Horse Power
Words Lou McConnell, Feeling Herd NSW
For as long as I can remember, horses have been an integral part of my life. Not just a passion, but a core element of whoI am and what I do.
As a young girl, I felt no need to question this profound connection. Horses provided a comfort and a sense of security that I didn’t fully understand but deeply cherished. They became my refuge. A ‘safe place’ amidst the less welcome presence of anxiety, which was always by my side. Now, as I approach 60, my approach to mental health has evolved considerably. Discovering and developing tools to support my wellbeing, with horses remaining at the heart of this journey.
As a registered nurse, my awareness of mental health continues to expand. I’ve come to appreciate how the presence of horses can provide peace, comfort, and heightened self-awareness. Sharing this insight through facilitation of equine awareness and learning sessions with others, has only added to the richness of this experience.
Based in beautiful Crystal Creek in Northern NSW, I currently care for seven horses. These sentient beings instinctively attune to their surroundings and to the people they interact with. Their natural instincts to detect and respond to the subtlest changes in their environment make them excellent emotion/energy ‘barometers’ or ‘mirrors’. Reflecting back information to those who understand their body language and reactions.
In the wild, their survival depends on staying alert and responsive. Noticing everything around them. They respond to what they see, feel, and hear. Sessions are spontaneous and unstructured, marked by a fluidity that reflects their natural behaviours. There are no treats, ropes, or barriers; interactions occur entirely on their terms. This approach allows for a range of experiences, from deeply profound moments to light-hearted exchanges. The focus is on being present, shedding concerns about the past or future, and embracing the here and now. The value of these interactions lies in their authenticity. Horses share their genuine responses with those who are open and vulnerable in their presence. This can lead to moments of profound insight or simple, joyful connections. Observing the horses, and reflecting on our own reactions helps us to feel more and think less, engaging in a way that is both grounding and enlightening.
An illustrative example of this ‘Horse Magic’ happened recently, on an evening under a moonless sky. Feeling the need for calm, I joined the horses in their padddock. The gentle sounds of their munching created a peaceful backdrop as I lay down in the soft, scattered hay. Turning off my torch, I immersed myself in the serene rhythm of their breathing and eating. Despite a playful disruption—a simultaneous cough/ fart from one of the herd, and my ensuing giggles—the moment remained quiet and comforting. The horses settled, with three of the herd members choosing to lie down beside me, sharing warmth, presence and trust. The
experience, marked by its simplicity and spontaneity, highlighted the unique connection we can share with these magnificent beings. Next morning, the hay had been transformed into a cozy matttress for the horses, a reminder of the comfort they seek within their environment. These moments with the herd underscore the deep, enduring bond between humans and horses. They offer invaluable lessons in presence, emotional connection, and wellbeing. Horses are such a vital part of my life. Supporting optimal mental health.
Horses helping me to help others.
—Lou McConnell, Feeling Herd NSW
