Core Confidence - Andrea's Story

A few weeks ago Andrea*, a young woman in her early 30's, came to Stand InBalance to deal with problems she was having in her relationships   She slowly walked up the path toward us with her shoulders pinched to her ears and her body slumped over.
 
As the horses came over and smelled her, Andrea smiled.  She chose the large bay male of the heard to work with. She was then asked to halter and walk her horse. When she began, the male horse was brashly walking her around the arena. When the horse would stop and not move, she would be firm with him, but the frustration and sense of desperation was palpable. 
 

When was asked if this horse reminded her of someone or something, Andrea replied  "This horse reminds me of all the men in my life; tough, controlling, attractive, and powerful. The type of man that, puts me down, and gets me into trouble".
 
In the next session the male horse was in control and dragging Andrea around the arena.  Andrea began to yank and pull at the horse's rope to no avail. She began to get red in the face, and said "he won't f@#*ing move. I feel lost. I keep trying to think of what else to do". 
 
We worked with Andrea to help her:
•    connect with her intention.
•    to stand with assertiveness.
•    to believe in herself and in her ability to be effective.
•    to act as the lead mare would.

What then occurred was so instantaneous, simple, and at the same time earth moving for Andrea - the horse followed her without resistance up to the top of the hill, stood with her, let out a warm breath on her cheek, and then began to graze beside her. For Andrea to be able to stand tall, shoulders relaxed, and walk with confidence with her horse, was a profound learning experience that she has begun to incorporate in her life and relationships.

* Not her real name.  All names and identifying information has been changed.