While fires raged in Los Angeles another incendio was playing out in San Diego, California. In a small horse country town of Bonsall a wild fire broke out fanned by winds of 50-80mph. Embers flew from tree to tree catching and igniting at a breathe's notice. Fire paced through trees, brush, grass, palm trees and homes. Horses stuck in their cells were freed only to run into flames, inhale smoke or be saved by the grace of God. It was rampant and chaotic. It was hot and it was surreal - all in the blink of an eye.
As an animal communicator I felt drawn to visiting the large animal evacuation shelters providing solace and reassurance for displaced horses. Some of them were accompanied by their owners while others waited patiently for their owners to find them, while others were rescued from hellishness only to find themselves at the epicenter of the fires mercy. As I made my way down the aisles each and every cell was occupied and one by one each and every horse emerged to greet me. Each of them had different needs. Each had experienced the terror in a different way. As I stopped at each cell the horses were grateful they could be heard. Cathartic yawns, chews and quivering lips moved from one horse to the next and the next and the next......... sadness hit me in the gut like waves of water as I went down the rows and rows of horses.
Copyright Chiara Marrapodi
Then I came across a ray of light....a recently gelded Stallion. Calm, collected and with the kindest eye. He watched as I moved from horse to horse only for me to be drawn again and again to him. I had told all the rescued horses that they are safe now, this horse was different. He had endured a great deal of abuse but he was the kindest and gentlest being. He was bringing in light for the others. He had to stand grounded, calm and tall for them so they could endure the trauma. He was amazing. He started to nudge me and pull the sleeve of the coat I had wrapped around my waist. Pulling it free he hung onto the sleeve only for me to tickle his muzzle and ask him to drop it which he did. We played these games on and off and then he nudged me 3-4 times sharing a grace and moment that I will cherish forever. Here we are in the picture below....
Copyright Chiara Marrapodi
Animal communication is not all fuzzy and nice. It is about putting yourself aside and being there in the presence of the animals the way they need it not as a projection to make us, the human, feel good. Animals know when you 'see' them and they gravitate to those that are connected. It feels good to be loved, heard and understood.
I write this post in honor of all the animals who lost their lives in the LA and San Diego fires. May they be peaceful and may we learn to connect and be with animals on their terms. It is time.
Note: This gelded stallion is not the norm. I do not advise touching the muzzle of a stallion at all. This very gentle Soul is not often how Stallions (just gelded) present themselves. Always take great care with Stallions.
