This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
Connecting to Horses: A Path to Mental Health ¶
Nandi Kegode, a 28-year-old equestrian, has found solace in the world of horse eventing. Born and raised in Kenya, Nandi's love for horses began at a young age, and today, she credits them with helping her maintain her mental health.
As a child, Nandi started riding horses at the age of three, but it wasn't until she was nine that she began eventing, a more complex and nuanced form of horse riding that requires a deep understanding between the horse and rider.
"I started riding horses when I was three years old. But, I began real horsemanship at nine when I started eventing," Nandi recalls.
Eventing requires a subtle and intuitive connection between the horse and rider, where the rider must communicate with the horse through subtle cues, such as body language and rein control.
"It is not so much that I pull and kick but something as subtle as that when I look left, the horse will turn left, or when I squeeze he will move forward," Nandi explains.
For Nandi, horse eventing is not just a sport, but a test of the relationship between a rider and their horse. It requires patience, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the horse's behavior and body language.
After a decade-long hiatus from horse riding, Nandi returned to the sport, determined to reconnect with her passion and find a sense of purpose. She credits horses with helping her overcome addiction and depression, and for teaching her valuable life skills, such as patience, empathy, and self-awareness.
"Horses are intelligent, conscientious animals. They know they are being watched, and they will often show off by trotting or performing tricks," Nandi says.
Today, Nandi is a mental health coach, working with individuals to develop emotional intelligence and resilience. She believes that horses play a crucial role in maintaining mental health, and that connecting with nature is essential for our well-being.
"The human condition is so dependent on nature for its well-being — and animals play a huge part in this," Nandi says.
As she continues to compete in horse events, Nandi remains focused on the connection between her and her horse, knowing that it is the key to success and a deeper understanding of herself.
