A Different Side of Dottie
Horses are the best mentor for teens!! I know my horses taught me humility when I needed it most and confidence and bravery when it was earned.
My Welsh pony Royale was a charismatic, narcissistic, huge, personality. He humbled many an adult man even thought he was small in height he was giant in attitude. I remember a farrier who was a bit rough with Royale. I was just 12 years old and very small for my age. I told the farrier; you might not want to make Royale mad. The very tall, strong man just gruffed at me and jerked my pony's leg some more. I giggled, I knew the bully man thought, this is a calm child's pony cannot hurt me! The moment the shoe was applied, my pony took his foot from the man, reared up and struck him in the head with the shoe he had just applied. The man had a streak of blood pouring from his head as he chased Royale across the fairgrounds, threatening him with a rasp. I must say, I was embarrassed for the farrier. He was not seriously injured but I bet he had a bit of a headache. This taught me that bullies pick on who they perceive as minimal risk. A normal 12-year-old would have cried - not me, I knew Royale could take up for himself.
He used to slam me to the ground or fling me in the air without warning. I am sure I must have done something he disagreed with. However, when we were in sync, we would win national titles and awards. I am so grateful for him, even on his worst day. He always taught me something. I learned that you could have disagreements and still love each other.
He would know when the outside world wanted to hurt me. The pony who often did not want to be caught, when in the pasture would come to me and hug me with his neck while I cried.
One day we were preparing to leave for a very big horse show. He decided not today!!! He would not enter the trailer no matter how we asked, told, and coerced. He said NO!!!
We finally got him hours later. My poor mom drove all night while I slept in the backseat of the truck, to be rested for the show. The next morning at 8 AM Royale and I entered the show ring with moments to spare and of course the little jerk WON EVERYTHING we entered.
He just wanted to make an entrance!! One of the best shows of my life!
I now believe he knew more than we did.
I could never have experienced so much from a mere human. He was a true ROCK STAR!
I often engage horses when helping victims to restore their wellbeing. The horses sense what is needed and give back unconditional love.
I do not usually introduce characters like Royale but more calm personalities. Sometime a true bond is formed, other times the bond is for the moment. No matter if it is short term or long term, the healing that is needed takes place. The horses shift the perspectives of those who are being helped by them. The horse is a prey animal so trusting someone to sit on their back exactly where a predator would attack them is the most beautiful act of trust. I believe this is the strength of horses. They weigh a thousand pounds and do not have to cooperate at all with humans. They can outrun us, out maneuver us and their eyesight can see us from miles away. They use their delicate sense of smell to sense danger, anger, and other tells from those who approach them. This is how they evolved. As my spirit has the purpose of freedom, my horses are not kept in stalls. They have shelter available, but their freedom is most important. I also do not keep them separated. They are a herd, a small herd but an intact social structure keeps them mentally healthy so they can help others.
Before I helped trafficked victims, I rescued horses. They taught me so much about people, good ones, and bad actors. They are a true blessing to those who encounter them and understand them.
I just saw the movie "Buck", a life story of an abused child who grew up to become an acclaimed horse whisperer. His story is about over overcoming with help of horses bonding with humans. Thanks for your work.
Bill Mahavier