Laurel Boyer, Facilitator, Instructor, Trainer

As a child growing up on a large wheat farm in North Dakota, I developed a keen appreciation for nature and its many forms of inhabitants, especially horses. As a teenager I trained horses from a natural perspective as only child with a lot of time and an unfiltered, respectful observation can do. I promptly forgot all of these natural tools as I grew into adulthood. Throughout my military, government and commercial IT (Information Technology) experiences, I learned to be 'successful' in my career field, in competition and ultimately, I became a master at disassociating from my true inner guidance system.

My husband and I moved to Colorado in 1999 after living in Germany for 9 years. One by one, three horses have come to live in our barn, each helping me to connect back to that true inner guidance system which has helped me to deal with my losses, injuries, personal growth and ultimately, my day-to-day well being. It is my desire and passion to help others discover the wisdom they hold within themselves. Fortunately, these equine colleagues are here to help enhance this process.

Laurel considers herself an 'eclectic' natural horsewoman. She has studied John Lyons and Clinton Anderson as well as many other popular trainers sporting the 'natural' tagline. She has attended training seminars at the Parelli training center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado and is currently working on her level 3 tasks. Her real teachers have been the horses. Watching them and learning their communication, figuring out their needs and individual personalities has been the real challenge and her ultimate professors in determining her success or failures.

Diane Molony, Facilitator, Licenced Massage Therapist, Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist

Diane is a licensed massage therapist and certified equine massage therapist. She has maintained a successful human and equine massage practice since 1991 in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Diane specializes in relief from acute and chronic pain in both humans and horses and has extensively explored the avenues of Structural Energetic, Cranio-sacral and Neuromuscular Therapies. While pursuing these avenues to health and healing she realized the strong connection between the emotional and physical components of the body. If the emotional components are not also addressed, the pathways to inner healing and overall well being remain forever elusive. She therefore pursued emotional somatic work for several years through the Upledger Institute, and for eighteen months, she studied emotional release techniques based on the principles of Wilhelm Reich.

Still intrigued by the vastness of this field, she returned to college seeking a degree in Health, Arts, and Science, focusing on Expressive Arts, Psychology and Horse Assisted Experiential Learning. This she coincided with a two year apprenticeship through the Epona Equestrian Center in Arizona, specializing in reconnecting people to their inner authenticity with the assistance of the horse. Diane successfully competed to fourth level in dressage and gained her Bronze Medal, but has since retired from the show ring. She currently lives in Tarpon Springs in Florida with her husband, 2 children and her horses.

Epona Influence

Linda Kohanov authored a book called The Tao of Equus. This book causes humans to re-evaluate the relationship that horses have with humans, and it provides a scientific explaination for the basis of feelings and their importance in sorting out our lives. It also chronicles the powerful therapuetic effect horses can have on people. Laurel & Diane both completed the two year apprenticeship with Linda Kohanov and her associates in June 2008. Both are currently working as Equine Facilitated Learning practitioners in their locations, but they co-facilitate seminars throughout the country. To find out more about Linda's program and The Tao of Equus, please visit her website at www.taoofequus.com.

• overcome fear
• trust
• listen to your body
• use your emotions as guides
• set and maintain boundaries
• ride with confidence
• play and dance with a horse
• deepen your connection