Today was truly one of the most beautiful days we have ever spent!

The experience, and it really is an experience, with the horse whisperer was incredible! From the moment we step foot on the ranch I knew God and the angels were everywhere! A cardinal greeted us as we drove up to the ranch and dozens of them followed our every step. The man, Frank, is obviously a very spiritual man! The peace and serenity and kindness just permeated the entire day. The weather was perfect, and as we stepped out of the car a felt God everywhere! WE went into his "clubhouse" to talk for almost an hour about our experiences with animals. He questioned our expectations for the day, as he served us fresh baked banana bread, and explained if we came anticipating "riding horses" we were not in the right place. He also owns the horseback riding ranch, but the two entities are separate.

We left the clubhouse and followed him out to a corral, actually two separate corrals with a horse in each one. The first corral he went to and began talking with us about horses and "their space," treating them with respect, and carefully explaining it's NOT about controlling the animals. Horse by nature, fear humans because we have used them as a food source over the centuries. As the level of comfort develops the horse will naturally allow you into his space. Everything is done through love and praise. Not once was the horse rewarded with food. It's all an energy and emotional bond that you build with the animal. 

Vicki and I were blessed with a gorgeous horse named Koa. Ryan and Brian with another horse, not quite as affectionate as ours named Sukey. As the day developed we learned to walk with the horse, lead the horse, ask the horse to jump over logs, jog, move slowly, forward and backward. All day continuing to develop this mutually loving and trusting relationship. Finally at the end we are in the corral alone with our horse, no reins, bridle, nothing, and we ask the horse to do certain things, and out of love and mutual respect, the horse obeys. 

Upon completion you walk away from the horse and without looking at the horse go to the side of the corral and stand. The horse is now free to do as he chooses. They, the horses, come over to you, nuzzle, stand by you, wanting and appreciating you in their space with them. This is a phenomenal bonding in only a very few hours! At one point I asked Koa to kiss me, and without touching him, he raised his head and kissed me.

There is really NO way to affectively describe the emotions between the two of you! Ryan and Vicki, both, had a beautiful manner in approaching and bonding with their horses. Ryan, was born with the inner depth of kindness and "knowing." Vicki demonstrated the same instinct of loving kindness and instant connection with Koa. It was beautiful to watch the two of them interacting with the animals. I jokingly said, "Ryan, maybe we should keep that lot in Golden Gate we bought for Sandra and build you all a house so you can have horses, dogs, cats, and a regular animal house." I told Ryan the lot is so far east, it will be like living in west Miami. It would open up both coasts for job opportunities.

The most surprising thing that occurred today was the discovery today that Brian has/had an incredible fear of horses going back to childhood. He believes today was a major break through for him. Until today I never knew he had had this frightening experience when he was 10. He really did very well. He told us tonight what a tremendous "fear" he confronted head on today and has now made great strides to overcome. This has been an unbelievable day! I can hardly wait until next year when we can take Chris. It will be such a fantastic experience for him, and a continued reinforcement for Brian. The man who runs it, Frank is so wonderful! 

Debbie