Imagine A Horse - Agility & Trick Training

Enlightened Trick Training is an excellent vehicle to help to develop the full potential of a horse as either a companion horse or performance horse. Trick Training is about developing a horse’s mind, body and emotions. It helps to bring forth and perfect willing obedience, cooperation, and increases a horse’s learning capacity. Through Trick Training a horse’s attention span is usually expanded and as a bonus, it gives a horse interesting learned behaviors that he can use to help him interact with humans

Imagine A Horse has created a modern methodology for training primarily Trick / Exhibition Horses and Companion Horses. Trick Training looks like a lot of fun and it is, but it is also very serious training that can yield amazing results.

Trick Training can be used with any breed or age of horse. At Red Horse Ranch, training begins soon after imprinting because being a precocial species, horses are neurologically ready to learn soon after birth. The horses that grow up watching other horses perform seem to develop an exceptional ability to learn and to focus. When Trick Training a mature horse, we usually integrate it with saddle training (or upgrading skills) as it can take additional time to develop the habit and desire to “learn how to learn”. Mature horses also must develop muscle memory to match their mental absorption rate which can be very rapid in an intelligent horse.

The Tennessee Walking Horse is bred for versatility and intelligence, and has a propensity for agreeable behavior. They are excellent Trick Horse and Exhibition Horse candidates.

Sue De Laurentis and Allen Pogue jointly founded Imagine A Horse and live near Dripping Springs, Texas. You may contact them at  512-264-0442  or visit their web sites at www.redhorseranch.net and www.imagineahorse.com

Equesse Portraits

Customized fine art portraits of you and your favorite horse!  Now, you can capture the beautiful spirit of you and your horse (and/or other animals) forever through this unique style of fine artistry using photographs and images that you provide.  Artist, Paul Bartoszek beautifully combines the essence of women and their horses in Equesse Portraits.  In addition, we will feautre the profiles and the stories behind each portrait here on Equesse.net.  Please email: admin@equesse.net for more details on how you can have your very own portrait created of you and your favorite horse.

Wayne Jason Jewelry

Now, you can wear your love for horses on your sleeve – or around your wrist or neck! Show the world how much you appreciate the beauty of horses by wearing an exquisite piece of Wayne Jason Jewelry. In business since 1987, Wayne Jason’s passion for horses inspired him to create a highly unique line of equine jewelry that is both extremely detailed and accurate. All horse lovers will admire the elegance and beauty of his designs.

As an experienced diamond buyer, and with many years in the business, Wayne has found the best sources for the high quality diamonds, colored stones and pearls that are used in his jewelry. Wayne designs most all of the jewelry himself, keeping his customer’s passion for horses in mind. In addition, all Wayne Jason jewelry is manufactured at his store in Pasadena, California which means he can offer unique, often one of a kind, top quality pieces at a price that keeps his customer’s budget in mind as well!

Most pieces can be made in any color gold, 18-karat or 14-karat, with any stones. Some items are available in sterling silver as well. Feel free to call or email anytime to find just the right piece of equine jewelry that is perfect for you and expresses your love for horses. Be sure to mention that you found Wayne on Equesse.net for additional consideration!  wjason@mail2.cheetah.net  or 626-795-9215

Meet Debra Gehrke

Meet Debra Gehrke of In Horse Harmony.  In this interview, Debra describes being a horse-crazy little girl who always dreamed of having horses, and how that dream continues to unfold in her life today.

What was your childhood experience with horses?  Were you a horse-crazy kid?  What about your parents - did they recognize this interest?

My childhood experience with horses was very unique.  My entire experience with them lived in my imagination.  Other than having a couple of toy horse models (and I mean a couple, not every make, model and size as many other girls had!) and my “Wonder Horse” - a rocking horse that I galloped off into the sunset with every chance I got; my childhood horse experience dwelled solely in my imagination.  I really can’t remember if I ever even attempted to share my horse dreams with anyone.  I think even at my young age I had a clear sense that the timing wasn’t right for me to have “real life” experiences and so I would just be patient to wait.
The interesting thing that I remember is that when ever I would feel lonely or challenged by something, my imaginary horse life would appear and suddenly every thing was OK.  I remember feeling so calm, reassured, protected and nurtured in these spaces.

When I was 10 my Dad passed away after a challenging battle with cancer.  He was only 32 years old.  My Mom was 30 at the time, alone with 3 lovely girls, me being the eldest.  This was a trying time for all of us.  I was very close to my Daddy; he was often willing to be my horsey!  :0)  I remember riding around on his back…such sweet memories.  When he passed I remember often going into my dream space (awake or sleeping, it didn’t matter).  There I would connect with nature, with the birds, the trees, the flowers, streams…meadows…and always horses.  This picture soothed me and helped me to feel complete.  I’m so grateful for those times.  Many people work their whole lives to be able to reach a state of peace and calm through meditation.  I learned early on how to go there…it was just natural; no one taught me…it was just there.  Now I cherish that as one of the best gifts I ever received.  The natural world is so much a part of my being.  It’s who I am on the inside.  It’s why I connect and relate with horses the way I do.  They’re a part of me and I of them.  I think that’s why it didn’t matter so much that they weren’t a part of my physical experience at that time.  I never really thought about it that way…that I was missing something…I wasn’t.  The horses and all of nature were with me all the time.

I did have the opportunity for the occasional trail ride experience between the ages of 10 and 12.  One particular experience was pretty incredible.  I’ve written an article about it and have shared it with my close horsey friends…and now I can share it with you! Here’s a link to the article, it’s called “Life Lessons with a Horse Named Booger”  (that will tell you something right there!): http://www.inhorseharmony.com/life-lessons-with-a-horse-named-booger/

You mentioned that you didn’t pursue your love of horses until you were an adult.  Explain how they came into your life - or, better yet, how you came into theirs!
What was your family structure like at this time?  Married?  Kids?
How did/does your husband, Mark, feel about horses?

Other than constantly dreaming about horses, gazing longingly at them in pastures as we drove along country sides and a few pretty spectacular trail rides, horses didn¡¯t fully come into my daily experience until we moved our family (husband-Mark, daughter Alea 18 and son Destin 13) to Kauai in 2003.  I was then 37!  I waited a LONG time!

We’re a home schooling family and my son and I found an apprentice program that a local ranch was offering; we could go and learn about the horses while helping to care for them, get them ready for rides, take care of the paddocks (that’s right, lots of scooping horse apples!), etc.  In exchange for helping with all the chores and for being good students caring for the horses we were given lessons, both ground and riding.  I was IN HEAVEN!!  Our son, Destin liked it too…for a time and then he decided raising chickens was more to his liking than being with horses…but that¡¯s another story entirely!  :0)  I was like an eager sponge…takin g in everything I could from a learning perspective.  It was interesting because intuitively, inside me, I already felt as though I’d been doing this forever.  I¡¯m deeply sensitive, highly aware and oh so tuned in with the horses…and they sensed this in me as well.  My challenge was in connecting that with the practical fact that when it came to technique I had nothing!  I knew that was a challenge I could overcome.  I could learn the techniques and they would gel beautifully with what I already “knew” intuitively.  And that’s exactly the way it went.  I’m forever grateful to Dale, my first mentor and teacher.  Dale was a gift t o me.  She allowed the world of horses to open up to me in a way that was so very perfect for my being.

The horses at the ranch, all 14 of them, plus 4 ponies were wonderful teachers.  Each bringing me a different, very valuable lesson to learn.  I soon became the leader of the apprentice program.  This was amazing as I had been delivered two of my very favorite ¡°things¡± in one package…I could work with kids AND horses at the same time.  Life is good!

My husband Mark is deeply nature connected.  He grew up in the country, had critters…even a persnickety pony, I’m told.  He worked on a farm for some neighbors while growing into his teens and had some not so great experiences with horses there.  So, while he wasn’t exactly sure what to make of my desire to be with horses he’s an incredibly loving and supportive being and he encouraged me every step of the way.  The wonderful thing there is that through my experience he could gently approach horses in as casual a way as fit his comfort and little by little he’s come to know their wisdom, grace, gentleness and love as I have.  His experie ntial preference will probably always be more on the vicarious side…but always supportive, that’s for sure.  One never knows…we’ll leave that door open as the dreams continue to flow into our path!

When did you realize that you were going to pursue/include your passion for horses as a career?  Was there a conscious decision making point?

While working at the ranch I decided I wanted to explore this horse/human connection further.  I researched much on the internet and prayed that another teacher would appear for me…someone just for me, someone who appreciated the true nature and spirit of the horse as I did…someone that would be aligned with my philosophy and gentle nature.  I found Franklin Levinson.  His work resonated so very deeply.  I read his articles of his experiences and I felt as though I was reading my own words on the page.  I knew I had to travel to Colorado to experience his “Way of the Horse” course.  I spent an entire week with Franklin; just he and I and a vast variety of horses at several different ranches.  Now I was hooked!  It was at that time that I knew that this connection that had been breathing in me for forever had found its place to connect and become realized in my waking life.

During my time with Franklin I realized that a part of my life’s work would be in sharing the wisdom and love of horses, the connection and bond that is there between us, and the unique field of trust and respect built on true, unconditional love that grows infinitely deep ever more.  I didn’t know exactly what shape or form this would take…but I knew that I wanted to breathe that essence into my own life and also to serve by sharing it with others.  It was this feeling that prompted the creation of In Horse Harmony (www.inhorseharmony.com Dancing in Partnership with Horse and Human).

Another passion of mine is media.  I’ve always relished the idea of being the “Good News Girl”.  In college I studied broadcasting for awhile as I thought I could change the face of media and tell the good news for a change.  We owned our own award winning salon, spa, cafe and eco-store for 14 years before moving to Kauai.  During the latter seven years I had my own live makeover show on Fox 11 every Monday morning.  I had manifested a way to deliver good news!  Now, I continue that trend with our website/blogs.  I can filter my passion for good news, ma king a difference in the world we live in AND bring the horse/human connection to everyone on the planet through podcasting.

I started with interviewing Franklin and some other wonderful people…and then Franklin mentioned I would do well to connect with Anna Twinney.  (Enter my next incredible teacher/mentor and friend!)  I interviewed Anna many times, LOVED her energy and work immediately…audited and captured her clinic on video with Mark on Maui…and now, since moving to Colorado almost a year ago, Anna and I have teamed up co-hosting a show together called, “Reach Out on In Horse Harmony”.  (A great combination of her “Reach Out to Horses” and our “In Horse Harmony”)  We’ve interviewed some amazing people…one of the best being you, Leah…Equesse’s very own! :0)

What is your goal/mission with In Horse Harmony?  Earth Harmony Home?

In addition to In Horse Harmony we also have Earth Harmony Home, (www.earthharmonyhome.com ~ It’s Your World, Dream It…BE it!) a collective project for my husband and I.  We host podcasts on the site as well as some of Mark’s original poetry and nature mandala artwork.  Mark is an avid blogger and also posts other shared material that he finds particularly inspiring.

I do this because it’s my passion; I enjoy it!  My desire is that others are touched by what we bring to them and that if only in some small way their lives are better for it.  Our intention is to assist others in sharing their brilliance with the world.  The world wide web allows us to connect with our brothers and sisters across the planet in a way we may not be afforded with out it.  Through the web we connect, creating a bridge of understanding, hope and love.  That’s my mission with these projects as with any thing I do in my life.  I see myself as a bridge of connection.  I want to come from my passion, utilizing my gifts and talents to serve all of humanity and all sentient beings in our natural world…with JOY in FUN!
At this point these projects are hobbies, labors of love.  We’ve been talking about creating a business model for them.  Our shows are very well received.  I love interviewing, connecting in deep conversation.  People generally recognize something powerful and different during an interview experience with me and I appreciate the gift of communication that I’ve been given.  I’m open to seeing the work we’re doing evolve into a more full time experience that generates income and continues to feed my creative nature.

What have been some of your biggest challenges in your life with horses?

My greatest challenge is with myself being patient in waiting for “my someday” when I can wake up and the first thing I see if I look out the window is a happy herd and nature rolling green and awake as far as the eye can see.

What have been some of your biggest joys?

Joys…ahhhh!  Sharing breath, lying beside Hanalei for an afternoon nap, seeing the joy in children’s eyes when they connect with horses, bathing and grooming, smelling like horse poop and sweat–the fruit of a good day, “dancing” in the glow of the late afternoon sun, feeling their majestic presence, laughing with their goofiness, dreaming about the next time we’re together…each and every moment with horses!

What is some advice for women who love horses?

Remember that you never know how things will show up in your life…just when you least expect it wonders can flow in.  Be open to all possibilities, be limitless in your thinking and vast in your creativity.  Allow the world to open to your dreams.  Know that time is just an illusion…create the time and space you need.

Our path has always been blessed with support and goodness.  Even in the face of challenges we’re grateful as there are lessons we’re learning.  We’re strong believers that as long as we follow our dreams and we’re willing to “show up” authentically with integrity that all we ever desire is ours.  We shape and create our destinies daily in each and every moment.  It’s this experience I offer as advice to others only because I know it’s working for me.  Follow your bliss, listen to nature, allow the flow to embrace you…and just BE with the horses…allow their presence to fill your heart, listen to their voice of truth and wisdom…br eathe their breath of ONE-ness and LOVE.  Allow for as many moments of this magic as you can to spill into your life in as many expressions as your creativity can bring.  Treasure every moment and be in deep gratitude for each and every blessing.

The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association

The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, better known as the CMSA, is the national organization that governs the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting. Dubbed by many as the “ultimate western shooting and riding challenge, “ Cowboy Mounted Shooting is sighted in for shooters and horsebackers who want to combine the romance of the Old West, with the excitement of a high speed shooting and riding competition. Imagine riding hell bent for leather at breakneck speeds, while blasting 10 balloon targets with a pair of six-shooters, as you pair fast action sixgunning with an all-out, against the clock horse race! That is what this fastest growing Western equestrian and shooting sport is all about.

Here they come, galloping out of the pages of history…it’s the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association! Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages, and from all walks of life, are riding hard and shooting straight in fierce-but-friendly competitions, while preserving America’s Western heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

Many contestants dress in colorful 1800s Wild West clothing in this full-tilt, timed event where they fire frontier-era single-action revolvers, while putting their mounts through some rodeo style barrel racing, pole bending, a bit of reining competition, and lots of speed.

 

Cowboy Mounted Shooting traces its roots back to the Old West, when proficiency with both sixguns and horses were a necessity. Eventually, with the coming of the Wild West Shows and early rodeos, feats of mounted shooting, became featured exhibitions at these spectacles. Legendary performers like Buffalo Bill Cody, Pawnee Bill, and Annie Oakley, thrilled audiences worldwide with their shooting and riding prowess.

 

In the past 15 years, the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting has grown from small exhibitions, involving a handful of competitors to full-scale competitions, sometimes involving 200-300-plus contestants who come from all over the nation. Specially loaded blank cartridges, which can safely break a balloon at a distance of about 15-18 feet, are used in this arena sport, with 5-second penalties for missed targets, not following the prescribed course and so on. The action is non-stop, with a rider racing through the course about every 50 seconds!

 

The Old West truly comes to life through the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting. At a CMSA competition, you’ll see some of the country’s finest performance horses, colorfully outfitted cowboys and cowgirls, rifle shooters and cavalry troopers, and some mighty interesting saddlery and tack. It’s a sport the entire family can enjoy watching or taking part in. For more information on Cowboy Mounted Shooting, contact the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, 14227 E. Rock View Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, or call   (480) 683-0485  . www.cowboymountedshooting.com.

Meet Candace Craw-Goldman

Equesse is very honored to feature the photography of Candace Craw-Goldman in our Ride of Your Life fundraising event for The American Cancer Society.  We had the opportunity to ask Candace some questions about her life with horses, and learn a little more about how she draws her inspiration from these beautiful animals.

Describe your childhood experience with horses…

What a great question.

I believe I must have had an equine gene programmed in me before my birth!

My very first memory in life is that of a horse. I was 18 months old and was being pushed in a stroller along a road in a Japanese village on the island of Okinawa. My father was stationed at the Air Force Base there in 1962. I saw an old wooden cart being pulled by a small grey horse. Oh my! What was that incredible creature? I was absolutely mesmerized by the sight of that magnificent animal and wanted nothing more the rest of my life rather than to be near horses.

At the age of 8, after what seemed like a lifetime of drawing horses, talking horses, dreaming horses, waiting and hoping and praying and begging my parents for a horse and running outside to the driveway on every likely gift giving occasion looking for one, I finally finally got my wish. My dad bought me a 100 dollar welsh cross pony named Hershey and my life instantly turned to bliss.

I rode that pony for hours and hours and for miles and miles (alone!) and brushed her shiny and braided flowers in her mane and fed her sugar cubes and slept on her back backwards with my face on her rump as she grazed on the clover in our backyard. I played cowboys and Indians with the boys in the neighborhood or just took off for whole afternoons by myself on the Kansas prairie. Having to move and sell this pony when I was 11 can still bring a tear to my eye, and that was 35 years ago.

I rode whenever I could thereafter, on the beach in Florida, in the woods in Germany, but not until I was 15 did I have another horse to call my own. I got an after school job and as soon as I had 375 dollars in my pocket I went horse shopping!!. The very first quarter horse mare I sat on I rode home, and she was one of the best horses I have ever ridden before or since. I fondly remember a family friend laughing at me that my interest in my mare “Money” would wane once I started to date boys. I thought to myself how utterly wrong she was, that I would ALWAYS love horses and need them in my life and I was right.

Do you recall making a conscience decision as an adult to pursue your passion for horses?

OH yes. As a young married couple with young children, we had no budget for horses and I was miserable without them. Things got better though, and when my youngest was about to enter first grade and a full day of school I started looking for a horse. Within a couple of weeks I was foxhunting in beautiful Chester County Pennsylvania!

What is the biggest impact horses have had on your life?

I have trail rode, cut buffalo, foxhunted, jumped, barrel raced, done amateur rodeo, roped, tried cowboy mounted shooting, rode in parades and learned mounted search and rescue on my horses. I am currently cart-training a miniature donkey and training an unbroken mare and her filly. The adventures with horses never end and I love having them in my life, there is always so much to learn and so much gratification and just plain pure FUN because I love to go fast on a horse!

Communicating with a horse, and having him work with you is almost indescribable. How amazing is it that you can climb on the back of a 1200lb animal and have him run or leap or jump or swim with his powerful body and be able to experience that power with him as a partner?

Looking at a tree in the path 20 yards out while cantering down a trail and deciding together, silently with your horse which direction to go around it before ever reaching the tree. That is magic. Walking in a pasture and having the horse through its back tell you there is dog nearby is magic too. Having the horse tell you the next day the same pasture has a rutting deer in it, is even more magical. Having a horse trust you when you say with the muscles in your legs that its OK to ride by something that his nature tells him to run away from as fast as possible is rather a wonderful feeling. Feeling a horse trip and having them do their best not to lose you off of their back is another amazing thing as well. These things and more, keep horses in my life.

What is the involvement/feelings of other key people in your horse-life?

With horses, you can never know everything, and that is where networking with other horse people comes into play. Everyone has bits of information to share with others that is valuable, whether or not they are equine professionals. For instance I was able to share some knowledge with my own vet about a mold that a certain type of landscape grass common in our area that makes horses sick. It is also fun to participate in horse activities with others who love these animals as much as I do.

Of course being a painter and photographer, horses play a huge role in my life as an image maker. I try hard to capture the essence of the spirit of the horse in my photographs and art work.

Do you have any suggestions/words of wisdom for women with a horse-passion?

If you cannot afford a horse of your own there are ways to have them in your life for little or no money. Most of my horse-friends would dearly love to have some occasional help around the barn or pasture in exchange for some riding or a lesson or two. I know I would!

Manhattan to the Mountains - Lisa Dee

How the heck did I get from there to here?

 

That seems to be the most burning question for people when they hear I moved from the fast paced metropolis of New York City where the world was at my fingertips to a remote piece of property in the southwest corner of Colorado where the nearest supermarket is an hour away.

 

Why did I move from there to here and what do I do now are the next questions that  seem to follow close on the heels of the first one.

 

In looking back I guess the simplest way to answer question number one is-I followed my heart.

 

Once I found it again.

 

Which was an entire journey in itself.

 

You see there I was, having the life that many dream of:

Single and living in one of the world’ most exciting cities. Recently divorced, this was my chance to start again. The world was my oyster. So why did I feel so sick?  If the truth be known I don’t like oysters. From an outsiders’s perspective I had it all. Great job, good health, some sassy outfits, freedom AND a good haircut to boot. 

The outside of me did not look half bad.

The inside of me was en entirely different story.

 

I was dead inside, crying out. No one was listening. Especially me.

I was lost, alone and my life was flying by in front of me with no way to touch it.

 

From the outside I was a successful, active entrepreneur. On the inside I was a lost girl scared out of my mind. None of my plans had work out. All of them best laid. To no avail. Wasn’t I just supposed to get a job, get married and live happily ever after? What happens now, since that plan didn’t work?

As I wandered the streets of New York, looking for meaning in shopping, dining, dating and working, my quiet desperation grew louder.

 

There had to be more to life. There had to be. But where was it?  I was smart. And successful. Right? Everyone kept telling me that. So why was this alluding me? I didn’t feel connected to people. Everyone was either incredibly happy which was painful to be around or looking for company to be miserable with. Which held no interest for me. I was miserable enough all by myself.

 

So now what?

 

Something deep inside me must have had a voice louder than the pain. A drive stronger than the deep sorrow of loss. Something deep inside me said-go find some horses.

 

WHAT?

 Here I was in the middle of New York City with a newly awakened, not to be shushed by logic, burning passion to ride horses. Where the heck did that come from? I mean, I had done my stint around horses as all little girls do, right? But that was a thing of the past. I had the photos and that was that, right? Apparently very wrong.

 

(THIS is what I mean about following my heart.)

 

So after I talked myself out of it several times, after examining all the millions of reasons why it was a bad idea to start a very expensive hobby requiring a force of nature to show up in the middle of this concrete jungle, once I woke up with a huge smile on my face for the first time in years because I KNEW this was the right thing to do for all the wrong reasons and had no idea why, once I realized it made me wildly happy because it WASN’T logical, it just felt right. Once all these steps had been acknowledged, I went to find my horse.

 

The rest, as they say, is history.

 

I found my horse, fell in love and started living again. Or actually started living for the first time in my life.  The difference? This time I was living from my heart. I decided to very gingerly touch my heart again and hear what it had to say. And the magical ride began. And has not stopped.

 

I followed my heart right in the hands, or shall I say hooves, of a beautiful and extremely smart Quarterhorse named Hakomi Banks. She had my number from the word go.

One day I woke up with my life perfectly figured out, then next it had caved in. Just  in time I was rescued by a four legged steed. I always thought they came with knights in shining armor. She seemed to know I wasn’t ready for that yet. She was about all I could handle.

 

I knew nothing about horses. The next thing I knew I was on my way to Colorado to learn everything about them. I was ready to quit my job and become a cowgirl right there on the spot. I had never felt more alive than I did when I was mucking and tending to a horse in the pouring rain who could have not cared less bout me. (Or so I thought. After all she was standing there in the rain right next to me.)

It was so good to feel. I had never been so happy. And I was never going back.

 

And with that realization, I began the transition. Oh, I would love to say I woke up, sold everything and moved my horse to Colorado. Truth is, I woke up and took one step, and then another, and then another. And at every step, I checked in with my heart. It was a new relationship-this one I had with myself, so I checked in a lot. And very slowly, step by step, I began to trust myself again. And it seemed just at the very right moment, Hakomi was right there, waiting with that inner knowing, of where we were going next.

 

The story of how we found our property in Colorado, accompanied by a young gelding by the name of Mikey, is for another time. But I do indeed live in Colorado, on a beautiful piece of property with my two horses, my dogs, my geese, my cats and yes, my knight in shining armor who showed up not to help me fill me heart (Hakomi had done that and then showed me how to do it for myself ) but to win it and  then cherish it.

 

I took my learnings and findings and created a equine experiential facility so others may also enjoy the ride of reconnection. I maintain my offices n New York and am living proof that you can indeed have it all. If you just follow your heart.  For it will never steer you wrong. Promise.

Oh, and if you misplaced your heart and need some help finding it again, come to the horses. The know exactly where to look.

 

 

Lisa Dee is a successful, vibrant entrepreneur and an avid natural horsewoman.

 

Her most recent creation, Vista Caballo, is an exclusive equine experiential center based in Dove Creek, Colorado. The center is dedicated to self- awareness, the development of human potential and personal growth.

Passionate and dedicated in her study of natural horsemanship, Lisa still studies with the best ‘whisperers’ in the country et, as always, she is a dedicated student of her best teachers - her horses.

 

An approved Epona instructor, Lisa is also a guest speaker at the Columbia School for Entrepreneurs and is the author of “You Can make An Ordinary Horse Beautiful: How To Make Every Relationship in Your Life A Happy One” and co-creator of the “The Way of the Horse” journal.

Touched by a Horse

What if you could actually experience what is in a horse’s heart? You could listen to the whispers of the wisdom held within and be inspired as well as touched emotionally by what was held inside. Through a lifelong relationship with horses and an extensive background as a psychotherapist, Melisa Pearce has created a fun and easy way to learn about ourselves through our interactions with horses. Inspired by the bold equine paintings of artist Jan Taylor, Melisa translated what the paintings portrayed and intuitively wrote the “message” the horses were expressing. The combined talents of these women brings to you an exquisite deck for your personal use or a wondrous gift. By using these cards daily, you will be inspired, enlightened, and encouraged to continue your journey a personal growth. It is the perfect time to be Touched By A Horse, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

An exquisitely crafted deck of 52 different cards featuring messages inspired from the loving, spiritual relationship with horses. Select one card that appeals to you in the moment and read the message on the back. Everyone will have their own interpretation of what the card’s message means to them. What you gain from the message is insightful, empowering, and yours alone. A gift from the heart for those you love and care about.

Ride of your Life

Throughout history, humans have used horsepower in many ways to improve their lives. However, on May 10, 2008, several people across North America used their horsepower to actually save lives.  The 2008 Equesse Ride of Your Life raised over $8,000 for the American Cancer Society and proved what can be accomplished when horsepeople come together and celebrate their love of horses.

The Equesse Ride of Your Life was a fundraising initiative for the American Cancer Society where horse enthusiasts dedicated their “horse-time” to fighting cancer.  Because it was an internet-based program, participants were able to choose their favorite horse-related activity or event to do on the day of the ride as their fundraiser.  Each person could be as creative as they wished in organizing their day or event, and they could dedicate their ride to loved ones who have faced cancer.

Last year, 17 year old Hillary King truly captured the spirit of the Ride of Your Life by organizing a group trail ride and fun day filled with horse-related activities for everyone in her small town, Texas community.  “We tried to come up with an event that would bring a lot of people from around our town,” explains Hillary.  “We have a lot of calf ropers, rodeo people and show people, and we thought a trail ride would be a good way to combine and include everyone.”

And it was.  With the support of The Bar-None Cowboy Church, the host-site of the event, Hillary and her parents, Tony and Missy King, put on a Texas-sized event filled with horsepower.  Activities such as a chuck wagon cookout, wagon rides, a live band, games and pony rides provided something for everyone to do and enjoy the day.  “You’re always surprised at how a community responds to something that is genuinely worthwhile,” Tony King describes about the success of Hillary’s event.  “Every family is touched by cancer in some way.  People turn up for the right things.  We were very pleased.”

“Each person that came out and registered, whether they themselves rode or not, filled out a badge in honor of a loved one who had been touched by cancer,” Missy King explains about a very special part of the day. “Then, each rider wore those badges on the trail ride.  Some riders had three or four badges.”

Many of those badges carried the name of one special man, the local equine veterinarian to whom Hillary dedicated her event, Dr. Lloyd Legg.  Dr. Legg has been battling a rare form of cancer for several years, but is definitely winning his fight.  “The American Cancer Society, through their support and funding has really made programs available to keep people like him in treatment,” explains Tony.  Dr. Legg and his family attended the event and shared a great day surrounded by fun, love and of course, horses.

In other parts of the country, participants chose to spend the day more quietly.  “That was the most wonderful thing about the day,” explains Ride of Your Life founder, Leah Juarez. “Because it was web-based, people could do whatever horse-related activity they enjoy the most, no matter how big or how small, from virtually anywhere in the world. They could personalize their web page, set their own fundraising goal and describe why they were participating in the ride.”  Leah continues, “We had so many people participate this year, and we were able to read so many beautiful stories.  Some raised as little as $10, while others like the Kings raised much more.  The most important thing this is that everyone was using their horsepower on that day to fight cancer.”  For example, Equesse Director and Designer, Debby Mudler, simply went for a quiet ride on her beloved Morgan gelding, Lucky.  She dedicated this “horse-time” to her friend and mentor, Morgan breeder, Joan Bowers, who lost her battle with cancer a few years ago.  Debby raised close to $500 from friends and family who supported her in doing something she truly loves.

Whatever the reason, and whatever the amount, participants in The 2008 Equesse Ride of Your Life celebrated their love of horses and showed how to use their passion to make a difference.  With a total of over $8,000 raised for the American Cancer Society, The Equesse Ride of Your Life is truly a testament to what horsepeople - and horsepower - can do.   The Kings aren’t done yet, however.  “We plan to do an all night event next year,” says Hillary, “with many more activities in addition to the trail ride.”  Tony adds, “We discussed setting up a course around the perimeter of the property at The Cowboy Church, and having a pony express-like set up, trading out horses and riders, so that someone is riding continuously for 24 hours.  That will provide a powerful visual - just seeing that horse and rider constantly at work.”   And, when it comes to fighting cancer, as many people and families know, there is still much work to be done.  Ride on, Hillary!

You can plan your own event for this year’s 2009 Equesse Ride of Your Life on Saturday, May 9, 2009!  Simply JOIN OUR TEAM by clicking the link below, and thank you for using your horsepower to fight cancer.

Equesse Ride of Your Life
Select JOIN OUR TEAM and get ready for The Ride of Your Life!

You have a gift.

For as long as you can remember, you have had a passion for horses. When you were little, you drew or cut out pictures of horses.  You had plastic models all over your room, and you knew the names of every horse in the movies or on TV.  Any time you could be next to a horse, or even catch a glimpse of one, was like a dream.  And the smell of hay and manure – forget about it!  You were in heaven. Many people may have thought you odd.  As your life progressed into adulthood, however, you may or may not have been able to pursue the lifestyle that fulfilled your passion.  Yet, it still remains, stronger than ever.  You have a gift – it’s called Equesse.

Equesse is the wondrous connection that so many women have with horses.  It has a language all its own that only certain women can understand.  It is a part of your soul that can bring deeper understanding of yourself and of the world.  Equesse should be celebrated for the wonderful joy it brings to your life –through something as simple as looking at a beautiful photo or painting of a horse.  You can find that connection here.  Equesse is not just about horses.  Equesse is about you.  This is just the beginning of a new and exciting discovery of a power that has always been
very much a part of you: your gift of Equesse.