Working with Us

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.

Inspirit Horsemanship focuses on the rider’s connection with the horse and creating liberty with the individual (both horse and rider) and within their connection. The horse is the teacher, and Doug and Tina help to create space for the student to learn from the horse - their partner - rather than from a coach, a book, or a scripted response to a specific behaviour the horse is exhibiting.

Rather than the issue being the focus of the exercises, the focus is placed on connecting to the horse’s intuition. In turn, the horse will feel seen and welcomed within partnership, and perceived “issues” naturally disappear without being the sole focus of the experience.

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.

The short answer: Not at all.

In fact, we see this work as being quite instinctive. Similar to how you may observe a horse interact within the herd, so too do humans heal when in the presence of horses. Things you may not yet understand formally, will be experienced; And in time, science catches up with these experiences to explain the more concrete “why” behind them.

If you’re keen to learn more about (click here to learn more) this science, click here for some more information.

Tina brings over 30 years of formal education and professional experience in the equine world coupled with her formal studies in F.E.E.L.® and other healing modalities. Through her career, Tina worked as a Journeyman Farrier, a title which few women acquire, after apprenticing with many of the top Farriers in British Columbia. Her passion for horses is backed by a wealth of knowledge, and always a focus on a thorough understanding to be able to support the horse’s well-being. This starts from ground (hoof-care and proper shoeing) up through confirmation, to the horse-rider physical as well as emotional and energetic connection. Tina is a registered coach with Equestrian Canada, and has trained up to third level dressage and competed in upper-level eventing.

Doug brings his formal study of herd dynamics into his work, understanding where domestication ends and instinct and innate knowledge deserve and need recognition. This creates a unique balance to be able to support rider to understand the evolution of the horse which which they form a bond, so that their partnership can be well-informed and bare witness to the horse’s power, autonomy, and desire for connection.

Doug also has a formal education from BCIT in both Facilitating Meetings and Adult Learning Methodology, and Executive Coaching certification from the PSA institute.

You absolutely can - with your horse’s consent!

That said, depending on what blocks you’re currently focusing on, we may suggest working with our herd for an initial session. We have four lovely horses who all have unique gifts in helping humans heal and move through blocks on the ground, so they can be conscious riders in saddle to best support their equine companions.

During our initial conversations, we will figure out together the best first step for you.