E4 - The Heart of Caring for Mustangs

Keywords

Mustangs, horse training, equine therapy, animal behavior, communication, self-awareness, partnership, flight or fight, listening, animal consciousness

Summary

In this conversation, Kerri Lake speaks with George Brauneis about his experiences with Mustangs and the unique challenges they face. They discuss the differences between Mustang and domestic horse behavior, the importance of understanding their flight or fight instincts, and the significance of genuine communication and connection with these animals. George emphasizes the need for self-awareness and presence when working with horses, as well as the impact of the pandemic on human-animal relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of building trust and partnership with horses, moving away from traditional dominance-based training methods.

Takeaways

• George Brunet cares for Mustangs in Colorado.

• Mustangs have unique behavioral traits compared to domestic horses.

• Training issues often stem from misunderstandings of horse behavior.

• Horses prefer flight over fight as a survival instinct.

• Listening to horses requires self-awareness and presence.

• Building trust with horses is essential for effective communication.

• The pandemic has highlighted the importance of genuine connections with animals.

• Animal consciousness differs from human consciousness in processing experiences.

• Partnership with horses should be a two-way street.

• Self-awareness enhances the relationship between humans and horses.

Sound Bites

"Horses intend no harm."

"It's about self-awareness."

"What can we do together?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Equine Connection

01:21 Understanding Mustangs and Their Care

03:06 Training Issues vs. Issues with Training

06:02 The Fight or Flight Response in Horses

07:53 The Shift from Dominance to Partnership

09:36 The Importance of Listening in Equine Interaction

14:03 The Dance of Communication with Horses

15:57 Moving Together: The Art of Slow Dancing with Horses

19:16 Feeling Over Thinking in Equine Relationships

23:30 Self-Awareness and the Journey with Horses

26:51 The Dance of Liberty Training

28:03 Returning to Genuine Connection with Horses

30:14 The Impact of the Pandemic on Human and Horse Connection

31:15 Understanding Animal Consciousness vs. Human Consciousness

34:33 The Importance of Gut Feelings in Relationships

38:57 Engaging with Horses: Beyond Holding Space

49:57 Building Trust and Partnership with Horses