Some of you may remember: Leo is the horse we rescued a couple of years ago, who on arrival here was little more than a bag of bones. Leo has been with us for three years now. He has made tremendous progress.
I thought the time was right to see if Leo, so traumatised and abused himself in the past, would be interested in helping our workshop participants resolve trauma they experienced previously. You can read more about Leo’s past here. So I asked my Belgian friend Kat if she would be interested in doing an equine-assisted psychotherapy session with Leo. Kat, herself a healer, and Leo, were both a bit nervous in the beginning. Kat is not familiar with horses and Leo has never worked with anyone else but me. Leo was a STAR, and so was Kat, working together to find common ground, both nervous, but both eager to find a way of communicating and helping each other. It was pure magic. It has taken me near three years to get Leo this point, to rebuild his trust in people, so much so that he would actually be willing to help them with their own problems.
Here is Kat’s take on the experience:
Just follow your heart, Margaretha said…
I’m used to following my heart, when I work with adults, with children – when I teach, when I coach and when I heal. The only thing is that I’m a bit (read a whole lot) scared of horses. When you’re afraid, following your heart is not that easy.
The week before, Margaretha told me that she wanted to introduce me to Leo, so that I can work with him the following week. I tried to give him a carrot. As I reached out to him, he shied away and fled as if I was going to hit him with an axe. Equally sacred, I took a huge jump backwards.
With the assistance of Margaretha, whom I trust, and more importantly who Leo trusts, I managed to get him to eat a few carrots out of my hand, which Margaretha had to hold!
I could only imagine that during the following week, Margaretha had a good many nights of doubting, about her idea of me working with Leo. After almost three years of patience in trying to win his confidence and showing to Leo that people can be trusted, you do not want a nervous person to undo all of your achievements in a split second.
I, on the other hand, was prepared for the worst. In my mind’s eye and in my dreams, I saw a horse jumping and shying away from me. Anxiety is an emotion and mostly a product of our minds, so I decided to just be and breathe and see what happened. The worst thing that could happen is Leo jumping all over me.
The day we planned me working with Leo, I felt a bit nervous, so I grounded myself and did my full walking heart meditation. Without expectations and without a plan I entered the school.
Just follow your heart…. and so I did, I opened my heart for this wonderful being, let down and hurt by people. I just tried to establish a loving connection, kept my energy low, my movements very slow and calm. I kept my distance and tried to make Leo curious. What happened I will remember the rest of my life. The pictures speak for themselves. I am so honoured to have attended this healing experience for Leo and for myself.
Thankfulness, Love and Joy. The power of the Hearth is the greatest Power in the World!
Thanks, Leo, thank you, Margaretha
Kat
I posted Kat and Leo’s adventure on my Facebook page and was completely overwhelmed by the encouraging response. You can read the comments here – the post is available for public viewing. I also recently wrote a blog post focusing on what Leo taught me about the pros and cons of mindfulness.
If you would like to meet Leo, please join us for a Connect with Horses Workshop here in the south of France. If you would like to follow Leo’s progress, please subscribe to this blog and to my newsletter at the top right of this page.
Margaretha and Kat this brought a tear to my eye! I know exactly how Kat felt and I have never forgotten the feeling of getting Belle to walk with me and listen to me even though I was TERRIFIED. I also remember Leo very well and am so happy he has come so far with your patience and love. ❤️
Time for you to come back for another visit Claire-Marie! Sadly we lost Leo in March this year. Hope all well with you otherwise.
Oh no how sad! I realised I was reading an old post but still an unexpected turn of events.
All well here thanks. Haven’t forgotten you!
Ad we haven’t forgotten you. Nor the stroopwafels you sent us! There is now an Action-shop in Aire-sur-Adour, so we are as addicted as ever. Much love to you, M
I want to meet Leo! Except the damn gov’t says I have to have a passport, and the airlines tell me that I need more money!
Annoying, isn’t it?
What an amazing experience! I’m glad Leo is doing so well.
This was so amazing! Made me smile and just made me fall in love with Leo!
What a lovely experience these two shared. Leo is so cute!
“Just follow your heart” BEST ADVICE EVER! I love reading this blog!
Leo is adorable! Well done Kat for overcoming your nervousness around horses. It was lovely to read and see how you both got on. Will have to try and arrange to meet Leo myself one day 😊
Thank you!
Your work is absolutely fascinating!
It must been wonderful to be doing such meaningful work. Beautiful horse, beautiful story.
I have been on a binge reading about Leo today, I think I have a crush!
You and me both! and a few others besides…
How beautiful for both of you. I’m sure Leo felt the love coming from you Kat and returned that love to you. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
Thank you very much! Kat