During her childhood, my youngest daughter and I spent many hours on the trails together. I watched her grow up while riding on the back of her horse Kerry Dancer. Kerry Dancer was the perfect horse. She took great care of my daughter who was very young to have such a “big” horse. I felt blessed to have a daughter who loved horses as much as I did. She accompanied me during many activities that involved tending to horses. When my daughter got older, horses took a back seat as she began to explore other interests. Although I understood and tried to support my daughter in the discovery of new things, I wasn’t prepared for the feeling of resentment that I projected onto her horse Kerry. I now had yet another mouth to feed and had lost the companionship that I had enjoyed.

I harbored this resentment for a long time. Whenever I shared territory withhorses in the pasture, Kerry would not approach me because we had no connection. The other horses always gathered around me but she kept her distance. When I began making videos, I realized that Kerry would be a good horse to film because she had no experience in the Waterhole Rituals. Amazingly, Kerry was most willing to do everything I asked of her. As my resentment melted away, I began to feel gratitude and love for this wonderful, sweet horse that had taken great care of my daughter duringevery trail ride and competition. Additionally, Kerry had always performed an integral role in the herd. Whenever a new horse came, I could always depend on Kerry to accompany them so that there would be no strife. Thank goodness I finally let go of those negative feelings. Leave it to a horse to assist us with forgiveness and healing!

I am happy to report that Kerry approaches me now in the pastures where we enjoy sharing territory. She knows the negativity that once clouded our relationship is gone. Kerry found a new friend in me as I released the resentment that I am not proud to admit I harbored. Now my love for Kerry can flourish. I continue to marvel at the way horses help us become more human. If you are harboring any negative feelings or resentments, I encourage you to spend extra time with your horses this week. Their honesty and clarity may just brighten your life. It has certainly brightened mine!

Keep shining :)

Linda and The Herd of Eight

Allow me to help you embark on the journey of finding your own light!

NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 5-7

ENGLAND - JUNE 2-4

PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14-16

RETURN TO FREEDOM - AUGUST 4-6

ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 1-3

NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 6-8

A PERSONAL STORY OF FORGIVENESS TAUGHT BY HORSES