Verandah Magazine columnist Beate Sommer from Aurora Valley discovers that it’s a two-way street when it comes to teaching, and learning with horses as she integrates a new brumby into her herd.
Some of my favourite moments in Equine Therapy and Learning are the ones when I realise, after a moment of stillness, how much I am personally learning from The Herd, and how much I have grown and expanded.
It is one thing to teach and hold space for another but to experience the gentle power of the horses daily, from moment to moment, is my nectar.
The arrival of two and a half year old Brumby gelding Tommy and his introduction to The Herd has been an invitation to observe horse rituals and dynamics, both physical and energetic. Several times I felt the urge to protect Tommy. Protect a horse from horse rituals! What was I thinking?! So I simply observed and trusted, either from the other side of the fence or from within The Herd.
On one occasion I had a distinct sense that they saw me as a full herd member. I was one of the mares, moving with and among them and it felt like we were moving as One. Some greater force was breathing us. Another precious moment – I could feel rather than just understand the concept of Belonging.
Horses and – and canine companion Honey – enjoying a run. Photo: Beate Sommer
Through spending a lot of my time in nature and with the horses, my senses are so much more awake and alert nowadays and my heart leads with the courage to open, love and be loved. Mostly though I think it’s the gratitude that does it. My breath slows and deepens. I soften.
The horses make contact. One of the mares, Tammie, comes over and quietly stands by my side for a while until she walks off again and resumes her grazing. I think ‘love’, focus my mind on ‘love’, which helps me to focus on my breathing. Now I feel love. An opportunity arises to give and receive love, exchanging breath with Tommy. His feels warm, a bit moist and smells, to my anyway, like heaven. I feel immense gratitude.
‘Buffalo is the lead ‘stallion’ (he is really a gelding) and he leads with invisible threads running between him and his herd members. To the novice it might be difficult to determine who is boss, because leadership has a very different meaning among horses. Only Buffalo’s energetic presence speaks of leadership.’
Then I experience the deep peace of lingering forehead to forehead with my gelding Buffalo for what seems like an eternity. Rose licks my hands and arms. Shetland Pony Butters gently nudges me and buries his muzzle under my arm. Echo, well, at least she doesn’t run away. She observes with her unique mixture of reserve and curiosity. I look into her big, beautiful and otherworldy eyes. There’s our connection. Thank you. Each of these six horses is unique – just like people.
Tommy the Brumby making friends with Butters the Shetland pony, while Honey looks on. Photo: Beate Sommer
Buffalo is the lead ‘stallion’ (he is really a gelding) and he leads with invisible threads running between him and his herd members. To the novice it might be difficult to determine who is boss, because leadership has a very different meaning among horses. Only Buffalo’s energetic presence speaks of leadership. He is happy in his own space and doesn’t nag or harass. He leads his herd members but he doesn’t control them. Leading up to action, he stands back and observes for a long time. He moves in mindfully, acts directly and swiftly and then returns to relaxation. He is patient, kind and loyal. Buffalo has true presence.
Tammie is twenty-four and the lead mare, not the most dominant mare in The Herd but the steady and reliable one. I call her wife number one to Buffalo because she has also been here the longest. Her behaviour around Tommy is fascinating. At times she will discipline the youngster and give him chase, only to come over to me afterwards as if to ask: “Was that okay?” Maybe I am the lead mare in those moments. I stroke her neck and acknowledge her for her wisdom.
Not interfering in herd behaviour allows the horses to show Tommy the ropes and this helps me in training him. ‘Showing the ropes’! What an interesting expression. I will be showing him the ropes too, literally, lead rope, lunging rope…
There is something raw and real about a Brumby, like a special energy. My Palomino Buffalo, who is now twelve, is also a Brumby and he comes from the same area as Tommy, the Guy Fawkes National Park. Brumbies are very quick to learn and have an uncanny ability to read you. They challenge you to be patient and a good leader more than even domestic horses. They also have a special ability to bond with their human. I have found this to be true with Buffalo and already Tommy is looking for me and I sense the beginning of a similarly strong bond. I love all my horses but the Brumbies hold a special fascination for me.
Buffalo, the herd leader and Tommy. Photo: Beate Sommer
The media often portrays Brumbies as pests, inbred, diseased and a threat to the environment. The truth is, they are none of those things. The percentage of inbreeding is much lower than in domestically bred horses, Brumbies are usually not diseased or even wormy and their genetics are healthy and strong. Furthermore, humans certainly cause a lot more environmental damage than Brumbies ever could. It is also possible that in the not so far future Brumby genes might become sought after to refresh a weakened gene pool of the domestic horse.
I feel honoured to live, play and work with my two Brumbies, honoured and humbled at the trust and affection they offer me. I am also reminded of how much these animals have given to us humans. They went to war. They pulled heavy loads, worked the fields, mustered stock and served as transport. These days Brumbies are making appearances as safe mounts for children in Pony Club or reliable trail riding horses and they are winning their owners ribbons at shows. Let us honour our Brumbies for the integral part they play in Australian history and culture.
They also make wonderful therapy horses as Buffalo has proven for many years now. Tommy is already showing signs of becoming a trustworthy therapy horse as well. They are helping me to reconnect with that still centerpoint within, the timeless place of uniquely me. From here I feel the connection with Nature and Spirit. All is well. Horses are helping humans, and humans are helping horses.
For further information about the Brumbies please go to: savethebrumbies
You can contact Beate via her website: taketime2smellthehorses
