In the book Alchemy of Lightness, Dr. Maria Katsamanis together with Dominique Barbier, discusses the science of horses. She says, “A magnetometer can measure the heart’s energy field radiating up to 8 to 10 feet around the human body. While this is certainly significant, it is perhaps more impressive that the electromagnetic field projected by the horse’s heart is five times larger than the human one (imagine a sphere shaped field that completely surrounds you). The horse’s electromagnetic field is stronger than ours and can actually directly influence our own heart rhythm.” She goes on to say because of that “We only need to be in a horse’s presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace. In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors); decreased stress levels; reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension, and anxiety; improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy.”
There are many ways to be around a horse. Sometimes I sit on an upside down bucket by them while they eat peacefully. Sometimes I play with my horses on the ground. Sometimes I muck out stalls or turn out, just so I can be with them (and cuz’ it needs to be done). But I ride because when I’m on my horses back, sometimes we get that magical moment when we are one. I think our moves, and they happen like a dance. This feeling comes over me, and we are no longer a person and a horse, we are a unit, connected, moving together in a better way than either one of us could alone. I am one with my horse. I am connected and I am at peace. I ride, because when I do, the world is a better place and I am a better person.
Submitted by Jolene Green
