I called Warrior’s Soul because I had been having major attitude and anger problems with my 11-year-old daughter. I felt like I was at the end of my rope and I was ready to send her off to military school. Mell and Dawn both talked with me over the phone and seemed eager to help us.
My daughter and I were both nervous for our first meeting with Mell and Dawn but they quickly put us at ease. We also met two horses named Cassie and Foxy. I thought the counseling/therapy would be just for my daughter but they are working with both of us since our issues affect both of us and we both react to the problems. On our first visit, we helped brush the horses as we talked about what was going on in our home. It was easier than I thought it would be.
One of the first things we learned was that we can’t lie around the horses. They can sense everything we are feeling, even if we can’t put a name to it. Even though we have only been going a short time I have already seen a difference in the relationship with my daughter. I have been to counseling on my own in the past and was not looking forward to going again. I always felt like our problems were “my fault” and we had to fix them without knowing why we were feeling or reacting the way we were.
Having the horse feels safe and comforting. They react with the changes in our spirit. They do seem to know what we need. I am eager to continue our visits with Mell, Dawn and the horses with my entire family. I know that would be wonderful for my family. I am thankful that this is available to us and would recommend this to everyone! ~KG
Interview with KG’s 11-year-old daughter by Shirley Soto
Q: Have you ever been horse back riding?
A: Yes, in Albuquerque New Mexico last year when I was 10.
Q: What did you like about it?
A: I loved riding with my brother and the instructor. Looking all over the mountains, the view was so pretty. I love to be outside.
Q: Was there anything you didn’t like or that scared you?
A: On the trail ride we were going down a hill and the horse slipped and his back knees buckled for a few seconds. I thought he might fall, but then he got back up and was fine.
Q: How do you feel when you work with Dawn, Mell and the horses at the Batti Ranch?
A: Happy. I like it because it’s fun and I love horses.
Q: Do you work with the same horse each time or different horses?
A: I work mostly with Pegasus, he’s gentle and sweet. Sometimes I work with other horses too.
Q: Does it feel like the horse you are working with can sense how you are feeling?
A: Yes. One time while I was brushing a horse and Dawn or Mell was asking me questions I got quiet and was feeling sad. The horse walked away. I think he felt uncomfortable because of how I was feeling. When I felt better and was happy the horse stayed with me.
Q: Are you learning to sense how the horse is feeling?
A: Yes. Sometimes when I’m brushing the horse if he is uncomfortable he shies away. His eyes look nervous and tense. When he’s happy his eyes are soft. One day the weather was calm and still and the horse stayed real still, then suddenly the wind picked up and he got really playful and followed me all around without at halter.
Q: Can you remember a time when you felt really excited or proud about something you did while working with a horse at the ranch?
A: Yes. When my brother and sister came to a session and I got to teach them how to brush and walk the horse.
Q: Has there ever been a time when the horse did not respond to you ?
A: No
Q: How do you think working with horses helps people?
A: It helps them be better at controlling anger. If someone is mad they can go be with horses and it comforts them.
Q: How has it helped you?
A:It has helped me not treat my brother and sister badly. I stop and calm down when I’m mad at them. When I get mad at my mom I go in my room and think about things.
Q: What is your favorite part about working with the horses at the ranch?
A: Playing the seven games with them and going through the obstacle course. Working with my brother and sister, and giving the horses treats and hugs.
Q: What have you learned about yourself so far by working with horses?
A: Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and I have learned to stop and be more in control. I’ve learned to talk things out and the not getting mad helps me stay out of trouble.