Synopsis
In this practical handbook you can read about what it is like to be a horse, what is important for horses, and the differences between horses and humans. Horses have no words, but they have a lot to say. By understanding what it is like to be a horse, we can better understand what horses are telling us. Learn about the horse's body language, and how to meet it with kindness rather than force.
In the book you will also find a number of gentle exercises that you can do yourself or practice together with your horse friend, and throughout the book, author and riding therapist Elvira Fragola tells stories from her life with horses and with the children and young people who come to visit her farm Højly. The book is richly illustrated with the author's own drawings.
Personal note from the author
I have always loved horses deeply. Today, I live with my seven lovely horses on an old farm. It is a childhood dream lived out in adult life, every single day. When children and young people visit us at Højly Farm, they often say, “I want that one day.” And I always tell them that if that is what their heart wants, then they should go for it. Adults tend to notice that such a life must involve a lot of work. To that, I can only say that of course there is work in devoting your love to horses. But there will always be work in life, and I believe what matters is that the work you do is meaningful to you. So, to you who know children or adults with horse-shaped dreams and longings: never take those dreams away from anyone. Choosing horses is a loving choice that teaches responsibility and understanding. No time spent with a horse is ever wasted. Horses can make us happy—not every moment of every day, perhaps, but often enough to make a real difference. When we experience happiness, we are better equipped to face challenges, to make healthy choices, and to form relationships that last.
