Hill Country Arabians

10/28/2025

Why a horse?

The Sentient Wisdom of Horses

Sometimes, when I’m with horses, I’m struck by their quiet, ancient wisdom—a sense of presence that is both calming and awe-inspiring. Horses see and feel the world in ways we, as humans, often cannot fathom. They listen not just with their ears, but with their whole being: every twitch of an ear, every shift in their breath, every softening of an eye is part of their profound way of connecting with life.

Over time, I’ve come to recognize that horses are not simply animals living alongside us, but unique sentient beings with their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. When we allow ourselves to slow down and truly observe them, we realize that horses have much to teach us about awareness, authenticity, and humility. Their sensitivity is a guiding light—a reminder of how much subtlety and richness exists within every moment.

I often notice how a horse can sense my mood before I even realize it myself. If I’m anxious, they may become unsettled. If I approach with calm and openness, they mirror it back and become a safe space for me. This ability to reflect our inner state back to us isn’t merely instinct—it is a gift, an invitation to drop our masks and be present in the moment.

Being with horses has taught me to listen more carefully, not just to them, but to myself and the world around me. They show us that communication is far more than words—it’s energy, intention, and the unspoken language of trust and respect. Through their patience, horses invite us to slow down, breathe, and truly see each other—not for what we can accomplish, but for who we are.

In a world that so often values speed, efficiency, and results, horses remind me daily of the beauty in simply being. They help me reconnect with my own senses and remind me that wisdom isn’t always loud or obvious; sometimes, it’s a gentle nudge, a soft exhale, or a peaceful silence shared between two beings.

Walking the path with horses is an endless education in wonder and humility. I believe that when we honor them as sentient beings, we open ourselves to an entirely new way of living—one grounded in respect, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the interconnected world we’re all a part of.

Learn more at https://stormymay.com

10/27/2025

The Trouble With Touch😬

You know that phrase “gentle as a mother’s touch”? Turns out, it’s not just sentimental fluff - it’s neuroscience with a pulse.

Research shows mothers instinctively stroke their babies at the perfect speed and pressure to activate C-tactile afferents - nerve fibres designed to whisper “you’re safe” to the brain. This slows the infant’s heart rate, lowers stress, and regulates both mother and child in one elegant biological feedback loop.

But here’s the catch: that system evolved for HUMANS.

And while horses are mammals too, that doesn’t make us the same species on different legs. My theory? Horses have to learn to accept and enjoy our touch - because their sensory systems weren’t built for it. They are profoundly sensory animals, guided by highly developed sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste - often far sharper than ours. These senses are their survival network, helping them detect danger, gather information, and interact with their world. It’s why they notice things we don’t - and why they can be so sensitive to things we barely register.

When a horse feels uneasy, every nerve is tuned to danger. Our instinct to reach out and stroke them in that moment? It’s like waving a sparkler in a blackout. We’re trying to soothe ourselves while overloading their already-strained sensory radar.

That’s why horses get tense in the wind - it’s not bad behaviour, it’s sensory overwhelm. Wind dulls hearing and blurs scent, leaving them more alert. And yet, that’s when we’re most likely to touch them - adding yet another layer of sensory noise.

Horses, in contrast, prefer touch that’s slower, firmer, and more deliberate - the kind of grounded contact you’d see in mutual grooming. It’s steady, not fluttery or fast. And they prefer to get to know you first.

I restrain the urge to rub or fuss and instead find a horse’s favourite scratchy spot, introducing myself slowly until I see them soften - breathing, blinking, and feeling safe enough to enjoy it.

Understanding this isn’t about being less loving; it’s about being a little less instinctual human and a little more thoughtful human. Awareness lets us meet horses where they are - not where our nervous systems wish they were.

So before you reach out, ask yourself:
Is this for me - or for them?

This is my Collectable Advice Entry 62/365 of my challenge to share good ideas and insights for you to select SAVE, hit SHARE but please do not copy and paste.

Also, a shout out to my good friend Zoe Beattie for drawing my attention to this research ❤

10/27/2025

Boo!👻 Are you taking your pet to Boo on Ballard?!?!

Let’s keep them Halloween safe and not not scary, for our pets. No chocolate, xylitol candy, or raisins… comfy costumes only, and remember how your pet acts in crowds, what may be seem fun you, could be scary to your furry friend.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!👿💀🎃

10/23/2025

10/17/2025

I have known, and PREACHED this ALL my life. Finally, someone wrote an article and presented good photos.
ORIGINAL POST BY: Running T Horsemanship, Dana Lovell
We are big at teaching the "why" - this was too good not to share. It's the "little" things you do to help your horse that makes them happy and enjoy their time with you.
⬆️Pulling your saddle pad up into the pommel.
💪 It can can take a bit of practice with saddle shifting and pad pulling, but your horse will appreciate it.
🙁 Without being pulled up, when the saddle is cinched the pad presses down on the withers potentially causing discomfort.
😀 With the pad pulled up into the pommel the withers have room to move and there isn't a pressure point.
If you aren't already in the habit of doing this the next time you ride put your fingers between the pad and your horses withers while walking or trotting.
It's our job to make sure that they can comfortably carry us. This simple shift ⬆️ can help to make that happen.

10/14/2025

10/08/2025

10/06/2025

10/04/2025

10/02/2025

🖤🩶🤍🤎

09/30/2025