How Horses Respond to Jin Shin Jyutsu
There’s a number of ways that horses respond to Jin Shin Jyutsu, showing signs that their energy systems is coming into harmony and balance. Many of these are signs of relaxation from the release of pent up stress and anxiety. Others are more physical as the energy moves through their system, creating an experiential difference in the horse.
Chewing, Licking and Yawning
Chewing, licking and yawning are typical of horses who are responding to Jin Shin Jyutsu. Closing the eyes, relaxing the neck and dropping the head is another. They’re feeling safe and calm. Sometimes they become so relaxed that they lean into my hands—increasing the pressure of my hand against them. I never use pressure with horses with Jin Shin Jyutsu.
All it takes is a light touch to make the energetic spark of connection. The rest happens on its own.
Petting and rubbing disrupt the energetic flow. Horses are used to petting and so I may begin what the familiar then slow it down. It may feel good to a horse, but it’s not working in the same way with the energy system. It’s working more on the denser physical body tissue.
Horses may need a reprieve from the physical touch as the energy begins to move. I honor them to take their time to allow them to experience the change. They may circle their stall, facilitating the movement.
Stretching
Stretching is also a common sign of energy movement and relaxation, sometimes combined with closing the eyes and dropping the head. I’ve seen some very crazy-looking stretches of the neck, shooting straight up or curving it in a overstated arch. They may bend their neck down and back between their legs. This may or may not be accompanied by yawning or flexing of their mouth and gum.
Once, a jumper folded itself in half in a position that shocked his trainer. The next day, he jumped as he’d never done before. After a big stretch, the horse may wander over to their stall door or open window and stare into space for a few minutes, processing. Rather than follow them, I wait and watch, moving towards them when they glance at me, indicating they’re ready for more.
Horses may also flex their back and hips, pull up their legs or extend them behind themselves, one leg at a time or in pairs.
Non-Aggressive Kicking
Non-aggressive kicking of a front or back leg is another energy release I’ve seen. I worked with a Morgan horse who was adverse to touch because of a previously abusive trainer. When I arrived, he was turned away from the door with his head in the corner. I called his name, but he remained frozenly facing the walls and refused to turn his head towards me. When I went into the stall, he faced the corner and wouldn’t look at me.
His owner leads him out into the breezeway. When I put my hand even a few inches from him, he’d shiver and shake. He didn’t exactly say no, but he didn’t want me close. I had the owner return him to his stall and stay with him.
I backed off and worked with him off-body, standing at the opposite side of his stall. He relaxed, yawned, and dozed for the total treatment. Afterward, while we were inside enjoying lunch, we could hear him stomping and kicking.
The home was attached to the barn, so it was very loud and clear. There wasn’t any sound of distress so we finished our meal.
I often take photos of the horses I treat and wanted to take one of him too after lunch. When I returned to his stall, there he was, again facing the far corner. I gently called his name. He slowly turned, looked at me, and walked my way.
He put his head out of his door and greeted me with soft eyes and such love. This time, he didn’t shy from my touch. The owner began to cry and so did I. It was an amazing response for a horse that had great difficulty trusting strangers.
Other Responses
Gurgling in the abdominal area is a common effect of energy movement. So is gas, peeing, and defecation. Horses may also vocalize. This can be a snort or deep exhale with sound. The sounds are often not the typical neighing or calling out.
I once had a mare make physical sounds of crying while working with her. I hadn’t known that a horse could make such a sound. It was so clear that there was a deep sadness around it.
The owner didn’t know the history of this mare, so who knows where it came from? I do know that some mares do mourn their foals, especially when they’ve been weaned early and without warning or they’ve died and the mother wasn’t allowed to see them in the case of a sudden surgical delivery.
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an effective therapy for mares who’ve experienced the trauma of a dramatic loss of their foal. II wish every farm would treat both mare and foal before weaning to help both feel safe and secure during the process.
Effectiveness of Jin Shin Jyutsu
Response to a Jin Shin Jyutsu session can be immediate during the actual treatment, or it can be seen in the hours or days following. The responses can be physical, emotional, or a combination of the two.
I recently treated an eventing horse for anxiety related to the stadium jumping portion of the competition in the weeks prior to and on the morning of the event. For the first time, everything went smoothly. No rails down. No heart palpitations and sweating. Just cool confidence.
Others may show improvements in demeanor over time, just seeming happier and more content. Like people, their responses and timing of them are unique to every horse, every time.
Talk With Jennifer
I love working with both humans and animals. If you’re interested in learning more about Jin Shin Jyutsu services for equestrian partners, send me a message. I can help your horse with recovery, performance and behavioral issues.