My Perimenopause Diaries: Healing with Horses

Dear diary,

I’ve been really looking forward to share with you my latest discovery! I’m totally blown away by my recent experience, that I can wholeheartedly say it was otherworldly, and may I say… deeply mystical too!

I’ll save the mystical part for another time.

Who would have thought that having an energetic healing session with horses could be such a profound and powerful therapeutic support on my perimenopause journey? I mean… what?!

Let me explain.

Since I first heard about this therapy a while back, it’s been sitting in the back of my mind. Even though I’d never petted a horse before (and I’ll admit I was a little scared of them because of stories I’d been told that put me off); something in me was deeply attracted to it and I would watch many instagram posts of them.

Guess what? As soon as I found a place, I contacted them at the speed of light. I eagerly waited a few weeks for my appointment… And then the day arrived.

To get there felt like a little pilgrimage. An animal sanctuary in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature and so, so, so much beauty.

First, I was greeted by the dogs. Then the sheep, named bimba and lola. Then came mama donkey and her baby! I had no idea that donkeys are considered the dogs of equine world as they are very sociable and affectionate; crave attention and love to be petted. I learnt that tactile connection equals happiness for them.

Then… the grand moment arrived.

I was brought to the horses, and one by one, they came to introduce themselves. Then came Soul… a female horse, gigantic and absolutely stunning, with a light-coloured coat. I felt deeply overwhelmed by her presence and size… yet she was so gentle, and that’s when we had a shy first encounter.

As I made my way to the therapy table, set under a enormous tree (can you already picture the perfection of this?), it felt as if the horses were looking forward to working on me.

Once I had settled and was ready to start, Mayka, the therapist, asked me a simple question: “How do you feel?”, and I burst into tears. Tears that felt like a release and an energetic recalibration… apparently this is normal in their presence.

Horses have incredibly balanced energetic fields. One of their medicines is their ability to harmonise our nervous system, reducing stress and gently guiding us into a state of deep relaxation, (isn’t that one feeling many of us crave during perimenopause?).

Then came the magic.

Whilst the therapist was doing some Reiki on me, the horses and the donkeys came to assist, sometimes one at a time, sometimes in groups.

One laid her head on my womb. Another placed her own womb on my crown. One rested her mouth on my heart. Another on my throat.

They kicked my legs gently, as if to say: “Stand tall, ground yourself and remember who you are.”

They nudged my ribs, making me giggle, as if to say: “You can soften now. Have more fun woman!”

They worked my body like they knew it better than I did.

Horses are masters at reading our energy, our blockages and imbalances. Therapy with horses has been shown to improve self-awareness and regulate our emotions, amongst other wonderful things. It supports healing on multiple levels.

So much more happened… so much was understood, I will keep those moments in my heart.

What I know is this: I left the sanctuary feeling calm, centred, renewed, and dare I say, changed.

I don’t know if this is the medicine for every woman navigating this wild and wise phase… But I do know I’ve found an important piece of my personal jigsaw, and what better allies to support me on this path than these ancient, majestic beings called horses.

Until next time,

Lara

PS: My deepest gratitude goes to Gabriela from @horizonteanimal.madrid for being such a devoted caretaker and for creating a magnificent equine sanctuary; to Mayka from @sentir_caballos for being such a wonderful and intuitive therapist; and, of course, to all the incredible horses and donkeys who held me so lovingly.