Introduction to Basic Horsemanship Lessons with Mercy Gate Ministries

Last Friday we invited the participants and volunteers of Mercy Gate Ministries out to the Rescue to experience what we offer. I encourage you to learn more about Mercy Gate by going to their website.

FIrst things first, everyone wanted to go pet the baby goats, especially our bottle baby, Nibs. Then we gathered in the barn area and Erin Rowe led us in prayer. We are grateful to Erin for making this all happen!

Alejandra and I introduced ourselves and the three horses we brought in from the pasture, Sancho, Maz, and Osa. I talked about How it all started and how their presence here is a gift to the horses. As much as we enjoy and want to be around horses, they also benefit from daily human interaction.

After some quick safety instruction the participants were able to meet, brush and love on any of the three horses for a while. We hung back but assisted if there were any questions. We got to chat and get to know each other.

Then we took Osa out to the round pen for a demonstration on equine connection. Alejandra explained how horsemanship is a relationship, and how we approach it as such. How it can help teach us things that relate to our life and other relationships we have.

I demonstrated connection with Osa by inviting her with my body language and voice to connect with me. She readily came to me, but at times was more interested in standing by the ladies in the shade. I calmly and persistently asked her to come back with me and she eventually would. I rewarded her with scratches. We didn't have much more time so we all walked with Osa back to the pasture. The ladies got to meet all the horses before they left and we got a photo of the group. We were honored to host these ladies and look forward to seeing them again to begin their individual lessons!