In her delightfully fictional/fantasy/metaphysical/healing/spiritual book ‘Dark Fire’, my friend Elisa Robyn writes; ‘It is the promise of power without cost. The ability to wound without regret and to feel self-righteous about the pain you’ve caused others” Wisdom from the ‘almost’ vampire Lotan.
Although this book is not about Horses, the correlation between this statement and how Horses have been treated leapt immediately into my mind. Fortunately Humans are evolving into a new way of being with Horses and this is bringing out our own spiritual growth.
However, for centuries Horses have endured horrific treatment as Humans attempted to control and harness their power and speed. ‘Breaking’ Horses was considered normal and often was successful. They ‘broke’ Horses. People still ‘break’ Horses. This is the attitude of ‘power without cost’. Dominating a Horse to the point that they only comply from fear or exhaustion gave/gives many Humans the feeling of power, but no matter their thoughts of success, there was a cost paid.
Though they may not have felt this directly; the loss of relationship, honor, and harmony was the price. The abuse of heart and soul felt the damage. And Horses learned to rebel or shut down. Connection was betrayed and destroyed. No amount of power would ever be worth this, but it went unoticed.
Even now, many of us strive to be equals and co-creators with Horses and sometimes, we still miss the mark and need to backtrack and assess the situation with honest observation.
“The ability to wound without regret and to feel self-righteous about the pain you’ve caused others.” Most of us that consider our Horses fairly take great care to avoid this, yet we see it everywhere in the Horse world. Horses forced to compete harshly and irrationally, all for the Humans ego. Horses emotional needs are neglected or minimized because it would require a shift in consciousness from the Human to be more actively honest and open hearted. It would require Humans to ask questions of themselves before asking anything from the Horse.
When I see or read something that instantly refers me to thoughts on the Horse Human relationship I immediately step back and reexamine how this applies to me and my Horses. I am amazed at how much this process is a series of refinements. Sometimes I feel despair about how much I don’t know and where I fall short, and how deeply I want to have complete equilibrium between us. Other times I feel the growth and certainty of purpose that is present.
The Invitation
Perhaps when you share space with your Horse or even witness how life is with Horses within your environment, step back and observe. Is this a fair and honored way of being together, or am I acting from the place of power? Am I asking something that will cause wounding to my Horse for the sake of achieving my goals or agenda? These things matter. And honest intention applied here will make us better Humans.
Thank you for your expression of the horse human relationship from the place of an awakened heart. And I am always amazed at the clarity of life that you placed on the confusion that can come in relationships.
You are welcome Lynnea, it seems I am more committed and seduced by this than ever before.