What will be presented?

The lecture and demonstration focus on the elements many see as needed for a holistic approach to horsemanship and will spotlight the Center for Equine Awareness (CEA) Sacred Holistic Horsemanship Program. CEA, a 501c(3) education nonprofit, defines Sacred Holistic Horsemanship (SHH) as a blend of the inward spiritual journey toward greater awareness, mindfulness, compassion, and love; the art of riding with grace and harmony; and the latest equine and equestrian scientific studies.

SHH is founded on the 5 foundational pillars of body, mind, heart, soul, and community. The lecture outlines the most relevant points for each pillar. The following demonstration addresses how each of these interweave for harmony and wellbeing for both the horse and the horse’s partner. Plenty of time is available discussion and questions. Through sharing we can find common ground and forge a clearer message.

A handout on a new program that launches soon will be available. To fulfill this paradigm shift mission, CEA has designed the Sacred Holistic Horsemanship Certification Program. Many have put a lot of time, effort, and collaboration into bringing you an exciting, enlightening, and effective program. Built on the 5 foundational pillars, this program provides the tools to help expand this paradigm shift. Those who complete the journey will be recognized as those who embrace a sacred and holistic view of horsemanship. Join us as we lead you on this journey. Dip into your inner strength and convictions. Find your voice. Experience a more compassionate, connected, and committed way of being with your equines.

Where is this journey directed?

CEA firmly believes that through education, experience, and support we are ready to transform to a more benevolent and equitable paradigm—one that recognizes all things as interbeing (interconnected). This paradigm brings consciousness, awareness, mindfulness, and sacredness into all our intentions with our beloved equine beings, recognizing that horses exist in their own right and have their own inalienable natural rights.

From Separateness to Sacred Interbeing

the next Equestrian Paradigm Shift is arising

Throughout the course of history, there have been significant paradigm shifts in the way horses have been treated and used. From Xenophon to Classical Riding Principles, from breaking horses to starting colts, one can see that the shift has been moving in the direction of horse well being and welfare. Now a new story is unfolding. Many are shifting horses from a means to an end to equal beings on this life’s journey. There is expanding awareness to bring horses into the fold of sentience and consciousness. This movement has been coalescing for the last couple of decades as many seek further advancement away from the current standards of horse treatment to looking for new ways of cocreating and cohabitating with their equine partners. Cocreating connection, compassion, and communication. Cohabitation where both beings experience freedom and community.

Division and uncertainty in the last couple of years seems to be increasing all over the world during these stressful and trying times. Division even seeps into the Equestrian community stirring many to seek shelter and support into different ideological camps creating separation and sometimes friction. We have all been witness to the recent painful outcomes from isolation and dividing discourse. Now is the time we need to come together not only for ourselves but also for our horses. We need to ensure that our horses will be by our sides and protected as we go forward into unknown times.

Let’s travel from the current conventional equestrian paradigm to soul-based horsemanship.

Why act now?

Everyday is an opportunity to create more safety and protection in the equestrian world. Everyday we can expand and improve our vision of the next chapter. As this new way of being is awakening, we need strong, compassionate leaders to create and open paths for others to follow. Out of successful experiences and knowledge, the Center’s mentors have created a framework for equestrian transformation to help those who are willing to take up this call for the new story.

Some feel the urge to be part of this and do not know how or where to begin. By joining us and taking this step forward, you can help prevent unnecessary physical, mental, emotional, and spritual suffering for both horses and the humans who love them. Through this new story, horses and humans will enjoy a closer, kinder, and more compassionate relationship.

Together we will honor the wisdom and giving nature of the horse.

Who will benefit from this gathering?

Those who feel the call to expand mindfulness and compassionate horsemanship for the well being of horses and humans in all equestrian pursuits and experiences. It is also a great foundation for anyone who is looking for personal growth on their journey to more harmony and connection with their horses.

This shift requires focused work. It is a transformational journey, and it will take dedication, discipline, and time and includes a deep dive within.

Listen to the whispers in your soul

Are you embarrassed or troubled by your mentors actions with your horse?

Do wish wish you had the courage or knowledge to speak up?

Are you searching for a kinder and more compassionate way?

Are you aware of what you are searching for?

Become aware of any fear or sadness in your horse interactions and let us help you alchemize them into courage and joy.

We all are capable of transformation, and have the wisdom needed already within us. During this exploration with us, you will travel on a life-changing adventure to help you find your inner strength and to revisit forgotten or buried wisdom. You will have guided support and a framework to help you on your way.

Let’s step away from the ordinary and into the sacred

Why offer this program?

As this new way of being is awakening, we need strong, compassionate leaders to create and open paths for others to follow. Some feel the urge to be part of this and do not know how or where to begin. Out of our successful experiences and knowledge, we have created a framework for Equestrian transformation to help those who are willing to take up this call for the new story.

What makes this program unique?

If you join our Sacred Holistic Horsemanship Program, you will be following a timeless and well-tried path: The Hero’s Journey as outlined by Joseph Campbell. Countless have traveled this path and have arrived with new ways of understanding, being, and doing. Through this effort, the Hero encapsulates what is important for their personal well-being and through completing the quest, their transformation brings them to confidently and compassionately share their experiences with others.

Together we will honor the wisdom and giving nature of the horse.

Why we care

Throughout history, horses have captured our imaginations, galloped through our dreams, and stunned us with their beauty, wisdom, and grace. With their cooperation, we have successfully engaged them for countless tasks. The horse has accepted being our partner for centuries from plowing our fields to assisting us in our wars, to performing for our entertainment. In more recent times the horse is in service to aid our troubled minds and bodies back to a place of well-being. They have earned the rights for contented and full lives.

Who are the facilitators for SHH program?

We are a dedicated community of experienced and accomplished equestrians committed to helping humans to connect with these amazing animals for mutual joy. From our vision, to our culture, to our classes, to the day-to-day operations, we are committed to enriching the horse/human experience. Having traveled the path and having contributed to the old equestrian paradigm, we are all pledged to this new paradigm shift. It speaks to our hearts and feels good within our souls. All of our mentors have all been on deep soul-searching personal journeys to find new ways of being with their equine partners. Now we are here to share what we learned along the way so that you can have a guided and supported journey while you create your own strong and clear message to share with others.

For all the horse has done for us, it is through our gratitude that we examine what

we offer to the horse in return.

Body Development & Conformation

Though understanding equine and rider biomechanics and following classical training principles, you and your equine athlete will enjoy healthy physical well-being and many years together. Conformation knowledge is essential to determine healthy choices when asking equines and riders to perform specialized movements and actions.

Mental & Emotional Development

By applying Equine Behavior and Rider Psychology methods safer situations can be created, fears can be overcome, deeper trust and connection can be developed, and through understanding and compassionate leadership skills domination can be ended in our equine interactions.

Energy and Body Work

Through the practice of Qi Gong and Yoga, we bring balanced energy and physical awareness to our horses. Through effortless movement, Qi Gong activates and develops strength, balances and opens energy channels and through movement meditation practices increases body awareness. Yoga , also, is very effective for strength, balance, flexibility, and awareness.

Spiritual Growth

Through meditation practice, awaken to more sacred and interbeing possibilities. Find the present moment, your authentic self, your inner strength, and your voice .Gain awareness through Selfseeds (See Sue Eoff Host below for details). Develop your capacity for effective communication through studying Non-violent communication.

Service

The Hero’s path ends with sharing their new knowledge, experiences, and transformations with others. Find your kind and compassionate warriors path. Through service the Hero’s journey is complete. Find your voice and confidence to satin in your truth.

   Karen’s Story

On the Right Track

When a cowboy called and asked to work with me for an afternoon, I did not foresee how it would be a transformative moment in my search for a holistic approach with horses. When he arrived I brought in my retired reliable expo horse, and we set about going through different Natural Horsemanship groundwork movements. I was incorporating my knowledge of biomechanics and demonstrating my methods for working with the horse very slowly and with grounded, gentle, strong energy.

And then it happened: The fellow says to me, ”I see you are creating both an oxytocin and dopamine response to bring this horse into trust and relaxation.” I had not a clue to what he was talking about. The longer I stood there the more I sank into a moment of disbelief and sadness. How had I missed such valuable equine behavior knowledge? I was this blah, blah, blah international clinician and lecturer—and this cowboy just opened up a big blank hole in my holistic knowledge of horsemanship. He mentioned a book called Evidence-Based Horsemanship, and I downloaded it on Kindle as soon as I got to the house. It was quite the fascinating read. I quickly realized my training methods were indeed in alignment with how horses learn. Through years of observation and many learning experiences (many worked and a lot more did not), I had created a training method in alignment with equine learning principles. WOW. I was on to something. I wanted to know more to expand my holistic approach. This was the beginning of my quest for a scientific understanding how horses think and learn. Now I found another connected piece for a holistic approach.

I stay current by reading a lot of the emerging scientific papers on the latest equine developments. Equine studies are exploding with new awareness and interest. In recognition of my successful incorporation of equine biomechanics and behavior principles into my training and teaching, I now am in demand for lectures and clinics on equine biomechanics, equine behavior, and natural horsemanship and am a regular guest lecturer at Montana State University in their Equine Program. Through my extensive learning for my certified dressage and jumping credentials, I am in demand for Classical Riding clinics. I see myself as the bridge between the knowledge in the classroom and the application in the arena.

For the last 15 years I have been on a committed inward path. This path had taken me to meditation, yoga, and Qi Gong. As I was searching and experiencing positive changes in my life through these modalities, I discovered and then realized how effective they are in helping me work with horses. I now see these as an integral part of a holistic horsemanship approach. More pieces. My quest for a holistic program was getting closer.

Fast forward to today. I with others have put together a holistic program with 5 foundational pillars, body, mind, heart, soul, and service. We are forging ahead to expand a sacred and holistic paradigm shift in the horse world. We foresee that the Sacred Holistic Horsemanship Program will be one of the center pieces for this emerging movement. The journey continues…

If I can do it, so can you!!!!!!

I have found that it is beneficial when equine enthusiasts have a foundational level of knowledge and hands-on experience of how the equine body, mind, emotions, and natural nature of the horse works and to examine how these are the same and yet different from the human counterparts. I have come to realize that through ongoing support and community these findings are transformational.

By going down this path, you will gain confidence and clarity in your training methods.

You will experience greater connection, communication, and compassion with your horse.

What is Karen’s holistic approach?

#1: To create connection and trust to prevent survival reactions and develop positive learning responses.

Much of my work focuses on keeping horses in a relaxed state so that learning can occur. Horses have a narrow window of tolerance to stimuli; they shy and flee easily. If a horse is activated into a reaction, learning stops and survival skills kick in. My approach to incorporating equine behavior into horse/human interactions widens and stabilizes this window of tolerance. My program relies heavily on the handler’s observation and perception skills. I have developed a basket of effective tools that the handler can use as needed.

This relaxed state is paramount to healthy movement for the horse. Relaxation is a cornerstone to effective biomechanics. Through understanding of the biomechanics of natural horse movement, one can train and ride horse in healthy posture that is created form the inside out.

All of this takes being present with increased observation and being aware of one’s energy. This work begins with exploring ourselves – our outside selves and our inside selves and blending those into one harmonic being – our actions on the outside in alignment with our intensions on the inside. By knowing our true nature i.e., our greatest passion, our deepest joy, our highest strength, and by having our actions reflect this – we now operate from a place of harmonic authenticity that the horse is able to recognize and trust.

#2: My methods and tools help riders of all disciplines and levels to achieve a deeper harmonious partnership with their horses.

The paramount focus is to further develop the partnership between human and horse while honoring both the rider’s and the horse’s bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. Equine handlers and equestrians gain more confidence and skill while improving their horse’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual soundness.

My methods have transformed hundreds of horses from fear and mistrust to relaxation and connection. Through biomechanics and Classical Riding Principles both riders and horses have transformed from being unbalanced, stiff, or hollow to being balanced, free in movement with healthy muscle development. Understanding and implementing equine learning principles greatly improved and refined my training methods. More importantly, many of my students have effectively applied this knowledge and methods with transformative results.

*See below for Karen’s bio.

What others have discovered working with Karen.

“Her ability to connect with and understand a horse are amazing. She worked with my herd-bound horse in a setting where he was content to be by himself, something I didn’t think was possible. She gave me some exercises to help me to get my horse to focus and work with me. She truly cares about the welfare of the horse and takes the time it takes to help the troubled horse fit into our world.”—RC

“Watching her do lateral work in hand, Col. Carde expressed his admiration for the quality of softness and correctness in the work he saw —during the June Symposium on Straightness and Balance where she was a luncheon guest presenter.”—CL

“The Center takes you on a journey that’s exquisitely fine-tuned for optimal communication, conditioning, harmony, trust, and heartfelt relationships between horse and rider.”—PL

“I feel so lucky to work with the center and their horses as they patiently walk me through the mind, body, and spirit language that connects horse and human.”—KE

“You’ve helped me rediscover a lost part of myself and find my path.” VF