A New Approach to the Physical, Emotional and Mental Health of the Horse

The Holistequine method is for any horse owner who wants a better understanding of their horse or who have any problems on or off the ground.

Holistequine presents a more in depth approach to horse/human relationships based on cutting edge new research into interactive bio-energy fields. The Holistequine Whole Body Intelligence System has been developed into many interactive programs for Personal Development and wellbeing, however in this instance it sees us interacting with our horses at a deeper, more connected level. We can now apply horse/human relationships, communication and horse behaviour with the hope of gaining a better understanding not only of ourselves but also why our horse reacts the way he does. The Holistequine method involves a re evaluation of old negative patterning in both horse and rider and replacing it by developing new positive neurological pathways. This equates to happy horsemanship.

Holistequine helps the rider understand how to achieve a harmonious working relationship with their horse. Most people are familiar with the term “Horse Whisperer” however the Holistequine technique teaches the rider to become a “Horse Listeners”  thereby gaining the ability to not only “listen” to the horse and to ‘read” body language but to also have an appreciation of life from the horse’s perspective. The Holistequine method involves an understanding of the energy fields that connect all of life. As we gain this knowledge we achieve a new working relationship with our horses based on cooperation and trust. Conflict and confusion then become a thing of the past.

Having a good working partnership with a horse is, to us like any other solid relationship; it requires hard work, give and take, patience and most importantly being willing to change ideas and expectations about ourselves and our horse. Last but not least we need to learn to have some fun.

The Holistequine technique focuses on opening the channels of communication to enable the rider to ride with ONE MIND. By learning how to listen to your horse a whole new world of understanding is opened.

Does your horse trust you with his life?  Have you ever noticed how fast your horse’s reflexes are or how fast he reacts to a scary situation? This is because he is acting on instinct, the horse equivalent to human intuition. In our private sessions and classes we show the rider how to realign intuition with instinct to reach the next level of higher communication. The Holistequine process enables the rider to form an equal relationship with their equine partner based on trust, inner strength and respect. We learn to trust in ourselves and to ‘go with the flow” and in doing that we learn to trust in life.

Learning to understand your horse’s behaviour

I will share a recent personal experience that hopefully will demonstrate the Holistequine philosophy; during the past 2 years I have trimmed and maintained the farrier work on my 9 Holistequine horses (this I would only recommend with experienced guidance and training and with the horses acceptance). I do this because I enjoy the exercise, the challenge and the discipline required of this work. However I recently purchased a rising 2 year old Lipizzaner filly called Etta and although I have had no problem picking up and doing her feet she would not let me trim or file them. I called two farriers on two separate occasions and she would not let them do her feet either. From past experience I knew that this was a test for me and that although I did not understand why, if I was patient enough a solution would present itself.  I just had to trust Etta (we normally have a respectful relationship) even though I was becoming quite distressed by the condition of her feet and how chipped and out of shape they were becoming. Our work at Holistequine enables us to see things in a different way, we learn that obstacles and so called problems are not negative but are an opportunity to learn about ourselves and our relationships with others. They are also gateways to expand our experiences..

 Eventually I understood what this experience meant and by doing a little soul searching I began to see many lessons-

a) I saw my attachment to the “image” of what others might think, “Here, I have this expensive horse and her feet look neglected”

b) As time progressed and they started to chip into some sort of shape (not ideal but they looked better) I realized that maybe I should trust nature a little

c) I saw how my ego reacted and I took not being able to do Etta’s feet personally, I felt that somehow I had failed her.

d) I also saw that I really did not have the confidence in myself or enough knowledge to trim a horse with feet specific to that breed. Self doubt equates to the horse also doubting you

Once I understood all this I knew all would be well. Next day I picked up a card for a farrier at my local saddlery. He specialised in barefoot trimming and it became obvious that his work is his passion.  As I watched him with Etta I saw how patient I had to be with her. He was perfect for her and with meeting him I will now pass all my work over to him. The biggest realization was that I was trying to do too much and although I enjoyed trimming I needed to delegate some of my workload which would free up more time for me to do other things.

It had been 10 years since I last trained a young horse and then it was very much “control over”. Since this recent experience happened I have reassessed my attitudes and expectations and my relationship with Etta has changed for the better. With regards to her training Etta now shows me when she needs to work what needs to be done and for how long.  This new relationship with Etta now just feels right.

As in a good marriage one can have a co-dependent relationship or a co-creative one. The choice is ours.   

Listening to your horse

“There is no such thing as a problem horse it is     just that we have not yet understood what our horse is trying to tell us”

The Holistequine method enables the rider to have a harmonious working relationship with their horse and by learning to “tune in” can overcome any perceived problem

He may be trying to tell us

• If our Spirit/Will /Energy/Purpose is not in alignment with that of our horse –(eg. either horse or the rider may not be 100% committed psychologically to a particular discipline or training schedule)

• If our horse is cranky or “naughty” he may be seeing an attitude or emotional aspect of us he does not like or does not understand or we may be triggering a past negative program in him. If he is depressed, unresponsive to demands or disobedient. There will be a reason.

• If he is hurting, if he is uncomfortable, is not balanced or if he is not fit. He wants to let us know                       

Holistequine Creative Horsemanship :

• We develop "power within" not "power over"
• The Holistequine method of natural riding teaches the rider to listen to the horse. We then take the horse's lead learning to work with him as an equal partner, integrating within ourselves qualities such as strength, trust, discipline and focus
• This method gives an immense feeling of satisfaction because the rider will need to work on finding his/her inner strengths to get positive results from their horse.
• Training is based on the "operant conditioning" method.
• All preliminary training is done on the ground.
• All riding is done using bitless bridles.
• Using a bitless bridle also works to overcome fear in the rider
• We learn to ride with the mind and from the heart
• We work on the Solar Plexus area physically, emotionally and spiritually. The Solar Plexus is the seat of personal power
• The rider will find empowerment by learning to “trust in one’s self”.
• This method is suited to new or old riders who have always wanted to ride using natural horsemanship techniques and learn the subtleties of enhanced communication.

As we change and our lives change so does the relationship with everyone around us including our cherished friend, and partner our horse. We learn to understand what our horses wants from us

Veronica and Carol are our Holistequine Practitioners having between them over 40 year’s experience. Veronica in Horse/ Human Communication, is a qualified Naturopath, Herbalist and Energy Medicine Practitioner and Carol in Natural Horsemanship (human/horse communication), Body Therapy and as a Master N.L.P. Practitioner

“When you are listening to your horse magic happens every day”

Private Consultations – by appointment

Group Classes – organize a group your place or ours

Contact Veronica 07 55 782697 or visit www.holistequine.com for more information about this technique

(C)2006 Copyright images.  Australian Eques, SLM Photography Concepts,