Peaceful Pastures

Every person who enters an Equine Facilitated Wellness session brings a unique story, shaped by their culture, beliefs, values, lived experiences, family systems, and personal identity.

As Human Service Professionals, our role is not to interpret those experiences for our clients—it’s to create a safe, inclusive environment where they can discover meaning for themselves.

One of the simplest and most impactful ways we do this is through neutral, curiosity-based language.

Rather than assuming what an equines behaviour means, we invite exploration.

Instead of saying:
“The horse is avoiding you because you’re afraid of commitment.”

We might ask:
✨ “What do you notice about where the horse is choosing to be?”

✨ “How did you feel when the donkey moved away?”

✨ “What meaning, if any, does this interaction have for you?”

✨ “What would you like to try differently?”

These questions allow the client to remain the expert of their own life.

For one person, an equine standing quietly nearby may represent safety. For another, it may feel overwhelming. Neither experience is wrong—they are simply different. Our job is to remain curious rather than certain.

At Pro-EFW, we believe ethical Equine Facilitated Wellness is grounded in cultural humility, trauma-informed practice, professional ethics, and deep respect for the diverse experiences every client brings into the arena. The horses don’t care where someone comes from, what language they speak, or what they believe—they respond authentically in the present moment. As facilitators, our responsibility is to ensure every person feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to discover their own path forward.

Because the most meaningful insights are the ones clients uncover for themselves.

New home syndrome. Erratic behaviour. This describes Tinker and Mac at the arena, settling nicely, then regressing. And my dog Maisie, who was used to free ranging, and cats Mo Toes and Katy Cat who were used to being hunters. And also myself, unused to ‘peopling’ every time I step outside the door.
One step forward, two steps back, our collective moves from Peaceful Pastures is taking much longer to adjust to than anticipated. Baby steps, just breathe, be gentle on ourselves .

Hazy morning.

Tinker chose to follow me for my pasture walk, leaving her buddies behind. Earlier she had been behaving very stressed when she wasn’t included in a ride, and not with her buddies. No crocuses yet.

Calm before the storm.
Dramatic Spring sky. Chore time with the animals soothed my barometric pressure change headache and body aches.
Now the wind and snow have started, indoors until evening chore time unless the storm ends earlier.

Fluffy and frosted, Mac surviving the deep cold extra hay rations. Pretty chilly to snap photos, had to capture his white eyelashes.

Equine, canine, feline Valentine’s Day wishes.
Colouring page for all.

Mac took his time, seemingly enjoying the mountain sunset view, before sauntering over to join the mares for their evening feed. They’re each unique, the mares were eagerly awaiting their hay, grabbing mouthfuls before I could spread it in the feeders.

7 years later, frosty fuzzy filly.