The uses to which mankind subjects horses often lead to their being injured on many levels. The physical body is damaged by the training techniques that are used to enforce compliance to human desires, and the subtle bodies are damaged accordingly. Many, many horses have had to learn to erect “walls” around their mental and energy bodies to prevent further damage. These walls, while protective, can also block healing.

When offering to share Reiki energy with a horse, it is important to remember that these walls are likely to be firmly in place. Because humans use their hands to harm horses as well as provide care, horses can be rightly suspicious of unusual hand and arm movements. For that reason I have found it essential to open a Reiki “field”, or create a “golden bubble” of Reiki energy, and invite the horse into it. Remember too to cleanse the space, which may contain energetic holdovers from previous occupants of that space. The horse can be invited into the energized space, or gently enfolded in it, depending on the horse’s willingness. For those who are unfamiliar with horses’ body language, signs of unwillingness include a raised rigid neck and spine, tight lips, braced ears, reluctance to make eye contact, and a restless tail. Signs of willingness include a soft and lowered neck and spine, soft licking or chewing movements of the lips and lower jaw, a release of the breath, softly alert ears, and a soft, engaging expression in the eyes. When inviting a horse into your Reiki field, use Reiki breathing. Horses, as intuitive prey animals, are very aware of the physical state of those in their presence, and can be calmed by your regulated breath.

When the horse shows it’s willingness to accept the Reiki energy and your presence in it, you may offer the horse your hands. Many horses will position their bodies so that your hands contact needy areas of the body, or will nudge your hands into position. Other times the Reiki intelligence will place your hands where they are needed. If you receive no guidance, begin by standing beside the horse’s shoulder facing in the same direction the horse is facing, and cup one hand behind one of the horse’s ears. Caution: many horses have been forcibly restrained to have their ears handled, so actually handling an ear may be perceived as a hostile action. Reaching under the junction of the head and neck, cup the other hand behind the other ear. Quietly share Reiki.

Continuing, you may map the horse’s energy body with your hands, locating defects in the energy field and corresponding physical difficulties. These may be addressed with Reiki alone, or a combination of Reiki and other modalities. A lovely closure of a session with a relaxed horse is a gentle pressure with both hands on the “energy fuses” of the forehead, located slightly above and inward from the orbits of the eyes. At closure, seal the aura, and cleanse yourself of the residue which you will have picked up.

Horses are powerful physical beings. When frightened or in pain (or through simple error) they can be capable of injuring humans. Be aware of this, and if you are not a experienced horseman, have a knowledgeable handler present for your own protection. The less restraint that can be used to allow you to work safely with the horse, the better. I prefer working in an indoor arena with no other horses present, as this gives the horse a sense of freedom of movement, while limiting distractions.

Horses do not like to be patted on the head as one would do with a dog. This is perceived as a very offensive gesture. Horses generally do like long strokes on the neck and shoulder, scratching on the withers, chest, or hip, or a companionable arm draped across the back.

Please report defects that you have found in the energy field to the horse’s handler or caregiver, as often human insight into equine body problems is faulty, and the additional information you can offer concerning the energetic defects may help with a diagnosis and treatment of a physical complaint.