MEMORIES OF JOCK
written by Deirdre Bruce, Instructor and Practitioner, N Ireland
In 2004 I adopted an elderly thoroughbred gelding (named Jay) who had a number of serious issues - including bolting when ridden.
Our Instructor here in Ireland, Heather McReynolds, came to help him and when it became apparent that she would be needed on a regular basis to try to keep him any way comfortable - and it was obvious that he loved Equine Touch - I was persuaded to learn.
The first two levels were taught by Heather so it was when I decided to do the Level 3 course that I met Jock - who made an immediate impression on me and not just as a fellow Scot!
Here was someone who had been all around the world, developed an amazing range of skills, but had found himself dedicating his life to the welfare of horses by teaching the wonderful modality of Equine Touch, developed by himself and Ivana, to humans.
That course was amazing!! It was there, at the Natural Horsemanship Centre in Wales, that we met not only Jock but also the No1 UK, Equine Touch horse ‘Que’ who responded so amazingly to his sessions that when we all said we wanted to take him home - Lyn did just that!!
This wonderful photo was taken then of Que lying down in the School processing the work, totally chilled with Jock lying in front of him. The photo featured as an ET Magazine Caption competition!
Subsequent courses at Homeway Farm have always included the ever-accommodating Que and both he and Lyn have since taught an enormous number of student over the years.
Jock demonstrating ‘Stifle Move’ with Que and Lyn
The Advanced course in Wales was the first time that many of us had seen Jock in action and I was amazed at his ability to see what was going on for both horses and students - as some of us were very experienced with horses and others not so much.
He taught us to stand back and look at the horse for clues as to what might be going on with it before stepping in and working; to feel what was beneath our hands and the horse’s response, whilst always mindful of the Equine Touch Mantra - Accuracy, Integrity and Intent (AII).
He terrified us with ‘Slaughter Alley’ where we stood in the class group, waiting to be called forward to demonstrate specific procedures (the smaller individuals, like myself, hiding behind the others, but inevitably being spotted!) and then having our technique and accuracy critiqued by Jock and the other group members.
At least having had many years as a teacher, I was used to having to stand in front of others and demonstrate stuff, but it was still hard!
Other courses followed, including ‘ET and Beyond’, mostly at Homeway Farm (Lyn’s place near Glastonbury).
Jock and Ivana’s annual Pilgrimage to the UK was a fixture for most of us and we looked forward to renewing our acquaintances, meeting new ETers and hearing more tales of Jock’s experiences over the years as he had done so many amazing things prior to, and since, developing and teaching ET with Ivana.
Jock presenting Practitioner Diplomas to my group
Jock enjoyed nothing more (or so it seemed!) than sitting with us (before/after classes - or over meals) regaling us with his stories and, if he was a bit slow in getting the day’s teaching started, Ivana’s head would pop round the door to remind him to get moving!
One thing I would encourage all of you to do - especially if you didn’t know Jock personally - is to see if it is possible to read not only his amazing book ‘From Zero to Hero’, but to access his Newsletters which each addressed a different issue relevant to Equine Touch.
Many of these have been included in what was ‘Jock’s Spot’ in the IETA Members’ Equine Touchin’ Magazine (including a rerun of some over the last few editions), so you may be able to find them.
He wrote eloquently, often including references to others who had influenced his thinking and in so doing, raised our awareness of how we could continue to increase our understanding of what we do as owners (and practitioners).
He will never be forgotten and I hope that all who knew him will be able to pass on the essence of what it was to have had him as our amazing Teacher and Leader!!
Happy Birthday, Jock