Four Camp Red Cedar therapy horses were to be on hand for Boots & Bourbon, the camp’s major fundraiser. It would be a different environment from their barn and pasture, with lots of people and a live band. Theresa, the barn manager, was a bit concerned about how first-timer Lucky, the black and white Gypsy Drum Horse with Randy above) would handle it, but she was willing to give it a go. As it turned out, so was Lucky.

I communicated with each of the horses on the afternoon of the event, making sure they knew what to expect and that their human handlers had their backs. Lucky was on board but asked that if he started fidgeting and shifting side to side, he needed to be done for the evening. Kat, the Gypsy-Percheron cross with Cyndi above; and Jake, the black Tennessee Walker on the left below with Dava; agreed too. So did Tuff, on the right below with Emily; but he asked if he could then have a day off. I promised to pass all of that along. Then we shared a Let Animals Lead® meditation to help everyone handle their tasks and meet their supporters in a calm, grounded state.

During the evening, I had a chance to offer some in-person encouragement. Lucky had a few anxious moments, especially when he spotted his buddy Jake from a distance and wanted to go join him, but he got to go home when he’d had enough. All in all, everyone fared well, and they were good and ready for more meditation time when I arrived for my regular rounds the next day.

We are all occasionally called upon to step out of our ordinary spheres for the sake of something bigger. That can be uncomfortable. Knowing what is expected, being able to express our needs and being among allies all help us meet those challenges for everyone’s good.

(Photos by Theresa Prentice)