Reiki for Horses

Reiki (pronounced “Ray-Key”) is a Japanese word meaning “Universal life energy”. Rei meaning universal, present everywhere; and Ki - the non physical force which gives life to all living things. Reiki quite deliberately has no creed, dogma or religion attached to it so that it is open for the benefit of all. It is, however, Buddhist in its outlook, valuing animals and the environment as a whole along with people.

What is reiki for horses?

Reiki translates as universal life energy and is an amazing energy healing method that originated in Japan. It is offered as an alternative treatment in hospitals such as M.D. Anderson. While it has mainly been used for healing people, in more recent years, those who have learned reiki have realized how beneficial this healing system could be to their own pets and other animals.

What are the benefits of reiki for horses?

·  Because reiki is healing energy, it will never harm you or your horse.

·  If your horse has emotional problems such as those due to a traumatic situation such as abuse, neglect, or a riding accident, reiki can help release and heal those emotions.

·  For behavioral issues such as nervousness, reiki can help your horse relax and reduce their stress and anxiety.

·  If your horse is sick or injured, reiki can help your horse heal more quickly. If your horse is facing a serious illness, reiki can help bring comfort and be a great compliment to conventional treatment.

·  If your beloved horse is dying, reiki can help bring peace and comfort to you and your horse during this difficult time. It really seems to help them relax so they are not afraid and struggling to stay a part of our lives.

 Horse/Equine Reiki is now becoming more and more popular and recognised for the benefits it can provide horses, as well as owners and stable managers, if they also require it. 

Reiki is a form of hands on healing which can bring balance to the horse’s energy and encourage healing on many levels.  So, do any of these sound familiar?

       Low performance / concentration levels

       Overly excitable nature

       Anxious or nervous behaviour

       Stress

       Unhappiness

       Lack of confidence

       Weaving horse

       Crib biting

       Navicular

       Low energy levels

       Tight muscles / conformation

       Restricted movement

       Slow rehabilitation from injury or recovery from illness

Horses respond incredibly well to Reiki energy which is natural, gentle and holistic, taking into account the whole being.  Reiki provides only positive and beneficial changes

 It is important to note that Reiki is not intended to be a substitute for the use of a qualified veterinarian for the diagnoses of illness or  symptoms of concern, but Reiki can enhance and reduce recovery and rehabilitation time on many levels of healing.

It is preferable that a quiet time (if there is one!) is chosen for the treatment to be provided.  Ideally the following will be possible:- 

·         The owner or stable manager is present

·        A familiar space for the horse is used – eg tethered/held in the stable

·         The horse has been fed

·        Exercise is completed  – particularly important for the first couple of treatments

·         Little activity/noise around and about

·        Freedom for the horse just to ‘be’ immediately after the treatment

For the first treatment sometimes I find it is best to work for only 20-30 minutes with the horse just to give it an introduction and establish if this is the right treatment for it.  However, if the horse takes to it immediately then I’m obviously happy to continue for longer.  Flexibility is the key. 

The treatment:-

For the first treatment I spend more time with owner and horse so as to establish what is going on, make notes and see how the horse responds to initial treatment.  This will last approximately 1½ hours. 

From there we can establish a treatment plan if appropriate and all parties are happy to proceed. 

Bookings can be made on a single treatment basis, or block bookings per horse can be made.  Similarly, I can spend the day on-site with you if you have a number of horses to be treated.

The treatment is very simple.  Before entering the horse’s space I will communicate with it and ask permission to enter its space.  I then begin by placing my palms gently on the horse to gain an understanding of where and how I might need to work with it.  I very much tune into the energy then using my intuition and guidance from the energy, I continue to place my hands where they are drawn.  Sometimes I’m working directly with the energy centres of the horse, sometimes I’m literally just following my intuition and sometimes the horse will move and direct me to where it feels it needs the treatment – they know themselves after all. 

Throughout the treatment I will check in with the horse to ascertain it is happy to continue receiving. 

What might happen for the horse during a session:-

·         Natural stretching

·         Relaxed stance

·         Standing very still

·         Lowering of the head

·         Drooping eyes or even sleep state

·         Chewing

·         Licking of lips

·         Yawning

·         Sighing

·         Dropped or quivering bottom lip

·         Deep sense of peace

To close the treatment I will scan my hands over the horse which is just to encourage any negative energy away. 

Immediately following a treatment the horse may:-

·         Just rest

·         Be calm and peaceful

·         Want to eat and/or drink

·         Have boosted energy levels

These are just some examples of how the horse may react; of course this will always depend on the horse.