When I use the expression “the horse carries you”, you may envision sitting on his back. But when I use that term, I mean something different. When a horse carries you – truly carries you – it’s so much more than just a ride.

You’ve heard the phrase “I’ve got your back.” It means to protect someone against unseen dangers, to be there for them even when they can’t see you or don’t know you’re there. It’s meant to convey to the other person a profound sense of relief and optimism where even in the midst of chaos or panic, there’s a calming presence that’s “got your back.”

This plays out with horses just as it does with humans. Let me tell you a story…

My horse Sampson is a horse that “carries” me. He’s in tune with his surroundings and he knows his job, which is partly to protect me, to “have my back.” As a result, riding Samson is a relaxing, joyful experience where I can count on him completely. He is as solid of a horse as they come.

The opposite is true when I ride Shadow. I carry Shadow. Shadow’s anticipation to his surroundings on a new trail makes him hyper and overreactive to movement, to noise, and to the unexpected. This particular day, I went riding with Shadow, the first time for both of us in a long time due to Covid. Shadow was clearly nervous, spooking at what could only be ants crossing the path since I couldn’t see a thing. I was also focused on staying centered and balanced (and not hitting the ground!), I hadn’t ridden in several months. I remained calm and encouraged Shadow “he could do it” when he felt he couldn’t move forward.

I was relaxed and connected throughout it all and after about 30 minutes he too relaxed and the ride became pleasant for both of us. And then – in a nano second Shadow stood still – I heard the unmistakable sound of a tree breaking and beginning to crash to the ground. It was loud, it was close and it might just be lined up to crush us beneath it.

All I could do was freeze as this tree threatened to come crashing down around us. I didn’t grab his mane for security, squeeze with my legs from panic, grip the reins, no, no, nada, I froze, I truly froze. Time just stopped and so did I.

Any horse in this situation would go into self-preservation mode and bolt. It’s an understandable instinct. But Shadow became still, and even braced himself by lowering himself closer to the ground. Because of our shared connection, a connection built over years at liberty, the bond he felt with me told him to “carry” me in that moment when I was frozen with fear.

It took that situation to convince me that Shadow does indeed carry me when it matters; in fact, when our very lives were on the line. The trust was there on the ground but not under saddle. Until that moment, I didn’t know he had it in him, but now I do, and our connection has grown even deeper. There’s a level of trust I have now that I didn’t have then.

None of this would ever have been possible without working on developing a true connection with Shadow, and although it took time, effort, patience and insight, the pay-off in the end has been extraordinary. You too can have this kind of connection to your horse, and True Connection Horse Academy can show you how.

I especially want to say thank you for reading my blogs and for your continued support of my work during Covid. I am trilled to announce we will be offering “live virtual lessons” in the near future! Stay tuned and connected.

Linda & The Herd Connection

DO YOU CARRY YOUR HORSE OR DOES YOUR HORSE CARRY YOU?