The HERD Institute

We talk a lot about balance, but you probably feel this when we say: sometimes we feel guilty for pursuing balance.

If there's one thing we've learned over the last few months, more than ever, it's that rest and balance ARE indicators of strength -- not the other way around.

In a world where we're constantly pushed to improve, innovate, push forward and make change, it's very easy to slip into the guilt of "doing less" (even for just a little while!).

Today, we're here to encourage you to reframe your notion of balance and rest. What are some ways you find time to rest and recalibrate within your own life?

Move over, prom king. There's a NEW crown in town. 😎

Nominate your favorite horse for HERD Homecoming Equine King or Queen at our upcoming Coming Home to The HERD Conference!

No ribbons. No pedigree. Just the one who gets it, who shows up. The one you will never forget.

🗳️ Nominations close June 15th
🗳️ Community voting: June 22–26
🎉 Homecoming Dance: July 11th at the Coming Home to The HERD Conference

One nomination per member | Any equine you've partnered with in EAS programs

👑 You can find the nomination form here ➡️ https://loom.ly/ffFC2Jg

Curious what a HERD conference is like? Don’t just take our word for it! We asked past attendees to describe their HERD experience and here’s what they had to say ⬇️

Whether you are looking for CE credits, practice hours, or simply a community that finally 'gets it,' our 10th Anniversary Conference is designed for you.

➡️ Experience The HERD this July 10-12 in Columbus, OH -- register now at tinyurl.com/HERD2026

For the practitioners, facilitators, space-holders, educators, and helping professionals in our HERD: this one is for you.

The work asks a lot of us: presence, attunement, flexibility, clear boundaries, and the willingness to keep listening beyond the first thing we notice. But supporting others well does NOT mean overriding ourselves in the process.

Choice, agency, consent, regulation, and relationship are not just ideas we offer to clients. They are also practices we return to in ourselves, our horses, and the spaces we create together. Only by embracing these concepts can we bring our full selves into our work.

These are just a few things to remember as you continue doing this work with care.

📅 Mark your calendars...our Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday, July 11th at our Coming Home to The HERD Conference in Columbus, OH! The theme is Breeches or Ballgowns, so come dressed in your best dress or barn attire. We want to give you the chance to glam up if you want, but if that's not your thing, simply come as you are!

🚨 JUST ADDED 🚨 Local community members are invited to our Homecoming! Tickets are included for conference attendees, but if you're in the area and would just like to join for Homecoming, tickets are $75 and includes dinner. Ticket proceeds will benefit Dreams On Horseback, a special connection of ours as The HERD Institute has its roots in this community. We hope you'll join us!

🎟️ Haven’t registered for the conference yet? Register here: https://loom.ly/IDuihR0
👑 Homecoming Dance Tickets: https://loom.ly/3kL6no0

Choice changes the quality of the conversation. When horses are given space to choose, their responses become more honest. Their "yes" carries more meaning when "no" is also available.

For practitioners and facilitators, this concept is at the heart of ethical practice. Choice and agency are not just extras we offer when things are going well. They are part of how safety, consent, trust, and genuine connection are built.

When we make space for choice, we make space for relationship.

What sort of choices feel accessible for your clients and those you help?

Curious what a HERD conference is like? Don’t just take our word for it. We asked past attendees to describe their HERD experience and here’s what they had to say.

Whether you are looking for CE credits, practice hours, or simply a community that finally 'gets it,' our 10th Anniversary Conference is designed for you.

Experience The HERD this July 10-12 in Columbus, OH. Registration is still open ➡️ https://loom.ly/IDuihR0

Congratulations to our Program Manager & Senior Instructor, Rachael Loucks, on being recognized as a local hero for the work that she does in her community. Operation Horses Heal provides invaluable support to veterans. Way to go, Rachael! We are so lucky to have you on our team.