Since most of us are on a wellness and health kick in January, I wanted to share a unique topic and perspective on one of my favorite creatures EVER!!!…

HORSES!

There’s something so majestic and beautiful about these magnificent creatures.

First and foremost, they are HUGE. Several hundreds of pounds bigger than us, they could kill us or run away from us at almost any moment.

YET, they don’t!

Horses accept us as their caregivers. In turn, they also take care of us and love us.

It is a great privilege to befriend any animal on this planet, but a horse is indeed one of the most special animals you will ever meet and build a relationship of complete trust.

Here are some of my top reasons to get involved with horses for your wellness and happiness during 2017:

1. The energy a horse radiates is one of beauty, heart and soul, kindness and tranquility. Horses teach us kindness and how to ask, not tell. When asked, they jump without being able to see the ground on the other side of the fence. Now that’s pretty freaking amazing if you ask me. They trust us. And in turn they teach us to trust them.
2. Guys!… if you have any trust issues like me (I like to rely on myself to get everything done my OCD way, not always a good thing believe me), I recommend taking a jumping lesson or two. If you can’t learn to let go and trust the horse to know when to jump and land, you’ll find yourself on the ground very quickly LOL!
3. Horses are known to be quite therapeutic. I know when I’m super stressed or having a bad day, a quick trip to the barn and ride around the trail or arena will give me a complete attitude change in the most positive way.
4. When I am riding, I’m so extremely focused on my connection to my horse, I forget about everything else around me. It’s the only time I’m actually living in the moment! Funny right, since I teach and practice yoga and pilates you’d think I’d have living in the moment down solid. Nope, not even close. To my horsey readers, I know this makes perfect sense. To my non horsey readers, compare riding and just being at the barn in the presence of a horse or brushing and loving on them, to a yoga class, meditation class or mountain climbing experience.
5. I beleve introducing your child to horses at a young age is a great way to teach them responsibility, patience and selflessness. When I was younger my mother taught my sister and I that brushing a horse was more important than riding one. She literally said that if we were into horses solely for the riding and running, we wouldn’t be allowed to ever own one. I think I was 6 years old at the time… and I’ve never forgotten her wise words.
6. Horses, like dogs and other animals are great at making a person focus on more than just themselves. Owning, leasing or just riding a horse requires an incredible degree of effort, focus and responsibility. This beautiful 1000 pound plus creature is at your mercy to feed, water, clean and exercise. They’re at your mercy to not be yanked around in the mouth or kicked harshly. They need all the things a child requires… time, effort, love, companionship, exercise and money.
7. Being around horses gives us a HUGE endorphin rush and puts us in a happy place.! Try jumping or playing a bit of polo- the rush increases 10 fold. Anton loves it when I come home from the barn… I’m always in such a great mood. He probably wants me there everyday, all day ha ha ha! Horses are absolutely better than therapy.

Not convinced? Let me explain to you based on my own experiences!…

I’ve learned to appreciate the animal in every way. Brushing and washing my horses became my favorite activity. I feel sorry for people who ride and hand their horse off to someone else to brush and clean- they’re missing out on a huge part of the incredible human-horse relationship.

As a teenager, I rode my Mom’s huge Saddlebred Arabian and I’ll never forget how Excalibur took care of me. When I was off balance, he waited patiently for me to find my balance. When he spooked and I went flying off of him onto the dirt, he stopped, looked at me and cocked his head, checking to see if I was okay.

My first Arabian would give me gentle bucks to let me know I was not riding her properly. My friend’s Andalusian stallion patiently waited for me to figure out how to cue his rear the first time I tried and mind you, I was clueless but he knew it and kept me safe.

As I said earlier, I’m never happier than when I come home from the barn. Through all of my life’s ups and downs starting at an early age, horses have always calmed me and given me a sense of peace. Who needs therapy when they have a horse to run to?! (Don’t worry, you needn’t own one. Any horse will do- your bff’s, friend’s or local trail riding facility will do just fine!) 🙂

Call me crazy but I can’t even wash my hands because I want to keep imbibing the fresh horse scent on my hands. I know, total WEIRDO that’s me hahaha!

I encourage everyone to take a day to visit a farm or ranch with horses. Whether it’s to ride, pet or observe a horse, I hope you will enjoy every moment of the special experience.

I want you all to feel the sensation of tranquility and joy felt when in the presence of horses.

Now saddle up and let’s get started! 2017 is your year to try new, healthy things!

xx Shanna