I met a very special friend of the family, JW, over 20 years ago and they were into Crabbet Arabians. At the time I really did not know much about what bloodlines were and what they meant. I just knew that I had found the breed of horse that I wanted to own some day.
Arabians are one of the most loving and caring breeds that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They are very intelligent and yet very gentle, they are very connected to their owner and will do almost anything that is asked of them. They do this with without question and without wanting anything in return (except a carrot or a nice scratch in that special spot). If you have ever had the honour of owning one, then you will truly understand the power that they have over us... the power love.
In order to better understand my horse, I pursued many avenues, I went to seminars, attended workshops, reviewed videos and listened to many accomplished horse trainers/owners/vets, etc. I wanted to learn all I could about health concerns, training techniques, proper care and nutrition. Not for me, but for my equine. If I could make their life here on earth better for them, I would.
I enjoyed researching the positive training methods called resistance free training. It teaches us how to work with the horse on terms and concepts that they understand and use on a daily basis. Therefore, the horse understands & it is a gentle approach to training.
None of our equines ever went without care or TLC, all shots were current, feed was always premium, and they got their vitamins and herbs for optinum health. I believe in natural remedies, and herbs which I pursued studies in to help give equine(s) the best of care and to live long and healthy lives.
All this and more, just to ensure that we had happy horses !
My next adventure was to learn and understand how horses think and why. I again attended workshops, and read as much information that I could get my hands on. I have met so many people that have helped me along the way. I was then refered to a book by Linda Kohanov called the Tao of Equus. This was a person that truly understood the meaning of True Unity, being one, horses are meant to be treated with respect and as our equals.
I talk to my horse(s) all the time, tell them what I am doing, what I am thinking and why. I truly feel that they are connected to us and understand everything that we feel and think, but may not say... Horses are our teachers and our best friends, they ARE our equals. We have so much to learn from them, if we would only listen.
If you have ever felt like your horse it communicating with you, then you are right... they speak to us through telepathy of thoughts of images and feelings, every day. So, give your horse a big hug and tell him / her how much they truly mean to you, but be honest, because they know what you are really thinking !
I have, many years ago, participated in shows and competitions, and breeding. All of which seemed to be stressfull for the equines. Horses are very family oriented, and it is very difficult for them to leave their families or to even be separated from them. Can you even begin to imagine how you would feel if you were them ? Your child or family taken from you ... without even a word said to you or a reason... sheer devistation, and trama.
Now, I enjoy spending time with my horse(s) and just doing 'nothing' with them. A gentle walk and trot along back country roads or trail rides through the forest is what I (and my horse) enjoys the most. Lots of TLC, neck rubs, hugs and kisses are my favourite. I tell them stories of my day, or what ever seems to catch their focus that day... just to talk to them about nothing. I like to take pictures and videos of them to savour on a cold wintery day when you are stuck indoors. But most of all I enjoy brushing and grooming them, with a nice walk or light exersize after.... with legs wrapped and a leg rub down afterwards. And finally lots of carrots with an apple here and there. I have also developed a taste for learning more about communication with horses through telepathy, which is another interest of mine.
We have also been blessed with 2 golden girls. Yes, we have 2 golden retrievers, they are our kids, or at least they might as well be, but that is another story in it's self !
So... don't forget to give you horse a big hug from your heart and tell him / her how much they have enriched your life.