Independence

As with anytime that you move somewhere new, we have been trying to get to know the nearby area and get involved with the kind of things that we are interested in.  We have become familiar with the kind of language schools around our area as we have been trying to get teaching jobs, but these schools often follow a strict curriculum, or have an emphasis on "English for business".  We also have a strong interest in any projects related to holistic agriculture, environmental protection or similar activities, but we've found little of this going on in the area.

It is becoming more and more clear to us that if we are to get involved in the things which we are interested in we have to pursue them more independently as well. With teaching, we have advertised our independent services through the local village council, and so now instead of being hired in a school with a boss and taxable salaries, we have the possibility of working creatively and on our own terms. It may not work out, but it will all be a part of the learning experience; so next time we can do it better. 

Our desire to be putting our permaculture-related skills in practice may also realise itself in a similar way. While of course we are not averse to getting involved with existing projects, in the immediate vicinity there do not seem to be any. However, what the area does have is acres and acres of abandoned land.  The tourist boom stopped, the economy is in crisis, and most buyers want Moroccan oranges now because they are cheaper than Spanish ones. And what has been left is a lot of potential. We don’t know the best way to utilise this potential yet, but the first step has already been taken. We are here, and we have ideas...

Horse Profile

Shibalba

A true princess; beautiful, always throwing tantrums and demanding the things she feels entitled to.  Shibalba is often to be found biting other horses and charging around after her sister, Serafin.  

Muchacha

Duchess of the horses, this lady is old (27) but still full of energy.  She is also massive!  We've both ridden her and she is good as gold, but she does get bullied by some of the other, younger horses.

Acuario

Often to be found chewing the walls and nearby humans or rubbing his neck on whatever he can find.  Although he looks goofy, he is still clever.  Much comedy surrounds him and he can fart for about 15 seconds solidly.

Rosi

A thoroughbred haflinger, Rosi is a beautiful horse.  She has had at least 8 children and is not the most energetic horse now, but has a regal manner which demands respect.  Both Shibalba and Serafin are her daughters.

Serafin

Daughter of Acuario and Rosi, Serafin is the detective of the group, always looking for mysteries to solve.  Like trying to get into the food store or out of the paddock.  In our time here she has succeeded at least once in each mission.

Learning from horses

We have been working with animals almost every day now for about a month and a half, and have been trying to learn exactly what kind of behaviour is most effective towards building relationships with them. 

Horses can sense more than just fear.  Even if you are just a little uncertain about your intentions, they will either take advantage of this or respond with uncertainty themselves. The horse isn't just being ‘naughty’ and not doing what you ask of it, but is feeling insecure, and its actions reflect its confusion. 

On the other hand, we have found that the horses' insecurity can be useful, if risky. Twice a day we have to stop Shibalba from bullying, biting and taking food from Muchacha (who is lower down in the horse-hierarchy).  This is generally impossible most of the time, but at feeding time she must allow Muchacha to eat.  

One rainy day this suddenly became much easier; Shibalba did not know what the strangely flapping new bat-like creature coming towards her could possibly be (actually, it was Dave in a poncho), and kept her distance. However, flapping at an insecure horse is not really recommended; her insecurity could very easily have resulted in the ‘creature’ getting a kick. 

On the whole we have found that the calmer and more certain you are towards the horses the calmer and more responsive they are. Whilst interacting with people and horses is certainly different, many lessons can be applied with fellow humans.