Case Study - Georgie
Thursday 11th October 2007
When Aurele told me that we were going to ‘work with the horses’ I was slightly taken aback having thought I was going to have a Bowen session! I’ve never felt very comfortable round horses and was curious about how this was going to ‘help me’. – she told me I needed to build up my confidence and self esteem.
We arrived at the paddock and Aurele asked me to pick a horse I was to work with, without any doubt I picked the grey, Dawn – much to Aurele’s amusement who told me Dawn brave, stubborn and the most intelligent horse.
Having eventually put on the bridle (a first for me), I then led her into the yard to start work. Holding tight onto the leading rope Aurele asked me to lift one of her legs. I started with the left leg stroking her and asking her to help me out – eventually she lifted it momentarily. I then went round to her front right leg and couldn’t even lift it off the ground. Dawn got quite agitated and wouldn’t stand still, she was restless and was leading me around, trying to find food to eat and in essence was not interested and being very dismissive. This made me very upset, I had no control and felt very vulnerable. I needed to find a way to take control.
The next exercise was to stand in front of Dawn and get her to back away from me. I was being polite asking her gently to back away and all she did was walk towards me forcing me to back away! I tried ‘gently’ shouting and gently pushing her away – nothing. Aurele then showed me I had to be more forceful – getting Dawn to back away without moving my feet or using my voice. I stood my ground flicking the leading rope at her and pushing her back - Dawn backed away, at last I was in control and it felt fantastic.
I realised what I was doing wrong - I was asking her to help me rather than taking control. I was also giving her mixed signals, stroking her with one hand and pushing her away with the other - I was being ‘too nice’ not confident enough to speak my mind, afraid I was going to hurt her feelings – and this is what I do in relationships.
I now was beginning to understand I didn’t even need to talk or shout, it has to come from deep within, creating my own space and projecting confidence. After a short time I was able to stand still and get Dawn to walk round me in a full circle. Now I was able to lift her left leg and then the right leg immediately with her standing still – I felt totally comfortable, in control and it wasn’t a battle – it felt fantastic,
I cannot believe the feeling of achievement and satisfaction. I had been through an emotional roller coaster but felt I had gained more self respect and confidence in the last hour than hours of talking could ever have done. Aurele, thank you for an inspiring and revealing hour with Dawn.