I have a great passion for Reiki and an equal passion for horses. Combined, this makes for a formidable and powerful healing tool. I have integrated my equine, Shiraz, into my own healing, healing and teaching clients and students and in facilitating spiritual/healing day retreats. Here is my story… which I hope would be an inspiration for many.
My daughter has been horse riding since she was six years old. Sitting alongside the training arenas was wonderful but I had an urge to learn to ride too. Then, at 42 (which is now more than 15 years ago) I finally found the courage to learn to horse ride. Needless to say, this brought I whole new dimension and passion into my life. My horse trainer and riding instructor used to say that one never recovers if you contract “horsenitis”… This is absolutely true!
Supported by our passion and dedication to horse riding we eventually were afforded the opportunity of owning our own horses. Again, the dynamics changed as owning a horse is quite different than merely riding them. Unlike a bicycle, you cannot put a horse into the cupboard and forget about it if you are not feeling up to investing time and effort into your newfound hobby. It is pretty much a matter of come rain or snow or Covid, you HAVE to make time to spend with your horses.
Not being interested in competitive riding I opted for natural horsemanship training and riding. This is an amazing way of building a bond with your horse. It also means that you do not need to be riding to be able to spend constructive and meaningful time with your horse.
Being able to do a significant amount of in-hand work with my horse, Shiraz, resulted in a human-horse relationship that was healing for us both. Shiraz was a neglected workhorse and needed just as much healing as I did after my NDE in 2017. We supported each other in the process of our own healing and reached a point where, both being wounded healers, we are now able to support others in their healing.
I teach Reiki up to Reiki Masters level with an additional specialized course in Animal Reiki. The practical part of the Animal Reiki course is taught primarily with Shiraz – who by the way has granted me permission to make use of him in these practical teaching sessions. Some of the other horses at the stable yard are also included in the practical part of this course, particularly when aspects such as asking permission, beaming, and dealing with abused animals through Reiki are covered. A good understanding of animal communication and “reading” an animal’s body language and other signals form an integral part of this practical experience that my students are exposed to.
Regular Reiki healing sessions with Shiraz have benefited his healing tremendously and today he is a well-balanced horse, able to support the others (animal and human) in their healing. This has brought us to a space where Shiraz has been attuned (again, only after granting…
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