Continuation on last post – Todays session was simply focused on getting the 2 way conversation back while offering a Masterson Method body work session to Starry.  There are 3 relationships I have with each horse – the caregiver and chuckwagon, the fitness trainer and within the last 3 years – the bodyworker. Horses who can’t stop moving their feet typically are protecting themselves. Recently I learned two techniques from two different masters to help me convey to Starry, partnership would be beneficial for us both. For this work, the horse needs to stay relaxed and needs to give his permission – neither are easy for Starry. Today however, he worked with me, our conversation was excellent – he moved when he felt it was necessary and I asked him to stand still when it was necessary. The skills I learned stopped his desire to escape. The results were about 90 % cooperation, he did the best he could.

As I worked with Starry releasing his endorphins – flexing his neck and releasing his shoulder muscles he became calm and interested. His feet moved less and he stood more evenly. I did some work on key areas and he did a lot of releasing of tension in these junctions – poll and shoulder area, temporal muscles on his forehead. I tested his back and determined some very reactive body parts that were as spasmed as I’ve tested.  I put the pieces together from my testing and his responses and helped him release the spasms and tension in the front end and hind end – taking him to the edge of his comfort zone, yet well below creating brace from discomfort. Starry was soon more relaxed and trusting than he’s been in a while. He had moments where he wanted to leave, I asked him for a couple more techniques as he would feel much better. He gave me more than I asked for.

The other 3 horses were standing watching and participating as well. Mikaila was yawning big and repetitive – I counted 7  releases in one breath. This session was the best so far – the most challenging and the most productive with beneficial results. I love how Starry is the horse that needs the most work, is the most challenging for me to work with – energetically, trust and communication wise – yet steps up for me when I’ve learned and first stepped up for him… This was the biggest lesson so far, I overcame 3 large and long time obstacles that I simply hadn’t been able to conquer with him for more than minutes at a time. Done, checked off, but never again will I take our combined energy for granted. He has issues that perhaps he will never conquer, he does the best he can while protecting himself, he will never do what someone encourages unless he is convinced that person will remain connected, concerned, responsive, aware and available to make changes second by second. Today was a good day.