Live Your Dream: Celtic Blessings, Horses, and the Journey Home
Last week, something magical happened. I was standing at the fence feeding Geti, Arc, and Baby their treats when I suddenly felt warm breath and a gentle brush against my head. I turned to find Rusty—the retired endurance star who has always kept his distance—standing right beside me. Even when I’ve brought carrots and apples (what the horse people call “cupboard love”), Rusty has never approached me. But there he was, choosing connection over treats, offering trust instead of transaction. A gentle yet powerful moment.
In that beautiful bubble, as Daisy the Donkey also cozied up to me, it reminded I’m here in Horse Country, and how far I’ve traveled from that boat ride to Santa Rosa Island in Central California years ago. Back then, fresh off an Australian adventure writing a musical, a poem arrived in my consciousness—words that would eventually become “Live Your Dream.” I had no idea that dream would one day lead me to standing at a fence, earning the trust of a horse who doesn’t give it easily. More in my blog: For the Love of Horses.
The Healing Power of Horses
There’s something profound about being in the presence of horses. Scientists have discovered what many of us instinctively feel—horses possess a unique ability to sense and respond to human emotions. Their hearts are ten times larger than ours, generating powerful electromagnetic fields that research shows can have calming effects.
What strikes me most is how horses mirror our emotional state. When you approach them carrying stress or anger, they’ll become restless or resistant. But when you’re calm and present, they respond with gentleness and trust. Studies confirm that spending time with horses lowers blood pressure and heart rate while reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. It’s as if these magnificent animals invite us to be our most authentic selves. Fascinatingly, horses will also match our breathing rhythms. We can not fool an equine when stressed either!
A Neighbor’s Noble Mission
My friend and neighbor runs a rescue farm for horses and donkeys—creatures who’ve been neglected, abandoned, or saved from worse fates. Watching her work is humbling. Every rescued horse receives a personalized care plan to nurture both body and spirit. The dedication required is immense—from veterinary care and proper nutrition to the daily grooming and emotional rehabilitation these animals need. Rescue work isn’t just about saving horses; it’s about honoring their dignity and giving them a second chance at life. She provides a forever home, keeping them to the very last breath they take. I am in awe of my friend, Whitney the Wonderful!💗
The Farrier’s Art
During my time here, I’ve also gained appreciation for the skilled work of farriers—specialists who care for horses’ hooves through trimming and shoeing. In my video, Horse Country, you’ll catch a spontaneous conversation with the farrier as she cleans & trims Baby’s hooves. (Baby’s a little red mustang.)
Farriers typically see 6–10 horses daily, often traveling 50–100 miles to reach their clients. The work is physically demanding—bending over for hours, supporting the weight of a horse’s leg while rasping and shaping each hoof. Proper hoof balance is critical because it influences how horses move and prevents overstressing specific structures in their limbs. It’s skilled work that combines blacksmithing with veterinary knowledge, requiring both physical strength and a gentle touch.
The Journey to Celtic Blessings
The path wasn’t direct. Working at Center for Spiritual Living in Ventura, surrounded by nomadic musicians performing East Indian fusion and smooth jazz, I found inspiration to record my own album. With a small grant, I created “Celtic Blessings”—music that would carry me up and down the West Coast for years, connecting with fellow musicians and music lovers. But it wasn’t until decades later that my journey brought me here, where horses became both my neighbors and my teachers.
Living the Dream
Life is short, yet wherever our journey takes us, living toward a dream—even in small ways—makes all the difference. Whether it’s creating music, volunteering at an animal shelter, or offering a kind word when we’re stretched thin, these acts bring us closer to a better world.
So, with that said, I invite you to enjoy the ride! This 4-minute video brings together these spellbinding animals set to my Celtic-jazz sounds. There’s even that spontaneous chat with the farrier, plus plenty of playful horse personalities on display. Watch, listen, and if it moves you, download the full “Celtic Blessings” album. Your support keeps the dream alive. For those interested in the lyrics of my poem “Live your Dream” here it is!
Life brings so many challenges, on the road to a sweeter dream.
The wheel of life keeps turning when it’s hard to see life’s true meaning.
Life brings so many changes, seems dark shadows haunt your door.
When it feels like you’re tossed upon the sea, hold on to a new reality.
Riding on the wave of quietude like a candle in its solitude.
All good will come at last, all true dreams will come to pass.
Oh, Believe And remember there’s a new thought waiting for you!
So dream a dream and say the word – Say the word and live your dream.
Dream a dream and say the word – Say the word and live your dream. Living in the word of God.
