VERITAS EAL INSTITUTE — Stories • Insights • Practical Application

When a Horse Remembers — A Veritas Story 

I was working with a wonderful volunteer who was sharing a round pen with a very large draft horse.

I invited her to center herself, soften her gaze, and simply be present. The horse did not approach. She sat quietly near the fence and waited. Still nothing.

Finally, I asked her to approach his neck from the side. He looked at her, rolled his eyes, and moved as far away as the round pen allowed.

Then she explained that, as a new volunteer, she had repeatedly approached him from the front and looked directly into his eyes—actions she later learned could make a horse perceive her as a predator.

He remembered.

We can offer opportunities to rebuild trust, but we cannot decide when another being should feel safe again. That rests with him.

Has a horse ever remembered a mistake you made? What did that experience teach you about horses, trust, or relationships?

Read the complete story and meet this month’s Community Spotlight, Kelly and the team at Equine Therapy of NJ:

[INSERT LINK TO THE VERITAS ARTICLE]

Veritas EAL Institute
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