A Woman and Her Horse – Harmony

by Michele Oksen

Rasta the filly and Wendy Pedotti rest in the grass with Lilly (Rasta's big sister) watching over them.

How many times over the decades did I hear, "You love your horse (interchangeable with dog) more than me."? Let's just say, several. Why, you ask? Oh, I don't know, maybe because it's somehow easier to accept the idiosyncrasies of an animal than a spouse. If only it weren't so.

I'm not really sure it's explainable why mucking manure is preferable to bleaching briefs? I can't really tell you why I tolerate my horse's emissions as I brush anywhere near his tail and why I don't put up with a husband who passes gas during a back rub. Neither can I give you a reason why my horse's sneeze debris can be perceived with humor when it wouldn't strike me at all funny to get man snot on my sleeve. Deep sigh. What's a gal gonna do?

Girl Power Horseback From left to right are Cherish, Kristy, Wendy, Darcy, and Jillian

So what is it about a woman and her horse? It's a question I've been asked time and time again. The relationship seems mysterious to those who have not experienced it. And maybe it is somewhat baffling that such different species can become such good friends.

Women tend to approach horses, not from the mind-set of tamers of wild beasts but, more from a place that is governed by innate intuition and understanding. Like boss mares, family oriented women find their herd food and shelter. They dole out appropriate discipline and guard against threats. Horses feel safe with their assertive yet fair and kind women leaders. A woman earns a horse's trust thus gains it's respect in part because of their shared sensitivity to emotions and vulnerabilities as well as their common awareness and comprehension of direct, honest, and non-verbal communications.

Sunrise Silhouette

To know what it's like to fear for your own safety or survival is to get a clue into how a prey animal might respond to someone or something. Fear promotes what some call 'animal behavior' – the tendency to fight or take flight. A powerful, quiet, and humble presence that is neither intimidating nor imposing in demeanor is far more likely to encourage calm cooperation than forceful and threatening intentions and attitudes.

The connection between a woman and her horse is an attraction that is internal as much, if not more than anything else. There's an energy exchange, a magical glow between them that is born of whole-hearted acceptance. Gentle gestures and noiseless nudges express the bond that is grounded in gratitude.

Together, a woman and her horse define harmony in its purest expression.

Photos by Lindy Swanson Pedotti
Banner image by Fugle