OVERVIEW
You're Having Fun...Is Your Horse?
Did you know that your mood affects your horse?
Attend this workshop and learn to use mindfulness practices to set the stage for an effective, attuned relationship with your horse, regardless of discipline or level of experience. Receive training from experts and practice unmounted exercises to help you build trust and connection. After this workshop you'll be able to prepare yourself to interact and then engage with your horse as its partner in fun, not master in chief!
3 hour workshop - Free (contributions welcome.)
September 7th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm (Redmond)
September 20th, 5:30 to 8:30pm (Bend)
September 7th event benefits HeartSpace Horse Sanctuary
WORKSHOP LEADERS
Victoria Williams
Victoria is an experienced horse trainer and instructor from Central Oregon. She believes in the transformative power of working with horses and brings her ideas to the community through My Horse Journey, a company she runs with her husband Josh. With 25 years in the industry, she has excelled in western equine sports and trained with respected horsemen. Victoria's deep connection with horses has inspired her to develop a unique horsemanship program that blends classical principles, somatic awareness, and personal growth work.
Josh Williams
Josh is a passionate advocate for human potential, music, nature, and horses. He has developed an innovative Equine BodyWork method that connects people with horses and enhances equine performance. With degrees in exercise science and biomechanics, along with extensive experience as a licensed massage therapist, Josh brings expertise in wellness, performance, and a deep love for horses to My Horse Journey.
WORKSHOP CONTENT
Communication & Connectedness
Understanding Horse Language & Culture
Understanding Horse Language & Culture
Participants will learn techniques for self-discovery and mindfulness before entering the horse's space. This includes understanding co-regulation and Polyvagal Theory, exploring Heart Math Research related to coherence, congruence, and self-awareness. Additionally, attendees will learn breath-work, mindfulness meditation, and somatic awareness techniques to enhance their presence and connection with their horses.
Understanding Horse Language & Culture
Understanding Horse Language & Culture
Understanding Horse Language & Culture
Delve into equine psychology, sensory experience, and herd dynamics. Gain insights into how horses communicate and interact with each other. By understanding horse language and culture, participants will develop the ability to build trust and connection with their horses through embodiment and mirroring. You'll learn how to become better friends, advocates, and trusted partners!
Groundwork & Exercises
Understanding Horse Language & Culture
Groundwork & Exercises
This workshop will cover practical exercises and groundwork techniques that can be done without riding the horse. Participants will learn to recognize and work through brace (tension or resistance), and relax into roundness and connection through movement. These exercises will help establish a solid foundation of trust, communication, and physical coordination between you and your equine partner.
HEARTSPACE HORSE SANCTUARY
HeartSpace Horse Sanctuary
HeartSpace Horse Sanctuary provides forever homes for horses that have suffered from trauma, healing their Body, Mind & Spirit through proper nutrition and holistic care. Interactions from the space of the heart provide healing & inspiration for all, whether horse or human.
Ghost Rock Ranch
Ghost Rock Ranch is home to the Helping Hoofs and Bend Forest School Program. The ranch has a rich producing garden, lavender fields, grass-filled meadows, an abundance of pollinators and birds, a small orchard, riding trails, and of course, many horses, burros, dogs, and cats.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do we bring our own horses?
This workshop is in a lecture/demo format working with the host ranches' horses. For this event, please leave your own horses at home.
How much does the workshop cost?
It's free, but contributions are welcome. Contributions benefit School of Ranch and Heartspace Horse Sanctuary.
Where are the workshops?
The September 7 workshop will be held at HeartSpace Horse Sanctuary,
3867 Northwest Way Redmond, OR. The September 20 workshop will be held at Ghost Rock Ranch, 23525 Bear Creek Road, Bend, OR.
What do I need to bring?
A chair! There will be a potluck dinner. You are welcome to contribute a dish!
Can I attend with my kid?
Yes. Please be sure that your kid will remain attentive in the workshop setting and be mindful of the potential danger that comes with being around horses. That goes for all adults, too!
What is School of Ranch?
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon based 501c3 nonprofit. We hire experienced locals to teach practical homestead skills, live and in person. Beyond helping people build resilience and self-reliance, and creating paying gigs, we help strengthen our community by bringing people together for live learning experiences that encourage the development of trust and empathy, the building blocks of community.