1. Freedom to Choose: This is probably going to be my main topic this week as it has arisen in my life in numerous ways. First; freedom of medical choice. The clinic where I was educated in Aleph Tav Body therapy as well as go to for our own family’s health and wellness was raided by the FDA, medical board and local police last week. They pulled guns and crossed a lot of lines; however, they had little power as they left as quickly as they came. Of course, this is likely not to be over and I hope they are held accountable for their unjust actions; but, it’s a raw reminder that freedom to choose is only allowed if it’s along with a certain narrative and if it’s essentially ineffective. Effective work that is for the betterment of people does not fit the narrative and must be intimidated, silenced, stripped out. I hope this gives you the righteous anger it does me and boosts that confidence and boldness to “exercise our rights” in areas that are being impeded on.
   
   
2. Freedom to Choose #2: I have been needing to get an equine dentist out to work on all of my mares. I am 100% against the standard protocol of equine dentistry. It is traumatizing, unhealthy to the structures of the body and disregards the intricate connections the teeth have to the brain, the nervous system, the feet, the whole body. Our teeth are intensely important for proprioception in our body. “Natural” minded equine dentists know these things. They’ve studied the connections. They use less sedation, if it’s even needed at all; many of them that I’ve spoken to can work with the majority of the horses with no sedation at all. This feels right to me. I want this for my horses. But because of “laws” in the state and the surrounding states, none of these talented dentists can legally work on my horses. They work on 12+ horses daily. This is their career. But the fear of WA ruining said careers has stopped them from wanting to help the animals that they have dedicated their life to helping. I of course, am perfectly happy to exercise these rights to the care of my own horses, but I’m not the one with the risk. Where is the natural equine dentist who is equally soft, kind and knowledgeable to horses and bold, courageous and willing to stand against the tyranny and wrong? If you know, send them my way please.
   
   
3. Freedom to Choose #3: I usually wouldn’t choose to write this one, except it further drives the theme and therefore seems fit. There was a facebook post last week on the livestock guardian dog training group I am in. I really like this group. Someone made a post and said they had puppies coming and they had a fence question. Instead of answering her fence question, everyone attacked her about getting more than one dog at a time. I thought, sheesh, she needs some encouragement. So, I shared that we got 2 LGD dogs at a time, littermates and females on top of it (if you know LGD’s this is about the worst combo you could pick), but our girls turned out great, because we were willing to look at the root of the issues and work through them (because yes, there were some issues). Then I answered her fence question. I had little idea I’d get attacked for supposedly encouraging someone to do something “wrong” by presenting my “exception” to the rule that more than one puppy can in fact, turn out okay. It seems society is at this point where autonomy is encouraged, if (and only if) it fits their own narrative (sound familiar?). It’s a picture where right and wrong is based on one’s own belief about something, and their own belief is the only one that stands. If others cross that belief, they must be crucified or silenced for doing so. That is not true freedom nor autonomy. It doesn’t work that way because our own lives, thoughts, circumstances are so vastly different from others, there is one truth but it is displayed in unlimited way, unique to each person with the core truth remaining in the midst. We can’t have freedom and control. It doesn’t work that way. I’m reviewing my life and areas where I may too be illusioned by this dangerous concept and rooting them out.
   
   
4. Moving Forward: This is a recurring theme in the last 3 years. Kadima, in fact, means “forward.” So every day I’m speaking “forward” numerous times. I rode Shmini a bit last week. She has been ridden 3 times over the last couple of years, so we are always a little green. The last two times, she has not wanted to go forward much. I found that the more I pressure her, the worst it gets, so I find that opening up my chest and sending my energy that way goes a lot further with her. Even so, when I was ready to ask for a trot, she distinctly said no, I sent my energy a little further and found myself looking square on at her poll, wondering if we were going all the way over, was suddenly on my feet staring at her butt thinking, “Gosh, I better get out of the way in case she kicks out.” She took a couple jumps, I told her “woah” and she stopped. Disaster avoided, but I was shaking a bit and it was clear to me finally, that she really meant “no.” I have some theories as to why she’s avoiding forward, but it got me to thinking: Where am I hyper-sensitive in my life? Where am I screaming NO and planting my feet? Another searching moment.
   
   
5. Round Pen for Mother’s Day: Since finishing “The Man Who Listens to Horses” – Marty Roberts’ autobiography I have a new desire for learning to “join up” with horses or connect at liberty and earn trust quickly. So, that was my mother’s day request: get our round pen fixed up to house horses instead of dogs. Just a little sand is needed and then it’s ready! I’m excited to start playing with these concepts and the fruit that will come with learning to connect better with my horses.

5 Steps Closer, thank you for coming along.  

Nicole & The Team,

Uriah, Kadima, Birdie, Blondie, Dean, Grace, Rocki, Salily, Shasta & Shmini