The Power of Horses in Reiki
The other day, Bo and I, as Reiki practitioners and barefoot healers, had the profound opportunity to conduct a Reiki session with two clients, guided by the gentle yet potent presence of horses. From the moment we began, the experience was transformative, with not a dry eye in sight. The horses seemed to intuitively tune in, offering support and solace with a depth of sentience and empathy that left us all in awe. Their palpable understanding of our energy work demonstrated the unique synergy that unfolds when humans and animals connect on an energetic level.
The Electromagnetic Field of the Horse’s Heart
Horses are known for their large and radiant electromagnetic fields, particularly emanating from their hearts. Studies show that the average horse’s heart generates an electromagnetic field five times larger than that of humans, extending well beyond the physical boundaries of the body and impacting all beings within its range (McCraty & Atkinson, 2019). This field carries vibrations that have been shown to interact profoundly with the nervous systems of humans and other animals, offering a calming influence and a sense of security.
The influence of the heart’s electromagnetic field is well-documented in HeartMath research, which explores how our own heart rate variability can synchronize with others in our proximity, promoting coherence, relaxation, and stress reduction. When a horse is calm and present, this coherence effect can be particularly powerful for humans, amplifying the therapeutic experience. In a Reiki session, where intention and energetic exchange are already heightened, the presence of a horse can magnify the energy field and radiate calm, helping to anchor and amplify the energy flow for the benefit of both the recipient and the practitioner.
Sentience and Energy Sensitivity in Horses
It’s not just the electromagnetic field that makes horses remarkable partners in energy work, their sentience and sensitivity to emotional states play a crucial role as well. Horses have been shown to read subtle cues from humans, even picking up on changes in heart rate and breathing that signal shifts in emotional states (Proops et al., 2018). They respond intuitively, often positioning themselves close to those needing support or calm. This sensitivity enables horses to act as co-facilitators in Reiki sessions, aiding practitioners in identifying energy blocks, relieving stress, and helping clients access deeper states of emotional release and healing.
During our session, the horses moved around in different way, each step and turn mirroring the energetic flow. There were moments when the horse was releasing their own energy by mouthing the couch, and at one stage one horse showed a purging like behaviour. There was a moment where one horse stood still, eyes half-closed, as if in deep meditation, beside one of our clients who was experiencing a wave of emotion. The synchronicity was remarkable, almost as if the horse had entered the same energetic field we were tapping into – a field of pure, supportive presence.
The Healing Power of Shared Energy
Energy healing is grounded in the understanding that all living beings emit vibrations. When we bring humans and animals together in intentional healing spaces, a unique energy dynamic unfolds, amplifying the potential for emotional release and physical healing. The mutual exchange between humans and animals during energy work such as Reiki can open a pathway for transformation that might otherwise take longer to achieve.
This recent experience with Bo and our clients offered clear evidence of the healing power that horses bring to the table. The compassion, patience, and grounded energy radiating from each horse seemed to awaken an untapped inner peace within each of us, reinforcing the notion that animals, and particularly horses, can hold space for profound shifts in a safe, nurturing way.
What’s Next?
As we explore the expanding role of animals in energy healing, we’re excited to share that a full video of this recent session will be available soon.
In addition, we are preparing to offer treatments involving horses for those seeking a unique and holistic approach to their healing journey.
Through this work, we aim to bring the therapeutic benefits of equine energy into more people’s lives, providing a powerful bridge between human wellness and the natural world.
Stay tuned, and may we continue to embrace the wisdom of these sentient beings who remind us of our connection to all things.
References:
McCraty, R., & Atkinson, M. (2019). Science of the Heart: Exploring the Role of the Heart in Human Performance. HeartMath Institute.
Proops, L., Grounds, K., Smith, A., & McComb, K. (2018). “Animals Remember Previous Facial Expressions that Specific Humans Have Exhibited.” Scientific Reports, 8, Article 10014.
