SPEAKING HORSE: Telling the Story

Speaking Horse Class is a Friendly Trails Horse Rescue and Sanctuary community event. This began as our volunteer class and has expanded to serve the larger community. A chance to meet our rescued therapy horses, check out our volunteer program, and learn some holistic horse keeping and equine assisted growth and learning.

July Theme: Why Groom? There are FIVE reasons for grooming horses, and most people don't know them. In this Speaking Horse Class, we will learn and practice all of them. But it's not just about grooming...it is a deeply impactful mindfulness exercise. When we practice mindfulness with the herd, the energy exchange between human and horse heals both. Come and experience the magic. Bring your favorite soft rag (one that can get dirty.)

Gentle Suggestion: If you use fabric softener or scented laundry detergent, the horses will be more comfortable with you if you wash your clothes (and rag) with 2-3 cups of distilled vinegar to remove the scents.

Each month the class is centered on a holistic horse keeping theme, understanding herd dynamics, holistic horse care and horse training, and how it all relates to our human journey.

Horse lovers, highly sensitive people, parents, and teachers might especially benefit from this class as well as horse owners/riders who hope to improve their relationships with their equine partners. (Though this work is great for dogs as well, your dogs are not welcome at our horse rescue due to liability and distraction concerns.)

Come and experience the magic of working with horses firsthand. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and connect with these majestic creatures. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just starting out, there's something for everyone at our Speaking Horse classes. Don't miss out on this exciting chance to bond with horses and fellow horse lovers. We can't wait to see you there!

Children 9 and older are welcome with adult participation and supervision (and legal guardian signed liability release). Youth 15 and older may attend with a signed parental permission form. We meet in a pasture which has uneven ground and slippery gravel. For these reasons, it is difficult to accommodate participants with limited mobility. (In some cases we are able to offer limited in-place, chair-based tasks, as well as onsite parking, so we invite those with limited mobility to reach out to learn more. Please call to RSVP 415-203-6600, first come, first served.)

Holistic horse keeping methods and perspectives form the primary vision for our rescue. This class is a fundraiser for the nonprofit horse rescue, so please donate what you can, either here or at the class. Directions sent upon registration. This is a volunteer orientation as well. It is an opportunity to meet our herd, both horses and humans, and find out if you might like to get involved. All registration fees are donations to support the rescue herd.

Host or Publisher Alane Freund