How can the wisdom of horses guide us through a process of self-inquiry, and help us navigate deep emotions while fostering connection, growth, and healing?
Episode 006: In this eye-opening episode of The Love Who You Are Podcast, I sit down with Tammy DeGraw, an equine-guided wellness facilitator and yoga educator, to explore the transformative connection between humans and horses. Humans have a long history with horses, and this episode gives insight into how our partnership might evolve in the future.
Research on equine therapies reveals their profound ability to enhance emotional, social, and behavioral well-being, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma. Tammy’s trauma-informed approach to equine-assisted learning creates a unique space for healing, self-awareness, and growth, using the power of human-horse interactions to inspire meaningful behavioral change. Tammy explains how these sentient friends can help us develop emotionally, by offering a safe, non-judgmental mirror. We dive into the grounding energy of horses and how humans can benefit from their presence. Tammy also reflects on her personal evolution in caring for her horses, emphasizing the importance of honouring their autonomy and need for choice.
Whether you’re new to equine-assisted learning or simply curious about the profound bond between humans and horses, this episode is filled with insights and inspiration. Tune in and discover how listening, holding space, and connecting with these magnificent creatures can guide us on a journey back to ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Tammy left behind equestrian training, riding, and showing, and moved into a new partnership with her horses.
- A horse’s heart has an expansive electromagnetic field and low-frequency heart waves, and how this can benefit the human nervous system.
- How these 1000-pound animals can intimidate people, and how Tammy navigates this with new visitors, students, and clients.
- A look behind the scenes at how intuitive introductions between horses and clients unfold.
- How equine instincts can mirror human emotion, nudging us into a space of self-reflection.
- How as prey animals, a horse’s survival instinct makes them highly attuned to human behaviour and emotions.
- Horses are in a meditative state often; Tammy shares how she awoke to the joy of just being with them, and how their partnership evolved.
- Tammy’s pivotal moment when she realized her horses needed more autonomy—and that they did not want to be ridden.
- How equine-assisted learning can be integrated into a yoga certification program and benefit even those who don’t wish to interact with horses.
- How true partnership can be nurtured by allowing choice, whether you ride your horses or not.
Key Links:
- Horse to Heart Wellness Website: https://www.horsetoheartwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horsetoheartwellness_inc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horsetoheartwellness
About the Guest:
Tammy DeGraw, RYT-1000 (candidate), is an equine guided wellness facilitator and yoga teacher trainer. She is the owner of Horse to Heart Wellness, a trauma-informed yoga school. Tammy discovered yoga during her transition from a long career in healthcare to emergency services. She is a well-known, highly respected yoga teacher with extensive education in multiple disciplines of yoga. Using her certificates in meditation, mental health and trauma, equine-guided yoga, and more, Tammy leads and supports students in developing the skills of yoga in a way that accommodates their own needs and goals.
Intro Music by Brenda McMorrow – All One Song from the album “My Heart Bows Down to You”. brendamcmorrow.com
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