A Business Birthday and a New Web Site

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” — John Anster

In May this year, The Mane Intent entered into its fifth fiscal year and on Monday, August 13 — we are hosting an open house to recognize this milestone.  It’s an opportunity to take a moment to celebrate our progress to date and to recognize the community that has supported our growth. Please see our Calendar for details on the event.

I can’t say it’s been easy — but it has been a very rewarding five years. There have been extreme highs and lows and so much richness in between. There is still lots of room for growth — but it feels good to know that we have grown from the seed of a dream, an idea, an intent (or perhaps even an impulse) into an increasingly viable social enterprise. I know for sure that this is my ‘heart‘work.

I am grateful for every minute that I am able to witness what’s possible when you bring humans and horses together with a shared focus on connection and relationship.  The nature of this work has opened my own heart in ways I didn’t think possible and I have learned to live with the discomfort of my own vulnerability. (I am also grateful for a life partner who has supported me every step of the way).

It has been a struggle (even as a seasoned communicator) to describe in words or images the tangible and intangible benefits that are experienced when you work with horses as natural coaches. I recently read and noted that it’s hard to sell services when people don’t know what it is; don’t understand how it works; can’t see how it will help them; and have no frame of reference for why they should be seeking out equine-assisted learning for their problem or challenge.

How do you describe magic? Because often I feel I am watching magic happen when I observe the dance between horse and human that unfolds over the course of a client session or group experience. The learning and self-awareness is memorable and long-lasting because clients often don’t expect it. But they experience it and they feel it in their body.  We will often ask participants to summarize their experience in one word. The words typically reflect an insight, an outcome or a feeling that defined their experience. Joy. Happy. Peaceful. Calm. Connected. Confident. Empowered. Authentic. Energy. Boundaries. Expanding. Soulful.

With their wild wisdom and subtle body language — our horses naturally shed light on behaviours and beliefs that might be blocking our clients’ personal or professional growth. They work together, side-by-side, with our clients on a metaphorical life journey focused on relationship.

The relationship with a horse is a genuine one. Horses read your energy; not your resume. If you are not congruent or you’re in your head or out of alignment — they may disengage, walk away or keep their distance. Horses teach us to listen to our body and the world around us. They teach us to be present and to be mindful of each moment, each thought or emotion that can influence our day and those around us.  They connect to our emotional and social intelligence with sensitivity and intuition. They invite us to feel, observe and reflect how our attitude, body language, energy and intent reflects our relationship with self and others. They invite us to look within and find our hearts again.

For this reason, we’ve launched a new web site with a fresh look that represents how the power of heart is reflected in each of our offerings. The site is defined by a new palate of colours, updated images and a fresh design. It is supported by the words of Paulo Coelho who says: “You will never, ever reach your full potential if you don’t open your heart.”

I would like to acknowledge the very talented individuals who helped me ‘behind the scenes’ with content who choose to be anonymous (you know who you are) and to acknowledge the work of Hatch Creative for design and Niteowl Creative for site construction. I would also like to acknowledge Manuela Stefan of Graceful Horses Photography for taking the beautiful portraits of our herd that are featured on the site.

“The Power of The Heart“ is a book written by Baptist De Pape and from its pages I share this passage: “Many people spend their lives searching for fulfillment and happiness, often expecting to find it in the purchase of a beautiful house, a luxury car, or other material possessions. But when their satisfaction with these wears off, they look for other things to fill the emptiness: they change jobs, go on expensive vacations, or find a new life partner. Yet, as Santiago in The Alchemist discovers, the greatest treasure, your true source of happiness and fulfillment, is inside you, within your heart.”