Simplify: Horse whisperer shows there’s another way

Shawn Tuttle is the author of Simplify, a regular feature of the Nevada City Advocate.

Bert approached Taylor, sang to him a little, stroked his neck, and then walked away. Taylor, who typically doesn't like big guys, followed him. Somehow, he was hooked.

Horses and teeth-cleaning don't mix. Actually, not much compliments a good teeth scrape.

It certainly doesn't come close to a nice relaxing haircut at the salon. I sink into the chair, close my eyes, and enjoy the combing and pulling - a delightful scalp massage.

If only it were so pleasant scratching the plaque off of the pearly whites. In the dentist's chair, I can't seem to unclench my fists. Mind-over-matter self-talk helps a little bit, but not much.

I imagine that a horse doesn't try much by way of mind control. The thought process probably focuses on when and how hard to kick.

So then, why did a story about a horse's teeth getting cleaned bring warm fuzzies to my heart and a glistening of moisture to my eye? The story goes like this:

My friend, Courtney, has a mustang named Taylor. Even though the horse is usually very sweet and even-tempered, he is drugged when it comes time to clean his teeth. It sounds like tranquilizing is a pretty common practice for the safety of the technicians and the comfort of the animal.

Several people referred Courtney to a man named Bert to do the dirty deed. Much to her surprise, when he showed up he said that he prefers not to use drugs. Courtney, an excellent horse woman who has a great rapport with her horse, nodded, all the while thinking “How in the world?!?”

Bert approached Taylor, sang to him a little, stroked his neck, and then walked away. Taylor, who typically doesn't like big guys, followed him. Somehow, he was hooked.

  Bert sang and rubbed some more. After another five minutes, he gently moved his fingers to Taylor's mouth and before you know it had begun the teeth-cleaning procedure.

  Taylor was completely fine with this and, in fact, looked almost relaxed. No drugs, no freaking out, no protests of pain. This Bert sounds like the horse whisperer of the equine dental world!

  I told Courtney I'd like to interview this Natural Professional - this man who has so adeptly combined passion and skill that to just call it work seems a disservice.

  Whatever he does, it’s obvious that he loves these animals and has mastered his trade to the point of art. He’s able to be completely present in the moment and connects with his “patients” in a way that engenders trust, comfort, and confidence.

  His reputation precedes him. Not because he spends big bucks on advertising, but because his clients witness the high caliber of his work and spread the word.

  The telling trait setting him apart as a natural professional, though, is his willingness and ability to observe a different guidance than what he likely learned in school. Call it intuition, a gift, an art … he doesn't have to listen, but he does.

  This is a skill anyone can develop, no matter what your art or trade is. Imagine a world of people working naturally like this - slowing down, tuning in, and connecting. It might even be fun to go to the dentist.

  Shawn Tuttle is the author of Simplify and the founder of Project Simplify. The next Natural Professional program begins in April. For more information, visit www.ProjectSimplify.com