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            Preparing for my Colorado Journey 04/26/2010
            6 Comments
             
            3 more sleeps prior my journey South.. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to engage in a five week work study experience at the Buffalo Women Ranch down in Dove Creek Colorado where I will apprentice with Robbie Nelson (co-founder of the ranch) as an Equine Integrative Healer.

            Robbie is an Epona approved instructor. She studied with Linda Kohanov, internationally recognized founder of the Epona approach and author of Tao of Equus - A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation Through the Way of the Horse  (2000), Riding Between Worlds - Expanding our Potential through the Way of the Horse (2007) and Way of the Horse - Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery (2007).
            Robbie incorporates the Epona model into her own holistic approach. When I read the Tao of Equus back in 2002, I was astounded and inspired by the amazing possibilites for the Horse-Human healing partnership.

            Since then, I have engaged in my own learning journey through academia and worked as a counselor for a local mental health center. I completed my degree in Social Work with Honours in 2009 and have since 2002 experienced first hand the power of presence and transformation horses encourage, model and support. I have learned this with Tamrah my beautiful thoroughbred Quarter horse cross mare along with her herd mate Prowler, a wise Appaloosa. The sunny plateau that we share with our equine friends is populated by numerous horses in all directions. I call this the Valley of the Horses.

            I continue to evolve and learn on my own transformational path with the inspiration and support of my four legged friends. Not only have I been personally transformed (an ongoing process) by my equine teachers, I have witnessed others on their own healing paths.
            I much resonate with the Epona approach. Seen under this paradigm, the horse is no longer used and seen as a beast of burden or a tool for ego's gratifications but respected as a sentient being and honoured as a wise teachers for Presence, authentic purpose and compassion.

            I so look forward to be immersed in the teachings and wisdoms of the White Calf Buffalo at Buffalo Women Ranch. Being invited into another herd to share "The Way of the Horse" and work alongside Robbie in her Integrative Healing practice is an honour.
            I give thanks to my ancestors and teachers that guide me, to the Spirit of the Buffalo, to my equine brothers and sisters may they continue to light the way. I particulalry give huge thanks to my beloved David, who has been so supportive along my realization path with the unexpected detours along the way. He continues to inspire me with his gentle compassionate presence and gives me unconditional support, a rare quality in a two legged creature.
            I give thanks also to my parents who believe in me, especially a huge thank you to my father who has modeled a pionneer spirit with his courage, vision and persistance.  I was recently so touched of his learning more about the realm of Equus in his wish to understand this unrelentless passion I have for  horses. Blessings Dad!
            Thanks also to my dear friend Carina who for 35 years now continues to share and witness our life's journeys. It is such a gift to have true friends. Thanks also to Jai who so cares for our equine friends and will look after them while I am away. A great hayshack manager she is, very vigilant & caring.

            I would like to share a poem prayer my old friend Carina wrote for me recently in the occasion of my imminent trip.

            "This is a special time indeed.
            You seem to be answering
            The call of the Godess
            in the white buffalo cloak-
            May she receive you
            May you receive your true self
            with gentleness and wisdom
            kindness and compassion
            May you hear the whispers
            of your ancestors, guides
            and equine brothers and sisters
            May they love you well
            on the journey you are continuing
            May you be surrounded by Light Beings
            Holding clear the Path ahead
            Lifting the branches upon the Camina
            Fully Alive and Awake
            You leap and Duck
            Walk, run and even fly
            with the Light of your Heart
            All obstacles Become opportunities
            You move with Grace, Joy & ease
            Naturally into your mastery.
            This is your time."

            Thanks dear old friend for this blessing.






            Legend of the White Buffalo:
            http://www.legendsofamerica.com/NA-WhiteBuffalo.html
             


            Comments

            Jai link
            04/27/2010 5:26pm

            Many, many blessings on your journey my friend. I will tend to the land and our dear equine companions while you are away and be on 'high alert' at the edge of our herd.
            We'll miss you and look forward to your blogs and updates from your journey.

            much love,

            Jai
            ps just needed to ad that Prowler is Appaloosa and Thoroughbred cross. xo

            Reply
            Anni Muhlegg
            04/28/2010 7:12pm

            Thanks Jai!
            Much appreciated. Hey no need to be on "high alert", just a good lead mare healthy vigilance.I know you'll look out for them Equine friends.
            I'll keep you guys updated.
            Blessings,
            A.

            Reply
            Carina
            04/29/2010 9:24pm

            Dear Anni,
            As I write this you are likely in Vancouver, resting well I hope, and perhaps journeying in your dreams as all of you is preparing to arrive in Dove Creek by the morrow. I am elated knowing that you are following your dream into an older herd for wisdom sharing.I'll be following your progress via the Whispering Herd blog with great interest.

            Reply
            David
            05/01/2010 7:58am

            I was delighted to hear that your expectations for an awe inspiring landscape and gracious hosts were more than fulfilled. We miss you "back at the ranch" but support you to fulfill this important vision that you have held for such a long time. The land, our animal friends, and my love await your return. Until then, enjoy this special adventure!

            PS - Please keep us posted as we all want to hear about your experiences.

            With much love and an embracing hug,

            Your husband,

            David

            Reply
            Anni Muhlegg
            05/01/2010 3:36pm

            Dear Carina, dear David,
            Thanks so much for your encouragement in this amazing adventure.
            flight to Vancouver on Thursday was good,thanks again das Moush for your company and wheels :-)

            I had beautiful bird's eye view reminded me of how spectacular the Kootenays are! Enjoyed the full moon by the coast and celebrated with the seagulls.

            My flight on Friday to Denver was good and then flight to Cortez was a challenge. The small aircraft was piloted by two young pilots who seemed very confident despite the high winds and poor visibility.
            The Colorado High desert looked amazing from above, I could see how clayish the soil is here.
            A couple of times my heart sunk as as signal form the cockpit loudly rang an alert beep...needless to say I was worried. I asked the second officer after we landed what those beeps were and he said they were simply signaling an over-the-speed limit warning!

            Robbie, my host greeted me, she is delightful and I felt comfortable with her right away.
            We proceeded to head out to the ranch a mere 40mn away deeper on the desert plateau and reaching a 7,200 feet at the ranch. The scenery is striking, wide open immense sky, lots of sage and brush, big fields freshly plowed hinting at the sunflower display I am told for August.

            I am well, have been here 24 hours now, met the herd soon after I got here and was greeted by Armanito, a rescued Mustang, curious, wild, bold and tender. Cody (thoroughbred), Magick a light bay with a white blaze, Beau an old quarter horse, Star(thoroughbred)and Arniel & Brigid ( Gypsies, they look like small draft horses) also came to sniff me and say hello. Soon after, I met Apache a gorgeous Tennesse Walker Paint and April, the original Mare, a 29 year old Tennesse walker cross Arab wise grey.

            I'll write more on them and all the other critters that live here as well as more in detail despcriptive of my experience on my main blog. oh and met Cleo right away too, a little sheep who is just as much part of the herd here.
            I am well, so blown away by the beauty and the generousity of my hosts.
            I maxed out my cell pics memory already. Dave could you please express courier me my grey camera digital downloader wire (its attached to my tower in my office). I forgot to bring it.
            Address here at Bufalo Women ranch is:
            PO Box 910
            Dove Creek, CO 81324

            Thanks!!
            Sending you my love,I'll write more soon

            Reply
            anni muhlegg
            05/01/2010 8:48pm

            oopsies, I wrote Cleo was a sheep!! I meant to say a goat!, she is so cute!

            Reply

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