Last Saturday I attended a wonderful workshop! To have this available practically in my backyard was an additional bonus.

The day was not your typical late August day as it was in the low 60’s, cloudy and very windy.  But nothing was going to stop me from taking part in my opportunity to be around horses.  I bundled up in my orange wool sweater and quilted fleece and was ready to take on the day.

Coach Horse workshops consist of “pursuing similar goals and objectives exploring life issues while allowing you to take a closer look at your habits and conditioning from your past. Through guided exercises and working with horses, portals will open for you to explore and discover your true-self without judgment as you recognize life patterns that no longer serve you.”

Anytime I can take time for myself and re-evaluate where I am on my path always leaves me feeling more balanced.  This workshop took place in a beautiful setting on a horse ranch, surrounded by many acres of lush, wooded land.  We had an opening ceremony around a bonfire visualizing ourselves in a meadow and then entering a forest.  This took us to a path we would walk down and along the way we found questions written out which we would have to read and write the first thing that came to our mind.  After four questions we came to the end of the path and another bonfire.

After sharing our discoveries from the answered questions, we had an Indian type ceremony with drums and rattles.  Then into the cozy, warm lower level of the facilitators home where we had introductions and discussion.

After lunch it was out to the stable to work with the horses.  I was eagerly awaiting this all morning!  Though I do get a bit afraid to ride a horse, we wouldn’t be riding today, but just be with the horses.  “A horse aids in teaching or showing an individual how to view  their life or work situation from a different perspective which then creates a new learning or healing environment of growth.”

We were asked to pick a horse and told to share our vision by painting the side of the horse.  I chose to overcome my fear of large horses, by picking the biggest one to paint my vision on.  So I picked Dan.  I’m not really a painter, but did my best, and really all I wanted to do was just pet Dan and be with him.  But I painted the sun, with words of happy, joy and peace in the center as that is what I want for everyone.

We rounded out the day with a guided mediation and closing ceremony and blessing by the bonfire.  When I received the above photo from the facilitator it really warmed my heart once again.  My heart is always wide open and so full of happiness and peace when I am around animals… so to have been with Dan, a magnificent creature is something I will always remember… and now want more of!