Dancing Under the Moon: The Night I Joined Princess Adira’s Herd
Last night was one of those soul-touching moments that remind me why I fell in love with horses in the first place.
It started like any other evening with Princess Adira, our young and breathtaking Gypsy Vanner. Usually, we enter the round pen or arena with a plan. Training goals, groundwork exercises, maybe a light ride. But this time, something told me to do things differently. To let go of the “work” and simply be with her.
So I stepped into the pasture with no agenda. No ropes, no halters, no commands. Just calm, quiet presence and an open heart.
I gently stroked her neck, ears, and face. I whispered softly, softly blew into her nostrils, and matched my breathing to hers. And in that stillness, something powerful shifted.
She looked at me not as her trainer, not as her rider…but as one of her own.
The Psychology of Bonding: Understanding the Horse’s Heart
Horses are prey animals, and as such, they rely deeply on the herd for safety and trust. Their communication is subtle. Energy, body language, intention. They don’t speak our language; we must learn theirs.
To bond with a horse is to earn a place in their inner circle…their herd. It’s not given easily, but when it happens, it’s magic.
Adira, usually shy and reserved, began to mirror my energy. She stayed close, breathing with me, watching me. And then, without any cue, she galloped alongside me across the moonlit pasture. We danced together, completely free, in total harmony. It was liberty in its truest form.
I felt joy so pure, it rooted me fully in the moment. No pressure. No expectations. Just deep connection.
How to Bond With Your Horse: Steps to Build Trust
Whether you have a Gypsy Vanner or any other breed, these steps can help deepen your relationship:
- Be Present: Leave distractions behind. Horses feel your energy and intention.
- Spend Time Without Demands: Groom, breathe, or just sit near them with no agenda.
- Match Their Energy: Be calm and grounded. They’ll start to sync with you.
- Watch Their Cues: Ears, eyes, breathing, movement. They’re always communicating.
- Reward Curiosity: If they approach or interact with you, meet them with kindness and openness.
What Is Liberty Work?
Liberty work is training without ropes or tack, where communication happens solely through body language and energy. It starts with trust and grows into mutual understanding.
You’re not controlling the horse, you’re inviting them to choose you.
From simple following exercises to synchronized movement and advanced liberty patterns, this form of work builds a strong emotional and psychological bond. It’s my dream to develop this further with Adira.
If you’re curious about liberty training, I highly recommend this highly rated book, The Art of Liberty Training for Horses, perfect for beginners and advanced horse lovers alike.
Why Gypsy Vanners Shine in Liberty Work
Gypsy Vanners are incredibly intelligent, intuitive, and eager to connect. They’re quick learners, emotionally sensitive, and full of personality. Adira reminds me every day how capable and aware these horses are and how much they want to partner with you, not just perform.
Their calm demeanor and deep emotional intelligence make them ideal for liberty work, therapy settings, and deep human-animal bonds.
Want to groom the bond even further? This Weaver horse grooming kit includes all the essentials and is great for bonding sessions.
Join the Journey with Us
If this story touched your heart, come follow along on our journey with Adira and the rest of our healing herd. I share our adventures, our quiet moments, and our growth together as a farm family:
And be sure to visit our blog to read more beautiful stories and learn how to connect deeply with animals and the land: BLeavesFarms.com
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