P
A Daily Dose
ublisher’s Welcome
f ew months ago I picked up a book to pass the time on an upcoming three-hour Delta flight. It was called Te Alchemy of Lightness and co-authored by dressage trainer Dominique Barbier and scientist Dr. Maria Katsamanis. At first I was a bit
skeptical about their premise, but I soon realized that this was not your typical ‘feel good’ horse book. Impressively, the two authors are able to link scientific research to how and why humans are able to connect so remarkably with horses both in and out of the saddle. Te book is full of Mr. Barbier’s theories, mirrored by scientific evidence. Here is one excerpt worth sharing:
“Recent studies conducted by the Institute of HeartMath provide a clue to explain the bidirectional ‘healing’ that happens
when we are near horses. According to researchers, the heart has a larger electromagnetic field and higher level of intelligence than the brain: A magnetometer can measure the heart's energy field radiating up to 8 to 10 feet around the human body. While this is certainly significant it is perhaps more impressive that the electromagnetic field projected by the horse's heart is five times larger than the human one (imagine a sphere-shaped field that completely surrounds you). Te horse’s electromagnetic field is also stronger than ours and actually can directly influence our own heart rhythm! Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a ‘coherent’ heart rhythm (heart rate pattern) which explains why
we may ‘feel better’ when we are around them . . . studies have found that a coherent heart pattern or HRV is a robust measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy—that is, we exhibit such patterns when we feel positive emotions. A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adjust to stressful situations very efficiently. Oſten times, we only need to be in a horse’s presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace. In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy.”
Just before I read the book, a reader contacted us about doing a story about a Trakehner breeder in Colorado using his herd for
psychotherapy. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about the idea since the magazine had already touched on this topic once before about four years ago. I finally picked up the phone and called Richard McMahan, founder of the “Wounded Human Project.” Forty-five minutes later, I hung up convinced that Warmbloods Today should do a feature on their operation. I found Richard’s philosophy— which uses the herd of Trakehners in group therapy sessions—unique, effective and a wonderful potential use for retired sport horses. See page 12 for their inspiring story. Somehow this message of the power of a horse healing a human’s broken spirit was staring me in the face. I always knew
subconsciously that horses were therapeutic (and if you’re like me, you much prefer cleaning stalls rather then cleaning house) but was that the main reason I’ve been drawn to horses since childhood? Did I need a daily dose of equine therapy? If so, I’ve certainly received a tremendous amount of ‘therapy’ for the last forty-plus years! Certainly trainers and devoted riders agree that connecting with our horses, both on a physical and an emotional level, is
vital to success in our chosen disciplines. It also brings joy to our lives, something that can all too easily get lost in the drive for competitive success. So we encourage you to hold fast to that connection. When we launched this magazine in 2009, we created our tagline: “Your
Connection to the Modern Sport Horse.” Making a positive connection with another being brings trust, empowerment and joy— things we can feel even if we can’t see them. It’s like the wind—you can’t see it, but you definitely know it’s there. So next time you’re with your horse, and you find yourself relaxing and delighting in the moment, thank your therapist. Payment
in carrots will be gratefully accepted. Enjoy the issue!
Liz Cornell
editor@warmbloodstoday.com
Our Mission: Warmbloods Today is the leading magazine in North America focused on the entire spectrum of Warmblood breeds. It’s a place where people from all aspects of the sport horse community can come together: amateurs, owners, trainers and breeders. Each issue contains interesting, informative and often heart-warming stories of peoples’ experiences with their horses, along with thought- provoking opinions from various professionals and amateurs. We cover all horses from European descent bred for the sports of jumping, dressage, eventing and driving including the Iberian breeds and American Warmbloods.
8 July/August 2014
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