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Today was awesome with the Herd. Awoke to another brilliant day, cool and crisp in the am and then it got hot! Even with 70 sunblock , I got golden with the beeming sun.
I relaxed with the herd before breakfast as they were just finishing theirs. I invited Jennifer and Robbie to join and was delighted they did. We all relaxed on yoga mats in April and Beau's paddock. On the other side just accross the rail were the rest of the herd. They did not lay this morning but stood guard as we humans basked in the sweetness of their smell, the comforting sound of their hay munching and their occasional blow. I found it especiallly relaxing to be breathing with April, a 29 year old Fox Trot Mare who is walking between Worlds. She is a master with the breath of fire (a Kundalinin Yoga breath). After our attuning with the Herd, we had breakfast and then mucked.
Later I formally was introduced to an Epona ceremony/session called "meet the Herd".
But instead of me choosing the horse akin to Kohanov approach, I  respectfully stepped into the herd's field and hung out while most came and visited and I, along with Jennifer and Cristy noticed who came back and seemed to want to continue join up with me. Initally I thought Hermenito and Star because I unconsciously was choosing them, joining with them. Upon checking with myself, Jennifer and Cristy we confirmed that Bella was to be the one. Initally it felt "too easy" for me. As though I held an expectations that it was to be challenging or that I had to be paired with a horse that was challenging to me behaviouraly or otherwise. When they all approached to smell me and greet me, none felt particularly challenging and thus offered a new perspective for me. Indeed round pen therapeutic sessions are not pre-planned or activity focused. In this way the moment guides what needs to be felt or happen if we allow spaciousness for it. Upon checking with myself, I realized that my interaction with Bella invited a lot of tenderness, trust and encouraged me to relaxed into my 2nd chakra, an often tense area for me where I store a lot of tension.
Interestingly here at the ranch even in this Haven of a place, it takes me a while to fully allow for profound relaxation and trust. Trust of myself to trust, trust of the herd and of my gracious host. After a beautiful Medicine Wheel ceremony honouring the four directions and calling for guidance, love and support, we started the session by doing a body scan. That's when I further felt the tension I was holding in my center and felt encouraged to let it go. I proceeded for the circle of the mandala (round pen) and sat on the mounting block. Bella immidiately came and stood by my side. For what felt like a long while she stood by my side, rested her head by my chest and belly and even briefly fell asleep. The feeling was one of complete presence, acceptance, compassion, deep rest and pleasure. As I begun to breath more deeply and feel my belly relax and soften, her breaths too deepened as we shared a few our mouths and nostrils in an intimate exchange of our essences. It was a beautiful experience. Another gift from the Buffalo Women Herd. I am so grateful for this. Not only does it feel renewing and healing, it is a profound confirmation of my own frequent experiences with Tamrah and the potency of Equine facilited healing and personal development.

Another gift today was earlier as Magick and my energy were shifted and he approached me, very friendly and respectful and after the incident 2 days ago he even laid with me and the herd yesterday morning after breakfast. I don't feel attracted to riding him however. Something about his energy when I saw him out under saddle with the other women of the ranch. He likes to test. He likes to run away. I'd rather save myself from that challenge and just build very slow with what feels solid. Today I rode Star bareback again, a gorgeous 16 hand sweety. First round pen play, then rode in the huge field and then too her out out back by the old Oaks, the sages and brush. Really awesome to ride her bareback and feel a close connection with her. Although I was told that she spooks easily on the trail, today alone with me was no issue. She responded to the bridle and french snaffle and I kept my hand quiet yet supportive. She leaned on the bit at first and then we both relaxed and it got light. She is beautiful. I learned that this was only her 3rd ride out. I feel honoured of our developing trust.
As the days unfold I continue to re-member how very fortunate I am to be living such an exquisite experience. Learning skills and attuning to the Herd, to the Great Spirit, Creator and my fellow humans. I give thanks. Especially a huge thanks to David back home and our dear Kali and Luke keeping him company and also a big than you to Jai who is looking after our two beloved equines.

Love,

Anni