Inspirit Horsemanship supports horse and rider to overcome the hierarchy that is traditionally embedded in their relationship, so that they may rediscover their sovereign selves and co-create a unified partnership.
Join us for Heart Connection Advantage on October 20th!
Join us for Heart Connection Advantage on October 20th!
What: This is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity to discover and experience a heart connection between you and your horse. Learning skills with our horses to bring to your horse partners.
When: October 20th, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Ceffyl Wellness Centre, 375- 232nd Street Langley BC
Why: Are you wanting to develop more empathic leadership, team building and communication practices with your horse partner?
What to Bring: Appropriate clothing attire. A water bottle, lunch, a journal and your favourite pen or pencil.
What is Inspirit Horsemanship?
Inspirit Horsemanship is a unique approach to understanding and healing the relationship between horse and rider.
Developed by Doug McLean and Tina Llewellyn, Inspirit Horsemanship combines F.E.E.L.® principals (Read more about Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning® here) with Doug’s formal studies in herd dynamics, professional certifications in facilitation and mentorship, and Tina’s over 30 years experience in the equine world including training up to third level Dressage and competing in upper level Three Day Eventing, registration as a coach with Equestrian Canada, and time as a Journeyman Farrier.
With this wealth of knowledge and experience, the intuitive power of horses is enhanced by Doug and Tina’s first-hand understanding of horse and rider from hoof to seat, heart to herd.
Their approach focuses on building an emotionally intimate partnership between the horse and rider where the greatest connection and sovereignty can be found.
This perspective allows the horse’s knowledge as teacher to be carried to riders and coaches in a truly special way which highlights the horse’s innate wisdom and powerful intuition.
Through facilitated experiential activities, Doug and Tina create a container of trust, mutual respect, compassion, and receptivity.
Within this container, they guide horse and rider — and even coach — to dismantle the hierarchy that is often implicit in their relationship, and to meet each other on equal ground.
Here in this container, horse and human may share their deepest fears, learn, and grow together; Sovereignty is reclaimed, and a unified partnership is rekindled.
Click here to read more about Doug & Tina’s story.
Heal. Grow. Evolve.
Why Horses?
Horses are prey animals which means that they are hunted by predators. As a result, they are always ready to be in a state of flight.
Their position as “prey” informs every aspect of how they engage in the world from how they are physically built, to how they learn, communicate, respond to their environment, protect and defend themselves, and how they socialize.
To ensure their survival, horses have been gifted with highly sensitive, observational skills and intuitive responses to their environment. Unlike humans who often rely mainly on intellect, horses access the wisdom of their entire bodies, allowing them to read and respond to all energies around them.
Horses are social animals with well-defined roles within the herd: Leaders, sentinels, mentors, followers, etc. They each have distinct personalities with unique attitudes and approaches that make them best suited to different roles within the herd. Herd dynamics require horses to operate as a team, helping each other to promote the herd survival.
Horses are experts in communication, and are incredibly sensitive, intelligent and perceptive. They are able to quickly identify nonverbal cues, unconscious behaviours and hidden feelings, emotions and intentions.
These very characteristics that keep the herd safe are the same characteristics that make horses such exquisite partners, teachers, and guides for humans.
When a horse tunes-in to their rider, they are capable of acknowledging the rider’s slightest gesture or change in their behaviour, emotions, or thoughts, and they respond accordingly. The horse’s observations and responses provide opportunities for both horse and rider to learn, heal, and grow.
Our Services
1:1 Sessions
For the student who is experiencing a block in their riding or in their relationship with their horse or coach. You will be given tools to bring back to your lessons and relationships to work through these blocks.
Workshops
Workshops are a chance for students to learn within community, and are a great opportunity for students who ride in lessons together to work through any interpersonal difficulties they may be experiencing.
Coach & Student Sessions
For coach and rider who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship and communication. These joint sessions help you to re-establish open and clear communication and understanding.
Presentations
Presentations are a chance to observe the work of Inspirit Horsemanship, and to ask questions about this approach. These are a chance to open up to new possibilities of what horse-rider relationships can look like.