Galloping into 2013

I hope everyone is having a fantastic January!  My wish for all of you is a peaceful and prosperous 2013.

I recently posted an entry in my American Counseling Association Blog, Horses as Counselors, about the cruise we enjoyed over the holidays.  The entire trip was wonderful, but my favorite part was horseback riding on the beach and in the ocean.  I have received several requests to see pictures, so I am re-posting the article here complete with a photo montage. 

 Horses as Counselors: Galloping into 2013

I happily ended 2012 by fulfilling a dream that has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember:  I went swimming in the ocean on horseback.  It was everything I could have asked for and more.  And, true to form, during the ride I found myself thinking about the extent to which horses have helped me discover who I am and what I am capable of doing.  This led me to think about how I can use what I have learned to help others.  My first step in achieving this is to share my experience with you.

 

The view from our balcony

Over the holidays, I was fortunate enough to take a week-long cruise in the Eastern Caribbean.  The horseback ride was part of an excursion package offered through the cruise line.  In my head, I was prepared for a benign, lazy walk around a beautiful island, the typical tourist experience.  I did not realize I was on the verge of an adventure of a lifetime that would also teach me how to be a better counselor.  

The stables

When we arrived at the stables, I surveyed my fellow equestrians and saw expressions ranging from utter excitement to complete terror.  I also noticed a wide range in participant age.  The oldest person was in her seventies and the youngest was a ten year old boy.  I found it significant that it did not matter who we were, where we came from or even how old we were, we were in it together.  The stable workers quickly sized everyone up and assigned each of us a horse.  It was slightly intimidating because the workers spoke with thick accents and they seemed to be in a big hurry to get us on the horses.   

Our designated equines were led out one by one.  My partner in crime was a small bay mare named Laurie. She was tacked up in a comfortable western-type endurance saddle and a snaffle bridle with soft cotton reins.  She was in good condition and seemed cool as a cucumber.  I crawled into the saddle and was led into an arena to walk around in a circle until the entire group was ready.  

Laurie the Horse

With everyone in their saddles, we headed out on the trail.  I was surprised to find that Laurie perked up as we left the arena and offered a natural, springy walk instead of the sluggish, dragging gait she had been exhibiting.  She also had a bit of an “attitude” and made nasty faces at horses that got too close for her comfort.  Nonetheless, she kept moving forward in a relatively quiet manner.  

I was asked to strike a pose - and there you go!

Steve earned big points for riding with me!

The trail consisted mostly of soft sand, but some areas were packed into a harder surface.  We navigated narrow crossings through brush and went up and down some fairly steep hills.  I was beginning to realize that this was not the typical tourist ride.  The first part of the trail ride ended with a walk on the beach, along the water.  It was beautiful and I was content.  But that was just the beginning.

 We dismounted and I said goodbye to Laurie.  We were then told to change into our bathing suits, put on a life preserver belt and reconvene on the beach.  Several horses wearing bareback pads and bridles were led out and we were again assigned a horse.   

I am on the third horse in line.  Our "home" is in the background.

This time I was given a small brown and white paint named Eagle.  I hopped on and he immediately headed for the water.  While I ride my own horse on a regular basis, I have to admit there was a moment where I thought “this may not end well.”  It was a fleeting thought, however, and I soon found myself flying into the ocean when Eagle lived up to his name and performed the equine version of a belly flop into a large wave.  The water was cool and invigorating and Eagle swam smoothly for several minutes.  Just as I was settling in and enjoying myself, the guides started yelling and herding us back in the direction we had come from.  I was startled and thought there was something wrong, but it was apparently in the normal course of business to get us back to shore.  Before I knew it, we were dismounting.  I felt the ride ended way too soon and left wanting more.  I was surprised to find many others were expressing relief that it was over.  I was also surprised to learn that some were intimidated during the trail ride and had opted out of the swim.  

 

Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

During the shuttle ride back to the pier, I listened as others recounted their experience during the ride and I took some time to process my own.  What really struck me was the wide variety of perspectives throughout the group.  I heard numerous complaints about the demeanor of the guides and how it caused anxiety in some riders.  It is true that the guides were constantly pressing us forward, but their behavior did not have a significant impact on my enjoyment.  I also listened to many grumblings about fear and safety.  I had similar thoughts but the thrill of the experience outweighed my concerns. 

Steve,bravely outside of his comfort zone.  He did a great job!

I realized that this group was a wonderful example highlighting the differences between an internal perspective and an external perspective.  We all had the same objective experience, but we each had very different subjective experiences.  

 I apparently had an internal perspective because the environmental conditions did not have a significant impact on my view of the ride.  Those with an external perspective, however, struggled with forces in the environment such as language barriers and the hurried behavior of the guides.  Their negative feelings about the ride reflected that perspective.

 Overall, I had the time of my life and discovered a level of confidence that has not been present for decades.  I have been able to preserve that feeling of internal empowerment and transfer it to other challenges in my life.  For others, it seemed to have emphasized vulnerability and it makes me wonder how they are coping with that today.

The authorities eventually found me and made me get back on the ship.

In the end, the horses had worked their magic by helping us uncover some truth about ourselves and how we face challenges.  The experience illustrated the importance a person’s perspective has on their view of the world and how it impacts the way they live their life.  As a counselor, I find this essential to keep in mind as I work with clients.  I am now very motivated to ensure I do everything I can to learn from the client’s perspective and not view their situation through my own lens.  As always, my horses will be a big help in this department.  

Lisa Krystosek, JD, MHA, MA

www.lisakrystosek.com