When I met the lovely Emma Rourke of Hephzibah UK (see my sneak peek image blog post of Emma), I found her to be a very fascinating person with a wealth of knowledge, empathy and inspiration. I was privileged to take some portraits of her back in summer for advertising purposes and also for her website.
Life has been a bit hectic lately and I am only now managing to catch up showcasing my latest work.
Emma runs an equine assisted learning practice, where horses help people with a wide variety of challenges from anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, to personal development, mindfulness and wellbeing. Emma works on a one to one basis and also runs group workshops.
Her discovery session vouchers could make a unique present for Christmas or any other special occasion for someone to experience connecting with horses, nature and themselves. No horse experience is necessary, as all interactions are conducted on the ground in a safe, professional and non- judgemental way. Why not see what spending time in the presence of horses can do for you.
For more information about one to one equine assisted coaching sessions, her discovery session vouchers or her workshops, go to https://hephzibahuk.com/ or email emma@hephzibahuk.com
Emma told me about her herd, in particular about how she met Seve. You can find his story below:
THE WAR HORSE WITH THE VELVET TOUCH
We looked at each other apprehensively, as I was handed the lead rope of the most beautiful grey Spanish horse at the top of a cul-de-sac in my village. I had just taken possession of my childhood dreams and my 50th birthday present, the truth was he had just taken possession of my heart.
So many thoughts had run through my mind after having seen him in Spain, was I mad at my age to buy such a horse? Although I had the privilege of many years horse experience, had I bitten off more than I could chew?
The huge transporter couldn’t get down our lane, so the start of a very special bond was forged on the mile walk back home. It was a cold November day, grey and damp, and his breath could be seen in the air as he took in his new surroundings. There was a moment’s hesitation as he weighed me up, could he trust me? I must admit, I felt the same.
“You have always loved Spanish horses, why don’t you look for one?” Sitting in Spain, sipping a gin and tonic, my husband’s suggestion seemed too good to be true. I was about to turn 50, after a difficult year, my beloved Irish draught, Taz had ruptured both check ligaments and I had tried everything to help him that I knew. His riding days were certainly over, and he was in a lot of pain and the vet had said box rest indefinitely, I felt at 22 this was no life for a horse, so the agonizing decision to say goodbye to him had been made, he wasn’t enjoying life anymore. He had been my friend, kind, honest, reliable and had been with me for 8 wonderful years. I was heartbroken, he had given me confidence in mid-life and had been with me through the good and hard times.
The next day we found ourselves in a typically Spanish stables to look at some horses. I had always loved the grace and beauty of the Spanish horse, drawing them as a child on my rough books at school, (which often got me into trouble), but I had never experienced them first hand till now.
25 beautiful heads looked in my direction and I started to mentally decide which ones may be my next partner. Having narrowed it down to 3, I spent time observing them and then had the opportunity to ride.
The first two, although stunning, didn’t have the connection I was seeking. The grey baroque type stallion came out. He was compact, powerful with a magnificent mane and tail. I was drawn to his kind eye, when he allowed me to ride him, he felt smooth, like silk, careful, yet bold. He gave me a feeling of safety, even though he was extremely powerful.
His name was “Decidido” which means I have made my decision, it was very appropriate, but we called him “Seve” at home after the famous golfer.
There were so many new things for him to adjust to in England, the climate, the grazing, being turned out in a field. Most Stallions don’t have much social contact with other horses, and for that reason I had him gelded. Being turned out initially was difficult for him, and he stood at the gate wanting to come back in, we took a long time to integrate him into the herd, he really was quite an innocent with other horses and they picked on him, it seemed to make his bond with me even stronger.
Those early days hanging out with him in the pasture, grooming him and just enjoying each other’s company we started to really get to know each other.
My life and career were changing, I had been a riding instructor, event rider, and dressage judge, but I was about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, training as an Equine Assisted Facilitator of Human Development with IFEAL. I thought I had a pretty good idea of how to read a horse, but what I was learning, was that they were reading me. Seve was no exception, he could be anxious and reactive, yet so gentle when I gained his trust and learned to regulate my own emotions.
I used to be a very fearful and anxious person. Growing up with alcoholism had made me hyper vigilant to other people’s moods and atmospheres. Horses were my escape where I didn’t have to think, I could “just be”. There is nothing more comforting than the steady sound of horses munching hay, or the soothing, pungent smell of horse when you are overwhelmed with sadness. It was during these times that I learned so many life lessons.
Although I loved horses, I was also fearful of them and each one taught me different lessons, to trust in something bigger than myself, to be patient, to persevere and not give up, to be courageous when I felt afraid. To be honest with my feelings and not bury them.
The night before I made the decision to buy Seve, my over anxious mind tossed and turned as I lay in bed. Was I being selfish buying another horse? With two adult children and one teenager, life was becoming a little easier practically, could I manage family commitments and a new horse? A still small voice whispered in my ear, “I am going to give you a war horse”. I didn’t realise at the time that his breeding and bloodline traced back to the 15th Century when horses were used in battle between the Moors and Spaniards. I took this as confirmation that he was the one.
This powerful war horse has proved to be the most intuitive, empathetic partner, his specialty is people who are anxious, fearful and broken, allowing them to experience his grace and power, in a way as soft as velvet.
Seve has taught me about trust, relationship, connection, but most importantly he has taught me about unconditional love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut or have a swelled head. Doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “Me first”, Doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep a score of others wrongs. Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. Always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.
Seve has found his forte as a partner in my equine assisted learning business Hephzibah. The war horse with the velvet touch captivates people from all walks of life and mirrors love to them through his soft brown eyes.
Emma Rourke
Currently I am running a Christmas promotional offer (find out more here). You can contact me either by filling in the contact form or giving me a call on 07950 025 492.
You can see more images on my Instagram account, follow me to be kept updated.
