In the year 2000, I began using Horse hide in my Drum making workshops. I had mixed feelings
about it at first and wrote about it on an online forum. Here is a reply that I received on the post;
“I am a horse midwife on the largest breeding farm in Canada and we have over 700 head of
horses in total. Mothers, yearlings and newborn. This year I had 200 babies. Sometimes I
actually feel as if I am half horse. I need no words to communicate with them. I have NEVER
trained a horse in my life, rather I ask them what they want to be taught. When I am dealing with
death I also ask what it is that they need me to do to help them on their way.
When I was questioning the use of their hides for A VALUABLE purpose I too, felt a sense of
guilt. When I put this in the form of a question to an ancient mare who was close to death, this is
what I heard. ‘If I can keep you warm and dry...use me. If I can help you walk on glass...use me. If
after I die I can continue to be of a valuable purpose...PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS IS WHAT I
WISH TO DO.’
There will be abuse of such gifts by some as we know, but by honoring such gifts each and
every time we will begin healing all.
When I die if my eyes can help someone see, or my heart help sustain another or if there is
anything of my left over body that can be used for any valuable purpose...PLEASE KNOW THAT
IS WHAT I WISH TO DO.
I carry a small remembrance of my father in a horse hide pouch. And I honor them both every
day.
Blessings,
Lynda"
about it at first and wrote about it on an online forum. Here is a reply that I received on the post;
“I am a horse midwife on the largest breeding farm in Canada and we have over 700 head of
horses in total. Mothers, yearlings and newborn. This year I had 200 babies. Sometimes I
actually feel as if I am half horse. I need no words to communicate with them. I have NEVER
trained a horse in my life, rather I ask them what they want to be taught. When I am dealing with
death I also ask what it is that they need me to do to help them on their way.
When I was questioning the use of their hides for A VALUABLE purpose I too, felt a sense of
guilt. When I put this in the form of a question to an ancient mare who was close to death, this is
what I heard. ‘If I can keep you warm and dry...use me. If I can help you walk on glass...use me. If
after I die I can continue to be of a valuable purpose...PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS IS WHAT I
WISH TO DO.’
There will be abuse of such gifts by some as we know, but by honoring such gifts each and
every time we will begin healing all.
When I die if my eyes can help someone see, or my heart help sustain another or if there is
anything of my left over body that can be used for any valuable purpose...PLEASE KNOW THAT
IS WHAT I WISH TO DO.
I carry a small remembrance of my father in a horse hide pouch. And I honor them both every
day.
Blessings,
Lynda"
Cindy playing for "Gypsy"
-photo by Gypsy's mom, Carolien
