The Tao of Equus: A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation through the Way of the Horse - Softcover

Kohanov, Linda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1577314204 ISBN 13: 9781577314202

Publisher: New World Library, 2007

Synopsis

In The Tao of Equus, author Linda Kohanov intertwines the story of how she awakened to the spiritual presence of horses with compelling mythology, research, and personal anecdotes. The result is an extraordinary story of healing and communication that turns our conventional understanding of these amazing creatures upside down.
A horse trainer and equine-facilitated therapy practitioner, Kohanov first began exploring the horse human connection in the early 1990s. When her black mare, Rasa, became lame, Kohanov was plagued by a series of sinister dreams and premonitions. Finally, prompted by her dreams, she canceled a risky surgery to save Rasa's potential career in competitive riding. To relate to the injured horse outside conventional equestrian pursuits, Kohanov immersed herself in the day-to-day activities of the herd. In the process, she discovered that horses are intensely emotional, intuitive, intelligent beings. They are true reflections of our deepest souls. Over time, she discovered their extraordinary ability to awaken intuition in humans, while mirroring the authentic feelings people try to hide, makes these animals powerful therapeutic teachers.

About this title

Review:

The Tao of Equus, which literally translates as "the way of the horse," explores the possibility that horses are highly evolved, spiritual beings who offer humans opportunities for healing and personal growth. Linda Kohanov is the owner of Epona Equestrian Services, an Arizona-based collective of trainers and counselors that explore the therapeutic potential of equestrian pursuits. Although she does discuss horse training and horse behavior, Kohanov is most interested in what horses can teach us. Moving beyond the realm of horse whispering, Kohanov studies how horses awaken intuition in humans while also mirroring our unspoken feelings and fears. At its core, this book reminds us to be mindful as we approach the horse-human relationship. Like human-to-human relationships, we have to do our own personal and spiritual work before we can expect to create a meaningful and cooperative interspecies connection. Kohanov is a steadfast writer who isn't shy about claiming a strong feminine approach, showing how mythology and history are filled with examples of powerful woman-horse connections. She also has the courage to reveal her paranormal experiences with these intensely emotional and intuitive animals--stories that may sound familiar to anyone who has ever loved and dreamed of horses. --Gail Hudson

From the Back Cover:

"A startling challenge to anyone wishing to limit consciousness to humans."
-- Larry Dossey, MD

"Linda Kohanov's stories about the mystery of healing and transformation between human and horse are extraordinary, magical. Linda has done her homework, and her book stands well on its research, but it dances on its stories. A book that can change minds, hearts, and attitudes."
-- Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers

"This work represents an extraordinarily moving account of a gifted thinker, writer, teacher, and horsewoman who dares to venture deep within to explore the truth of the connection that merges horse, human, emotion, and spirit."
-- Riding

"The Tao of Equus is part memoir, part literature, mythology, and philosophy lesson, and part psychology text. More than anything, [Linda Kohanov] had the courage to investigate dreams and visions many may dismiss. As you read, you'll ponder your own dreams and coincidences, and consider what your horse may be waiting to teach you."
-- Horse & Rider

"This articulate, well-researched story brings together many disciplines of learning and weaves a magic carpet for discovery with our horses. The Tao of Equus will allow your imagination to take flight, and give you insight into yourself and your equine partner."
-- The Equestrian News

"This inspirational book would make an excellent gift not only for horse lovers, but for anyone dealing with fundamental questions of grief, sadness, and healing."
-- BookPage

"Effective psychotherapy 'contains' a mysterious energy that synchronously interweaves the interaction of therapist and client. Linda Kohanov takes us on a marvelous excursion of her evolutionary relationship with horses, highlighting equine-facilitated psychotherapy and the Tao energy that horses have to offer in the service of this work. I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in innovative psychotherapy and more than just a superficial look at horses."
-- Fred P. Gallo, PhD, author of Energy Psychology, Energy Tapping, and Energy Psychology in Psychotherapy

About this edition

• Publisher: New World Library
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1577314204
• ISBN 13: 9781577314202
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384