Healing with Natural l Horsemanship – My Story

Here is a story from Carolyn Dare Wilfred. Thank you for sending this Carolyn. I’m posting it for you at Kate’s request. — Walter

Everyone is aware of the challenges of life. We all experience them…some are small, some are huge, and some in-between. Some last longer than others, and if we don’t grow and learn, some are repeated over and over again until we do. Through all of these challenges, we are hopefully encouraged to forgive and love in spite of them. I have lived a very blessed life filled with many trials big and small from the time I was born. I was nine years old when I begged my parents to let me take horseback riding lessons. They enjoyed animals, but mostly at a distance; and I was the only soppy kissy I-love-you-so-much person in my family that felt there is a special place in this world for animals that love us unconditionally and bless us with their devout presence. For me, riding was freedom. Riding took me for a time to a sacred place away from the tests of life, especially the really hard ones. Riding was my solitude time, sharing it with God’s creatures and creation where I could trust that my secret feelings would never be revealed or exploited. I rode my friends horses and at various local stables, ones that just needed some extra TLC and exercise. When I got married, my two young daughters rode horses as I walked with them through many fields of challenges. Life changed again and all of a sudden it was twenty years before I had had that special relationship with horses. The most difficult time though has taken place over the past eleven years and has had its toll on my emotional heart and my physical well being. So much pain tucked away. Just three months ago I fondly remembered those magical horse moments and my withdrawn heart and recovering body pleaded with me to connect once again.

My search didn’t last too long as a neighbour friend told me about Kate Tapley and Otahuna Natural Horsemanship Riding School. I had only been exposed to the traditional style of riding and therefore had no idea what was in store for me as I nervously phoned to book a lesson. Kate was warm and wonderfully understanding on the phone sensing that anything new seemed to cause me anxiety. So the next week I drove out to Otahuna Riding School with my heart pounding and tears in my eyes as I was embarking on another unknown journey of discovery. (As I write this, my heart is pounding and there are tears in my eyes) How could I get back on a horse again? What would the horse’s reaction be to me? Would I be accepted and safe, or would I just walk away not being able to handle the stress of the newness of this exploration. Would my physical body adjust to what I wanted it to do? So many questions and fears, and yet when I arrived I was gently and respectfully once again ushered into the healing life of horses by Abi, a young but competent and experienced instructor who personally understood my anxiety and traumas.

Well, it has been ten weeks of amazing natural horsemanship lessons…what I call my weekly hour of “bliss” time. I am now convinced that the natural way is so much better than the traditional way of riding. The subtlety of the unspoken body language that bonds horse and rider is truly a gift …a miracle. I have tried a few horses but have settled on a seasoned mature beauty that senses my needs and yet safely challenges me during every lesson to increase my knowledge…such a special time.

To Kate, Abi and all your well trained horses dedicated to offering unique natural horsemanship to those who cry out for a safe connection with life itself…I thank you from the bottom of my gradually healing heart! This magical relationship with these magnificent angelic horses will last forever in a special “bliss” corner of my soul.

*Carolyn W.***