SPECIAL EVENTS

In August 2007, Horses by Nature conducted a two day workshop with Michael Bevilacqua, from Equi-forme. It was nothing short of an amazing experience for all who participated, including and most importantly the horses.

It all starts with obtaining a clear understanding of the philosophy and principles behind achieving a bond with the animal kingdom. To put aside all thoughts of "training techniques" and instead replace them with thoughts of "oneness" or "mind to mind" connection is what empowers a true united beginning.  To find the path to mutually co-exist where the differences between human and horse are put aside and instead replaced with equality. Another confirmation that the way we wish to interact with horses has a direct link to how we choose and conduct ourselves in our own personal lives.

Immediately after this thorough discussion you could feel a shift of consciousness from all participants in the way we viewed horses and life.

Since we had many participants who came from great distances and therefore trailering their own horses was impossible, we had the ability to share this experience with all the horses in my care. This unique situation eliminated the stress of travel, unfamiliar horses being put together and the upset that new environments can cause on horses and instead this enabled us to focus immediately upon our newly expanded awareness. In addition, all participants agreed with the concepts of never using bits, never shoeing, or competing with horses and considered health and a natural lifestyle a priority therefore we needed only to expand and review these topics.

Here are some highlights of the workshop:

The tools we utilized for communication were clear thoughts, attention to body language, a cordeo, (a thin strap fitted loosely around the horse's shoulders) our imaginations and a brittle thin stick or twig.

Starting with a simple exercise of walking together shoulder to shoulder (and then trotting) with only a cordeo demonstrated a new level of trust, companionship and togetherness.

"Focused intent, clarity and patience provide the answers to synchronicity and togetherness."

Since you only use the idea of "asking" and not "forcing" and accept the horse's willingness to be with you, this was an obvious measure of how well you are communicating and how willing the horse is to be with you. Anyone would find this a big eye opening experience!

We also introduced the idea to ask one foot to step forward while we encouraged the action through our imitation.

The next step could be to try something higher like a straw bale. Another exercise was to ask for vertical flexion, the first step toward achieving natural collection.

"Michael asks the horse to place his foot on the straw bale."		"This horse is demonstrating vertical flexion"

Some important principles that make this so great for the horses are:

1. When trying to show something new to the horse, don't spend more than ten minutes doing it. Especially important when it seems the horse doesn't understand. They will surprise you the next time. But always be ready to adjust "your" way of asking. It's up to "us" to be clear and every horse can interpret information differently.
   
   
2. When you are sure you both can communicate effectively, say you ask them to pick up a ball and they do. Never ask more than three times in a session. You don't want to become a bore for your horse and we want them in a "thinking" state of mind.
   
   
3. LOTS OF RECESS!! Giving many opportunities for the horse to play releases concentration and sets the spirit free to revitalize and continue on refreshed.

"Allowing, respecting and encouraging the horse's spirit to be free is the most natural place to begin."

What was most unique and enjoyable about the way the workshop was conducted was that the responsibility to learn was placed upon the human rather than the horse. There was no pressure placed upon the horses to accomplish a task set forth. This allowed the horses to be honest (which they always are!) and allowed us to see the truth.
Since horses live in the "now" this instilled the need to be present and to relinquish thoughts of time. Very powerful reminders if we truly wish to understand each other.

An obvious conclusion to the effectiveness of the workshop was noticing once my awareness opened further so did a shift in awareness from my horses.

It was like we both  looked into the eyes of an old friend to suddenly notice a new wiser friend was in there!

Michael Bevilacqua is a wonderful teacher. His ability to connect directly to the horses "being" was obvious and inspiring. I witnessed him sharing special moments with my horses in such a way that I knew only a person with true honesty and the highest level of integrity and expertise would be able to accomplish.

For the horse's heart,
Elaine Polny

If you would like to know more about Michael Bevilacqua and his upcoming workshops, please visit www.equiforme.net

About the author:

Elaine Polny has been researching and teaching the many facets of the natural horse world for over 25 years. As a Reiki Master and energy worker, she not only deals with the fundamentals of horse care but also encompasses the psychological, spiritual, environmental and all symbiotic relationships directly connecting to the equine way of life and all living creatures.

Elaine and David Polny own and operate Horses by Nature located north of Toronto, in Ontario, Canada.

All photography by: Katelynn Kent