When it comes to riding horses we always seem to be looking for ways to develop a better connection... to become "one" with the horse. What does this actually mean? Well, it could be many things... anything you want it to mean, really... anything you put your focus into developing or creating. You and your horse are co-creators. You've both come together to create... some horses and humans come together to create beautiful artwork in the form of a painting, some create a fun sleigh ride through the snow, and some create a gold medal at the Olympics, as Eric did with Hickstead. It's important to ask your self from time to time, what it is that you want to create with your horse? You might want to create a better physical connection by finding a balance between effort and ease in the saddle, or to create a better mental or emotional connection whereby you begin to sense what your horse is thinking or feeling, or to create a stronger spiritual connection with your horse... looking for a deeper understanding of why you and your horse, having both originated from the same divine source energy, have come together in the process of creation or evolution. I love to explore all of the four aspects; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual... and I find that they are all intertwined. At various times in my life, one or two aspects were of more interest to me then the others and I know that this inner desire to focus on, for example just the physical aspect, was a good thing because it allowed me to develop excellent equitation skills that I still use everyday. So to focus on one of these four aspects over the others is neither good nor bad... it just is. In fact, it doesn't matter what you choose to do... what matters is how you do it!
You may find some challenges as you co-create with your horse because horses approach the process of creating differently then humans. In the process of creation there are three steps...


The PROCESS of CREATION:


1. ASK - When we find ourselves in a situation that we don't want to be in, we are better able to ask for what it is we want! This is the purpose of contrast. 


2. ANSWER - Often, the answers elude us so we think that they just aren't there. This is never the case. The answers are always and immediately there, we just need to learn to become receptive to them. Receptive to the notion that the answer may not be in the place that we are struggling so hard to look. In fact, it's safe to say that if you're struggling to find the answer, it's not where you're looking!


3. ALLOW - When you are willing to shift your perspective of the situation and let go of the resistance you will find the answer. 


Horses and humans approach any situation with different intentions. The challenge lies in the fact that humans are more naturally involved in step 1 and horses are more naturally involved with step 3. Humans are always wanting to improve life experience whereas horses are more willing to just allow whatever is to be. What an amazing combination! Humans are the creative influence and horses are allowing the beautiful expression of this creative desire. Since it is natural for horses to be in a state of allowing, they are always connected to a broader perspective (understanding of the way the Universe works) and less involved with the contrast and formal details as we humans are. Thus, when horses (animals) and humans come together, there is a wonderful balancing of energy.