My Journey

The horses are whispering: are you listening?

 

inspiration

Dance with Equus originated from my own painful journey of healing, as I sensed that there was something more to life.

Through my personal development and profound experiences with horses, I embarked on a quest to uncover my authentic self. This exploration led me to immerse myself in the study and training of Equine Facilitated Learning, as well as delve into the practices of reiki and Chakradance.

By integrating these modalities, my purpose now revolves around empowering individuals to embark on their own transformative journeys and discover their true potential.

Just as nature is in a constant state of exploration and growth, I too am on an ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It is through this journey that I have found my passion for empowering others and helping them navigate their own paths of exploration.

I invite you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you seek guidance, support, or simply a listening ear, I am here for you. As your companion along this journey, I am dedicated to providing the assistance and insights you may need. Together, we can navigate the twists and turns, celebrate the victories, and learn from the challenges that come our way.

Remember, growth is a lifelong process, and each step forward is a valuable opportunity for learning and transformation. Embrace the journey, trust in your own inner wisdom, and know that I am here to support you whenever you choose to seek guidance. Let us explore, discover, and grow together.

Graduation from the HEAL Facilitator Training Program

HEAL Facilitator Graduation

 
Nancy and Fredrick in Norway

Nancy and Fredrick in Norway

HEAL training in Norway

HEAL training in Norway

Meditation with the Herd in Norway

why horses?

Looking back, I realize that my early childhood experiences and my volunteer work in equine-assisted services played a pivotal role in shaping the path I am on today and where I am headed. As a young girl, my father would take my sister and me to observe horses at a local riding school and mounted police unit. We would spend hours watching these majestic creatures interact in their herd, igniting a deep fascination within me.

During my teenage years, I had the opportunity to attend a summer day-camp where I first learned to ride. Those transformative ten days further solidified my love for horses and the profound connection I felt in their presence. Yet, it was my volunteer work at a therapeutic riding center in Toronto, Canada, that truly opened my eyes to the incredible healing power of horses.

Witnessing the positive impact these gentle beings had on individuals undergoing various challenges inspired me to delve deeper into the world of equine facilitation and personal growth. It was through this reflection that I realized my true calling and the path I wanted to pursue.

Now, with Dance with Equus, I have the privilege of sharing the magic and transformative potential of horses with others. It is an honor to guide individuals on their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment, just as I have experienced through my early childhood encounters and volunteer work. I am grateful for these experiences as they have paved the way for me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through the healing power of horses.

 

Reiki

My profound pull towards studying and practicing reiki has significantly enhanced my connection to horses. The ancient healing art of reiki, with its emphasis on energy and balance, beautifully complements the innate sensitivity and intuition of these magnificent creatures.

Through my reiki practice, I have learned to attune myself to the subtle energies that flow through all living beings, including horses. By harnessing the universal life force energy, I am able to create a harmonious space of healing and relaxation, both within myself and in the presence of horses.

When working with horses, I have observed that they are incredibly receptive to the healing energy of reiki. They possess an innate ability to detect and respond to energetic shifts, making them ideal recipients of this gentle yet powerful healing modality. As I channel reiki energy towards them, I can feel their responses, whether it's a subtle relaxation, a release of tension, or a deep sense of calm.

The practice of reiki has deepened my understanding of the energetic connection between horses and humans. It has allowed me to develop a heightened sense of empathy and intuition, enabling me to more effectively communicate and connect with these magnificent beings. Through the gentle touch of my hands and the flow of healing energy, I am able to establish a profound bond based on trust and mutual understanding.

Studying and practicing reiki has not only enhanced my connection to horses, but it has also enriched my own personal growth and well-being. It has provided me with a powerful tool to support the physical, emotional, and spiritual healing of both myself and the horses I work with.

Incorporating reiki into my work with horses has truly deepened the impact of my equine facilitation practice. It has allowed me to create a safe and nurturing environment for both horse and human, where healing and transformation can unfold naturally. The combination of reiki and the innate wisdom of horses has the potential to unlock profound healing, growth, and self-discovery.

I am grateful for the pull towards studying and practicing reiki, as it has enriched my connection to horses and expanded my ability to facilitate healing and transformation in their presence. It is a privilege to witness the powerful synergy between reiki and horses, and I am honored to share this transformative journey with those who seek a deeper connection with these magnificent beings.

Nancy and Buster during a reiki session.

Nancy and Buster during a reiki session.

Buster joining in his human’s reiki session

Bill joining in his human’s reiki session

 

Welcome home big annie: my heart horse

I vividly recall the countless times people asked me when I would finally have my own horse. I used to respond with a playful promise that when I turned forty, I would welcome a horse into my life. However, that milestone came and went, leaving me wondering if my dream would ever come true. It wasn't until 2022 that I felt a strong pull to actively pursue finding my equine companion.

I immersed myself in the search, scouring through numerous horse ads, receiving posts from well-meaning friends about available horses, and even visiting one to try. Yet, something deep within me told me that the timing wasn't quite right. Doubts crept in, making me question if I was truly ready for the responsibility and commitment that came with owning a horse.

Then, one fateful day, a post caught my eye. It was about a beautiful 20-year-old Irish Sport Horse. Without hesitation, I arranged to see and ride her. As soon as I laid eyes on her and felt the connection between us, I knew instantly that she was the one. In that moment, I discovered my HEART Horse, Annie, or rather, Annie found me.

Late September of 2022 marked the beginning of our extraordinary journey together. Annie officially joined me at the Holistic Horse and Pony Centre in October of 2022, where we would embark on a mutual path of growth, trust, and companionship. It was a dream come true, an affirmation that sometimes the most cherished desires of our hearts have their own perfect timing.

Annie, my beloved equine partner, has become an integral part of my life. She has brought joy, solace, and a profound sense of purpose into my days. Together, we navigate the world of horse-human connection, building a bond rooted in love, respect, and understanding.

The journey to finding Annie, my long-awaited equine companion, may have taken longer than expected, but every step along the way led me to that perfect moment when our paths crossed. And now, as we continue to grow and learn together, I am forever grateful for the serendipity that brought us together and the profound connection we share.

 

More than horses

In addition to my deep love for horses, I am also a passionate and devoted educator. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to facilitate learning for diverse groups of individuals in Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Through my teaching experiences, my ultimate goal for my students is to foster a growth mindset that encourages them to approach challenges with an attitude of "Let me give it a try!"

As an educator, I believe in the power of nurturing a growth mindset in students. I strive to create an environment where learners feel supported, inspired, and encouraged to embrace new opportunities and push beyond their comfort zones. I want my students to understand that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

By instilling a growth mindset in my students, I aim to empower them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to view setbacks as valuable learning experiences. I encourage them to view their abilities as malleable and to believe in their potential to achieve their goals through perseverance and hard work.

In my classroom, I fostered a culture of curiosity, exploration, and resilience. I provided my students with a safe and supportive space where they feel comfortable taking risks and trying new approaches. I emphasized the importance of effort, determination, and a positive attitude as key factors in achieving success. I now do this outdoors!

I am passionate about guiding my students on their learning journeys and inspiring them to develop a growth mindset that extends beyond the classroom. It is my hope that they carry this mindset with them throughout their lives, embracing challenges, pursuing their passions, and continuously striving for personal and academic growth.

So, let's embark on this journey together, where we encourage and support each other to develop a growth mindset and approach life with the attitude of "Let me give it a try!"

Having fun at the Level 1 Animal-Assisted Play Therapy training!

Charlie in training for AAPT sessions

Max in training for AAPT sessions

Tabitha in training for AAPT

 

Education and Training

Certified Registered Instructor

Certified Registered Instructor since 2003

 
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Horse Powered Reading Facilitator