From the bit to the between: an autoethnography of friendship

To develop any depth of understanding of friendships, there is a need to integrate holistic epistemological practices that respect the fluid relational and emergent nature of the between space where friends meet. This recognizes friendship as an experience always in process, never a thing or anything like a thing. Multispecies autoethnography is especially well suited to exploring such meetings, for it is concerned with issues of justice, power and freedom and therefore with addressing anthropocentricity. In this study, this qualitative methodology is presented and then developed to provide the reader with a rich ethnographic sense of the author's concerns about the quality of relationship made possible by the traditional bit and the need to prototype and demonstrate co-created alternatives. The work of Simone Weil on attention and Martin Buber on dialogue is emphasized throughout, as a theoretical framework for understanding the ways relationships founded on attentive listening and attunement can be nurtured in partnership. This example is full of misunderstandings and mismeetings, necessitating forgiveness on a regular basis and a commitment to show up, be present and relate. This study is not about friendships between conspecifics; it is about relationality and relational practice and how we practice working equine welfare, through the nurturing of humility and power literacy. This study offers insights and vocabulary that can help the reader develop an awareness-based systems change approach to equine welfare; one that involves listening to ourselves, learning to see, sense, and presence; one that, ultimately, allows equids and humans to nurture the between space where friendship can take root and grow. In doing so, this study provides insights into the possibilities of One Health justice.