogs too (mine is asleep right next to me right now).
Maddie
Posted by madeline on March 24, 2007, at 5:52:33
In reply to Re: I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by Angela2 on March 23, 2007, at 10:47:06
I do have fun riding and I do truly enjoy the horses.
I guess it is inspiring to me too!
Maddie
Posted by cubic_me on March 24, 2007, at 10:10:50
In reply to I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by madeline on March 22, 2007, at 17:50:19
Madeline, I competely know where you are coming from. My horses have got me though so much, and when I'm riding I'm a completely different person, confidence, no depression, no self conciousness. It's like a break from life.
Posted by Pfinstegg on March 24, 2007, at 11:32:02
In reply to I just got home from a GREAT horseback ride, posted by madeline on March 22, 2007, at 17:50:19
I think this is the first time I've seen a post about horses! I couldn't agree more with how wonderful they can be. And it's true- they are large prey animals- very prone to fear and flight.They can definitely hurt you because of that. But forming a bond with one can be so healing and joyful. I have a Hanoverian dressage horse, whom I show- but the most fun is all the nuzzling, kisses, sugar cubes, grooming, and in his case, if you sit down in his stall, he will groan softly, and lie down with his head in your lap. Then, of course, you can be pinned down for hours! But he gets lots of ear and face-stroking..
This is the end of the thread.
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