Scared Spaces training and riding principles and techniques are energy and relationship-based. The intention is to achieve lightness, cooperation, and mutual respect between the horse and human. When you learn to reward your horse energetically, there is no need for treats to achieve a desired behavioral response.

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Dr. Susie teaches communion with horses. This is a deep type of connection that is based on mutual trust and respect. It can only be achieved when there is heart, mind, and soul level communication between the horse and rider. 

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Dr. Susie never uses force or coercive training methods to achieve results. Dominance-based techniques, clicker training, and positive reinforcement with treats do not align with the Sacred Space principles, and can actually cause confusion or nervousness in your horse. If that is the preferred method to achieve results with your horse, Sacred Spaces horse training principles are not for you. However, you can apply all the human-based principles and still achieve good results.

Dr. Susie developed her own Trauma and Emotional Trigger Point Release process. She incorporated her knowledge of neuroscience and trauma research into developing this amazing and simple process to help your horse release tension in their body and neutralize emotional and physical/behavioral reactions to various stimuli. 

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A horse's exposure to traumatic events and harsh training methods can result in something very similar to PTSD in humans. A horse's trauma can present training/riding challenges and interfere with the ability of the horse to connect with you, other people, and even other horses. 

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The Trauma/Emotional Trigger Point Release process is completely hands-off and is done from a minimum distance of several feet. Because it is energy-based, it can be done in-person or remotely. 

All of the same Sacred Spaces principles can be applied to your human interactions too! Dr. Susie has a Ph.D. in Psychology, as well as certifications in hypnosis, mental training, and several energy healing modalities. She has numerous techniques to help you explore and resolve your human relationship challenges. 

Dr. Susie is an expert in imagery/visualization and can help you hone your skills in this often overlooked, but extremely powerful mental technique. She can show you the variety of ways that this useful skill can change your life by increasing your focus, memory, and concentration. When you take this skill to the barn, you will soon see your groundwork and riding outcomes improve as well. 

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When asked by Warwick Schiller in his Journey On Podcast, Dr. Susie stated that of all the skills needed to train and interact with horses, the ability to visualize, or mind engineer, was on the top of the list. Backed by decades of research and thousands of scientific articles, learning how to visualize effectively is a skill worth acquiring. 

The Sacred Space is not a location, it is a state of mind and body. It's being present and grounded minus any need, outcome, or thinking attached to it. It's similar to what people describe as being in The Flow, or in The Zone. When you're in the Sacred Space, you also experience a profound sense of peace, gratitude, and serenity. Horses do magical things in the energy of the Sacred Space. 

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You don't have to be meditating or perfectly still to experience the Sacred Space, but you will probably need to start there. In reading the book, you will find a scientific explanation for this experience, but it also has a spiritual component to it. Dr. Susie can help guide you there. 

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Teaching your brain and body to create a Sacred Space takes time and effort. Force, try, and effort are not effective means of reaching this place. Giving up the need for control, going with the flow, and feeling a sense of gratitude will lead you there. You'll know you found it when you're at a loss for words to describe the feeling.