Janet

Why do you agree to participate?

Like everyone involved I feel this is a great project that express the bond and the impact that these animals can give to our lives. I feel honoured to have been asked to be involved. Thank you. 

How do you feel when you are with your animal?

Love. Love is the first emotion. Deep happiness, appreciation, respect and kindness. I did not grow up with animals. My very first introduction was when I was 12 when my father took me to a place that had horses. They let me ride while on a lunge line, I fell off and got right back on. I was a very shy insecure kid and I remembering feeling brave and I absolutely did not want the ride to end. I think I was hooked at that moment.
Years later as a mom I had my girls in riding lessons, letting them live my dream. It wasn't until my children were older that I sought out to learn more myself and take my own lessons. I had fear around these big powerful creatures however my desire to learn and know them more lead me to PARDS where I volunteered and got to know them. As I got to know the horses I also got to know myself. I was seeking happiness and to be a better person. Horses ask me to be true, to be my real self. They help me to shed addictions, to dig deeper, to be a leader, to become a strong, independent woman. They help me become the woman I am today. I owe them my life and because of them I have never stopped trying. The connection comes from some place deep inside me, a souls calling. 

What have humans said to you that was hurtful?

An instructor who also became my friend was frustrated with teaching me. I didn't have natural rhythm and I was stiff and rigid in my body and I admit I wasn't an easy student to teach. In her frustrations she told me she didn't think I would ever get it. That stuck with me forever and I could have quit and gave up anytime, however I keep trying and trying. I wanted to be better, I wanted to ride well, it required me to trust, to let go, to be patience and gentle with myself. At times I played with the thought of quitting, but I could not. Horses are a part of me.

What have humans said that was helpful and encouraging?

I have had coaches who were supportive, kind and patient and positive. For that I appreciate, it helps no matter what stage I was at. When a friend tells me I have a great seat, I like that. It took a lot of rides to get there and even though I may not always have it, the moment when I do is fantastic. 

How do you feel now that you have seen your images...are there more words you like to put in these images?

Wow, first thank you to Sandy and Marilyn whose photography skills are phenomenal. Alot of heart, sweat and tears went into this project.
The photos clearly show the bond between horse and human. To explain a connection that runs so deep almost can not be put into words that would express what really is. I can't imagine my life without them. And what the horses that came into my life taught me are so many experiences and are so precious.Even when I was injured I found the horse I needed to help me get back in the saddle and to persevere no matter what. There are so many words that can encompass all the experiences, that are so rewarding. I still get nervous, I still have fear, I still can lack rhythm however there are times when I breath and feel the oneness when I ride and that is the best feeling in the world. I just got Fargo before this shoot and he is great. I am still learning to be better and he provides the trust, patient and consistency that I need. Words are so powerful and what others say to us and most importantly what we say to ourselves matter. I always say what we think about is what we feel about is what we do about. So be careful with your thoughts and words, they have the power to lift you up or to destroy you.
I just wanted to add the darkness and shadow of the lightning that surrounded the first part of the shoot was once me, my life. 

It interesting or maybe no coincidence that the end of the shoot was filled with light, that is me now in my life!!