Holding Space with Our Herd

Recently, I ran my yearly horse medicine retreat gathering, a small group of 5 women to journey with me.

A woman who is doing my training program came to assist me and we spoke about the ease in partnering with the horses and how much it takes the pressure off of us.

Over the last 10 years, as I have done this work, what I have discovered is this...The partnership, and holding space with our herd, is a gift of ease to both parties.

We don't have to work so hard at conjuring an experience. When I gave myself permission to hold space for my retreats at liberty with mostly reflective exercises, things shifted.

It is that simple, truly. Just being in the space of horses is impactful and powerful.

The horses have ease, the space holds us, I have ease, we flow and weave with each other. I provide wisdom and guidance to those who need it and the horses do the rest.

I loved witnessing the women receiving messages with the horses that would be what I would offer them. I just had to deepen it with them, that is all.

I walked away from this retreat feeling energized, not depleted or worn out. People always assume or ask post retreat about my recovery time.

It must be so much work running a retreat. 

In some ways, yes, but others not really.

I got to sit and observe my herd and the women, marveling what was unfolding. That didn’t take effort or energy from me.

My wise lead gelding once shared with me... The space holds you, you don’t hold the space.

If we are depleting ourselves, or also, if our horses are depleting ourselves, we are doing something wrong.

It is not meant to feel that way.

We are meant to be nourished how we hold space for this work, same as your herd.

Let yourself lean into what feels the most easiest way to hold this space, for you and the herd both, let go of feeling that you have to conjure experiences and let the herd hold the space.

It is a powerful practice.

Love your mentor and guide,
Hillary