Let The Horses Take Us Home - by Dan Bratman

They say when you’re lost in the woods on a trail ride, if you drop the reins, the horse will know

the way home. It may not be the shortest route. And there may be some snacking on greenery

along the way. But I have found this to be true.

When I find myself lost, whether in the woods, in my relationships or in my life, I depend on

horses to find my way.

The kind of GPS horses can provide is a little more subtle than an AI voice from my phone. It

requires me to be still and slow to hear. It requires an open heart but is also heart opening. And

it’s one of the most powerful healing tools we have access to.

Co-regulation.

If you’re reading this, it's probably a term you’ve heard before. But it essentially means two

nervous systems having a regulating, or calming effect on each other. And horses are masters

of this. It comes from their natural Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV is a measurement of

variations between heartbeats. And it's an indication of resilience and adaptability. What this

essentially means is that when someone has a high HRV, it's easier to feel feelings and let them

go. High HRV suggests we are able to chill and can handle change and stress. A horse at rest

has exceptionally high HRV. And here’s the magic trick; it’s contagious! Anyone who has spent

time around a horse has probably felt this. And certain exercises can create a deep connection

between a horse and a human to facilitate this feeling of deep peace. In other words, just being

near a horse can have a profound effect on your ability to feel grounded, open and resilient.

Anima Equine is based on the principle that horses’ nervous systems can be accessed to heal a

human nervous system. And co-regulation is a central part of this.

At its most basic level, standing near a horse and being still can increase your HRV. Breathing,

meditation and even talking about your life take on a different feeling. Fear and anxiety tend to

shift or diminish almost immediately. And past or future worries gain perspective. A dysregulated

nervous system begins to settle, calm. The heart can open, unclench its fist and open its hands.

More ready to receive.

In my life, I’ve found a huge difference in how I see the world when I spend quiet time with

horses. Allowing our nervous systems to heal each other. When I am consistent with my daily

practices, when my nervous system is regulated, I can see the world and its challenges as

beautiful and exciting. But when I see the people who make decisions in the world, I wonder if

they have high HRV? I wonder how world events would be different if decision makers were

able to co-regulate?

If we, and leaders in the world, spent more time around horses, I’m certain we could drop the

reins and let horses take us home.