It was a cool, breezy spring morning on two fresh, bouncy Thoroughbreds. Instead of settling as we went along, my friend’s gelding became agitated – prancing, bucking and spooking. Attempts to settle him weren’t working. My mare was feeding off of him, becoming nervous and tense. I worried the ride would not go well.

Quickly, I caught myself with “Just for today, I will not worry”, a Reiki Precept and foundation of the system of Reiki.  I began a Reiki breathing technique and set the intention to create a calming space for the four of us. I visualized calming energy radiating out to my mare and then to my friend and his horse. I invited the horses to join me in the space. Soon my mare relaxed, and it looked as though my friend’s horse was settling, but he was still edgy.

We were riding along a creek, through a beautiful hardwood forest. I visualized the calming and healing energy expanding throughout the woods. I felt our connection to the earth and its grounding energy through my mare’s hoofbeats. I remained focused on creating a calming, grounding space. After a while, my friend’s horse settled.

For the remainder of the ride, I felt I was basking in a calming, peaceful healing space. My mare seemed to be smiling and the horses were enjoying the ride as much as we were. The harmony of the horses, Reiki, the beauty of the forest and the connection to the earth was magical. What began as a tense, turbulent ride became most peaceful and enjoyable.  My heart was filled with gratitude and a strong connection to the universe as we ended our ride several hours later.

I usually share a Reiki with my horse and others, if willing, before a ride, but that morning, I didn’t make time for it. No worries though, Reiki is always with us – if we just remember to “Be Reiki”!

Laura Thomas
Reiki & Animal Reiki Teacher