What Waits Beneath the Surface

What Waits Beneath the Surface: Matilda, Mystery, and the Art of Listening

In this week's reading of Stable Roots on Relatively Stable, I share the story of Matilda—a big draft mare with an even bigger presence, whose lessons continue to ripple through Bramblewood Stables and beyond.

What began as a dream—a nighttime visit from Matilda galloping through a dark, wooded valley, unfurled into a reflection on patience, surrender, and the art of truly listening. Matilda wasn’t the horse I intended to bring into my life, but like the kelpie of Scottish folklore, she drew me into deeper waters, challenging me to let go of control and embrace the unknown.

Through stories of resistance, humor, and the quiet power of stillness, I explore how Matilda became a teacher not just to our students, but to me. You’ll hear about her early days as an unexpected “gift horse,” the battles over ownership, and the pivotal role she played in reshaping our approach to horsemanship.

We dive into the journey that Sarah Farris took alongside Matilda, finding a new rhythm of communication and creating space for horses and humans to connect on a deeper level. And, as the world slowed during COVID, Matilda’s lessons of slowing down and listening resonated even more profoundly.

If you’ve ever felt pulled by the unseen, or if you find comfort in the wisdom of animals, this episode is for you. Matilda’s story is a reminder that sometimes the answers we seek are not out in the world but waiting quietly beneath the surface, ready to rise when we are still enough to hear them.

Tune in to learn:

How a dream of Matilda sparked this reflection on surrender and control

The powerful metaphor of the kelpie and what it teaches about letting go

The journey from traditional horsemanship to a deeper, more intuitive approach

Why the horses of Bramblewood don’t need to “perform” to transform lives

Relevant Links:

Sarah Farris' Blog: The Matilda Project.

Episode One of Relatively Stable featuring Sarah and Matilda’s story: Listen Here

Upcoming Workshop with Tamar Reno: RSVP for Asking a Different Question Workshop

Support the Appalachians After Hurricane Helene: How to Help

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🎧 Listen now and let Matilda’s story inspire you to find your own answers in the quiet places.

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