Jill

Why did you agree to participate? 

I agreed to participate for a couple of reasons, the first was to share a small part of my journey with others and second was to help remind me why I have horses in my life.

Solace in a hectic world

Nuzzling

 How do you feel when you are with your animal?  

Hugging

Power

There are so many things I feel when I am with my horse, but calm and free are the first feelings that come to mind.  He is my solitude in a hectic world.

....it's true!!

What have humans said to you to that was hurtful? 

"I didn't realize how deep the words cut until I held the board up....
I was shaking so hard and tears just came"

I had a coach insist that I needed to sell him, she would say things like why would we teach him half steps and put him in a double bridle, he will never be at that level.  What I came to realize was she only saw her ambitions, not mine.  That same person would also say I needed to lose weight....this hit a strong nerve as my ex husband actually told me right after I lost my past dressage horse that he would give me money to buy a new horse when I lost weight (he meant it as encouragement....but it hurt me to the core).
My horses never judge me!

"releasing the hurt"

"The double bridle that I was led to think he would never wear"

What have humans said that was helpful and encouraging? 

There are two moments that stand out in my mind, the first was when my current coach worked on half steps with Luke and I and said how quickly he learned them and the other moments was when I was told it was time to put him in a double bridle.  All the things I was told he couldn't do had all the sudden become look what he can do.  My husband is always encouraging me as well, he is my biggest supporter.

my sanctuary 

so many things I love in this picture 

How do you feel now that you have seen a few of your images… are there more words you would like to put to those images? 

I realized after seeing my photos just how much I truly love Luke he is my soul mate....looking at the pictures brought back all the emotions that happened during the photo shoot.  I also feel it is time for me to refocus my energy. I feel I given a lot to the sport of dressage and to my clients, there have been amazing highs and sometimes lows that I wouldn't trade for the world...but now it's time for me....it is my new journey.

Solace 

love those whiskers

loves to hug

with my dancing partner

"huge emotional energy that everyone felt...it was like a tidal wave"

"the cheeky side of Luke"

What did you learn from this participating in this project?  

I learned to remember to enjoy the journey every single day and that no one, including me, has the right to steal dreams.

"eyes to the soul"

"this is a moment during the photo-shoot where Luke and I experienced a crazy big energy shift"

What do you wish you could share with others, in a way that may be able to encourage them to grow and understand the impact of works upon your soul?

I want to tell people to listen to yourself....you are important.  If people say or do something to hurt you...evaluate if it is your journey or theirs.  Don't be afraid to talk to them how you feel...talk...not text or email...words and feelings are too easily misinterpreted.  Say what you need to then continue on the journey with or without them...it's ok.

"He was "speaking" to me in this one"