I have always loved horses. Since I have been working with Reiki over the past 25 years, I have given Reiki to horses occasionally. One time I was called to give Reiki to a horse that had been down with colic. I will always remember the gurgling noise that came from his belly after a few minutes of Reiki. Next this horse got up and put his head near my heart to thank me. Then he just walked away. It was a powerful and beautiful experience.
Horses also have their own healing light that they share with us humans. I have also been lucky enough to receive healing from horses at Serenity Horse. Horses have an innate healing ability as we humans do too. The powerful heart energy of a horse generates a strong field of light. This field is very transforming and relaxing for us humans. The horses strength of deep presence and peace sparks our healing system. Someday, I hope to incorporate horses in my Reiki work with humans.
Working with animals is similar, yet different than working with humans. It helps to understand how the animal you are working with communicates. This understanding helps you identify when the animal feels comfortable. Whether it is a horse, dog, cat, or any other creature, recognizing their receptivity and relaxation is key. When a person comes to get Reiki, they have already communicated their desire to receive. Whereas, an animal doesn’t have words. They will signal with their body language.
A personal experience
I have been volunteering at Colorado Horse Rescue once a week. After my barn shift of feeding and mucking this week, I was drawn to give a horse Reiki. This particular horse, Ringo, is on the end of life watch list. He is in a lot of pain. (They only euthanize when the vet recommends it as a last act of compassion.)
Instead of just walking in and saying, “Hey, I’d like to give you some Reiki to help with the pain.”, I used other means. I walked into the pen with the three horses. I turned the Reiki on and just stood there facing the sun with my palms up. The horses felt the energy and came closer.
Axl, the bay, was the first to approach me. He was curious and acted like the gate keeper. He got close so I put my hand on him and gave him a bit of Reiki. He didn’t want much and stepped aside sensing my intention to be closer to Ringo.
Then Ringo came closer to me. He sniffed my nose with his nostril right up to my face. A horsey way to get to know you. I just started giving him Reiki when Stevie got closer. Ringo, being in pain, didn’t want to be too close to the other two, so he stepped away.
I focused on Stevie now. Stevie gave me her nose right in my face introduction. It’s very intimate to inhale and exhale with a horse. They can tell a lot about you from your scent. She was a sweetie. If she was a dog, it felt like she would have jumped right in my lap. So I gave Stevie Reiki until she walked away.
At this point, Stevie and Axl had walked away from me and Ringo. They were relaxing on the other side of the pen. This gave me and Ringo peace and space. While watching Ringo’s ears and body for signals, I gave him Reiki. I started at his neck and chest. As I watched him relax more and more, I moved to his belly, by where the girth goes. It felt like I was giving him a hug.
Then I had both my hands on his spine by his withers and hips. I really felt the pain being addressed by the Reiki at his hind end. I must have been with him for 15 minutes before he walked away. When he moved away coincided with when the Reiki had subsided in my hands.
How to work with horses
Working with horses is always magical. With Reiki, you just allow yourself to let the energy flow and create that peaceful loving space around you. The horses will approach you if they wish to receive hands on Reiki. They will walk away when they feel complete. And some will just remain nearby and benefit from where they feel comfortable.
Here are some pictures of me giving Reiki to some horses last summer.
How to get started working with animals
If you are attuned to Reiki you have what you need to start working with animals. If you aren’t familiar with the animal you want to work with, learn their body language. Turn on the Reiki and let them come to you. Just being near you while you are radiating the peaceful loving Reiki light, is enough to support the animal’s healing.
If it feels right, then you can touch the horse, dog or other animal if they approach you. If they move away, that is okay. A horse, dog or cat may come close for hands on Reiki. Then they may edge away. You can still let the Reiki flow hands off. The animal may just me more comfortable with some distance until they get to know you better. That is perfectly fine and the Reiki is still effective from a distance. When the session is complete for the horse or other animal, they will usually move away from you.
I love giving Reiki to animals in person or remotely. If you have an animal in need, I am here to help. I have been doing animal Reiki for 25 years. It’s always a pleasure.
Love,
Christy