Hello, I need a Jin and sunshine please.

"My belly is hurting. I need  your special touch," Jin said as she walked a few steps toward me, ears perked forward awaiting my next move. She was filthy after just having rolled in the muddy part of the field.

I began to touch her around her poll, ears and jaw, finally applying pressure to the tips of her ears with gentle circular motions. This is an acupressure point for horses and can sooth and ease any tension or digestive upset in the belly. She didn't seem to want this for long and instead moved forward so that I was near her back end. She stomped her back left leg a couple of times to let me know that's where she needed me the most. I put my hands on her belly and then flank, watching her eye and her expression. I always watch for blinking, which is a clue that I am in the right spot - kind of an acknowledgement and agreement I think. Of course, I'm also alert to any crabiness about me being back there, but not so much from Jin, we trust each other a lot.

Again, she moved to put me in the next spot she wanted me to work/touch. I'm now at her shoulders and I reached out to the spot where the base of her neck meets her shoulder. This is another spot horses seem to carry much tension. A 'barely there' touch seems to generate energy and I begin to feel a tingling sensation at the tips of my fingers, usually my middle finger. Jin blinks hard a couple of times, telling me to stay there, she's got some processing to do.

Forward she goes again, placing me at her behind. This time I did the points underneath her tail just above her anus. I had to laugh out loud as she started to sway her bum back and forth several times, and then settled into this subtle but very powerful pressure point. I could feel my own nervous system calming and regulating now as this energy exchanged worked it's magic on us both.

Finally Jin starts to yawn repeatedly and I join her in that too. It's my turn now and I go up to her head and talk to her softly. I tell her what a hard week I've had. A stressful dentist appointment has me holding tension unnecessarily. I put her big head in my arms, her chin resting on my right hand and I lay my head on her forehead, soften and begin to cry a little. My nerves let go. My mind and emotions drop into peace and I close my eyes and feel the welcome spring sunshine on my face.

I don't have as much time for playing with horses as I did even last year. My life is fuller with helping to care for the 4 horses and this property I live on. In a way this is sad but I'm also finding it easier to connect in a much deeper way with the horses. Not every day necessarily but when it happens it's deep, profoundly touching and very healing. I know that my presence and herd behaviour is having a positive impact on their health and well being and that knowledge makes me sleep well at night.

I'd love to hear your stories or comments so feel free to tell me your favourite part about hanging out with your horses.

my horse is my guru... is yours?

Jai