Horses Healing Hearts

By Lauren Filter

Horses are wonderful mirrors and teachers—often seeing, feeling, and understanding more than any other human. They help humans process through trauma and tragedy, healing from hardships and heartaches. Horses are big, powerful, and majestic flight animals that truly want a deep relationship and a sincere connection with other beings. When they are out in the wild, horses have their herd. When they are domesticated, people become their herd and, in turn, must step into a leadership role for them. The crucial skills in this book have helped countless first responders, veterans, teachers, modern-day heroes, moms, dads, and people of every age tap into the transformative powers of these graceful creatures through generations of personal, political, economic, and societal unrest.

When horses and humans connect, extraordinary experiences occur.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hawes & Jenkins Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9781637842546

Book preview

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Horses Healing Hearts

Lauren Filter

ISBN 978-1-63784-253-9 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63784-254-6 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Lauren Filter

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Hawes & Jenkins Publishing

16427 N Scottsdale Road Suite 410

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

www.hawesjenkins.com

Foreword by Doug Filter

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Background

Fear of Spectators

Fear of Outcomes

Crucial Skill 1

Intentionality

Crucial Skill 2

Communication

Crucial Skill 3

Energy

Crucial Skill 4

Understanding

Crucial Skill 5

Patience

Crucial Skill 6

Creativity

Crucial Skill 7

Leadership

Conclusion

About the Author

Foreword

As a professional coach and consultant, a student of human behavior, and a dad, I have had the privilege of hearing about the healing power of horses in real time for many years.

Lauren is a woman of determination and grit. Being an equestrian brings beauty, fantasy, majesty, strength, speed, and grace. It's about a relationship built over time and hard work. It's about dreams and success. It's about heartache, broken bones, and tears. It's about sweat and sore muscles and shoveling lots and lots of shit.

At the end of the day, it's about true connection and friendship.

This book will take you on a journey that will touch your soul in unexpected ways. It will show you how the lessons learned in the barn, the competition arena, and the quiet pasture can be applied to every other aspects of life.

As a frontline health-care provider, Lauren will share how she is able to connect more deeply with her patients when they are at their most vulnerable state because of the lessons horses have taught her and can teach you.

From the perspective of an entrepreneur and business owner, you will hear about the inevitable self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and chaotic roller coaster of building your own business. Then you will see how the disciplines learned in the barn and the powerful relationship with a giant friend can help you move past the doubts and fears toward confidence and success.

Over the years, my role in Lauren's life has continuously evolved. I have had the privilege of being a coach, mentor, and consultant as she has matured into the person she is today. My favorite role of all is being a dad! I hope you are encouraged and inspired by this book that has been years in the making. It's quite a journey!

Jeremiah 29:11

—Doug Filter

Introduction

Countless books have been written about setting goals, planning, and motivation. This is not one of those books nor is it a book to teach you about training horses. Rather, the ideas and habits shared are important for living and being a productive member of society while also having positive coping skills to fall back on when life gets tricky.

In this world, we encounter challenges, fears, and uncertainties around every corner. We are afraid of the spectators who we believe are watching our lives in real time or on social media. We are concerned—sometimes, even paralyzed—about the outcome of the decisions we make. You never know when your best friend or colleague is going to get offended and suddenly hate you. You never know when a major shift is going to happen in your perfectly planned world that takes your breath away and drops you to your knees. You never know when an economic crisis or a worldwide pandemic is going to change everything you know to be true. Life happens, and sometimes, it really sucks, but you don't have to do it alone.

Horses can help you heal, cope, and thrive through the good, bad, and ugly.

They can help you build a community of people who understand the primal need to be heard. They can teach you valuable skills that help you intentionally and productively process through your circumstances.

Numerous counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, and other trained professionals are prepared to help you face the challenges in your life. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need help, please seek professional assistance. This book is meant to introduce you to a healthy coping mechanism and a positive outlet but is not in any way meant to take the place of acute help from mental health professionals.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.

Background

Horses have been in my blood for as long as I can remember. When I was a small child, before life became complicated,