Once in a while, we receive an enormous gift from one of our followers. This is one of those times!
This Post began on July the 18th this year with the below photo sent to us by Kit in South Dakota.
When I received the above photo, I sent the below comment to Kit.
"Kit, are the decorative markings painted onto the pony? Are they tattooed? Are they “Ceremonial Markings”?"
Kit replied.
The name of the horse in the photo is Chuntay (brave heart in Lakota). Chuntay is an EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) therapy horse who works with many children from Pine Ridge Reservation. Chuntay is my close companion in my work here.
Chuntay is called upon to participate in many ceremonies and celebrations here in and around Rapid City, South Dakota.
Chuntay is painted in this photo as he was at Native Park at a celebration the day before my daughter Amy came to visit.
Traditionally many tribes, including the Lakota, painted their horses as a sign of power when in war. In therapy, native children paint the horses to connect with their culture. It helps them regain their power in life by connecting with horses and their culture, a very strong tool in healing.
I work with Chuntay doing Liberty Training work through connection and no tack (bareback riding). We work solely on consent. It is fascinating, and while Chuntay is fully trained, he helps me learn to communicate using little or no tools, and only my energy and emotions.
Next to Chuntay is my daughter, Amy, who met him for the first time. He left his supper with 8 other horses to greet us! Chuntay led us away from the group to have us alone, and we visited for quite awhile. He was fascinated by Amy and knew of our connection as mother and daughter. Chuntay is a lovely being, and looks so handsome when painted. In the up coming Days of 76 in Deadwood, Chuntay will be in his traditional buffalo regalia costume in the parade.
Whew Huh?
Below are four links to EAGALA and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
And..
From webMD..
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-equine-therapy-equine-assisted-therapy
RED HORSE HEALING
Recently Kit sent us some new photos showing her amazing work.
In the first photo below, Kit is on Chuntay. Kit got to dress the horses for photos with the children in therapy.
Below is an absolutely priceless photo.
Dressed as elves, Simon is on the left and Chief is on the right.
We will finish where we began with the below photo of Chuntay.
Smiling. And WE MEAN SMILING.
Cap and Patti
