Category Archives: equine reiki

What if my horse doesn’t like Reiki? – by Sarah Berrisford

equine reiki

horse doesn't like reiki

When we picture sharing Reiki with our equine friends, we often imagine a perfect scenario. A beautiful, strong being standing next to us, both immersed in peaceful energy. But what happens when this picture doesn’t come into fruition? Many people are unsure of what to do when they think their horse may not want Reiki, so here is a quick guide to help.

When giving a horse Reiki I like to say “take as much or as little energy as you would like”. This is simply being polite; the horse will take as much energy as he needs. You can’t force Reiki on any animal. They can quite easily block the energy. If a horse blocks the Reiki energy, you will most likely feel a connection to Reiki, however, the energy may not seem to flow. You might also sense that the horse is not connecting.

It isn’t normal for any animal to block energy; they share energy with each other and read all species energies. There is usually something else going on if you feel that the horse is blocking you.

 

Here are the main reasons why you may find a horse is blocking energy or not connecting to you:

  • Over excited and doesn’t want to or doesn’t know how to come down from that state of mind and body.
  • Pressure. Particularly when treating your own horse, you can find that you ‘really’ want to connect. This feeling of needing and wanting, focusing all of your attention on the horse and his reactions, can make the horse want to keep his distance from what you are doing.
  • Has something else taking priority, for example, food.

 

There are a few simple methods that you can use if you find that a horse isn’t connecting.

  • We can simply visualise a ball of energy in the same area as the horse. Perhaps make a ball of energy in the corner of his stable and use your intent to say ‘the horse can connect to this whenever he is ready’. Spend at least 20 minutes sending Reiki to this beautiful ball of energy, making it powerful yet calm and a nice place to be. Often you will find that the horse connects during the time that you are building the energy ball.
  • Give the horse time – remember that it can take 15-20 minutes for the horse to connect, don’t be in a rush for reactions and connections, let them happen as they need to.
  • Do Reiki on yourself. Perhaps use the Hatsurei exercise for 10-15 minutes. Pay no attention to the horse whatsoever, whilst carrying out this exercise. By following this method you will find that the horse is interested in what you are doing because there is no focus on him.The horse is inquisitive and at some point during the meditation you will most likely feel him connect in to share Reiki.

When you are sharing Reiki with the horse, don’t worry about how he is reacting; many people focus too much on looking to see if the horse is relaxing into the treatment. Instead, focus on feeling the beautiful two way connection of energy, flowing between yourself and the horse.

Many younger horses and first time Reiki horses, won’t relax quite so much or they will go into a trance for a few minutes and then wake up and so on. This is completely normal. You will tend to find that these horses will soak up the energy once the treatment has finished and if you go and check in on them 10 minutes after the session has ended, they will probably be asleep.

So remember, if you hear someone say “my horse doesn’t like Reiki” or you are having issues sharing  Reiki with your own horse; follow the guidelines above. As your treatments progress and the horse becomes used to receiving Reiki treatments you will find that he will begin to relax and connect as soon as you start the Reiki flowing.

 

Interested in learning more about Equine Reiki?

equine reiki for horses courseSarah Berrisford specialises in writing about and teaching Equine and Animal Reiki. If you’re interested in learning more about working with horses and other animals, then follow these links:

Equine Reiki book or Equine Reiki eBook

Equine Reiki practitioner live training course

Equine Reiki home study course

 

 

Photo credit: Karsun designs

 

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Reiki Visualisation for Nervous Riders – by Sarah Berrisford

animal reiki, equine reiki

reiki for nervous horse rider

The importance of visualisation

Visualisation is an important tool, not only in horse riding but also in everyday life. Many people visualise circumstances that they don’t actually want to happen. Unfortunately when we visualise something that we do not desire we are more likely to make it happen. This is especially important when it comes to horse riding.

Horses often pick up on the pictures that we are portraying, so we do need to be careful what we are asking them to do, even when we’re not aware of it!

Firstly, if you find yourself visualising a situation which you do not want to happen, think of erasing that picture or video in your mind and gradually replacing it with the situation and outcome you wish for.

When we work with visualisation for nervous riders it is best to start the technique whilst in a quiet place. Don’t put yourself in the scary situation and then try it out. First we need to train our minds to think positively.

For this exercise I will use a horse spooking, which makes the rider nervous, as an example.

  • Find somewhere quiet to sit, where you won’t be disturbed
  • Make yourself comfortable. Take some deep breaths. Close your eyes. Feel your body relaxing into your chair. Your shoulders relax down.
  • Allow your mind to become still, if any images come to mind, for example, your ‘to do’ list for the day, just acknowledge them and let them pass by. They aren’t needed at the moment.
  • Connect to Reiki in your preferred way.
  • Feel the energy filling your body.
  • Now begin to imagine the lead up to the situation you are going to focus on. Perhaps you are walking into a yard, or driving to a riding school. At this stage begin to go through your body and check how each part of your body feels. Can you feel any tension anywhere? Do your feet feel firmly connected to the ground? If you feel any tension or worry emitting from any part of your body, send Reiki to that part of your body.
  • Carry on visualising each step of the sequence which leads to the event you wish to focus on and checking through your body.
  • Now go back and imagine yourself in all of those situations being confident as you approach.
  • You will now be ready to work on the main issue.
  • Imagine getting on to the horse and having a lovely ride. See yourself smiling. Feel the reiki energy gently flowing through you and through the horse, filling you both with a loving calm energy.

Whenever possible take a few minutes to carry out this exercise. After this first session or if you find visualisation quite easy, you can spend a couple of minutes ten times a day. Every time you think of horse riding, change the picture you imagine to one of you and the horse enjoying the ride, being at one, connected.

Don’t worry if you find it hard to visualise at first, this will become easier with practice. Once you feel confident using this exercise, you can tailor make it to fit the area where you need more confidence.

You needn’t carry out the whole exercise every time to use it. Just the last few pointers will make a great difference to your horse riding experience and enjoyment.

If you do find yourself in a situation that is scaring you, think of Reiki flowing down through your crown, to your shoulders and arms, deep into your elbows and wrists. Think of the energy flowing through your torso and into your hip, down your legs and deep into your knees and ankles. You don’t need to close your eyes and start doing Reiki to do this. By simply thinking of Reiki and then turning some of your attention to these parts of your body, the Reiki will follow your intention.

Interested in learning more about Equine Reiki?

equine reiki for horses courseSarah Berrisford specialises in writing about and teaching Equine and Animal Reiki. If you’re interested in learning more about working with horses and other animals, then follow these links:

Equine Reiki book or Equine Reiki eBook

Equine Reiki practitioner live training course

Equine Reiki home study course

 

 

Photo credit: Michael Chen

Reiki for Horse Riding: Increasing Confidence

animal reiki, equine reiki, intention, meditation

I have recently received many enquiries from people asking if there are ways to increase their confidence whilst riding. Simple ways that they can use at home everyday.

sarah pancho bb

I’d like to share with you an extract from my book ‘Reiki in the Saddle’, the following exercise can be used by anyone – you don’t actually need to practice Reiki for this to work. It is also useful for improving other areas of our riding, so please do give it a try.

Riding with confidence is something a lot of people find hard. There are always situations that may challenge us, but being brave isn’t being without fear, being brave is learning to recognise the fear, accept the fear and master your fear.

Visualisation is an important tool not only in horse riding but also in life. Visualising how you will react to a situation will begin to train your body and mind how you wish it to react, putting you in control.

1) Find somewhere quiet to sit where you won’t be disturbed.
2) Make yourself comfortable
3) Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, in and out; feel the oxygen filling your lungs, and feel your body relax further as you breathe out.
4) Let your mind become clear, if any images come into your mind just gently usher them away.
5) Practice just relaxing and keeping your mind clear for a few minutes.
6) Visualise yourself grooming your horse, putting his tack on, leading him to the mounting area. Now see yourself getting on your horse and riding.
7) See yourself walking around on your horse, perhaps doing some circles and changes of rein. Be aware of how your body feels; see yourself relaxed and happy, riding with confidence.
8) Now proceed to working trot; ride some 20m circles, perhaps a figure of 8 and any other school movement you wish; see yourself relaxed and happy, riding with confidence.
9) Proceed to canter; again ride some 20m circles and change the rein. See yourself relaxed and happy, riding with confidence.

Don’t worry if you find it hard to visualise at first; this will become easier with practice. Once you feel confident using this exercise you can tailor make it to fit the area where you need more confidence; for example, if you have worries regarding going into canter, you can visualise the canter transition and riding in canter over and over again, in all places in the arena. Or you may have worries regarding mounting your horse; if this is so you can visualise yourself mounting over and over again.

If your horse is spooky, bucks or naps you can visualise how you will cope with the situation; sitting up and keeping calm.

Begin to use visualisation in your everyday life; where thought goes energy flows.

I hope you enjoy working with the above exercise, if you have any questions please feel free to contact to me

Love, Light & Warm Wishes
Sarah Berrisford
www.epona-equine-reiki.co.uk

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New Book by Sarah Berrisford: “Reiki in the Saddle”

animal reiki, equine reiki, ,

I am really pleased to announce that Sarah Berrisford has written an new book called “Reiki in the Saddle – using energy, visualisation and intent within our horsemanship” and for those of you who have already ordered Sarah’s “Handbook of Equine Reiki”, this new book is a perfect complement.

 

Here is some information about Sarah’s new book:

 

Sarah Berrisford describes how to include Reiki within your riding, with practical exercises categorised into riding disciplines. This book is aimed to help improve the connection, understanding and overall experience whilst riding, for both horse and rider. Issues which you and your horse may be encountering are explored with simple visualisations, use of intent and energy exercises to help you overcome the problem. Although mainly aimed at persons with some knowledge of Reiki, persons who are inexperienced in this department could well find this book an interesting read and be able to use some of the visualisations and intent exercises. This approach is simple and intuitive, free from dogma and limiting beliefs, and will provide the reader with confidence to begin using Reiki in the saddle.

The book is available in a professionally-printed format, or as an immediate download.

You can order your copy here: Professionally printed manuals

Or order your immediate download here: Download your eBook here