NOVEMBER 2022 THE RIDER /13 We Can Hustle: Horses Are Our Connection To The Divine


By Shelby Olyschlager Don’t be scared by the


word “divine”. Divine means all of us, we are all connected. We are all a part of it. Any- thing with a consciousness is a part of it. Every animal all over the world, humans in- cluded. Horses are a channel to feel it more deeply. Much like when you take a nature walk, or let the sun shine its rays down on you in the morning, you can’t help but feel you are interwoven with all that is. Even though all animals are in- tertwined in the “divine” con- nection; there is something different and special about horses. They are prey animals, but they aren’t always afraid. With horses, they give us


so much more than what meets the eye. As a horse girl, we al- ways say the most peaceful sound is the sound of a horse munching on some dry hay. Funny the sound of people eat- ing is a totally different story! But horses, witnessing them peacefully eating is so calming for us too.


Why is that? We connect to the horse without realizing it.


We feel their peace, we


feel their comfort. Their en- ergy is saying “I am content in this moment right now” and they give us some of that en- ergy too. It’s a continuous transfer of energy. Right then and there, we pause to hear the quietness. Night check is one of my


favorite times just for that rea- son. It’s dark outside but lights are on in the barn and every- one is peacefully in their “room”. I top up their water, give them an extra flake of hay and I say goodnight. But be- fore I turn the lights off I pause, taking a big inhale to breathe it all in. They’re con- tent, they have all they need. As do I. Food, water, shelter, companionship of fellow horses around them. What else


do we need? They need nothing. The horses are, at the moment, fully satisfied. Nothing else matters to


them other than what they are doing, which is usually eating. It’s meditative. They connect us to the calm, then connect us to the true nature of being. They connect us to what’s most important; right now. We can go through the


motions of taking care of horses, we can rush and rush, which I think a lot of us do. We rush to ride, we rush to be done. But how often do you find yourself really in the mo- ment with them? Allowing time to slow down and you slow down with it? Someone told me “You


learn from horses so who is re- ally training who”. I thought about that for a while and it is so true! Horses are one of our greatest teachers, but only if we allow it. Only if we accept that we have something to learn, somewhere to grow and improve on. Next time, start seeing life


through the lens of the horses. See how simple their existence can be in our safe fields, with all the survival requirements. They’re content, they have all they need in that moment. Maybe it’s time we start seeing how we also have all we need in this moment too.


What are your thoughts?


Reader Thoughts: “They remain attuned to


the world around them while living completely at peace in the safe moments. As people, we carry so


many moments around with us that we can’t see the present through them. The past and the future distract us from what is. Now. Here. Horses can help us to release what isn’t, and em- brace what is. They have such strong and honest energy, it is impossible not to feel it when we are with them, if we are


University of Guelph ISHA Team News


troduce our new coach for the 2022/2023 riding season. On behalf of the entire team we are so excited to have the op- portunity to learn from Paige! Paige is a 3rd generation


horseman and Operator of Carter's Training Centre in St.George, Ontario. From a young age, Paige has developed a success- ful riding career result- ing in multiple AQHA Superior, Champion and Year-End High point winners. She competed at the 2010 AQHA Youth World Cup, and during her post-secondary ca- reer was co-captain of the University of Guelph IHSA team 2015/16. She has completed her West- ern Intermediate Rider test with the Ontario Equestrian Federation and is looking forward to completing her OEF Competition Coach Cer- tification this winter. She also holds the role of Trainer for the Hamilton


We are so honoured to in-


Mounted Police Unit. Since starting her own business, Paige has specialized in devel- oping all-around performance horses with a solid foundation. She enjoys working with young and beginner riders to develop their skills and rela- tionships with their horses.


open to it. We need to allow their energy to surround and embrace us; draw us in and connect us to the divine.” - Casey G.


Follow for more goodies: @ We Can Hustle on all plat- forms. Sending Love and Support always!! Shelby


Shelby Olyschlager Bio: Shelby is the host of the


We Can Hustle Podcast. She strives to deliver weekly support, education and con-


nection for everyone going through their own unique journey with horses. As a barrel racer, she has learnt through her own trial and error how to create real changes within ourselves and within our equine part- ners. She shares her lessons and the lessons of guests on her show and social chan- nels. “It all starts with our- selves. If we can approach life with empathy, an open mind and determination; we can all achieve what we set out to do.”


1-877-TRYAVIA


(519) 264-2354 RR #1, 8782 Longwoods Road, Mt. Brydges, ON N0L 1W0


www.viatrailers.ca


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