Horse Dancing

A few weeks ago I facilitated Advanced Equine Experiential Learning work here in Colorado. There are several components to the advanced work, including horse dancing. Horse dancing is a way to explore fluid movement and connection with a horse with no set instructions or plan on what will transpire during the dance. Each participant selects the horse they want to dance with and the music which most resonates with them.

Typically in these sessions when a person is body-centered, free of agendas and fully present to the moment, the horse, and the music, a flow transpires between horse and human. It is not about walking, trotting or cantering transitions or about any other training techniques. It is about understanding how your horse responds to your energy, your focus, the pressure of your attention, and the quality of your movements. It is about connection to yourself and connection with the horse.

One client began her dance with her horse. It seemed a bit ‘sticky’ or not flowing smoothly. I watched, trying to figure out what she was hoping to achieve. The dance began to feel ‘heady.’ Her horse looked confused and there was a lack of connection between them. She asked to stop the dance. We talked about what was happening for her. First, she realized that the music she picked was not working. She requested another composition that she actually had originally been most drawn to but had doubted her intuition and had selected another composition that she though she ‘should’ use.

Next, I asked about what thoughts she was having while she was in her dance. She shared that thoughts based in doubt, worry, and wondering if her horse would dance with her were streaming through her consciousness. I coached her back into her body awareness and back into the present moment. I reminded her of all the tools she could draw on that she had learned in our time together, to help her to stay centered in her being and free of limiting thought patterns.

We started the music again. This time, she and her horse Ace moved around the round pen with ease and grace. The music she had selected was filled with sweet sorrow and at one point my heart filled and tears came to my eyes. She was allowing all of the pieces of her learning during the week (sorrow, letting go, becoming free, and owning her beauty) to move through her physical body. Her horse was with her and they moved as partners.

From a distance the dancing activity may look strange and seem very untraditional. Yet, what I see and experience with these sessions is that clients experience a pure, in the moment, artistic expression, shared with others without judgment. As she moved and danced with her black horse Ace, her inner beauty, even in sweet sorrow, radiated well beyond the round pen. She was powerful and expressive. The visceral experience of her horse dance she will take back to her own horses and incorporate into her riding. She will transfer it to her everyday life, allowing more of her true essence to shine and be present in the world. She now has a deeper understanding of how a doubt-filled mind stops a creative flow and how following one’s intuition and staying present in the moment creates flow and ease.

The ability to be artful, to be spontaneous and creative is slowly diminishing in our culture. Technology keeps us focused on programs, functions, predictable outcomes and processes and living at a faster pace than ever before in history. Horse Dancing provides the opportunity to engage with a full-bodied presence and awareness, and teaches how to live in the moment. It helps us to access our creative energy and childlike spontaneity. It challenges us to take chances, to let our true self out to play, to shine and to be seen by others. It is living life as an art form.

“Thank you again for your understanding and encouragement during our Advanced Equine work. You and the horses made it possible for me to openly face some personal challenges that have been lurking under the surface. I find that working with horses who are so nonjudgmental helps that process; they all played a role of tapping into some deeper emotions: Corazon for loss/grief, Moon for loss and freeing up physical tightness, and Ace for sorrow as well as the joy and comfort of connectedness. I had an osteopathic session two days ago, and it was amazing to feel my energy flow from my feet through to my head which I had never experienced before. Usually my body has felt more “bitsy”. You have some very special workshop partners there!” Birgit Weskamp, CA

Upcoming Programs

September 8th and 9th
Dance of Authenticity through the Wisdom of the Horse

During this workshop horses are the teachers to help humans enjoy a more creative, expansive, and authentic life. A horse is a non-judgmental mirror that reflects ones emotional state, personal power, and relationship building skills. Unconditional animals of power and grace, they invite us to learn their way and to live in the present.

During this workshop:
Ignite your deepest self
Expand presence and awareness
Shift limiting self-perceptions into positive self-recognition
Gain confidence
Experience authentic community

Dates: September 8th and 9th
Time: 9-4 each day
Tuition: $350 (early bird)
Location: Carbondale, Colorado

For more info contact Kathy@coachpike.com, 303-545-2555, or 970-947-9166. Limited to six individuals. Visit: Horse Wisdom Programs

September 28th through October 3rd
EELC Foundations - Level One Training
Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EELC) continues to grow as many therapists, coaches, teachers, riding instructors, consultants and other individuals in position of influence experience the power of working with horses. During this six-day program you experience the Dance of Authenticity workshop followed by learning sessions focused on the key components for facilitating EELC sessions. You practice mind-body awareness techniques and emotional awareness exercises, and facilitate sessions. Care for horses and ethical considerations are covered.

This course is designed for the individuals who are intersted in this field of work, but may not currently be in the position to committ to a year-long program. It provides tools to your life, work and client practices and information about EELC. After completion of the Level One program you may move on to Level Two.

Dates: September 28th through October 3rd (six days)
Time; 9-4 each day
Location: Carbondale, Colorado

For more info contact Kathy@coachpike.com, 303-545-2555, or 970-947-9166. Visit: Horse Wisdom Programs

February 2008
EELC Facilitator Training – Year long Program
**You must attend a two or three day Dance of Authenticity Workshop or the EELC Foundation Program before enrolling into the 2008 yearlong program.

Call Kathy at 303-545-2555, or 970-947-9166 for more information and for a complete PDF with detailed information of training program. Visit: Horse Wisdom Programs

Individual EELC Retreats
Designed for your needs and goals. Highly interactive and reflective. May include integrative riding sessions. For more info contact Kathy@coachpike.com, 303-545-2555, or 970-947-9166.