<![CDATA[EQUINE LEAD - Blog]]>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:18:51 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Tribute to apollo]]>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 04:34:06 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/tribute-to-apolloIt is with a heavy heart that I write this, knowing how much Apollo meant to so many people. On Christmas Day, our old sage (he was well into his 30’s!) began his journey across the rainbow bridge.

​Twelve years ago, I intercepted him as he was being passed from sale barns to horse traders. Giving him a soft place to land, surrounded by love, allowed him to truly flourish in our care. I named him Apollo after the Greek God of healing…little did I know how much he would fulfill his namesake. 
Early in our journey together, he became gravely ill, and we nearly lost him just three months after his arrival. You can read more about his miraculous healing journey here: Apollos Story of Healing. From that moment on, Apollo became a force of connection and transformation. He brought people together. He changed lives. He was a steady rock, and he remained full of life right up until the very end.

Apollo’s life taught me the power of resilience, gratitude, grit, and determination. He showed me the profound healing that can happen through community, and the importance of embracing the present moment and the precious gift of life. Through his story and his life, I formed many meaningful connections and friendships with people I otherwise may never have crossed paths with.
He taught many people about the power of emotions, often reflecting back their own hidden or unspoken energy. He helped timid riders overcome their fears by being a calm, steady, and predictable presence. He was an intuitive and natural healer in equine coaching, and a peaceful, sturdy partner in equine-assisted therapy.

Apollo also brought endless laughter and smiles with his perpetual flatulence. Every time we picked up his back hooves, he’d pass gas—so much so that we started calling his hind legs the “fart levers.” He was the best for fuzzy, warm hugs and warming up hands in his long thick winter coat. He was endlessly tolerant of our games and obstacles, the undisputed king of backing up, and incredibly smart.

In the summer, he was laid-back and lazy; in the winter, he came alive with joy and occasional bursts of overzealous energy. He thrived in the cold and absolutely loved the snow—true to his breed. For many, he sparked a love and passion for the Norwegian Fjord breed, perfectly embodying the kind and dependable demeanor they are known for. With his black and white mohawk mane and perfectly sun-kissed highlighted forelock, his unique look was a common topic of conversation!

The barn feels empty and quiet without his sweet whinny greeting me at every feeding time, his bucket knocking against the wall as he eats, and him peering his head out of the stall watching the comings and goings of the barn activities.  

I have set up a memorial poster on his stall to share messages, stories, and pictures when students return from winter break; please also feel free to share your memories in the comments. The stories we share in memoriam is what helps heal our hearts.
]]><![CDATA[Getting Back in the Saddle: Finding Confidence and Trust After Injury]]>Sun, 17 Aug 2025 23:30:55 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/getting-back-in-the-saddle-finding-confidence-and-trust-after-injuryPicture
Fear is a natural companion when we face something for the first time—or the first time again after a setback. For riders, returning to the saddle after an accident, injury, or surgery can stir up a swirl of emotions: nervousness, doubt, and those “what if” thoughts that creep in uninvited.

Recently, I experienced this myself after recovering from a Laterjet shoulder surgery. Getting back in the saddle was not just about riding again—it was about rebuilding trust, honoring my body’s healing, and reconnecting with myself through the steady presence of my horse.

Let's explore 3 strategies to get back in the saddle...
Choosing the Right Partner
For my first ride back, I intentionally chose a horse who embodies calm confidence. She is the lead mare in the herd, steady in her independence, and willing to venture out alone. I also knew her smooth gait and light responsiveness would allow me to ease back into riding without added strain.
Even before mounting, I began with grooming—a familiar rhythm that grounds both horse and rider. But I also took time to check in with myself. This is an essential part of both riding and life coaching: staying present with our emotions, honoring what arises, and noticing the subtle ways our body communicates with us.
  • Consider a horse that you have a bond with and trust. 
  • Take time to prepare, staying present to your current experience. 
​
Listen to Your Body and Horse
Before saddling up, I paused for a body scan. I noticed mostly neutral sensations, but I asked my body for a message anyway. The words that surfaced surprised me: “God wink.” Not a phrase I would ever normally use, yet it came through clear enough to make me curious.
I then turned my attention to my horse, silently asking what I needed for a successful ride. The message was simple: trust and have confidence in yourself and our connection. With that, I felt a wave of calm wash over me—an invitation to let go of any fear and lean into trust.
  • Do a body scan noticing any sensations, and asking your body for a message. 
  • Check in with your horse- what do they have to share with you?

Riding with Awareness
As we set off, I kept checking in with my body. I noticed moments where my shoulders tensed and began to rise. Each time, I reminded myself to breathe, relax, and gently release the tightness with small movements. This mindful awareness helped me stay connected—to myself, to my horse, and to the present moment around us.
The environment felt alive: the hum of insects, the rhythm of hooves on the ground, the flicker of butterflies, bees, and dragonflies weaving through the grasses. And then I noticed it—the butterflies seemed to follow us the entire ride. In that moment, I realized they were the “God winks” my body had spoken of earlier. For me, butterflies symbolize a loved one who has passed. Their constant presence reminded me that I was supported and protected. With each flutter of wings, my confidence grew, and the ride shifted from one of nervousness to one of peace and trust.
  • Be aware to how your body speaks to you- notice sensations, tension, patterns of thought, etc. 
  • Focus attention on your breath- rhythmic breathing helps to down regulate our nervous system and bring us into the rest and digest state. 
​
The Deeper Lesson
This ride reminded me of a truth I often share with my coaching clients: progress begins with presence. By checking in with our bodies, honoring our emotions, and opening ourselves to the messages around us—whether from a horse, a sensation, or even a butterfly—we can move through fear and into trust.
Getting back in the saddle, literally or figuratively, requires courage. But it also offers us the chance to discover just how resilient we are. And sometimes, when we’re willing to listen, life sends us a gentle wink to remind us we’re not alone on the journey.

​Coaching Reflection: Your Turn
Take a moment to reflect on your own “getting back in the saddle” moments—whether in riding, work, relationships, or life transitions. Ask yourself:
  • What fear or hesitation is keeping me from moving forward right now?
  • How is my body speaking to me about this fear? (Tension, pain, holding my breath, etc.)
  • What would it look like to approach this situation with confidence and trust?
  • Where might life already be sending me little “winks” of reassurance?

When we pause, breathe, and listen, we often find the answers we’ve been seeking have been with us all along.

✨Looking for support in moving forward? Contact us today to explore Equine Coaching or Life Coaching and begin your journey toward confidence, trust, and growth.

]]><![CDATA[Curiosity and Courage: What Horses Teach Us About Growth]]>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/curiosity-killed-thehorsePicture
Bud is one of our most inquisitive horses, a wonderful quality for a lesson horse. His curiosity demonstrates courage and a willingness to explore his surroundings rather than reacting to them.

This same sense of curiosity is essential in personal coaching. As a coach, I’m dedicated to supporting and guiding clients through their growth journey. A key way to do this is by being open, curious, and unattached to any specific outcome. A coach acts as a sounding board and active listener, asking insightful questions that encourage clients to shift perspectives, explore their strengths and challenges, and move toward their desired future.

Are you curious about how coaching can benefit you? Who might you become if you take that first step? Let's connect to start the conversation!

Coaching is available one-on-one, in person, or via video call. We can also incorporate equine-assisted activities for deeper learning and growth!
]]><![CDATA[The web of life]]>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/the-web-of-life
In coaching, adopting a whole-person approach is essential for guiding clients toward meaningful, lasting change.

Through Equine Coaching at Equine LEAD, we offer tools that help you clarify your path with a holistic perspective. The various sectors of life—such as health, career, and relationships—form an interconnected web. Some areas may be beautifully woven, while others present sticky intersections where the path ends or needs to change course. Though your web of life is inherently complete, there is always space for growth and the creation of new pathways.

💌 Reach out today to co-create the areas of your life that you want to weave into a beautiful reflection of yourself. I offer in person Equine Coaching or remote Life Coaching options.
]]><![CDATA[reflect & connect]]>Sat, 20 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/reflect-connectPicture
Reflect and connect: reflection as a powerful coaching tool.

Out in nature is where I connect most to my authentic self and can become fully engulfed in the present moment. During a trail ride, as the trail led to an end after trying multiple possible leads to find the next trail opening, we had to turn back from the direction which we came.

Sometimes our journey in life leads us down paths that have an ending and no clear route forward. Through the coaching relationship we are able to reflect and gain new perspectives on your journey. Reflection is a powerful tool that gives you the opportunity to connect to your Self.

With this new insight, as we walked down the same trail in reverse, I was able to be present and appreciate the new views which were previously out of sight behind me when we embarked on the trail. It gave me the opportunity to see the trail from a new perspective!

-Are you feeling stuck and at the end of a trail in life?
-Struggling to gain perspective in a relationship?
​
📍Connect with me today to discover clarity on your way forward and experience the power of reflection with in person Equine Coaching or remote Life Coaching!
]]><![CDATA[becoming present]]>Sat, 15 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/becoming-presentPicture
Being present in the moment means immersing yourself fully in your current experience—engaging all your senses and allowing your thoughts to settle. In that space, you can feel both alive and at peace, energized yet calm.

I had a realization about presence while walking beside my horse. My gaze was drawn to the horizon, the scent of sweet grass and corn filled the air, and the chorus of bugs and frogs surrounded me as the sun set. My mind felt open and curious. In contrast, when I walk my dogs, my gaze shifts downward and forward, driven by a goal rather than the moment itself. This difference makes sense; horses, as prey animals, embody the present, making it easier for me to connect with that state.

Reflecting on this, I wonder:
- Do you find it hard to be present with family, friends, or at work?
- What clutters your senses and thoughts?
- How can your environment be conducive to fostering presence?

These questions are essential for self-discovery, and a life coach can help you explore them. At Equine LEAD, we offer Equine Coaching to deepen your understanding of yourself and enhance your ability to be present, facilitating transformative change. ​
]]><![CDATA[how horses reflect who we are]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:52:35 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/how-can-horses-help-you-learn-about-yourselfOne of the most common questions I hear in relation to Equine Coaching is: 
​“How can horses help me learn about myself?”

At the heart of this work lies the horse’s unique ability to show up as their truest, most authentic selves. Horses don’t pretend, perform, or wear masks. They simply are. And in their presence, we are invited to step into that same authenticity.

Throughout history, horses have walked alongside us—once roaming free, then partnering with humans to travel great distances, fight wars, plow fields, provide transportation, and later, offer sport and companionship. Their role in human history is profound. Horses have not only helped us survive, but also evolve. That deep and enduring connection is still alive today, and it continues to shape how we learn and grow.

Horses as Mirrors
In the horse world, you’ll often hear the phrase: “Horses are our mirrors.” This means they reflect back to us what we are truly feeling on the inside—not the image we may be trying to project on the outside. Horses notice when we are out of alignment, when our inner experience does not match the way we are showing up in the world.
When what we feel inside is consistent with what we show outwardly, we are said to be congruent. When the two don’t align, we are incongruent. Horses notice this immediately, and their reactions often reveal truths we might not be fully aware of ourselves.

Here’s an example: Imagine someone heading to the barn after a stressful phone call. They’re still upset, but as they walk to the pasture, they put on a smile and try to act calm. The horse senses the tension and trots away. Frustration builds—why won’t the horse cooperate when all they want is peace and connection? But the horse is sending a clear message: “I don’t want to be near the negative energy you’re carrying. Come back when you’re grounded and honest with yourself.”

When the person pauses, takes a few deep breaths, and acknowledges the lingering frustration, their energy shifts. The horse recognizes the authenticity, and often will begin to approach willingly. In this way, horses remind us that congruence—being honest and aligned in our inner and outer worlds—creates trust and connection.

Horses and the Present Moment
Another way horses guide our self-discovery is through their constant presence in the here and now. For survival, horses are fully tuned into their environment. They aren’t replaying past conversations or worrying about the future—they are living in the present.

For us, this can be transformative. When we, too, step into the present moment, we create space for reflection, creativity, intuition, and self-awareness. Many of my own greatest insights—the “ah-ha” moments that shift perspective—have come while simply standing in the quiet, steady presence of a horse.

The Language of Connection
Horses communicate primarily through body language, and to work effectively with them, we must learn to do the same. This helps us strengthen our own awareness of nonverbal communication—something that makes up nearly 90% of all human interaction.

Through this practice, we become more aware of personal space, learn how to read subtle cues in others, and deepen our capacity for empathy, observation, and respect. These skills are not just valuable in the arena—they translate into every area of our lives.

Why This Work Matters
The beauty of this work is simple: horses are always themselves. They are authentic, present, and honest. And in their presence, we are invited to be the same.

While I can share stories and examples, the most powerful way to understand this work is to experience it yourself. I invite you to explore our Equine Coaching page to learn more about opportunities to explore your own personal growth. 

Learning through experience is one of the most impactful ways to grow—and what better partner in that journey than a horse at your side?
]]><![CDATA[Overcoming fear in Riding]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2015 20:33:20 GMThttps://www.equinelead.com/blog/riding-through-fearOvercoming Fear in Riding—and in LifeFear is a natural part of learning, whether you’re a first-time rider or have years of experience in the saddle. For many, the most common fears include falling off, being injured by the horse, or even unintentionally hurting the horse. These worries can feel overwhelming, but they are also opportunities for growth.

One of my younger students asked me a powerful question:
“How can I keep riding if I can’t get over my fear?”

She was nervous about letting go of the saddle at the trot in order to slow her horse with the reins. When I asked what she feared most, she immediately replied, “falling off.” Interestingly, she had never actually fallen off before. This opened the door for a coaching moment: helping her explore how her thoughts and perceptions were shaping her experience. 
I reminded her of the joy she had felt earlier in the lesson—the giggles, the smiles, the sense of freedom when the horse moved into the trot. By shifting her focus toward those positive feelings, she could begin to see past her fear and reconnect with the excitement of riding.

To make it more relatable, I drew an analogy to learning to ride a bike. I asked her to remember those first wobbly rides, the security of training wheels, and the moment her parents let go of the seat. “What did it feel like when you finally pedaled on your own?” I asked. Her face lit up as she exclaimed, “It was fun!” Together, we connected that same feeling of accomplishment and freedom to horseback riding. As she reflected on this, her posture changed, her smile returned, and her confidence began to grow.

Riding is as much a mental practice as it is a physical one. Half the journey happens in our minds. I reminded her that I believed she could trot without holding onto the saddle—and that belief in herself was the missing piece. If we tell ourselves “I can’t,” we limit our potential. But when we shift our inner dialogue toward possibility and growth—“I can do this”—we begin to transform fear into confidence.
​
Our thoughts create our reality. Whether in the saddle or in everyday life, when we choose to focus on what empowers us rather than what holds us back, we open the door to progress, joy, and self-discovery.
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