Impressions from Carla’s first intensive clinic at Sabine and Dan’s farm in Germany in 2016.

Throughout the course the horses and their owners developed and/or deepened a trusting and respectful relationship, and as a result flowing groundwork and riding outside were possible. During the course, several of the horses processed trauma they had experienced in the past. Often this trauma would surface after the horse would have a positive experience doing something similar to when it first experienced the trauma, for example solving the task of crossing through the obstacle on his own, where it was forced/chased over it before. When we let the horse process this trauma, and the head lifts up and the horse yawns, then the horse is one step closer to being healthy and whole again. Some of the owners overcame their fear of riding at a fast gallop outside, which their horses enjoyed and appreciated very much. The bay pony mare had come to expect work when in the arena, and her owner broke her patterns by offering her some creative play with the block. It is important that groundwork does not become work, because the horse will once more cease to communicate and will function, fight, flee, or resist. Thus, in order for the relationship to remain mutual, we must always do our best to perceive what the horse is sharing with us. Only then can we form a deep relationship based on trust, respect, and true communication.