Article 13 - Using Reiki to help release heavy, emotional burdens.

Can animals feel guilt?

Science says no—emotions like guilt are considered too cognitively complex for animal brains. But that doesn’t mean animals are immune to emotional distress or energetic imbalance. In fact, I believe that sensitive, intuitive animals often absorb the emotions and energy of the people and environment around them.

One experience in particular stands out to me as the closest I’ve ever come to witnessing something like guilt in a horse.

The Intuitive Warning

This horse had already proven himself to be highly intuitive.

One day, as his humans were poo-picking his field, he stood alert, head raised, and let out repeated neighs. His owners were puzzled—he wasn’t looking at them but was facing toward a distant field, separated by a 60-foot manège, a pathway, and a hedge.

From that position, he couldn’t even see the horses in that other field.

His concern was so persistent that eventually someone decided to check. Thank God they did.

In the other field, a pony—one of his close friends—was lying down, rolling in distress from colic. The vet was called, and she was brought into a stable. But her concerned friend wouldn’t settle. He kept neighing, desperate to watch over her.

A kind soul offered to swap stables so he could be next to her. Through the bars, he kept vigil all night. The next day, both were back to normal—thanks to his remarkable intuition and concern.

When Everything Changed

We humans are quick to judge when something goes wrong. Sadly, we often extend that judgment to animals as well.

This was once true of me too. But I’ve since learned that there's always more to a story—layers we cannot see or fully understand.

Horses in particular live in a very different reality. As prey animals, they’re wired to react—not to reason. They are exquisitely sensitive to energy, emotion, and intention, often far more than we realize.

So when this same horse threw his rider one day, causing her serious injury, the entire yard seemed to turn on him. He was treated as a pariah.

Thankfully, his caregivers never gave up on him. They loved him unconditionally.

I’m ashamed to admit I was initially angry with him too. I had witnessed the incident, and at first, it seemed unprovoked. But if I’m honest, there were signs. The rider, though experienced, was clearly nervous that day. The horse seemed hesitant, resistant to being mounted. I tried to dissuade her—but not firmly enough. Hindsight is a painful teacher.

Reiki to the Rescue

A few days later, his caregivers approached me with concern.

Their beloved horse wasn’t himself. He seemed withdrawn, almost depressed. He no longer wanted cuddles, turning away as if he didn’t deserve them. It broke their hearts.

They asked if I would give him some Reiki healing.

My heart softened. I leaned into what this horse needed. Without a doubt, he was carrying very heavy emotional energy. Whether it was guilt or simply the emotional weight of those around him, I’ll never know for certain. But his soul was crying out for peace.

During the Reiki session, he fully received the energy—calm, loving, and healing. From that day onward, he was back to his affectionate, gentle self. His humans were overjoyed.

What This Horse Taught Me

That experience was a profound lesson for me.

Even the most sensitive and loving animals can react in ways we don’t understand—ways that we may be quick to demonize. But how fair is that, really?

They don’t reason like we do. They live moment to moment, responding to what they feel—not what they know. We’re the ones who choose to ride horses. They didn’t ask for that responsibility. So it’s our duty to honour their nature, to recognize just how deeply they feel, and to meet them with understanding.

Why Reiki Matters

I often say Reiki is not just about relaxation or healing symptoms. It’s about releasing what no longer needs to be carried—fear, pain, confusion, or emotional burdens that don’t even belong to the animal at all.

For highly sensitive souls, Reiki is a balm. It helps them feel seen and heard—not just physically, but spiritually.

And for us, it’s a reminder: healing isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about simply being present. Listening deeply. Trusting the energy to do what it knows how to do.

This beautiful horse taught me that even the gentlest spirits can carry invisible burdens. And with love, patience, and healing energy, those burdens can be lifted.

In future Articles, I will share many other ways where reiki can benefit our animals.

If this has interested you, then you may be interested in my book, “Walking a Soulful Path: A healing journey with animals.” You can find this on amazon. This is the link:-

WALKING A SOULFUL PATH: A healing journey with animals: Amazon.co.uk: Sutton, Fiona: 9798334905573: Books