Portugal: Day 14

by Kathy 15. April 2011 21:15

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Burgau & Holistic Horse Lessons

It was a sleepy morning in Burgau:

Two small fishing boats were parked near the water’s edge, which was very high today:

Once again, the ocean’s energy attracted Genevieve, who dared the waves to catch her:

The ocean splashed vigourously against the side of the narrow road along the sea wall, making our drive out of town even more exciting today than yesterday.

Even with our technique for scooting across just as the waves started to recede, the kids still thought the crossing this morning was “freaky.”

When planning our journeys, I try to find unusual or different experiences for us to share—something that we haven’t tried before. Today, we were off for some horse riding lessons. Although Ben rode horses when he was younger, the kids and I had never received a lesson. However, these weren’t ordinary lessons about how to ride a horse. Instead, we would be learning a “holistic” way in which to move in tune with the horse’s energy.

Our instructors would be Andreas Endries and Antonia Lehrach, the owners of Holistic Riding. Both share a tremendous respect and love for horses, which is an integral part of their teaching. Andreas has said: "It is very important to me to help people to understand, that the horse is always doing a great job. Because it’s only job is to be a horse! The rest is with us. It is our duty to respect this most beautiful creature and to learn their language – for they will never speak English! And a physical dispute would be futile!"

I was really looking forward to this experience, as I was hoping to overcome a fear of horses that had begun as a young child when I had been thrown from a relative’s horse. This fear had been embedded further by subsequent events, including being bitten by another horse as an adult.

I also wanted Genevieve and Sebastian to have a comfortable interaction with the horses, learning to ride with confidence.

The stables for Holistic Riding were in the rolling hills about 20 minutes from Burgau. As we drove through the countryside, we passed a number of humongous wind turbines that the government had recently installed.

Andreas had two horses ready for our lessons this morning.

The smaller horse was Pacha, a mare with a gentle personality that was perfect for the children. Here is Genevieve leading Pacha to the riding arena:

We started our session with breathing and stretching exercises, making us aware of the energy within our own bodies. Then it was time to synchronize that energy with the horses. Antonia worked with Genevieve and Sebastian.

First, Genevieve and Pacha became more acquainted, with Genevieve leading her around:

Then, Genevieve was up and riding on Pacha’s back, with Antonia guiding them:

An important part of riding is developing trust between the horse and rider. Here, Genevieve is learning to trust Pacha by closing her eyes:

Then by lying down on Pacha’s back:

And running together:

Later, Genevieve sat on the sidelines while Sebastian took a turn:

Antonia gave Sebastian some pointers on how to lead Pacha:

Up on top!

Whoa—don’t fall off!

Sebastian was getting comfortable moving around on top of Pacha, including facing backward:

The ultimate show of confidence was standing up!

Andreas worked with Ben and me, each taking turns with a stallion named Tatoari. Ben went first. Andreas gave Ben some pointers on positioning his body when interacting with the horse.

Ben was used to horses, and has a very centered energy, so he rode with easy grace.

My experience was not so easy, and much less graceful. Here I am on the horse at last!

Andreas was telling me to “just relax.” I was telling myself those words, and trying very hard to comply, but I just couldn’t find that “happy place.” Here I am trying to make my mind relax by slouching my body:

However, it‘s not quite that simple!

Andreas told me to let go of the reins and just sit while he kept up a brisk pace:

There were no saddles on the horses, so sitting on top really did require me to focus on moving with Tatoari’s rhythm.

Slowly but surely, I was starting to relax. Then Andreas threw some more difficult challenges at me, such as sitting sideways:

And backwards:

(This was not as easy as it may look! And I was trying very hard to center my energy and relax, relax, relax.)

Then came the “lying down” part, which seemed to be fine when we were standing still.

However, as soon as Tatoari started walking, I felt totally awkward and uncomfortable. I couldn't figure out how to hold onto the horse, and I was definitely not relaxed:

As a horse would do, I balked. I sat up quickly, saying, “This position isn’t working for me!”

Then, it was time for Andreas to step back and let me fly all on my own. I was supposed to guide Tatoari around some tires back and forth.

I did fine for a bit and then got confused regarding which way I was supposed to move the reins to turn. Ai-yai-yai.

All I can say is Tatoari took great pity on me and was very forgiving for all my mistakes. He seemed to be the one who was in tune with me, instead of the other way around, and he never once did anything aggressive or displayed any irritation at my ineptitude.

The best thing was that any fear or distrust that I had had with Tatoari completely melted away by the end of our session. Andreas had helped me to gain new insight into connecting with horses, and I was able to shake free of my old mindset—a miracle!

We ended the day with a short ride up some trails behind the farm. Genevieve rode Pacha, and Ben rode Tatoari, who was not so forgiving with him. (I’m not sure if that was because they were both males.)

Teaching someone technical skills takes talent, but being able to reshape how someone thinks and feels takes someone who is truly gifted. Andreas and Antonia both have that gift, and for that I am very grateful.

Antonia, Andreas, Sebastian, Genevieve, me, and my pal Tatoari:

Pacha with the kids, as Antonia hugged Genevieve goodbye:

Back in Burgau, Genevieve and Ben headed down to the beach, while Sebastian and I relaxed in the apartment:

Tonight for dinner, we ate at a very good restaurant, Esquina (which means “corner”), near the center of town, just up the street from our apartment. The owners Jorge and Natasha Seromenho did a great job of serving up fresh and delicious food.

Sebastian was thrilled with his big bowl of mussels:

Natasha shared with us the background story of their restaurant. Jorge grew up in Burgau, and he met Natasha during one of her family’s many vacations here from England. They fell in love, and were married in 1998. They moved to England but found themselves working hard so that they could come back to Burgau on their vacations. They decided to return for good in 2007 and built this restaurant, which has their home on the second level. They had obviously put a lot of hard work into fulfilling their dream, and we wish them much success!

This was our last night in Burgau and the Algarve area. The town had worked its charm during our three-day visit, leaving us completely relaxed (and happy!).

Genevieve got a ride back to the apartment, held tightly with much love—surely the best kind of ending to an amazing day!