Wellsprings Equine

03/09/2025

Can you see the mutton chop? It’s been hard to photograph adequately, but Smoky’s beard is pretty epic.

07/30/2024

I was delighted to find this field irrigated! As part of Rohan’s rehab we use the small bank up to the arena and path for corrective exercises. Even though it’s a very short hill, he usually rushes going down. The water slowed him down, helping him be more balanced and aware of his body. The perk of getting comfortable sloshing through spongy grass made it that much more fun! Look at all that licking and chewing, relaxing himself!

06/24/2024

Riding can be fun collaboration, but it’s not the only way to interact with a horse. I’m so grateful for Smoky’s influence and presence.

10/15/2023

I'm so grateful for fall sunsets and talented photographers, so my favorite picture of Smoky and I can be artsy and moody as well as sentimental.
Candid selfies in barn scrubs just aren't quite the same.

10/15/2023

07/23/2023

I've been surprised by how relatable Rohan's healing journey has been. Rohan learned in his early years that no one listened to or helped him. Without a herd (including people) to rely on, he had to beware all the dangers around and fill all the herd roles himself. To survive that state of overwhelm, he had to completely disconnect from anyone and everything, including himself. Or in other words, numbed feelings, hid weakness, and blocked awareness of pain.
During the first several craniosacral sessions, he actively resisted any contact or connection with her. She was bringing awareness to physical pains to facilitate healing, but he adamantly refused to acknowledge anything. He was clinging to the familiar, even though it was uncomfortable and prevented well-being.
Resonated with me, anyone else?
Recognizing and experiencing our feelings is the process of releasing them. Being willing to engage in the process, especially when there's so much to heal, takes an enormous amount of courage. A safe place to be vulnerable, compassion, and hope sure help too.
What would it take to be able to feel emotions without judgment?

07/13/2023

Can you tell she found an itchy spot?! That nose was moving!

07/10/2023

As you may remember, a month after Rohan arrived he went lame, followed by more health challenges. Despite over two years of devoting myself to his care and learning how to best support him, progress toward his well-being and connecting has been incremental. Though I showed him love and I was aware of him, he couldn't care less. A major shift happened this spring when I showed up one day and Rohan was limping again. I cleaned out his hoof, and my heart sank at the familiar sight of the semi-circle tumor.
I was doing so much to love and support him, and he didn't give a crap. I recognized that at the start of our relationship I wanted Rohan to love and trust me in order to validate that I'm loveable. Since then I've grown a lot, believe I am worthy of love, and have a clearer purpose. I decided I am also worth honoring, and what I want matters too. I want a horse who will share my purpose to connect and create joy and well-being, and it was ok if he didn't want to be that horse. That shift in my thoughts made a huge change in how I felt.

What will it take to honor my true purpose and gifts?

As I considered what would be correct for us, while checking FB I recognized a woman who was beginning to offer equine Cranio-sacral services. I knew scheduling a session was the next step forward. It was remarkable how once I intended to honor myself, the support I needed showed up.

06/28/2023

On Smoky's 30th birthday last month I took him out for a walk to graze the open fields. We stood together, in the bright and fresh morning, the rustle of moving through pasture, the ripping and chewing of grass, bugs flitting by. Smoky has taught me a lot about the value of 'be-ing'. He is incredibly present and content in himself. If I come out to the paddock with a plan of action, he will often walk away. When I come out with no expectations for him, he usually comes over. Often he hangs around, and I scratch his itches or rub where he asks. He'll nod his head toward me to show me a good spot, or rock back and forth with me when I'm getting that really itchy belly area. He's fine with a few minutes or a couple hours of attention.
He embodies self-contentment. Interacting with him can really help bring awareness to beliefs about his (and our) value and purpose. What does he have to "do" to be worthy of care and love? Am I expecting him to meet my need (affection, work, control, validation...)? What would it take to accept that he (and I) are completely loved and lovable, just for being here.

The magical part is he will share that experience with you, if you're open to it.

03/05/2023

He's such a character

03/01/2023

The guys had a dental visit. There is no love lost between dentists and I, but I think horses have a harder time. I was surprised Smoky resisted the entire process, even while sedated. Even though he received a chiropractic adjustment and melted in an acupuncture treatment afterward, he did not want to be haltered the next couple days. Rohan was predictably reluctant to get the sedation shot, but he surprised the vet and I by suddenly leaping up and away a stride while sedated. We were puzzled about what had scared him, and she remarked she'd never seen a horse do that. I wonder if his survival responses were super elevated since, you know, he was in the middle of a dental visit a.k.a. teeth floating. I can relate to that. I may have a negative balance in his trust account right now.