HeartSong Equine

03/17/2025

🌀 🐎3-Day Fascia Workshop: Restore Flow, Freedom & Balance

Join us for a transformative, hands-on workshop designed for equine professionals and horse guardians who want to develop a gentle, intuitive approach to fascial release.

This 3-day immersive training blends science with feel—equipping you with practical tools to support your horse’s health, movement, and overall well-being.

Through a whole-body approach, you’ll learn how to assess, educate, and rebalance the horse’s fascial system using refined touch, acupressure, and intentional movement techniques. The result? Greater fluidity, postural alignment, and long-term soundness.

Whether you're a bodyworker, trainer, or simply passionate about equine wellness, this workshop will help you deepen your connection with horses and elevate your skills.

June 20-22, 2025 9am-5pm at HeartSong Equine.

To Register:
http://heartsongequine.com/classes-events

(HHC members get $50 off! Promo Code is in the website. )

03/11/2025

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆?

It’s a question I receive often since our launch at the New Year. The HHC isn’t just one person or one approach—it’s a collective of guardians and experienced practitioners from around the world, offering support, guidance, and education on all aspects of horse wellness. We bring together expertise in bodywork, nutrition, training, herbs, energy work, and more to empower horse guardians with knowledge and options for holistic care.

One way we do this is through our monthly calls, where you get direct access to experts on various topics. This month, we’re diving into:

✨Vaccines & Over-Vaccination with Dr. Lisa Jacobson—What does science really say about immunity, and how can we make informed choices for our horses?

✨Crystals for Horses with Tracey Duncan—How can crystals be used as energetic support in your horse’s wellness routine?

✨Myofascial Lines and Balance Through Movement Method with Celeste Lazaris. How Pillar work supports the whole body.

Are you seeking a deeper connection with your horse, rooted in trust and well-being, and wish to replace uncertainty with confidence in their care? If so, the Holistic Horse Collective is here to support your journey. Join us to gain confidence in advocating for your horse and making informed, independent decisions within a supportive community that prioritizes your horse’s needs. 💕.

www.holistichorsecollective.com

Give it a try! Enter 1MONTHFREEHHC at checkout for a free trial!

03/01/2025

* ~ Food for Thought ~ *

Horses are not that different from us - whether or not they are an athlete in high levels of work, they can experience body soreness from day to day life - just like us.

Many dysfunctions we see can be caused or influenced by the rider/handler - and unfortunately, our current horse world is still in a state where many of these dysfunctions are so normalized, that they are not seen as a problem at all. Responsive behaviours are passed off as personality traits instead of forms of communication, muscle atrophy/hypertonicity is passed off as conformation, and thin horses are passed off as being "fit".

Can you imagine, feeling the need to announce your pain so loudly, only to be silenced by harsher equipment, or rougher training practises?

As a practitioner, it has been very eye opening over the years to work with numerous horses who are in various levels of work, who are struggling to support their own bodies - let alone the weight and influence of the person on their back. They cannot stand or hold proper posture for a full minute, let alone be forced into a false frame, under-saddle, while being asked to complete high level movements or jump large obstacles.

No. Holding your horses' head and neck using equipment for extended periods of time is not going to strengthen their core, thoracic sling or topline. This will only strengthen their already existent dysfunctions instead of addressing the underlying problems.

When you go to a health care professional - do they put you in equipment that is going to forcefully hold you in a specific position, and ask you to go run for an hour?

No.

Why? Because there is no benefit to this. If anything, you will be at a greater risk for further injury as muscle fatigue sets in, and other parts of your body try to compensate for not only a lack of strength, but also a lack a movement due to the restrictive equipment.

The same goes for our horses.

Just because they are horses, does not mean their muscles can suddenly develop in a different way than any other species. It takes TIME, proper form, proper muscle activation, and a gradual increase in difficulty.

When movement is restricted in one area, another area will compensate - these areas then often become more hypermobile or unstable as we continue to work in this state, and the areas that are supposed to perform the movement become more hypomobile or more stiff as they are unable to move correctly. Altered posture, muscle atrophy, over-developed areas, etc are all symptoms of this kind of dysfunction.

This year, let's work together to break this normalized view. Let's do better by our horses and not only listen to them, but allow them the time they need to process and develop properly. Let's make sure that they can support their own bodies, before we push them to support ours.

03/01/2025

No matter what’s happening around you—chaos, uncertainty, the weight of the world—you have the power to step into a sacred container of healing. A space where time slows, the noise fades, and you reconnect with your deepest knowing.

Healing doesn’t require perfect conditions. It requires presence. A willingness to soften, to listen, to trust.

Whether it’s through stillness, movement, or the quiet connection with your horse, this space is always available to you.

✨ Step in. Breathe. Begin. ✨

📸 Kim Blake- Tsali a magical water horse with so many teachings. Holding space for ventral line unwinding and sternum release. Our sacred container admist a high energy lesson going on behind us. 💫

02/19/2025

Hair, Blood, or Microbiome? Understanding the Best Testing for Your Horse’s Nutrition.

When it comes to supporting your horse’s health, testing can provide valuable insights—but not all tests tell the same story. Hair mineral analysis, blood work, and microbiome testing each offer different perspectives on your horse’s nutritional status. Let’s take a deeper look at their benefits, limitations, and why the gut may hold the key to true wellness.

🧬𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀:
Hair testing is often used to evaluate mineral levels, heavy metal exposure, and metabolic trends over time. Because minerals are stored in hair as it grows, this test reflects nutritional intake from previous weeks or months rather than a glimpse into what the current nutrition is.

𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴:
- Non-invasive and easy to collect.
- Detects long-term mineral imbalances that may not show up in blood work.
- Can reveal heavy metal toxicity and chronic exposure to environmental contaminants.

𝘓𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴:
- Doesn’t show immediate nutrient availability or deficiencies.
- External contamination (environment, shampoos, soil, water) can affect results.

Best for: Identifying trends in mineral balance over time, especially when paired with other health assessments.

🩸 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Blood work is one of the most common tools for assessing a horse’s health, often used to check for vitamin and mineral levels, insulin, organ function, hydration status, and inflammatory markers. However, because the body tightly regulates certain nutrients in the bloodstream, deficiencies don’t always appear in test results.

𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴:
- Provides real-time health snapshot on circulating nutrients.
- Can detect imbalances that require immediate attention.
- Useful for diagnosing anemia, infection, liver/kidney function, insulin and ACTH trends, and inflammatory conditions.

𝘓𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴:
- Only a snapshot in time—levels fluctuate based on diet, hydration, and stress- doesn't offer the full picture.
- Some minerals (like calcium and magnesium) are maintained in the blood at the expense of tissues, so a normal reading doesn’t always mean a horse has enough.
- Does not assess how well nutrients are actually being absorbed or utilized.

Best for: Checking immediate health status, ruling out serious conditions, and monitoring organ function.

💩 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:
The microbiome—the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in the gut—plays a central role in digestion, immunity, inflammation, and overall health. Microbiome testing analyzes the microbial balance in a horse’s gut, offering clues about digestion, immune function, and even mood and behavior.

𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴:
- Identifies microbial imbalances that could impact digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune response.
- Can reveal underlying causes of chronic issues like colic, laminitis, metabolic dysfunction, and poor coat/hoof quality.
- Helps fine-tune diet and supplementation based on how the gut is actually processing food.

𝘓𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴:
- Still an emerging field
- While it identifies imbalances, fixing them requires dietary and lifestyle changes rather than a quick supplement fix.

Best for: Understanding how well a horse is truly digesting and absorbing nutrients, identifying hidden causes of poor health, and creating a targeted nutrition plan.
...........

The microbiome influences everything from nutrient absorption to immune function, inflammation, and even hormonal balance. A horse may have a "balanced" diet on paper, but if their microbiome is out of sync, they may not actually be utilizing nutrients properly.

When a horse struggles with chronic issues like ulcers, weight fluctuations, laminitis, or metabolic imbalances looking at the gut is often the missing piece. Microbiome testing can help uncover the root cause, allowing for more precise dietary adjustments that promote real healing rather than just symptom management.

The best approach? Use testing as a tool, not the sole answer. Observing your horse’s body condition, energy levels, hoof and coat quality, and digestion will always be the most valuable guide. Pairing microbiome insights with whole-food nutrition, functional movement, and mindful management creates the strongest foundation for lasting health.💕🐎

02/01/2025

A little over three years ago, I had a dream—a small community built around track system boarding, a holistic approach to equine rehabilitation, and a deep focus on education. Watching it unfold has been nothing short of beautiful. 💛

Along the way, we've supported incredible horses on their healing journeys and welcomed talented practitioners who have shared their wisdom and gifts. And now, the dream continues to grow…

Welcome The Holistic Horse Collective—a space where learning, collaboration, and support extend beyond just our local community. While it's still blossoming, we already have multiple practitioners from all over the world offering their teachings, a growing educational library, and an intimate, engaged Facebook group where members come together to learn, share, and uplift one another—all for the love of the horse. 🐴💫

HeartSong will continue to host in-person classes, but I’m beyond excited for the opportunities this online platform brings! Whether through a 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 ($𝟐𝟕𝟗) or a 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 ($𝟏𝟕), you can gain access to an ever-growing educational library and the support of a like-minded collective.

Join us on this journey, and stay tuned for upcoming in-person classes at HeartSong this spring! 🌿✨

📚 Learn more & become part of the collective today: https://www.holistichorsecollective.com/member-site-homepage

What other's are saying:

"𝐻𝐻𝐶 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦! 𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑘 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑜𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑒."

"𝐻𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐻𝐻𝐶!"

"𝑆𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦! 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑟!!!"

01/30/2025

Today is bittersweet. Moments like this always are. Today is going home day. 💕

Hawke has captured my heart in so many ways. His resilience, will, and spirit—he is the definition of strength. But more than that, he’s shown me the power of true community. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through the hands that show up, the hearts that care, and the unwavering support that lifts us when we need it most.

Healing is never linear. It comes with ups and downs, moments of triumph, and challenges that push us to dig deeper. Rehab has taught me creativity, the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, and the value of continuous learning. It’s about trust—trust in the horse, in ourselves, and in the process.

Hawke is one of those rare souls who leaves an imprint on your heart. His journey has been a testament to strength, patience, and the power of showing up every day, no matter how uncertain the road ahead may seem. Healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, and it’s built on the bonds we create along the way. 💖

Today marks the next chapter in Hawke’s story—a new beginning. He’s going home to the perfect person who will continue to support him as he transitions out of his splint, gains strength, and finds stability. His healing continues, and while the road ahead is long, he is exactly where he needs to be.

If you’d like to support Hawke and Paige on this journey, you can contribute here: https://gofund.me/029e15bc
Any donations will help Paige for long term medical costs. 🙏🏻💖

Special thanks to:
From the Ground Up Healing
Carol Finger
Dr Sarah Appleby
Sacred Circle Equine
Frankly Sound Equine
Emily’s Equine Services
Nova Naturally
Astraia Dahlen

01/27/2025

Bloodwork is a snapshot of health at a specific moment, which can offer valuable insights and trends. However, it’s important to remember that a single blood test doesn’t tell the whole story and consistency is important to understanding patterns and make informed decisions.

This article on insulin testing explains why we can’t rely solely on bloodwork and emphasizes the importance of looking at the bigger picture.

Are the insulin and ACTH levels in your horse correct? Is he truly insulin resistant and does he really have Cushing's disease?

01/22/2025

The myofascial lines offer an incredible perspective on the interconnectedness of the body. While they are a 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 point, diminishing the framework entirely would overlook its value in understanding the body's functional dynamics.

When I first learned human and equine anatomy in school, we were taught about individual muscles—their origin, insertion, and function. But the body doesn’t work that way. Muscles don’t function in isolation; they’re part of an interconnected system supported by fascia.

The myofascial lines expand on this by deepening our perspective from individual muscles to larger, interconnected bands that influence all areas of the body. They’re like the interstates and highways connecting states and major cities, facilitating communication, and allowing flow across vast distances. They help us see how seemingly unrelated areas of the body are actually working together as part of a cohesive whole. 🛣

For practitioners, these lines can guide assessments and offer insights into how restrictions or discomfort in one area can influence distant areas. For example, a restriction in the hindquarters might influence the opposite shoulder or tightness in the poll could affect the pelvis, topline, limbs, and even the feet (or vice versa). For guardians, understanding these connections offers insight into why addressing the whole body—not just the symptom—leads to longer-lasting results.

However, just as highways and interstates are only part of a country’s road system, the myofascial lines are only part of the story. When we expand our perspective even further, we see the bigger, more intricate picture—just as you can’t explore the full depth of a country by only traveling its highways, we can't fully understand the body by focusing on these primary pathways alone. True freedom of movement requires us to venture off the highways and explore the city streets, country roads, alleys, and hidden routes of the fascial network. These are the subtle, detailed pathways where each horse’s unique story is held. These smaller fascial routes represent the compensations, adaptations, and nuances that aren't always captured by the larger myofascial lines. This is where the true magic of the body’s connection lies.

Bodywork is an essential part of this journey, but it isn’t enough on its own. To restore balance and freedom, we must also focus on feet and movement—intentional, thoughtful movement that teaches the fascia new blueprints for healthy function. The feet, like the foundation of a house, provide stability and alignment that influence the entire system. Through purposeful movement, we help the body unwind compensations, rebuild resilience, and restore fluidity.

What’s most exciting is the growing collaboration around these ideas. Professionals across disciplines are coming together to expand our understanding of fascia, movement, and the body as a whole. These shared insights deepen our collective knowledge and empower us to better support the horses we love.

While the myofascial lines are not the whole story, they provide an essential framework for understanding key aspects of the body’s interconnectedness. They’re a starting point—a map of the highways—but true understanding comes from venturing into the intricate details of the fascial network. This is where we uncover the profound connections that make each body unique. 🌀

✨Want to dive deeper? Join the conversation at the Holistic Horse Collective and upcoming classes at HeartSong. Or connect with these amazing practitioners who are sharing their expertise and collaborations on fascia and whole horse wellness! 🤝🏻❣️

Here's some of my favs:

Balance Through Movement Method
www.balancethroughmovementmethod.com

Yasmin Stuart Equine Physio- www.yasminstuartequinephysio.com/training-hub-webinars

The Equine Documentalist- equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/hoof-neurosensory-posture

Holistic Equine

Keep your curiosity alive! 📚🔍✨

01/21/2025

💕

Here's a fun little reminder that BTMM 𝒊𝒔 ‘considering the whole horse’. On our last trainer call, it was the reverberating energy through the conversation. And why all things must be considered while addressing pathologies; yet often overlooked through compartmentalizing.

I know, because I didn't know, until I knew. I know, because I see rehabilitation plans that skip over crucial aspects that would address the root cause of injury. I know, because I have personally been led down the path (by my own) of discovering the way in which he needed me to learn and show up for him in all realms.

What he led me through addressing before I was able to check the last box... which was FEET.

He had a wonderful environment with movement and friends. His nutrition was adjusted to forage based with herbal supports. (Thanks HeartSong Equine for facilitating both of those, and more). He had physical support which embodied BTMM, LNRT, healing horsemanship & functional movement.

But - without having feet to stand on, we will always be chasing pathology. And sometimes that means learning how to have hard conversations; navigating through finding 𝑛𝑜𝑡 what *we* think is right based on our beliefs of specific methodologies, but listening to the horse and finding what works best for them; and finding the right practitioners to collaborate with is equally as important and sometimes difficult territory to traverse!

I also think the way in which we speak to those on our platforms is incredibly important. To operate from a place of peace and safety is a love based frequency. To extend shame on folks for their place of education on any of these topics is a low place to inhabit. Truly, when we know better, we do better. That's where our standard should be as professionals in this industry.

We aren't meant to pretend to have all the answers - we never will anyway. The notion of over complicating things to the point of making the information feel in-accessible to the masses is a gross form of attempting to gate keep information while feeding an unhealthy ego; and frankly, it's so rampant in the equine world, and that alone does the disservice to the horses.

My point being - for those who are overwhelmed with the feeling like you don't have enough knowledge/education/skill to advocate and make changes for your horse with your current skill set; understand this, you do know your horse best, and it's okay to have just a basic understanding of concepts, principles and methods regarding our horses health care, so you can then find the team that's best suited for supporting you. Having tools to help recognize dysfunction, only provides a clearer path to function.

To receive help and guidance from many incredible practitioners, through all realms of healthcare, in a safe place where you will not be shamed for where you’re at in your journey, head to holistichorsecollective.com and join. 💖

Give your horse their wings, join BTMM 💖balancethroughmovementmethod.com

01/15/2025

𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 🌟

As equine professionals and guardians, we are always becoming—better riders, better healers, better partners for our horses. We seek more knowledge, refine our skills, and strive for growth. But in that pursuit, it’s easy to forget the art of simply 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Horses don’t dwell in the past or chase the future. They exist fully in the present moment, inviting us to do the same. When we slow down, breathe, and meet them where they are—not where we think we should be—we unlock the deepest connection.

I know this is something I’m personally working on—slowing down, taking moments of quiet, and allowing space for presence. Finding joy in the now, not just in the progress. Because the truth is, the best horse professionals aren’t just the most skilled or knowledgeable; they’re the ones who can be fully present and listen.

Progress doesn’t come from force or impatience; it comes from presence. The greatest transformations happen not just in what we do, but in how we show up.

01/13/2025

Today is my dad’s birthday, always a day of reflection for me. He’s been gone for 13 years now. Our story was full of beautiful moments, as well as some of the hardest. He left when I was 18, and we never found our way back to each other. But what remains—the love and little things—are what I hold most vividly.

He knew my love for horses, so he’d take me to the barn when he worked. I’d watch as he placed his hands on them, working his healing magic through acupuncture and chiropractic, whistling softly as he moved. He was always whistling when he helped others. That sound, that joy, is forever etched in my memory.

And when he was done, they let me ride the other horses. Just a young girl, no training, no fear—bareback and free, cantering across the arena with nothing but pure happiness in my heart. That was my first taste of the kind of joy that lives deep in the soul, the kind that never really leaves.

Today, I reflect with gratitude. For the love of animals he shared with me. For the healing he modeled. For the way he unknowingly shaped the life I live now. Because when I’m with the horses, when I’m supporting others, no matter what chaos the world may hold, I am grounded in peace. In unconditional love and joy. My heart sings a little song 🎶 just has his did all those years ago.

Our stories—the joyful, the painful, the in-between—they matter. The conversations we avoid, the ones we think are too hard, too vulnerable… those are the ones that plant the deepest seeds. And in time, something beautiful blooms.🌹

That’s what the Holistic Horse Collective is all about. A community that embraces the full journey. That shares wisdom, lifts each other up, heals together. It’s a space where conversations spark growth, where shared experiences become light for someone else’s path.

Memberships allow us to bring in practitioners from around the world—each with their own story, their own healing gifts to share. If this space speaks to you, if you’re ready to step into a community that holds it all—the joy, the learning, the transformation—we’d love to have you.

https://www.holistichorsecollective.com

Here’s to the seeds we plant, the stories we tell, and the beautiful things still to come. 💛

01/12/2025

A Few Steps Closer to Home 💕

Hawke arrived at HeartSong in September after a trailer injury left him with significant injuries. Today, we’re celebrating just how far he’s come!

✨ His wounds have fully healed

✨ He’s transitioning from a splint to a brace

✨ Pain meds have been significantly reduced with the help of herbs and homeopathy.

✨ He’s graduated to modified turnout with his
rehab friend Frisco!

✨ We’re now focusing on building strength with increased therapeutic exercises alongside his rehab treatments and bodywork!

Every step forward is a testament to his resilience—and the power of patient, holistic care. Keep cheering him on as he continues his journey home at the end of the month!🦄💙

12/10/2024

Diversity in the microbiome leads to a stronger, healthier body. Just like us, horses thrive on a balanced and diverse diet. Adding herbs and whole foods into their diet can make a significant difference in their health.

When Hawke first came into rehab at HeartSong we focused on enhancing his nutrition and providing herbal support. This approach boosted his immune system, supported his GI, managed discomfort, improved his body condition, and helped him regain muscle. The before and after in just over two months shows just how impactful a well-rounded diet can be. 🌿💕

12/02/2024

The Spirit of Resilience. 💕

Hawke is an incredible teacher of strength and resilience. Honored to be a part of his healing journey and so thankful to everyone who has supported him. 🙏🏻

Holistic and heart-centered is how Nicole Linke, owner and rehabilitation lead at Heartsong Equine Center, describes her approach to horse rehabilitation and wellness. She focuses on uncovering the root causes of each horse’s challenges and supports their healing on all levels—mental, emotional,...

11/22/2024

💕

I’ve been putting together my thoughts about the incredible opportunity I had last week to attend an equine dissection guided by “Jersey,” and facilitated by Dr.Sharon May-Davis, Pamela Eckelbarger, and Diane Dzingle.

Part of me wants to write about all the intricacies of the body, the biomechanics, the interweaving of muscles, organs and fascia, the injuries, there is so much to be told there…but my voice is being guided to speak to the spirituality of the process.

I am sad for horses born into an entitled and abusive industry and I am sad for horses who are deeply loved with bodies who cannot keep up with the intensity of their spirit. I am also deeply in awe of the horse. Until you are fortunate enough to intimately see the details woven into the body of who they are and were, you might never truly understand. I know I didn’t.

There will never be another experience like this one, because there will never be another Jersey. There will never be another horse with his exact genetic make up, his exact mannerisms, his exact body, mind, and soul. He was one of a kind, once in a life time, they all are. We all are. How amazing is that? There is not a single body on this earth quite like the one we each live in, Jersey reminded me of that, and I will not take the gift of insight into his for granted.

He reminds us to be grateful for the body that carries us through this lifetime. There will never be another quite like it. He didn’t reject his, he lived in it, played in it, loved in it, until his soul outgrew its limitations.

I was reminded of the power of the horse in spirit. For those of you who don’t know, my horse Bro gained his wings a little over a year ago, and my heart has never been the same since. While his spirit was clearly outgrowing his body, my mind was left with questions that never got answered.

Jersey gave me the gift of allowing Bro to visit me through him. The story Katie told us about Jersey’s life with her could have been written by me about Bro. Wildly similar radiographs, mannerisms, and compensation patterns brought tears to my eyes and healing I thought I’d never receive. I was originally signed up for the second dissection, no coincidence that I ended up in the first one. I’m deeply grateful.

He reminds us that everything is connected, and a horse never just speaks for themselves, they speak for all horses.

The last day was different for me. Bones. I had no idea how much life force energy is in bones.

I told Katie, I understand now why elephants go back for the bones of their loved ones. I understand why bones are used in ceremony, why we bury them, why we are drawn to them. Without the bones, there’d be nothing for the body to create around. We could feel it, I almost can’t explain it. I guess there’s a reason bones last so long… it makes me wonder if they’re the souls way of leaving their unique mark on the earth.

As if to say: I was here, I lived.

I believe our souls choose our bodies and our experiences with the beings around us. I believe our souls are rooted in love, and they are extremely powerful.

I questioned what was in it for him, why he chose this path, why he was ok with a body broken at the hands of humans before five years old. What’s in it for him? What’s in it for any horse?

“Because choosing this body meant that I could one day choose Katie.”

This is why I believe our horses come to earth WITH us. Katie is on a path to help as many horses as possible, had Jersey came with a healthy body, would she still be on this path? Maybe… but he made sure of it, and she was sure to listen. Call it what you want but every horse speaks for all horses, that I’m certain, they must know how to choose the humans who will listen.

What a gift our horses are.

Thanks to Jersey, I will forever see the bodies of my horses differently. Because they chose them…and that means we got to choose each other, and what an honor that is.

Thank you Jersey, for everything. See you in the sky.


I want to add that Katie was so incredibly strong during this entire process, and I am in awe of her strength in honoring her beloved horse.

Sharon, Diane, and Pam have such reverence for the horse as well as everyone else who attended and assisted in this process. It is truly inspiring to be associated with such forward thinking, compassionate humans.