Horses have long held a special place in our hearts, captivating us with their grace, strength, and intuitive connection. Recently, I had the privilege of attending an online presentation titled "Heart-to-Heart Communication With Horses" by Ann Baldwin, Ph.D., and Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., hosted by the HeartMath Institute. The workshop delved into the realm of Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and its impact on heart rate variability (HRV) in horse-human pairs during specific exercises. In this blog entry, I will share insights from the first exercise, "Sending Appreciation to Horse," and explore the fascinating findings that reveal the profound connection between humans and horses.

Understanding HRV and Heart Coherence:

Before delving into the research findings, it's essential to grasp the concept of HRV. HRV measures the time interval between successive heartbeats, reflecting the variability in the heart rate. Two key parameters, SDRR and RMSSD, signify the magnitude of HRV and relaxation, respectively. Heart coherence, as defined by the HeartMath Institute, is a physiological state where the body's systems—breathing, heart rhythms, brain rhythms, and hormonal response—are in sync. This state is characterized by a sinuous line on the electrocardiogram, representing a synchronized and empowering condition across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.

Research Insights: "Sending Appreciation to Horse"

The research focused on two EFL exercises, with "Sending Appreciation to Horse" being the first. Dr. Baldwin and Dr. McCraty hypothesized that engaging in these exercises would positively influence HRV and induce heart coherence. What emerged from their study was both enlightening and heartwarming.

1. Coherence Enhancement in Human-Horse Pairs:

The researchers observed an increase in coherence when individuals sent appreciation to the horse. This suggests that engaging in positive emotions and expressions directly impacts HRV, promoting a more organized and coherent state.

2. Horses as Coherence Catalysts:

The most remarkable finding was the timing of coherence attainment. Astonishingly, horses exhibited coherence 30 seconds before humans did during the exercise. Horses not only mirrored human emotions but often led them into a heart-coherent state, showcasing the unique ability of horses to intuitively connect with their human counterparts.

3. Non-Verbal Communication and Receptive States:

Nearly all horse-human pairs demonstrated frequency matches in HRV, emphasizing a synchronized connection. Moreover, the majority displayed a high correlation between horse and human heart rate changes over time, with the horse often taking the lead. This revelation underscores the potential for peacefully interacting with horses to elevate individuals into a heightened receptive state, enhancing non-verbal communication.

As someone who has experienced the transformative power of horse-human connections, these research findings resonate deeply. The ability of horses to influence and lead humans into a coherent state is a testament to the extraordinary bond between our species. Engaging in activities like "Sending Appreciation to Horse" and "Con Su Permiso" not only enriches our lives but also offers a pathway to self-generated empowerment and heart coherence. So, let the rhythm of hooves be the melody that makes our hearts sing in unison with these majestic creatures.

I learn from my teacher, who is my horsewoman soul applying gentle pressure on my inner equine. She gets my attention with her subtle pushes, which start gently and increase slightly until we are quite uncomfortable. The horse inside tries many approaches to get the horsewoman to cease her incessant tapping, but none of the choices made are slowing into presence or easing into breath. Instead, I pace this way and that, snort, stomp, and chomp--I resist simple solutions and gravitate toward the complexities of irritation. So, the pressure continues.

Occasionally, my inner horse remembers. She slows down and glides inside, takes a deep breath, and feels it light up her lungs. We've finally reached the moment when inner horse responds the way her horsewoman intends. The pressure is released as a means of communicating that the lesson has been learned. Gratitude abound for that moment--we are saved!

I give my horse a soft pet on the base of the neck—right above the shoulder--that loving spot of maternal connection where the mama horse nuzzles her foal. I hear encouragement within--a softly spoken “good girl.” I see the liquid blink of acknowledgement in the reflection of her side eye and we stand still, absorbing the warmth of sun permeating Earth.

I am learning from myself like a horse learns from her kind and patient trainer. When I experience gratitude for the moments of released pressure—let’s say I breathe in completely and can feel my lungs' expansion—I enjoy the sensations and I simultaneously experience the gratitude for the release and the release itself. I viscerally feel depression lifting and it becomes the visualization of a lens flare spreading like the sun. That flare is entering my body as nourishment--it is the warm center of a radiant mandala.

*That flare is entering my body as nourishment--it is the warm center of a radiant mandala.*

Image: Palm Springs Transmutation, 2019

I bask in the beauty of grace and gratitude. I become like a river who flows into her becoming--connection and communion are one. I am patient with mySelf to reach the depths of me. We begin again.