Edition X

Hi

Welcome to this month’s HorseConscious Newsletter.

Well it certainly feels like Winter now here in Germany with temperatures over the weekend dropping to -13 Celsius / 8 Fahrenheit. Brrrr.

I would ask you to spare a thought therefore for the wild mustangs and burros who have been ripped from their rightful homes on the range and trapped in sub-zero temperatures in holding pens following horrifying round-ups by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The discovery of shooting deaths of six wild horses on the California-Nevada border has led to the exposure of an apparently clandestine BLM roundup of over 200 horses. The roundup of the Buckhorn Wild Horses was scheduled to begin in August 2010. However, in a surprise move by the BLM field office in Cedarville, CA, the roundup took place November 30-December 10th. The horses were run into traps in freezing conditions with rain and snow and overnight lows dipping below 0ºF. BLM spokesman Jeff Fontana reported that 217 were removed, leaving 59 on the range. This roundup was originally planned for a removal of 536 horses to get down to a BLM-approved level of just 85 horses or less.

From this and all the reports I’m reading, the BLM is on the rampage and appears to have no qualms in flouting the law and their previously made promises.
Americans are seriously in danger of losing their heritage in the form of their wild horses and burros, who are in danger of going the way of the buffalo and becoming all but extinct.

Moving on, during the down time during the holiday season, why not take the opportunity to head over to the HorseConscious social Networking site over at:

http://www.HorseConsciousCommunity.com

At this new site, you can connect with new people from all over the world and make friends,
share photo’s and videos, chat and more.

It’s totally FREE to join and open
to all, so you can invite all your friends too. Enjoy!

That about rounds it up for this year I think. Before I go, I’d like to thank all of you for giving us the benefit of your most valuable resource, your time and attention, as well as your support. It is very much appreciated.

I’d like to thank too all the Teachers, who have contributed so much to the welfare and understanding of horses. And without wishing it to sound too much like an Oscar speech, I’d also like to thank those who have helped me personally in bringing HorseConscious to you this year – Tessa, Heike and Elke.

Have a fabulous Holiday season with your nearest and dearest and I look forward to talking with you in the New Year!

Best festive wishes

Mark Mottershead

UNBRIDLED
Marilyn Borsellino, in response to the BLM mustering out west

I dreamed a dream that today you’d be free

Your unbridled spirit for the whole world would see

It’s a sign for the Ages, that our day has come

When the land and her living, came together as One

No fences, no wire, no counting of head

Kick up the trails, whinny free, nod your head

Our breathless journey has just now begun

A symbol of the spirit, and the power of “One” (with all life)……

THE GIFT
by Tessa Wood-Woolard

I did not grow up around horses, yearning to have one. I was chosen by a horse. Struggling with a dead end design career that no longer inspired me and wondering where that next ray of light was coming from suddenly found me standing next to the fence face to face with destiny in a spry little colt that I named Cricket. He followed me everywhere. His mom, an anhydrosis mare, would be my charge for the next 4 years as I made sure she, her foal and the next life she carried within were safe, hydrated and loved.

A month or so later along came 3 more mares and foals, and among them a colt I named Joey’s Mandate. The owner of the company had brought his folly to rest on the property from which he ran a log home sales facility in NC. Barefoot and wide eyed I dove into grooming and bonding with these curious foals. I was told I had a gift, but they were the gift, they saved me from myself. I think my mothering instinct kicked into full gear with these boys that I loved and that loved me unfailing and without measure. Something in me changed, to serve and protect them became my mission.

But, as I was to learn too soon, this was just a business for this TB breeder, who has no compassion for the intelligent beings he tosses around like chattels. Despite any efforts by me, my charges were going to leave for the uncertain world of the race track. Love does not accept defeat graciously. I was promised Joey, he chose me as his person. I did not take that lightly. I lost him three times in this game. Once from the breeder, my former boss, and twice from the next owner as she struggled to do the right thing by him and satisfy her business partner. I am not sure if she realized, but she did know, as I knew, that some horses are not born to race, they have other gifts.

Joey, won one race in his eight month stint on the track. He was injured on a slippery muddy race track in December of 2008, two weeks before Christmas. He survived and healed from a canon fracture. Normally, he would have been put down, at three years old. No questions asked. And we were advised to do that. But his heart was stronger and he had the mind and the will to survive. An entourage of people made this possible, a quick thinking jockey, a compassionate trainer who stood by him all night long, my advisor and trainer friend in PA, and the vet at the track, who helped us find the skilled surgeon that, with metal, screws and time, put Joey’s leg back together. Obviously, without his first owner’s willingness to help me pay for this endeavor, the outcome might have been very different. Her generosity gave me this gift.

Christmas was a struggle, my job ended due to a company shut down the day of Joey’s accident. Every time the phone rang my heart leapt into my throat from fear of the unknown. This was a leap of faith, after all. But I would not have done anything different, except cause Joey less pain, although he seemed none the worse for it. He had a fine surgeon and a wonderful team for support. And he had stubborn Irish me. I have a horse with a temperament just like me, and he made it a point to show me every visit how much he remembered of our time together from a foal to two years. I don’t care what anyone says, they never forget their mom and the love given to them. And he has not finished teaching me about love, trust and perseverance.

Today, one year later, Joey’s Mandate not only survives, HE THRIVES. He came home in November after 3 surgeries and 10 months in progressive care at the vet. He lives up to his name and now mandates for me a new calling in life. He will become my partner in Equine Facilitated Learning so that we can, together, help others see how they can thrive through their own creativity. The designer and the retired Thoroughbred once again walk together at liberty….and we are still learning and teaching each other.

While I cannot support the over breeding of animals for sport, I learned that there are people in the racing industry that do genuinely care about the horses they have. Throughout this process we were gratefully supported by many people. Most people think we performed a miracle! But all we did was give Joey time. Time to heal, to be loved and to trust another path.

NEVER GIVE UP on these wonderful horses. Remember, they are bred to go the distance. Given the chance they can recover and move on to second careers that fulfill other dreams. With a heart bigger than both of us, Joey’s Mandate makes my day. His eyes light up when he sees me, he loves the apples, kisses, massages and hugs gratefully bestowed upon him.

Knowing that, for many race horses, the outcome is not so joyful, and hoping others can be inspired by Joey’s courage, I can say with a glad heart that walking next to him is THE greatest gift.

And watching him run free in an open field, well that is even better.

We believe in paying it forward…www.canterusa.org, www.afterthefinishline.org!

"My gold neither sparkles nor jingles. It glistens in the sunlight and nickers in the night"

MEMORIES
by Connie Funk

The energy of the holiday season seems to bring memories to the surface of our awareness with a broad swing of the bittersweet pendulum. As the winds pick up and the temperatures drop, I remember the day we said goodbye to our beloved first horse, Chad.  His long sorrel chestnut winter coat had been groomed to perfection and his belly was not only full of tumors that were causing his illness, but his favorite treats. His old eyes, clouded with age, still sparkled as he nickered softly to thank me for his handful of graham crackers. Just the crinkling sound of the waxed paper had started the low rumble of appreciation in his big barrel chest. Chad watched with quiet dignity how every human who loved him arrived to take part in a celebration of his life, from my family and two former owners, our vet,  neighbors and the friend who would dig his grave. His animal companions were present, all but his best pal Gussie, a tabby cat who had spent her life sleeping on the ground curled up at his chest and close to wherever he was grazing. She apparently said her goodbyes privately and then disappeared for a month of mourning. Chad was there for each of us and for all of us until his final breath.

When the backhoe had leveled the surface of the grave, everyone but my family left and our son Evan and I placed the cross in the ground that we had made from limbs from a Fir tree that fell  on that stormy day. A small wooden sign made from scrap wood Evan painted that morning on his own leaned against it. I smiled through tears to see “Rest in Peace, Chad” , written by the boy who loved him so well. As we huddled by the bonfire numb with cold and grief, our Golden Retriever, Charlie, walked solemnly toward the cross and laid down next to it, remaining there the entire afternoon like a sentinel. Though the wind was howling, we could clearly hear the cry of a bald eagle and looked up to see one, and then another, circling slowly overhead. Again and again, they soared and called, uncharacteristically low in the sky.  It was an incredible and eerie reminder of the ability of each sentient life to have an impact on so many others. Humans and animals, young and old, domestic and wild, male and female, all connected though a gentle equine giant who left his mark on our hearts.

To honor Chad, I remember him and his kind, willing and gentle ways and know that offering that to others on my journey of life is what I am called to do. And when I forget, it is time to close my eyes and recall the scent of his soft and still strong neck on that winter day when I buried my face there.

A smell as precious and powerful as any gift of Myrrh or Frankincense offered in a manger, surrounded by the animals who serve and teach and heal us so well.

With blessings of the holiday season!

MOLLY THE PONY

Molly the Pony was rescued by Kaye and Glenn Harris after Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, several months later she was attacked by another Katrina rescue going through emotional trauma, a pit bull. Although her other numerous wounds healed, her leg did not make it. Her rescuer and now owner, Kaye Harris went to bat for Molly, requesting amputation and a prosthesis. This is rare and there were obstacles that were overcome and now Molly visits anyone who could use her quiet wisdom and inspiration. She has impacted and inspired many people of all ages and abilities. A children’s book was written about her and her story has traveled around the world. We formed a non-profit Foundation called “Kids and Ponies – Molly’s Foundation”.

Check out http://www.mollythepony.com for more information.

HORSES WITH A MISSION

Allen and Linda Andersen have compiled some extraordinary true stories in of Equine Service. Courageous, loyal, and loving horses who found their life’s purpose, this book reveals the wonders possible when both humans and horses are encouraged and allowed to follow their best instincts.

If you’ve ever thought that horses only display abilities on racetracks, in riding stables, in beer commercials, or in movies, you’re missing out on their ever-expanding services as sentient partners and willing coworkers.

Check out www.horseswithamission.com for more information.

THE MAKING OF A LEGEND
by Anna Twinney

Through many synchronicities Excalibur, a 9-month old slate buckskin Mustang colt, came into my life. He arrived on my birthday this year and was my dream horse. I can honestly say that because I literally dreamt him into life!

For more than a decade I have studied Natural Horsemanship, animal communication and energy healing, all of which has shaped me into the individual I am today. My travels take me around the Globe not only to educate people on gentle communication techniques, but also to expand my own horizons. I have enjoyed many a sunset while observing untouched horses in Australia, California, Montana and Wyoming. For me, it’s a chance to connect with nature, to learn about wild horses; their interactions, personalities, behavior patters and intricacies of their language – “the language of Equus”. Thousands of horses have crossed my path and everyone holds a special place in my heart, but there was only one Excalibur.

Excalibur began his life on the Spanish Mustang Registry’s 4,500 acre Ranch in Oshoto, WY. The SMR work to preserve the little horse who evolved from those that came over the ocean with the Conquistadors. They became the cow pony, the Indian pony, the Spanish Mustang – they are known for their personal strength and endurance. This is where all the bloodlines are and where it all began www.cayuseranch.com.

At the SMR horses enjoy one of the best existences left for wild horses and it was here that Excalibur spent the first 6 months of his life being raised naturally by his family. Once weaned, Excalibur moved to Red Feather Lakes in Colorado to spend the next 9 months growing up. This is a crucial time in any young horse’s life. They must spend time around other horses to learn their language, social skills, understand respect/boundaries and just to play like horses do.

While at Red Feather Excalibur became exposed to nature’s elements, to wild moose and deer. He learned to negotiate uneven ground, hills and weather conditions. In short he learned natural balance and gained the strong bone growth every horse needs to develop at this stage. With little human handling and lots of exposure to his environment

Excalibur grew into a fine young colt in the first 15 months of his life. And it’s here that I met this majestic little fellow.

Within months of inviting Excalibur into my life I had the opportunity to visit his original home during the Spanish Mustang Registry’s 50-year Anniversary. I had the honor of meeting the Brislawn family. These dedicated people have made it their life’s work to preserve this unique Breed and they were honored for their support of such a worthy cause.

During my trip I spent many hours on the plains just observing different family groups, but its one particular family that drew me closer, and of course it was the family of Excalibur.

Here was the rare chance for me to be part of Excalibur’s life before I knew him, to understand his origins. I quickly spotted Excalibur’s father. His name was Canyon Rim Charley and he led one of the largest family groups on the ranch. To my surprise I felt a degree of pride swell up inside me. I sat down at yet another sunset to watch several different bands congregate close to a watering hole.

“Charley” led his herd through passive leadership, no large, boisterous movements or threats not even any sounds; just his presence and a few subtle gestures were enough. He stood proud on the outskirts of his mares and foals carefully placing himself in between the other band stallions. As he calmly observed his family grazing in peace, the entire herd knew they were in good hands with Charley.

Eventually, close to five other bands began to close in on this area. With about ½ mile distance between me and the herd, Charley knew I was no threat to his family and seemed very comfortable with my presence. I watched what I perceived to be a young inexperienced stallion drive two bachelor boys over a great distance. It was obvious that he felt very uncomfortable with their presence; it seemed to unnerve him or even challenge him somewhat.

Once this young stallion felt confident that he had made his intentions clear to the bachelors he returned rather uptight to his 2 mares and foals. With adrenaline still pumping, he watched his 2 offspring play with Excalibur’s sister. Moments later he decided that the games needed to end. He lowered his head and began to “snake” and rather abruptly ordered his 2 youngsters to return to their mothers while running Excalibur’s sister back home.

All this time Charley had stood motionless just watching this interaction. But now, without hesitation he moved purposefully forward, with piercing eyes he held his gauze at the young stud, shoulders squarely pointed forward. He walked right up to him, stopping just short of the Stud’s face. The energy was clear, the message was clear: “Don’t talk to my daughter that way”.

Both parted peacefully and nothing more was exchanged. I watched in silence, proud that my young fellar had been raised by a father who knows who he is, has earned respect from the horses around him and leads through wisdom!

As Excalibur’s sister happily returned home, her mother took care of her. Together they walked to the other more peaceful side of the waterhole. They shared a drink and some mother-daughter quality time, maybe they were even exchanging words, who knows? Dancing Fever, as Excalibur’s mother is known to everyone, is the lead mare. She too leads through her wisdom and matches her partner well. It is moments like these that will remain with me for the rest of my life. For now I understand why X has been blessed with the character he has.

It was my intention to let “X”, as we so fondly call him, grow up as naturally as possible with the ideal Learning Plan in place. But, life, as it usually does, asks us to compromise just a bit and it is our responsibility to make the best with what we have. So today X boards at a wonderful Natural Horsemanship facility located 2 hours from my home on the plains of Colorado. He is on a Natural Hoof-care schedule, a Dynamite Diet and receives plenty of care. In this phase of his life he is learning many lessons on living at a facility, taking them in stride and getting ready for whatever comes next.

LUKAS

Lukas belongs to Karen Murdock. He is a 16 year old rescued off the track thoroughbred.Karen’s specialty has become the ability to create a special connect with horses using trick training and games designed to build confidence, focus, willingness and ride-ability, athleticism and trust through liberty training. Her success is apparent with Lukas, labeled resistent and mistrustful, you would never believe it to see him with Karen today. Now considered by many to be the smartest horse in the world, he is using his new-found status to help horse rescues around the world by showing people how intelligent and wonderful a horse can be with time, love and the right kind of training. Lukas is the spokeshorse for CANTER, The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses.

Visit Lukas at www.playingwithlukas.com for more information.

NEW BOOKS AND DVDs AVAILABLE NOW!

The Blog Collection 1 Carolyn Resnick

Liberty Training Carolyn Resnick

Equinisity Liz Mitten Ryan

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