Fall of my 22nd year – written in “horse time”
Hi. This is Dude again. Here is the second part of my story. If you missed it, look for Part 1 posted Dec. 8.
This is second part of my story of how my move from Shadow Creek Stable to Klein Farm transpired. I’ll take you through the day before and first day there.
Day before my move: Today Ann and some other equine-guided coaches at the new farm performed a ritual at Klein Farm to prepare the other horses and farm for my arrival. As soon as they started, I joined them in spirit and Ann felt me there and told the others. She’s learning! Sis, Cosmo and Victor were just outside the barn They called in the four directions (a wonderful Native American ritual from my Appaloosa heritage) and set an intention for calm, safe travel and meeting with the other horses. They visualized this process and smudged (another Native tradition) all four of the stall doors. I reminded them to thank the horse ancestors and spirits, even though they think they thought of it. These humans are starting to understanding the connection between all of us and with nature. Finally!
Moving Day: I am ready to leave, having said my goodbyes. Willie was a bit mad at me since we’ve been best buddies for the past eleven years. Oh well, he will survive and find new buddies. When Ann arrived I was ready, stepped away from the hay and let her lead me out to the trailer. Deah gently asked me to get on the trailer. It has been a long time since I rode in a trailer, so I took a couple of minutes checking it out. Deah was very patient with me so it didn’t take long. I am more cooperative when I’m not rushed by humans.
We arrived at the Klein Farm about an hour later and Ann took me off the trailer. I noticed it is a pretty place and felt very calm and peaceful. We walked around the property just like I told Ann I wanted to; first in front of the barn, then around the perimeter of the pasture. This is a big pasture with lots of space to run. I was surprised to see horses in the other pastures. Ann, you didn’t tell me about that part!
Then she asked me to go in the barn. I didn’t want to. I wanted to meet my new herd first, so I dug in my heals and refused. It took a while but she got the picture eventually and led me to the gate of the pasture where my new herd was. So you see how I guide the process?
Sis immediately told the other two to stand back and then came right up to me. We looked at each other, smelled each other and talked about my ride here and how we could work together. I am really clear she is the leader. Then she let Cosmo and Victor come meet me.
Victor has lots of energy and was very excited to meet me (a little overwhelming frankly). Cosmo squealed and kicked out (so predictable for a mare).
Once I met the horses, I was ready to go in the barn. Ann showed me my new stall, let me eat some hay and meet Chris, Jeanne and Cathy (another of Ann’s friends). My stall is 4 times the size of my old stall! I can walk around and lay down comfortably. After I ate a bit and got a little used to the barn, they turned me into the pasture with the others.
I wasn’t ready to join them and still wanted time to observe, so I ran to the other end of the pasture and stayed there for the next several days. I introduced myself over the fence to the horses in the other pastures and stood near them for a while so I felt safe. I watched my new herd mates from afar.
Check back for Part 3 and how I guided the process to join the herd!
Carrot Coach 