…we often talk about seeking the light, happiness, positivity, growth. All valuable aspirations. But without acknowledging the darker aspects of our nature we cannot fully understand ourselves. Ignoring the shadow does not remove it. It simply pushes it further out of awareness where it continues to influence us quietly…

Early WritingsMel Spittall19 July 2019Comment

Consent + why asking for it matters

…The only real change was that I respected his boundaries and allowed him a choice. Consent does not mean the horse will always say no. In many cases the opposite occurs. When animals feel safe and empowered to make choices, their willingness to engage often increases…

Early WritingsMel Spittall24 May 2019Comment

Right Relationship + Horsemanship

…It begins with recognising that separation is largely an illusion. We exist within networks of relationship with other beings and with the environment itself. When we look at a horse through this lens we see not an object to be controlled, but a sentient individual participating in a shared interaction…