This poem was written by my sister Pat, and her words describe beautifully what I would like to convey to all of the horses and people who have touched me and taught me so much on my journey. I received incredible support and updates from family, friends, colleagues, clients, and students when my first newsletter went out. Thank you all so much!

When we were preparing the materials for the first Epona Apprenticeship class to begin in January of 2003, I was challenged with the task of designing a curriculum which would include basic psychological principles and concepts as they relate to Equine Facilitated Learning. Much of the material I utilized then I still incorporate when I teach what I call the psychospiritual foundations of EFL. I believe this foundational piece is necessary for a complete understanding of what happens when we engage with horses in this aspect of advanced human development. In the programs where I am adjunct faculty, Horse Spirit Connections, Equine Alchemy, and Authentic Horse Human Organization, as well as the HEAL program, which I co-facilitate with Leigh Shambo, I have the opportunity to integrate these concepts and principles with the students and my colleagues. Over the years I have found that the best facilitators are the individuals who are willing to be in what the Buddhists call "Beginner's Mind." The silence and pause in an exchange with another human or species gives the space for deep listening. How often have you missed the feeling and the tone with a loved one or a colleague by only paying attention to the words? I have found that listening deeply to the horses' needs and input allows for inspiration and guidance from the heart and souls of these magnificent teachers. The horses are helping us find the still point. From this place we can shift into a fully embodied presence and allow new learning to emerge for lasting change.

I have been involved in so many life changing experiences in just the past few months that it is difficult to highlight just one. However, the following short description may give you an idea of the quality and professionalism I see in individuals studying with my colleagues and myself to become adept facilitators of this work:
 
A simple exercise to do with horses is to give the client the opportunity to groom a horse with some safety guidelines and see what the horse and client do from there. A woman, a leader in her company and chosen field, worked with a horse who exhibited a background of trauma. As we were observing the interaction I was struck with a few things: she knew intuitively how to pace herself, when to back off gently, when to allow a breath between a touch, and how to establish a container of safety and trust. What I was most impressed with was the respect and natural ease and grace she showed in this simple exchange. If she could do this with a horse she did not know, and take what she has learned as a corporate executive to this work, I know that the expanding field of EFL is in good hands. Seeing her reflection in that beautiful horse's eye and the healing between them in that present moment affirmed the "rightness" of this work. It reinforced my dedication to all of the horses and people who come to learn from us.  

This issue will highlight some of the events and workshops I will be part of this spring and summer in the UK, Germany, and the United States. I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and we would appreciate any comments, questions or stories of inspiration you would like to share.  

May your life be filled with love and many blessings,

Visit my CALENDAR for summer and fall workshops and please contact me with any questions, comments, and suggestions. We love hearing from you!

Until next time, many blessings,