Oct, 2006

Dear Franklin,

I've had a couple of interesting experiences since being back here (Kauai) with the horses at the ranch. We're going through a tourist lull right now so the ranch has been quiet; not great for business, but a blessing for me to be able to have some time to slow things down and get quiet with the horses. I wanted to play with creating deeper connections with all the horses, especially those that I haven't felt a deep trust feeling with before. There are 3 horses at the ranch (I've told you a little about them) that are challenging for me (and most others). I really feel now that the only thing they need is some focused attention and a little slow dancing to create better relationships. It was amazing to me when I entered their space and met them where they were, with no agenda of having to do anything specific they were very attentive and willing to 'play' along...in fact, it felt like they were asking for it. Two of the horses that can be challenging for me are in a paddock with two others who I have a solid connection with. I entered the paddock and walked to an area far from where they were standing. I stood in a non-threatening but aware stance and just breathed with them for a little bit. They of course started to approach right away; the two I have challenges with leading the way...each of them getting a little pushier and faster as they approached, the other two horses following along more slowly and gently. (As you taught me) I directed my energy more in a more focused way and with my intention and body language first (squared shoulders, eye contact) I asked them to stop. They did! (That wouldn't have always been the case.) I did the boundary exercise that you worked on with me, Shiloh, Honey and Sunbeam. I was great! They listened. They were happy to respond. I played hook ups with each one, one at a time while the others were free to do as they wanted as long as they didn't enter my space too closely. The coolest thing with this experience was that Aina (my most challenging horse) would usually have to be the star and wouldn't allow for the other horses to have a turn took his turn and seemed content to let the others have their turn without bullying. The other amazing thing was that Hoku (who is also challenging for me, he tends to nip and generally doesn't like to cooperate) who wouldn't normally even be interested in participating kept asking for more. So, while the other horses just did their own thing Hoku and I practiced at liberty walking, stopping, backing up, etc. together. I realize this is all really elementary...I find it also to be SO incredibly important to the relationship/connection piece. And the more I observe, the more I realize that it's a piece that somehow seems entirely skipped a whole lot of the time.

I know I've told you this countless times now; I have to say it again. I APPRECIATE YOU!!!!! Yesterday I had another experience that confimed again what I already know; I am blessed to have been with the greatest teacher there is...Franklin Levinson. Seriously. One of our local ranches is hosting a couple from Missouri who teach the Parelli method. I don't personally have experience with Parelli, other than reading about it and seeing that guy at Lost Marbles Ranch who was shall we say less than impressive. But I figured, I'm here on Kauai...the options for horse related programs are incredibly limited so I decided to go and check this out. It started last night with a demonstration and potluck. And then there are workshops all day today and tomorrow that I could go and audit. Mark decided he wanted to come along and I'm SO glad he did. He's now one of your biggest fans too! (He was plenty impressed with your style and integrity before, however until last night he had nothing else to compare your 'way' to.) After the first 10 minutes he leaned over and said, Deb...now I get it completely...none of this even compares to what Franklin has naturally and energetically. I was relieved that he was seeing and feeling the same thing I was. We stayed for the two hour demonstration and felt increasingly uncomfortable with what was being shared. I don't understand why or how this is called natural horsemanship? Natural as opposed or compared to what? I'm seriously asking that. What makes "Natural Horsemanship" natural? I don't feel there's anything natural about creating an environment where the horse is pushed and pushed into uncomfortable, compromising positions that seem to disempower his spirit from a place of fear and domination. I don't see anything natural about taking actions that are threatening and fearsome and then talking about being gentle, quiet and slow at the same time. I don't understand how it can be so obvious to me (and Mark, who'd even less experienced) that this horse was present, willing, actively trying to please (if only he could figure out what was being asked of him) was over and over again left to feel confused and threatened. AND...almost most importantly I don't understand how people can watch and think it's all OK because it "Natural Horsemanship" so somehow that makes it OK...even though when I talked to some of the other audience members about their impressions after their comments were that no, it didn't 'feel' right to them either, but sometimes that's what's necessary and these people are trained professionals, they know what they're doing. OY!!!!! No wonder the world is in the state it's in. Whew! I'm a little more emotionally enrolled in the experience than I need to be. I need to let that part go. I'm grateful for the experience because it continues to increase my clarity; I continue to know more deeply what it is that I want to practice and share with horses and the world.

Another realization just occurred to me. I would guess that ego rears it's ugly head a little too often at these clinics. I would bet that the presenter feels a certain pressure (especially if ego is present) to 'perform', to show a monumental difference in the behavior of the horse in a very short period of time and that the self inflicted pressure could work against the presenter by pushing him/her to get over amped and do things that may not be in alignment with right action in order to try to have a greater audience appeal (yuck, feels like Gladiator times to me). I would also guess that if a presenter would put all ego aside and instead appeal to truth, compassion and trust with the horse AND with the audience that monumental change would indeed occur...even if not with the outward expression of the horse's behavior in such a short time. I would imagine that the presenter could appeal to the understanding that the best way to create lasting change is by slowing things down, celebrating small successes, building trust, practicing compassion and being patient. That's the kind of audience I want to participate in...that's the kind of presenter I want to be.

For me this entire experience of the Horse/Human relationship is a miraculous metaphor...a recipe if you will for the process of re-connecting...remembering who we are and the journey of our connection on this earth. The ingredients that Horse teaches us to bring to the table are the same ingredients that have the power to heal each individual, our nation, our world. I know I'm preaching to the choir right now, so 'nuff said.

With Love and Appreciation, Debra