I found myself working with a beautiful horse named Taffy, who had been experiencing discomfort and tension in her body.

The space in her paddock was calm, and I knew that I needed to create a safe and supportive environment. 
I began by quietly observing her, noticing the subtle signs of tension in her posture and breathing. I positioned myself beside her, ensuring she felt my presence without feeling pressured. I took a deep breath, allowing my exhale to flow slowly and steadily, creating a rhythm that I hoped would resonate with her.
As I breathed out, I focused on holding space for Taffy and whispering a prayer to help me, help her. . . encouraging her to mirror my breath, she did!  Each time she exhaled, I offered her a soft reward—a gentle stroke on her neck or a soothing word of encouragement and a treat. I could see her body begin to relax with each release of breath, the tension slowly melting away as she became more attuned to the rhythm we were creating together.
With every exhale, I noticed her muscles softening, and her eyes seemed to reflect a sense of relief. I continued this process, breathing deeply and rewarding her for each breath out, reinforcing the idea that releasing tension was not only okay but welcomed. 
Over time, Taffy began to understand the connection between her breath and her body. The discomfort she had been holding onto started to dissipate, replaced by a newfound sense of ease. By simply holding space and being present with my breath, I was able to guide her through her discomfort, helping her realize that she could let go of the tension and embrace a more relaxed state.
In that moment, it became clear how powerful breath can be—not just for us, but for our equine friends as well. Together, we created a beautiful exchange of trust and understanding, allowing our horses to find her way back to some comfort and peace.