Julie Bradshaw-Horse Magic and Training

27/10/2024

24/10/2024

I referenced horses and synchronized walking with them in this article I wrote. Hope you enjoy.

Deconditioning and aligning with your own pace can bring peace and deeper connections in life. Julie Bradshaw shares with the community what working with horse wisdom reveals about resistance, faci…

22/10/2024

Ankh the Autistic horse. I have been pondering this a lot lately and have decided to officially diagnose him as of today. Let me explain.

I have owned Ankh for 4+ years and I have come to terms with the fact that I have an autistic horse. Since I also have a son with autism, I can fully see the similarities.

Ankh’s challenging autistic characteristics include easily overwhelmed, hyper-sensory, hyper-focused, poor social skills, meltdowns when overwhelmed, dislike of affection, aggression/anger as part of meltdowns, and poor social skills.

And his autistic gifts include genius level intelligence, strong intuitive sensitivity, and hyper-commitment.

Let me review the challenges first.

I have jokingly said Ankh has “Man Cold Syndrome”. If he gets the slightest bit uncomfortable, he thinks he is going to die. 😆 But this speaks to his being easily overwhelmed. I have to sometimes encourage him to work through his slight discomfort in order to achieve a positive change in his world or body. With time he has gotten better but it never fully goes away. I always have to be mindful of it lest he become too overwhelmed. Overwhelm leads to anger or a meltdown.

Ankh is hyper-sensitive to touch, smells, tastes and energy. (He is PSSM negative.) It has taken years for him to accept some touching but he doesn’t always accept it. He won’t eat anything but grass/forage-based items. He has zero interest in carrots, apples, manufactured treats, etc. He does not like for me to do any focused energy healing on him. He is far too sensitive to tolerate it. I have tried it numerous ways but it is a no-go.

Ankh is hyper-focused on whatever he decides to focus on. For him this usually is something he is worried about. (This is true for people with autism too.) In his horse world, it may be protecting me, his herd, foals, or mare, or his resources (feed, hay, etc.)

Ankh has poor social skills. He doesn’t really get along with other horses well at all, except those younger than him. (People with autism often only have much younger or older friends.) He wants to be near them but yet doesn’t know HOW to be near them. He was taught some skills by his son Fyre but the likelihood is that he will never have true friends.

Ankh has meltdowns when he is overstimulated. He may explode, get angry, bolt, bite, or herd someone or something away.

Ankh is not comfortable with affection. He occasionally invites it on his terms but most affection makes him uncomfortable. (Not all people with autism dislike affection, my son loves it, but it is a common trait to not want to be touched or hugged.)

The gifts of his autism are his unbreakable commitments to those he thinks are “his.” That may be a mare he has his eyes on or me. I jokingly call him my 1000lb watch dog. But it is true. He will protect me from anyone or anything. Sometimes I wish his protection didn’t extend to almost everyone, lol, but I always know he has my back. He also chooses at times not to explore new things unless I am with him. I am his safety net.

Ankh is extremely intelligent. All of his hypersensitivities make him extra aware, and he picks up on things other horses would miss. This is why I often say, “Ankh knows.”

His emotional and spiritual awareness are off the chains too. The connection he and I have is extraordinary. And the knowingness applies here as well.

Like people with autism, it can be extra challenging to have a horse with autistic characteristics. The stress can be intense and draining. Extra patience and double, triple or even more the amount of training of a neurotypical horse is often required.

But when an achievement is reached, when a goal is met, the reward is monumental.

I guess ultimately this is why so many have said that I am the only one that can train him because autism just isn’t for everyone.

I am a little sad to come to this “diagnosis” as autism isn’t easy and I already deal with it at home. But ultimately having a diagnosis leads to greater understanding and acceptance. And now that I understand it, I can proceed accordingly. Mostly it will be a perception shift as I will now fully see him through the autism lens and will react accordingly.

And for him that will be better. I won’t feel quite so frustrated in trying to find solutions. I will just test things and see where he has room to learn and where he needs extra time.

Yes I know this is true of all horses but it is especially true of a horse with autism.

07/10/2024

Made in the Stars, a Heart Horse Story, is the full story of my horse Scout and how he came into my life and transformed it. But not only mine, that of many others. I've referred to him countless times but I've never put down the entire story until now.

Grab a cuppa, maybe a tissue and let me know what you think.

https://julie-bradshaw.com/made-in-the-stars-a-heart-horse-story/

03/10/2024

I want to give a huge shout-out to my first Stars sender! Thank you for the support! Julie Shaw Petersen

01/10/2024

One of my favorite things to do with my horses is stand with them while they are “napping.” Fyre had to get some scratching and love first so he pulled me in for a closeup before turning to nap with his daddy.

It feels like such an honor every time because horses don’t nap if they don’t feel safe. I know these boys feel safe with me after all this time together, but I still love these moments. 🥰

What are some of your favorite down time moments with your horses or pets?

24/09/2024

I love it when horses love other types of animals. So sweet!

17/09/2024

That one stray hair. 🤣 Good thing he is as handsome as he can be.

09/09/2024

I'm writing a book/course for people who are new to horses and this morning I was writing about horses being prey animals and their incredible sensory attributes as a result of that.

As I was wandering around my barn, it occurred to me that women and horses have a lot of similarities and perhaps this is why we are so drawn to them.

The first thing that came to mind for me was that although humans are "technically" predators, women have been subjected to attacks for such an extended period of time that they are truly always hyper-aware of their surroundings. Horses are the same.

Women don't like to be or do things alone and often choose to go places with others. Horses are herd animals, being alone causes great anxiety in most. In essence, women can be "herd animals" also.

Women tend to be more emotional creatures than males and horses are highly emotional animals.

Women tend to be more intuitive and horses are highly intuitive animals.

Communication is a skill that women find comes easier to them. Communication through body language is ever present in horses.

What are some other ways you find similarities between women and horses?

29/08/2024

This is SO true!! So many of YOU!!

26/08/2024

I know I've been quiet here. Just life you know? But I'd love to kick start conversation by asking the question, "What horse or other animal touched you like no other?" I always refer to this horse, Scout, as my soul mate in horse form. I've had more animals in my life than I can count, but he SAW me. It truly was like our hearts were part of each other's. Post a picture if you have one and a short synopsis of them if you'd like. :)

10/06/2024

Reading to Horses by Julie Bradshaw reads Day 7 of Transurfing Reality in 78 days. The title of today's principle is The Illusory Reflection. I love this one!

The l i n k is below!

If you have a book you'd like for me to read to the horses (any genre that most would enjoy), please let me know!

09/06/2024

Day 6 of reading Reality Transurfing in 78 days to my horses! Today I went out into the pasture with them! So, all 4 are seen with me.

I recorded a new story today too but I need to edit it in a different program since it is longer. Stay tuned though. :)

The l i n k is below to today's recording.

07/06/2024

Day 5 of Reality Transurfing in 78 days with me Reading to Horses. Ankh just quietly grazed in the background this time around. But there's nothing more peaceful than a grazing horse.

06/06/2024

Day 4 of Reality Transurfing in 78 days. Reading to Horses by yours truly. Ankh mostly released at the beginning when I first started. But he loves being near me when I'm doing this. Today's topic is A Star is Born!

As always, the l i n k is below. If you're enjoying it, please subscribe to my channel and give the videos a thumbs up. And share with anyone you think might be interested. :)

05/06/2024

Day 3 of Reality Transurfing in 78 days in my Reading to Horses videos. Ankh was back this time and felt the need to rub his head on mine and then he knew exactly when I was done and told me to shut the book, LOL.

Someone suggested I read Misty of Chincoteague and I love that suggestion. If you have others, please let me know. I am going to see if my local library has the Misty book. :)

The l i n k is below. Check it out. Today's topic required a bit of prefacing but the message is still wonderful.

04/06/2024

Day 2 of Reality Transurfing in 78 days (and Reading to Horses) is live! I'd love for you to go check it out. Today Dancer wanted to listen. ❤

Please subscribe to my YT channel and share with anyone you think might get some inspiration.

I'm planning on hitting the library and maybe reading some children's books and/or classics too. But if there's something you'd like me to read to the horses, will you let me know?

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/tMFot4tR-sE

03/06/2024

I've always loved to read out loud. My kids and even adults have enjoyed my reading to them. So, this morning I read to...Ankh.

It was quite a circus at first. My "plan" was to have them grazing in the round pen while I read but Ankh was having none of that. He loved it so much, he stood over me while I was doing it.

And Fyre? Oh that Fyre. He bit on the chair, he pawed at the chair, he bit at the camera/phone, the tripod and me. I finally shooed him away to graze with Dancer.

I read Day 1 of Reality Transurfing in 78 days, by Vadim Zeland. It inspires me, helps me find peace, and keeps me focused on my goals. Apparently it helped Ankh find peace too as he relaxed more and more through the whole reading.

It's only 3 minutes long. Go give it a watch and let me know what you think. And if there is anything you'd like me to read to the horses, let me know that too.