The blog post describes a delightful scene where horses engage with their natural environment after a poplar tree was brought down on their track. The horses enthusiastically stripped the accessible bark from the branches, deriving not just pleasure but also numerous health benefits. Poplar bark contains salicin and oleo-resins, which are known for their pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties, historically utilized by Native Americans to manage various ailments.
Poplar trees offer an array of beneficial attributes, including astringent, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, anti-septic, antibacterial, anti-irritant, and anti-fungal properties. The tree also holds cultural significance as a protective plant, believed to negate negativity and restore harmony. Interestingly, bees use its resin to safeguard their hives, showcasing how these trees contribute to broader ecological well-being.
Introducing diverse natural elements to horses’ environments can mentally and emotionally stimulate them, promoting a return to their instinctual habits. This interaction not only nurtures their well-being but creates interest and variety in their daily routine, akin to their wild ancestors. For more insights into holistic horse care and the benefits of various plants and trees, interested individuals are encouraged to join a dedicated Facebook community that shares a wealth of information on the topic.
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I believe horses, well, really any animal, come into our care for a reason.
The reason could be to help us... to grow in some way, to change a behavior, to resolve hurt or trauma, to release feelings that are holding us back, to show us problems with our health or anything else that helps us to become better or whole again. When I began to realize the significance the animals had in my life...on my emotional growth, it opened me up to a greater awareness that increases with each day. And it encourages me to do a better job of being a better person for myself as well as for my animals.
One of my past experiences was with Dinah, a senior husky, who came into my life as a foster then I adopted her. She had been surrendered, overweight with difficulty walking as well as getting up and down. She was the redemption for the regret I carried of not knowing how to help our last senior dog, Bryndall. With all that I had learned using Young Living products, I was able to give this girl a couple more healthy, happy and vibrant years with our family. Our horse Frannie came to help me to release emotional baggage. He showed me that sometimes there is nothing we can do to save them. This is from hurt I carried for many years over the death of my father.
So something happened this morning that was really kind of a slap in the face to wake me up out of my funk lately! That I needed to do better and that my horse was showing me the error of my ways. I wanted to share it as I think we can all get caught up in our lives and need a reminder to be in the moment and pay attention to what our horses are telling us!
Here's what happened...
The horses had been out and about foraging. I had put a flake of hay in each of the stall areas for when they came back in. Each horse generally starts out having their breakfast in their chosen stall, then they move from stall to stall eating from the hay bags(in this hot/humid weather they have been choosing to stay in during the day). Saxon always eats in the middle stall as his large dish and place mat are set up for him. Calli happened to be in that stall when I headed down with the dishes of food. Saxon started to go in, saw Calli and whipped his head to the side catching me. It wasn't hard, but I did feel it and it brought up my anger. With that anger and my hands full of feed dishes I sent Calli out of the stall so I could get Saxon set up to eat. I then fed Maggie and Calli as both were then waiting in the other stalls.
I left the area to go make hay bags and on my way up to the barn, I heard a squeal and a bang on the wall. I looked back to see Maggie running out of the stall and a bit upset. Calli had finished her meal and had gone in to push Maggie out with the same kind of anger that I had just displayed to her. I apologized to Maggie, then Calli for the blame of this situation was not on them or even Saxon, it was on me.
My anger that came out is not something I am happy about, but I am glad that Calli showed me what I look like by doing the same thing to Maggie. It made me realize that I must manage my emotions better...regardless of the heat, the bugs and any other things in life that may be bothering me. Being in the moment with our horses is what they show us is important. It's when we are off in our heads that problems arise. So I have pulled out my Feelings Kit of oils to use to help myself feel more relaxed and balanced.
Kind of a coincidence (are there really coincidences?), just this morning I had a message from a friend asking for suggestions regarding a situation with one of her horses. The last thing that she said when we finished talking was that she is noticing the horse is showing the same physical issues that she has! That is the key, notice what our horses are telling us. Our horses are our mirrors and will show us what we need to pay attention to and change to make us better or whole again.
For more information on holistic horse care, be sure to join us over in our FB community The Hearts Of Horses; Empowering Through Holistic Care.
All the best,
Marta
