Horse Journey

How do you reach your goals? One step at a time!
Here are my 3 Goals, 3 Work Plans, 3 Challenges and 3 Payoffs!

Goal 1 Finish the Ceiling!

One of my goals for this summer was to finish the last project on the Journey House cabin: Create a vaulted ceiling with new, beautiful pinewood. I imagined that this ceiling would not only insulate the cabin in the winter but it would give it that rustic, cozy and inviting atmosphere. And, once done, it would mean that Journey House is completely finished inside and outside.

The work: It took several days of finicky measuring and cutting. We had to work around the hot days, sometimes worked in the evening, and even gave up a few days at the beach.

The challenge: It took longer than expected to finish, we are not practiced carpenters at all. Learning on the job and figuring it out takes more time than if you know how to do it! We overcame it by just being patient and diligently worked away at it.

The payoff: Once we put the tools down and stood back, we said: Wow!! It was worth the work! And very satisfying to see my dream of finishing this warm and inviting counselling office in nature be complete. Here in this beautiful space I work with my clients. Clients often tell me how unique this spot is, with the horses, out in nature and the cozy Journey House. October marks our first anniversary of having this gorgeous cabin on our property. It’s been a remarkable journey for myself to create this special space and sharing it with clients and visitors alike.

Goal 2: Get the Hay!

Another goal reached as with every summer is having all the hay in for Link and Rollie! We got it delivered into our paddock this year. Oh, how daunting it was seeing a huge pile of 318 bales of hay laying there and knowing it has to be loaded and stacked in the sheds!

The challenge: It seemed like a monumental task. This load will last the horses over one year. (The picture shows only one load; we had to stack 3 times that amount!) We overcame this challenge by having Pete, our friend as a helper and resting our arms when we could.

The work: To do this, three of us picked up each bale and loaded it on the truck, unloaded and stacked it in the shed. We had a plan, got to work, and accomplished our task in a total of five hours!

The payoff: Standing back and looking at all this hay safe and dry in the shed, it’s like having lots of food in your pantry. A great relief! When the snow is falling and the grass is gone, we will be even more grateful to have it done. This hay will be a reminder of how important it is to plan ahead, do the work and reward yourself.

Goal 3: Take the horses camping!

Yes, even the fun stuff sometimes needs a goal. This goal is important as we all need to get away sometimes and take time out. Link and Rollie need this as much as we do!

The work: Make reservations, plan, go shopping, pack the truck and trailer, load the horses and drive to Salmon Arm. Unload, get settled in, de-stress, and unwind.

The challenge: When we left Kelowna, we checked the weather report and knew that a thunderstorm was heading our way. We arrived in Larch Hills just as the sky opened up with rain, thunder and lightening! We had to unload the horses in this kind of weather. We overcame this challenge by staying calm, quietly unloaded the horses and put them in their paddocks. They handled it well and I’m sure all our prior years of trust building and training helped them to stay calm.

The payoff: The weather improved quickly the next day and for one week we enjoyed many wonderful trail rides. It was a memorable horse camping trip, with relaxation and fun. Making use of great weather we got to relax together on the trail and under the trees. How wonderful it is to share a great relationship with my horses and my partner!

What are your Goals?

Now that summer is over, perhaps you are ready to tackle your goals. Do your goals look daunting? Monumentally challenging? Too scared to start the hard work? If that’s the case, then it’s time to work with an Equine Facilitated Coach, like Karin, Link and Rollie.

We can help you break it down into manageable tasks that get you to your payoff sooner! As I can attest, it’s always better when you have back up and help to reach your goals!

Come and visit us and if you want to work on new goals, improve life or have a better relationship with your horse or yourself. Equine Facilitated Coaching is what we do, and helping you achieve YOUR personal GOALS is what we excel at!

If you would like to explore Your Journey further…

Questions, or interested in experiencing Equine Facilitated Coaching and Personal Development sessions in Kelowna? Please contact Karin Bauer, BSW, by calling 250-860-1964 or karin@horsejourney.com

I’m happy and proud to announce that I have recently become a member of two professional associations in Equine Facilitated Wellness/Learning:

1)  The National Association of Equine Facilitated Wellness (NAEFW), which is a Canadian organization.

Their Mission Statement reads: Fostering knowledge, growth, ongoing education, accountability and support for people working in a respectful partnership with equines in healing and learning environments.

Website: http://www.equinefacilitatedwellness.org/aboutEN

2) EAGALA

Their Mission Statement reads: Founded in 1999, EAGALA is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals using equine therapy to address mental health and human development needs.  Our vision is that every person worldwide will have access to these services known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning.

Website:  https://www.eagala.org/

I look forward to participate in future conferences, continuing education, and workshops through these and other valuable organizations. My professional commitment is to continuously offer my expertise through Equine Assisted Counselling and Coaching service to all my clients!

If you would like to explore Your Journey further…

Questions, or interested in experiencing Equine Facilitated Coaching and Personal Development sessions in Kelowna? Please contact Karin Bauer, BSW, by calling 250-860-1964 or karin@horsejourney.com

Summertime reading is here! I have been reading several inspirational, transformational horse books that I want to recommend and share with you. Here they are!

“Dressage in the Fourth Dimension” by Sherry , PhD

What an interesting read this book is! Ackerman really has a way with words. Here are some of my favorites quoted directly from her book: “Our horse mirrors our inner space, making us aware of infinite possibility.” “Forget ‘heels down, heads up’ — just ride from a primal place.” “Most other yogic disciplines are yogas-of-one, but dressage is yoga-of-two.” “Mastery is not about perfection but a process, a journey. It requires love. Best riders are passionately in love with their horse.” Not just for dressage riders, this is a philosophy on life and relating to your horse in an intimate, connected, spiritual way.

More info on this book ”Dressage in the Fourth Dimension” at http://www.dressageinthefourth.com/

“Horse as Teacher: The Path to Relationship” written as a collaborative effort by ten various authors.

Three of these authors I have met and know personally; Helen Amanda Russell, Linda-Ann Bowling, and Sandra Wallin. A special thanks goes to Linda-Ann, who generously sent me this book as a gift. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of these women who have shared special bonds with horses and whose relationships with their horses have greatly and positively influenced their lives. A true inspiration for anyone seeking a spiritual approach to or through their equine partners or themselves.

You can order the “Horse as Teacher” book here: http://www.horsemanshipfromtheheart.com/ForSale.html

“H.E.A.R.T.: A visual tour through Horsemanship from the Heart…” by Christa Miremadi and Kristina Belkina.

Again a special thanks goes to Christa for giving me her book. I met Christa while she came to Kelowna to offer her gentle training skills in a clinic. Her aim is to enrich both horse and human lives, and her book is truly beautiful. Rich in colorful photos and wise words that explain why respect, ideas, acceptance, trust, boundaries, consistency, softness, play and compassion are so important in your relationship with your horse. And if this has raised your curiosity, then great, because it is another important concept and you should go read her book!

You can order Christa’s book here: http://www.horsemanshipfromtheheart.com/ForSale.html

Have fun reading this summer, be inspired, relax and enjoy!

If you would like to explore Your Journey further…

Questions, or interested in experiencing Equine Facilitated Coaching and Personal Development sessions in Kelowna? Please contact Karin Bauer, BSW, by calling 250-860-1964 or karin@horsejourney.com

The horses brought up this great theme for me today: Can you challenge your own RULES?

What rules that you make for yourself actually serve you, personally?

What rules of yours are outdated and no longer serve you or fit for you? How can you tell?

How did this comes up? Lunging my horse Link I noticed I have certain rules, but I asked myself, do they always need to be there? I believe they did before, but I could tell by Link’s behavior that some rules are now in need of some adjustment. He now understands me and my communication enough so I could relax more, whereas in other areas some rules need to stay strong. Why? I think it’s because we’re both growing in our relationship.  Thank you Link for pointing that out!

Now it’s your turn… oh, and by the way, you can exchange the word “rules” for personal standards and boundaries. Have fun!!

If you would like to explore Your Journey further…

Questions, or interested in experiencing Equine Facilitated Coaching and Personal Development sessions in Kelowna? Please contact Karin Bauer, BSW, by calling 250-860-1964 or karin@horsejourney.com

Once again, I’m on the cover of Walking Horse News Magazine! I sent in this picture of our adventures at Timberridge Trails by Lumby. After playing on this big field at liberty, I sat in the grass and Link and Rollie stood by my side. It was a beautiful moment of feeling wonderfully connected to my horses and nature. It was as if they were telling me: Thank you for taking us to this great place.  Let’s go play some more! Even horses like a change of scenery. We are sure to go back again soon!

http://www.bbdsedson.com/keyconnect/WalkingHorse/

Link, Karin and Rollie on a meadow in Lumby, B.C., Canada.

Photo taken by Lisa Armstrong in 2011.

Horse Show “Bliss”. Really? Can it be that much fun? What is the alternative: Suffering from performance anxiety, self-imposed pressure, and nervous stress? I never knew it could happen to have this much fun at a show. I want to share with you that it is possible to be blissful while:

- packing,- loading, – trailering, – grooming, – preparing and – riding my horse at a show,  for real. Even the chores felt good! You can feel this too!

Yes, I admit I was a little bit nervous at first, because I’m not actually a “horse show kind-of-girl”. I’m more of a “trail riding kind-of-girl”. Some people enjoy showing their horse a lot; while others are quite stressed, nervous, or frustrated taking a horse to a show. Unfortunately, some may not know that there could be a better, more relaxed way. It can at times become a downward spiral  – especially when any kind of stressful situation escalates and affects horse and human. However, given the right support, preparation, attitude and venue, showing your horse can be very rewarding, even exhilarating!

So why did I enjoy it? And why did my horse seem to enjoy it with me?

I went without any great expectations. We had prepared, took our time. And we had support. We settled into our job and just went with it. The venue itself was low-key, not high-pressure. A good start!

For me, it also wasn’t about winning. It wasn’t about competition. It wasn’t about being perfect.

You know how they say, it’s starts with showing up, and showing up with a positive attitude.

What I wanted was simply a good experience and have fun with Rollie. That’s it! Prizes are a bonus, they’re great too, but really it’s about being there and just doing it. And so as we took it slow, laughed, stayed aware and set the intention for “fun and a good time”, it is exactly what we got…. and a few prizes, including First Prize in the Tennessee Walking horse class! Yes!!

Interesting Tidbits:

- The name of the show is ”Interior Gaited Horse Show” held annually in Armstrong, B.C. every June.

- This year 2012, it was Rollie’s second ever horse show! Rollie took part in his first show two years ago, when he was six years old. He won First Places for best gait in the Tennessee Walking horse classes both in 2010 and 2012. Well done, Rollie!

- There are all types of gaited horses participating in this show, such as Peruvians, Islandics, Paso Finos, Rocky Mountains, Missouri Fox-trotters, and Tennessee Walking Horses. The Interior Gaited Horse Show is all about fun. There are many games, like Tricky Trail class, Barrel Race, Pole Bending, and so on. All these classes are great for expanding your and your horse’s skills in a fun, relaxed way. (picture below shows Rollie and Karin on the left).

- Some classes allow all different breeds to compete with each other, other classes are breed specific such as the “Tennessee Walking Horse” class

- Rollie truly seemed to enjoy himself, as we have a trusting relationship and work well together. Rollie even stole some hearts as he walked up to the person handing out the prizes. He stuck his nose in the bucket and the prize person kept petting him and giving him kisses on the nose every time we came up to her. What a sweet horse he is!

- Rollie did particularly well in the Tennessee Walking Horse class, showing off his beautiful smooth running walk, at a loose rein. He was so even and balanced, I just sat back with a smile and enjoyed his gait! He is truly a credit to his breed. If you have a gaited horse and need help with the gait, let me know!

- The show lasts for two days. We deliberately set a realistic, achievable goal of only doing one day. This took the pressure off both the horse and myself. We kept the demands low key.  Instead of exhausting ourselves, we went home tired and happy but not completely exhausted. If you need coaching in setting achievable goals, let me know, I can help!

- We entered nine classes that day, and placed in five. We enjoyed the classes that were games like pole bending and barrel racing.

Insights on my Horse Journey

As I focused on cooperation, team work and praise, lots of praise, I felt very close to Rollie and was so proud how well he handled everything. Thank you, Rollie! The ribbons represent a job well done! If you want to have this much fun with your horse and need help, I can coach you!

If you would like to explore Your Journey further…

Questions, or interested in experiencing Equine Facilitated Coaching and Personal Development sessions in Kelowna? Please contact Karin Bauer, BSW, by calling 250-860-1964 or karin@horsejourney.com

We’ve had some glorious, beautiful spring days here at Horse Journey. May temperatures have been high and very sunny. I wanted to share this inspiring picture with you. This is the view from our property, where Link and Rollie graze peacefully.

Allow yourself to blossom, like these blossoms on the apple trees, and shine your light bright like the sun. Gaze into the sky and take in the view, and breathe the fresh spring air, alive with growth and change! Enjoy!

If you would like to explore Your Journey further…

Questions, or interested in experiencing Equine Facilitated Coaching and Personal Development sessions in Kelowna? Please contact Karin Bauer, BSW, by calling 250-860-1964 or karin@horsejourney.com

The Horse Training Dilemma

Okay, how many times has this happened to you: You watch a video about horse training, or go to a clinic to learn a new skill, or you watch Cavalia in awe, or a master like Klaus Ferdinand-Hempfling riding bridle-less on some beach. It looks so beautiful, you get so inspired, and in your mind you can already see yourself and your horse doing this together, in harmony, with joy! You go to the paddock, full of hope and dreams to try this out with your horse! And guess what, despite your best efforts it doesn’t take long, and you get frustrated. Heck, the whole thing is a disaster! Well, at least in your mind it’s a disaster, because (insert your horse’s name) didn’t do it right. It didn’t look or feel anything like what you saw or what you thought it should be like. You blame the horse, stupid (insert your horse’s name) and call yourself incompetent.  You feel down and want to give up. Why can’t we be like these great riders or horse trainers?

Most trainers would not want anyone to see their “screw ups” anyway. They want you to buy their perfect DVD’s, books, courses, and training tools. They want you to believe that you, too can do it, with any horse, and any horse will be willing to do it. All you need is their methods they are selling and you’re set! Right?

In the past I too have been down the road of getting “inspired” and day dreaming about the “perfect” ride, training session, or result. We all now and again get sucked in by the images and the emotions these training videos produce, especially when we are in search of great satisfaction and pride. The ego loves to be proud!

But then I give my head a shake.

Horses don’t care about perfection; only humans do.

The harder we try, the worse the outcome. Too much force, too much thinking, not enough feeling. Losing touch.

Let’s examine this a little more closely. How many years of trial and error “learning” did it take these other trainers to get their horses to ”perform” like this? Do they ever talk about their humble beginnings? Do they ever show the video out-takes, the mishaps, of when maybe their horse went bucking and galloping off? Do they talk about what went through their minds, when they applied too much pressure, force, and not enough “feeling”? Does that ever happen to them?

And, importantly, do they ask their horses if they even “want to be there”, doing this? Is what they are asking of their horses suitable and fitting to the horse’s personality, temperament, intelligence, maturity, and willingness? Does the emotional, mental and physical skill level of the horse match with the tasks and expectations?

Is this training exercise naturally following your and your horse’s destined path and journey?

Does whatever you’re doing with your horse feel joyfully, spiritually fulfilling?

While all the above questions are compelling, in my heart I feel the last question really speaks to me. In my body, I feel the question about joyful and spiritual fulfillment resonates deeply in my heart and the center of my body. I want to feel joy!

I want to share a story I was told about a man who had Autism living in New York City, and who loved the subway and everything about the subway. I don’t know all the exact details but the story is worth telling as I heard it. He knew all about the trains, the subway. He loved it so much, he kept sneaking on the subway, and even somehow ended up driving the train. The authorities were not happy about this and they tried to forbid him to go near the trains. Yet he kept sneaking on. I can’t even imagine the frustration he and everyone must have felt. Until, someone said, why don’t we give him a job on the subway. He did have something very special to offer: he knew when and where all the trains were running at any given time. He probably had the whole system memorized! No, he was not a nuisance, he was useful, just somebody needed to see that! So they gave him a job where people could call him for information on the trains, and he was able to happily share his innate gifts. Everybody was happy!

What was this man naturally presenting with? An intelligence and skill only he had, that he naturally developed and wanted to share. A gift.

Insights from My Horse Journey

So instead of forcing something unnatural to happen, or blocking something that is naturally happening, why not take what is naturally presenting itself as a gift and work with that?

My horses’ gifts: Rollie naturally likes to run and play. He is extremely sensitive (my perception of him!). My horse Link naturally likes to be the boss, he can be a bit opinionated (my perception of him!). Both horses have been exposed to lots of things to see what they like and don’t like. Trail riding and obstacle courses are things they like (How do I know? They seem happy, relaxed, and willing. They come to the gate to go trail riding. They want to try. Rollie will even step on the obstacles on his own).

What also came naturally from them was working with people as therapeutic equine partners. And, even what one would consider “annoying” about their quirks, their so-called “challenges” are gifts they bring to us. With my own developing spiritual awareness, I learned and watched in awe as both horses are presenting wonderful modeling and healing for everyone around them, including myself. It’s Rollie’s sensitivity and Link’s strong presence (paying close attention to how and when specifically they present these characteristics) that can give us real gifts. As we are embracing their gifts they in turn, embrace us with our own “flaws” and show us our gifts.

So, if you’re feeling down about your own or horse’s skill level, maybe ask yourself this: What could my horse be teaching me? What is my horse presenting naturally for my own learning?

I hope this puts watching horse videos and training into a new, more wholistic perspective. Enjoy playing with this!

If you would like to explore Your Journey further…

Questions, or interested in experiencing Equine Facilitated Coaching and Personal Development sessions in Kelowna? Please contact Karin Bauer, BSW, by calling 250-860-1964 or karin@horsejourney.com

Have you seen the movie “The Horse Boy”? I loved it and not only because I work with autistic children facilitating Equine Assisted Learning. I loved it because I always thought that autistic children and adults are here for a special reason. Horses seem to know that too. Our society doesn’t often recognize the gifts that people with Autism bring to us. However, this documentary makes one appreciate just what parents of autistic children must go through to cope with everything. It’s a very positive story and if you haven’t seen it,  I highly recommend it. Let me know what you think!  http://www.horseboymovie.com/Film.php

Ever thought about it?

What do Horses inspire in us? Why are we so drawn to Horses? What do we see in them that we need or want for ourselves?

Freedom? Fun? Playfulness? Curiosity? Pure joy?

Community? Standing up for ourselves or our herd?

Love? Passion? Relaxation? Rest? Strength? Healthy Boundaries?

Flexibility? Forgiveness? Letting things go?

Nature? Environment? Going with the flow? Intuitive knowing?

Knowing what’s truly important in life? Feeling grounded?

Accepting ourselves and others as we are? Clear communication?

Living life fully and completely, without regrets?

If you want to explore what horses inspire in you, we have Equine Facilitated Personal Development sessions available.

Begin your journey through Horse Journey!

Please call Karin at 250-860-1964 to book a session with Link and Rollie, the facilitators.