I've had a passion for horses since I rode my first horse during a visit to Corpus Christi, Texas. I was about 9 years old. My dad loved horses and decided the family should go for a ride. We were in Texas after all and Texans ride horses! Without any experience, we went to a stable on the beach in North Padre Island. Oh how amazing! The freedom and peace I felt never left me but became a longing that could not be filled by anything else. There were a few stable rides back in Michigan here and there but time moved on mostly without horses.
Years later my daughter Cally said horse before she said mommy. My ticket to horses! We moved to the country, built a barn and horses we had. And we learned along the way. The way was through 4-H and local shows; Western Pleasure, English and Trail courses. I was the show mom. However, showing was not my idea of horse riding but Cally loved it. I did most of the handling as she was quite young, and I with my soft heart was very gentle. Often times being told I was too nice and, "you have to show them whose boss". Something I could not get comfortable with. I wanted to be on a trail in the woods enjoying nature, and I wanted a positive relationship with my horse where we both felt safe. I didn't fit in much but I tried my best to follow my heart and easily Cally followed as well, to work with the horses in a kind and gentle manner. After several years, we left the show ring, did some trail riding, and then sold everything.
Fast forward to 2007, Rick and I moved to Texas, following our adult children. We bought a little place and called it Freedom Ranch. The horse passion persisted and I began volunteering at a horse rescue. I quickly decided life wasn't life without a horse and I adopted a couple of beautiful mares.
Once again, in making connections with "horse people", I faced the fact I'm not a cowgirl. So I followed my heart in working with my rescues, building trust. I've realized, I don't have to be a cowgirl or follow the long time rules of dominance and control of a horse any more than I needed to be dominant with my other animals. And, my world has begun to grow, meeting likeminded horse folk who want the same. We all want and deserve to be heard! So Real Listening began, for me as much my horse, Grace, and our relationship has soared!
In addition, I notice a big shift in my life in general. Making this connection with Grace allowed me to really connect deeply with my inner self.
The lessons from Grace along with my Therapeutic Recreation degree, I came to the realizeation that Riding with Grace is the best way to ride through life, with or without a horse!
I would love to help you Ride with Grace!