I remember how I felt when making the decision to enroll in an EFL training program. I was fickle, doubting, worried, nervous and scared. Then, at other times, I would find myself calm, collected, trusting and secure on my path. I knew that it would all work out and that Horse was calling me. I would then step into that energy and trust and allow spirit to support me. This inconsistent, back and forth approach created a sandpaper effect in my life and ultimately kept me stuck in the same place. I would take an action, and then a few weeks later doubt it or sabotage … [Read more...]
Under the Shade Tree
I have been traveling the world for the last ten years sharing the wisdom of horses in the EFLC work. My work has taken me to several continents. People from more countries than I can count have been touched by the wisdom of horses and have brought the philosophies, lodged deeply in their hearts, back to their communities. During each trip there are several noteworthy moments. Many of those are at the round pen with the participants as they are learning from Horse. At each location I also experience my own significant moment with one or more of the horses I meet. … [Read more...]
Jumping Crawdads
My friend walked down to the edge of the river, (before the flood) and noticed the crawdads were jumping out of the river—literally jumping out of the river and up onto the bank. When she told an official about this obscure behavior, he asked her what time it had happened. It was precisely the same time that the big wall of water had released out of the mountains and was on its way to Longmont. Two days later, while people were frantic attempting to save their homes and find higher ground, my friend observed the Koi fish in her pond acting hyper and spastic. … [Read more...]
Moon’s Big Heart
I took Moon up for a mellow ride on Rabbit Mountain last week. Once up the hill we meandered through the meadows sprinkled with late summer flowers and cactus. His savvy hooves moved along the rocky field with grace. His quick glance to the left helped me spot the coyote that sat very still and quiet on a rock not too far away. The coyote watched us intently, never moving, even some time later when we looped back around and crossed along his way again. Every horse offers something different. There is something about moving with a horse, in silence, feeling the sun and … [Read more...]
Oprah Magazine Features an Equus Coach – Hang on for the Ride
Oprah Magazine has featured an article about the beautiful unfolding and unexpected learning that Horses can provide humans. This August issue features Koelle Simpson and her work as an Equus Coach in an article entitled Horse Sense. I am so very excited to see this article as it will only support the horses being seen and experienced as the amazing teachers that they are. Koelle, a life coach, works with Martha Beck who contributes to the Oprah Magazine on a regular basis. Koelle’s roots are based in the Monty Roberts training methods. Her style of work may be a … [Read more...]
To Ride or Not to Ride
I have had a beautiful dirty palomino paint mare for about one year. I bought her when she was lame with high hopes that someday she would be balanced and sound enough to be a nice riding horse. Diva is her name and she is a broodmare. Having babies is what she has always been good at. She is flashy, gorgeous and very level headed. I went against my riding instructor's advisement when I purchased Diva. Later I questioned if it was really intuition that guided me through the purchase or a very strong ego-based agenda to have what I wanted with her. The very first … [Read more...]
A Horse Called Peek-a-Boo
It was a crisp slightly windy day as I drove into the Ap'ljac ranch. My heart was pounding in great anticipation to become more within the heart of the horse. The horses were calm but interested as I headed toward the meeting space for Kathy Pike's "The Dance of Authenticity through the Wisdom of the Horse." I was the first one to arrive on this day that would change my life as I knew it. While walking past one horse in particular, a bay mare of Arabian decent, my heart switched rhythm. I felt a connection as I briefly made contact with her soft brown eyes. When … [Read more...]
Embracing Possibilities…
Dear Friends, My travels to teach and share the EFLC work have recently taken me across the world to Australia to experience their summer, then down to south Texas to experience the spring with blue bonnets and Longhorn cattle. Both adventures were rich with creating connections with the horses, the land, and all of earth’s creatures. Coaching with Horses is growing in recognition throughout the world. It is exciting to see how many people are searching for a deeper understanding of how to honor Horse as teacher, mentor, and guide. The more I travel the more I … [Read more...]
Sweet Surrender
There is a buzz here. It is constant, from the slow rise of the sun to the moment it sinks below the flat wavy hot line of the late day horizon. Not intrusive, yet impossible to ignore, the hum of the cicada rises loudly and falls in waves of silence as the cockatoos, cocoberry and rosella parrots spring forth in their song of vigor and charm, dancing magic through my ears and my senses. There is aliveness in the air and everything simultaneously orchestrates a deep shift within me. These primal sounds in the hot Australia summer have, oddly enough, pulled me back … [Read more...]
A White Winter
Father Winter has made himself known in Colorado. His hello did not include whimsical snowflakes landing gently on my nose. Instead, as I trudged down to feed the horses, I was greeted by icy cold specks of sleet darting horizontally from the north and biting my checks. Corazon, full of impatience, chased Moon through the fields, and both carried on bucking and kicking. Even though I had come down an hour early, their frosty manes and frozen whiskers told me it still was not soon enough. The girls were sporting white iced half-blankets on their backs, nature’s … [Read more...]
Horses, Energy Fields, Aura Photography
This spring during the Level Five EFLC program we explored several layers and realms of consciousness through interacting with Horse. During one experience we set a container for horse to work with the clients at liberty and to come and go as they wished. The intent for the session was to open the chakra channels and begin a process of balancing through the active engagement of tuning. In some Tantric teachings, each chakra has a specific vibration or primordial sound that when repeated can release energy that may be congesting that energy center. We can open up … [Read more...]
Spring: The Time for Growth and Harmony
Great peace has come to me and to the herd. After an expansive year of travel and in opening our glorious facility in Longmont everything has settled. Each herd member is strong and solid and as a group they have formed a tight, cohesive herd. It brings me such joy to see them living in harmony. Yesterday during the Natural Horsemanship for EFLC each one of them offered the client a new nugget or perspective in communication and connection. After a long, cold winter the horses are happily ready to teach. We continue to lead with them, into deeper levels of … [Read more...]
Spring Energy
The 2012 season has started off with a lot of energy. In January we had a group of 13 men in a leadership program here at the ranch. The horses had been on holiday for two months and showed great excitement and curiosity in working with a group of all men. Corazon once again showed his capacity as a teacher when at the end of the day he worked with the entire group of men. It was wildly successful! Following the men's leadership program, we heading to Tucson to kick off this year's EFLC Apprenticeship program. Rita Bledsoe and Mindy Hagens support all of the … [Read more...]
Wishing You Happy Holidays
It is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Would you like your shopping to be easy and be able to give just the right gift? We have an answer for you. Treat your friend (or yourself) to a gift of learning and expansion! One of Coaching with Horses best values continues so grow and expand… The Wild Herd Community and Membership. The Wild Herd membership offers classes and resources for those interested in expanding their consciousness with horses! Currently there are over 35 classes in our library. That is well over 45 hours of … [Read more...]
Heading to the Desert!
I am excited to be heading to Arizona for the Wild Women Retreat! Eight Wild Women will enjoy the warm desert air and over 1000 acres of the Saguaro National Park. Our Equine Learning round pen sessions will be complimented with massages, creating connection while riding, trail rides in the park and goodie bags! Do you want to feel the desert winds warming your soul? Are new equine friends, both two legged and four legged, calling you? Are you ready to become the BEST YOU NOW? Join us in the desert February 2012. . . . . or beyond at the farm in … [Read more...]
The Diamond Sparkles of Fall
There are certain things in the world that fill me with peace and restore me on a cellular level, the deepest part of my being. The first, of course, is horses. The ocean, in any state of expression awes me. And last but not least, aspen trees, yellow from the cool autumn nights, elevate me to a new vibration. You can imagine the joy and deep gratitude I feel when I get to experience two of my favorite things at the same time! Last weekend I was gifted with that. For two days I rode horses through the golden sparkling aspens in the high mountains of Colorado. The … [Read more...]
Wild Women Desert Retreat
The Wild Women Retreat is just around the corner... Are you ready to take a break and expand your life? We blend the EFLC work with ground work as well as riding during a full week retreat in the Sonoran Desert. This course helps you gain clarity about who you are and your passion in life. The week is filled with learning and riding horses, as well as lots of laughter and community. Take your confidence in life and riding to a new level at the famous White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. The world-class ranch destination provides our group with memorable … [Read more...]
Moon Shadow Ranch
The Ranch has been named! A name has finally bubbled up for the ranch that feels perfect to me: Moon Shadow Ranch. The name embraces the light, the dark, and those moments of true presence when we become one with all. It is inspired by Flashy Doc Warrior, my first horse, who was nicknamed Moon after the creamy-colored moon that rises in New Mexico. See our ranch photos here. Wild Women Retreat is coming UP! The heat of the summer has gotten to me. I have been day dreaming about the fall programs and the Tucson desert! The Wild Women Retreat is one of my very … [Read more...]
When the Journey Began
When the journey began, the stillness of the sunny day quickly shifted. The wind came up, caressing the walls of the arena, creating sounds of soft creaks and folds. Sand blew through the big door and along the floor as the snow capped Long’s Peak watched over the land from a distance. I focused on my footsteps and the sounds of the rhythm beads I held to my hip. Birds, suddenly chirping louder, invading the inside of my being. Wind now blowing in gusts; butterflies twirled in my belly. My big buckskin, Moon, walked next to me. His head dropped as we both moved … [Read more...]
Next Door
Through the deep darkness and the stillest part of the night, the roar of the heavy metal wheels rolled along the tracks. The train’s whistle sent a jolt through my slumbering body. A pack of coyotes fired up and let loose their screams and yips, multiplying in numbers by their mere sounds. Everything came thundering into my consciousness and cracked the seal around my deep, dark sleep. Images of a dark colored horse breaking through a fence jarred me into a panic. Where am I? What is happening? Where are my horses? … [Read more...]