The other day I was watching a lecture delivered by Chris Irwin for professional equine vets at the faculty of veterinary medicine at the University of Utrecht in Holland. Chris Irwin’s specialty is equine behaviour, and in this lecture he took for granted that the vets knew the basics of horse body language and concentrated on the human part of the equation: what we people do without realising it that may affect the horse’s behaviour either positively or negatively. Although he was referring specifically to interactions with horses, the basic principles are the same for our interactions with any animal. We must be aware of what is normal for each species and learn to read their responses. This is major foundational principle of Tellington TTouch where observation of what the animal is trying to tell us lies at the heart of the work. Chris Irwin said Frame of Body = Frame of Mind which corresponds directly to the TTouch principle that posture influences behaviour.
However, what I found really impactful was what happened at the end of the 2 hour lecture. Irwin asked his audience what it is that we humans ask of horses – any animal that shares our life really. There were many replies, such as trust etc., but he ended his lecture saying that what we really ask of horses is for them to allow us to lead their vulnerability into the unknown. These are powerful words!
If we stop to think about it, we ask animals to do this all the time. When they get into the car or trailer, they don’t know where we are taking them or whether they will come back home. The depth of their trust must be profound if they are to feel safe. This is particularly true of horses and dogs who are expected to participate in so many activities that humans enjoy as well as donkeys and mules who carry out so many tasks for humans in many parts of the world.
These words made me realise just what a huge responsibility we have towards the animals who share our lives, who depend on our honesty and reliability for their own wellbeing.
For those who would like to listen to this lecture, here is the link:
