Empowering Horses

Welcome to "Empowering Horses", which will follow my journey as I venture into the "World of the Horse" as an apprentice of the herd. By honouring the horse as an equal I aspire to develop true friendship. I have been very inspired by the work of Imke Spilker as presented in her book, "Empowered Horses: Learning Their Way Through Independence, Self-Confidence and Creative Play". I resonate with Imke's philosophy on a deep soul level. 


My program, "Healing with Horses", integrates Equine-Facilitated Wellness (EFW)* and Nature-Centred Therapy with a small horse and donkey rescue.  The horses are viewed as master teachers of presence in the moment, body centeredness, emotional vitality, resilience, authenticity, intuitive communication and awareness of our connection with all other beings. All interactions with the horses are at liberty (i.e. no tack) and are focused on supporting the horse in his journey of healing and self-actualization. Consent is always sought and an answer of "No" is always honoured. The program does not involve any riding.


In contrast to other Equine-Assisted/Facilitated programs we do not engage in any activities that involve the horse having to submit to a human agenda (e.g. lungeing, round pen work, "join-up"). Such activities are often marketed as experiential ways of learning about boundaries, assertiveness and leadership and are ultimately purported to empower the client. It is my belief that a human can never become fully empowered while disempowering another living being. Horses are not here to serve us, even in the role of workshop assistants. Rather, the horse is a sacred, sovereign being with his own culture, way of perceiving the world and unique personality, soul gifts and calling in this lifetime. It is my intention to honour this while supporting each horse and donkey here in their journey of healing and empowerment. 


* I hesitate to even use this term because it implies that the horses are expected to actively facilitate the client's healing process, which is not the case. Rather, the client heals through supporting and holding space for the horse's journey. I use the term EFW only in want of a better term.