The Holistic Horsewoman

01/08/2026

There’s a part of winter horse keeping that never makes it into the highlight reels. But if you care for horses long enough, you come to recognize it as sacred.

It begins when the light disappears too early and the cold settles into your bones before the day has even started. When buckets freeze faster than you expect, paths turn slick, and every chore takes twice as long as it should.

Winter strips everything back to the essentials. There’s no illusion of productivity. No goals to chase. No external markers of success. Just rhythm.

Hay.
Water.
Shelter.
Presence.

The horses don’t rush this season. They don’t resent it. They stand quietly, breathing clouds into the dark, grounded entirely in the now. They are not asking for more. They are asking for enough.

And somehow, that steadiness begins to soften something in us too.

This is the season where care becomes ceremony. Where consistency matters more than ambition. Where the nervous system learns safety through repetition. The same footsteps, the same voices, the same hands showing up even when they’re tired and cold.

There are no applause moments here. No one sees the early mornings or the late-night checks. No one celebrates the choice to go back out when the wind howls and your body wants rest. But this is where trust is quietly reinforced. This is where the relationship deepens beyond training and beyond words.

In winter, horses teach us what regulated care really looks like. They remind us that connection doesn’t come from doing more.. it comes from staying present when things are simple, slow, and inconvenient.

This season asks something honest of us.
Can you remain steady without reward?
Can you offer safety without spectacle?
Can you keep choosing care when it’s repetitive and unseen?

Because this is where love becomes tangible.
It looks like throwing out a fresh bale while the wind stings your face.
It feels like checking blankets one more time.
It sounds like the barn door closing softly at night, knowing everyone is settled.

Winter isn’t glamorous. It isn’t exciting.
But it is faithful.

And those who walk through it with their horses - fully, quietly, and consistently know something that can’t be taught in any clinic or course.

This is not just what you do.
This is who you are.

06/18/2025

11/11/2024

On this Remembrance Day, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of all who served and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. As we pause to reflect, let us also remember the countless horses who stood alongside soldiers, facing the same trials, hardships, and battles. These noble animals carried soldiers, supplies, and hope through the fields, sharing in the burden of war. Today, we remember them too, lying now in the fields of Flanders and beyond, forever a part of our history and our hearts.

10/28/2024

I am thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Wholistic Horse Masterclass! Theresa, Ashley, and I have been working hard to bring you an updated program filled with the latest in Ayurvedic equine nutrition, holistic bodywork, energetic health, and deepening the horse-human connection. This comprehensive, three-day masterclass is designed to empower equestrians with the tools and knowledge to support their horses' physical, emotional, and energetic well-being.

Over three immersive days November 18th - 20th, you’ll dive into the four pillars of the Wholistic Horse Academy:

Physical Imbalance
Our horses are incredible athletes, relying on their bodies for strength and grace. Like us, they can develop physical imbalances, from muscular tension to skeletal misalignments, impacting their comfort and performance. Through tailored exercise routines, regular assessments, and targeted therapies, you’ll learn how to detect and address these physical challenges, helping your equine partner move with ease and confidence.

Nutritional Imbalance
The saying "you are what you eat" rings true for our equine partners. An optimal diet is essential for their vitality, affecting everything from energy, performance to immune health. In this pillar, we dive into Ayurvedic equine nutrition, focusing on crafting a balanced diet that meets your horse’s unique needs, with guidance on selecting the right foods, herbs, and supplements to enhance their daily performance and long-term wellness.

Energetic Imbalance
Horses are intuitive beings with intricate energy systems. Stress, trauma, and environmental disruptions can create energetic imbalances, manifesting in behavioral shifts and performance issues. You’ll explore holistic methods, like acupuncture, Reiki, and other energy therapies based around traditional chinese medicine, to support your horse’s energetic health, helping them release blockages and achieve a state of inner harmony.

Mental Blockage
Like us, horses can experience mental barriers, often due to past experiences, fears, or lack of confidence. In this pillar, we provide tools to build trust, using cognitive reconditioning and mindful practices that promote mental clarity and emotional regulation for your equine. You’ll learn ways to support your horse in overcoming these blocks, creating neuropathways built within the parasympathetic state, unlocking their potential for a more fulfilling life.

Led by our expert instructors,
Theresa Gilligan of Neachai Equine Ayurveda
Ashley Stinson of A Plus Equine Bodywork
Alysha Santana of The Holistic Horsewoman

This class accessible to all levels of experience. Join us for the Wholistic Horse Masterclass and transform your approach to equine care from Nov 18th - 20th inside the The Wholistic Horse Academy Facebook group --- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1936128236748715

05/29/2024

Trust Your Gut and Listen to Your Horse: A Journey with Ellie

Not long after we adopted Ellie, she came up lame and lethargic just days before her scheduled farrier appointment.

Ellie, having Cushings and a history of laminitis, was a concern. Following my vet's advice, I gave her bute and waited for the farrier. When he arrived, he examined her hooves and checked her digital pulse, suggesting her symptoms were more related to Cushings. He advised us to check her insulin levels.

When the vet came out, he raised a grim possibility: if this wasn't laminitis, Ellie's high levels could indicate her pituitary gland was affecting her brain, causing her rapid decline. Euthanasia was mentioned.

Confused and deeply saddened by how fast Ellie had deteriorated, and with little experience in managing Cushings and laminitis, I trusted the professionals. Despite my doubts, I agreed, not wanting Ellie to suffer.

We scheduled the day and mourned her impending loss. My kids and I spent extra time with Ellie, keeping her as comfortable as possible. We even consulted an animal communicator, hoping for insight. She told us Ellie was tired but grateful and would prefer to go if she didn't improve within a week. I thought the week statement was odd, as Ellie’s appointment was two days later.

As the day approached, Ellie’s energy shifted slightly. When the vet had to reschedule due to an emergency, we saw more improvement.

Within days, she was back to normal—her respiratory rate stabilized, she moved more, and she re-engaged with the herd. Two weeks later, my farrier confirmed she had suffered severe laminitis in 3 out of 4 hooves.

I was heartbroken, realizing my initial suspicions were correct. The professionals had missed the mark, and Ellie's condition could have been managed sooner. Despite how sad I was, I was also relieved Ellie was on the mend.
Recognizing the need for a more attentive care team, I sought new experts. Heather, our new farrier immediately came out and told me how long the flare up was for, how it would've been noticeable during the initial trim my farrier saw her and I inquired, and also noticed the incredible imbalance in almost every horse on my farm. Imbalances that were creating massive postural issues within my horses.

With Heather’s expertise, combined with knowledge / bodywork from Sarah and Dr. Barbara's Holistic Nutrition Course, Ellie has made a full recovery. Her hooves look incredible, her fat pads are gone, and we are building a new foundation for her health.

This journey taught me the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your horse’s well-being. If you feel your care team isn't doing enough, they might not be the right fit. Your equine care team should educate and empower you to notice the smallest changes and explore all possibilities for your horse’s health.

Today, I am profoundly grateful for Ellie. Her health journey catalyzed a shift for my entire herd, and being able to have an incredible care team. As well as providing me with the mentors for my own growth and ability to acquire invaluable knowledge in bodywork, nutrition, and balanced hooves.

Our journey underscores the importance of trusting your gut and truly listening to your horse. Every circumstance that arises with our horses in a chance to slow down, and listen. Whether it be a health scare, a behavioural issues, a training issues, etc whatever it may be, listen to what your horse is trying to show you, and find the growth in every moment.

Care team
Balanced Bodyworks
Heather McFarlane - Barefoot Performance
Dr Barbara - Angels Animals - Holistic Equine Nutrition Program

05/11/2024

Congratulations to this month's students who have completed their Usui Rhoyo Reiki lv 1 Training and Attunement!

If you're interested in a one on one mentorship head to my website!

Linktr.ee/holistichorsewoman

05/08/2024

Are you seeking a profound and comprehensive approach to enhance the well-being of your equine?

My integrative equine sessions are carefully tailored experience designed to foster the physical, mental, energetic, and emotional harmony of your horse.

My integrative sessions move through the following -

Postural and Health Assessment: I conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your horse's posture, movement patterns, and overall health. I examine every aspect, from muscular development to joint flexibility, to ensure we grasp a holistic understanding of your horse's well-being. By pinpointing areas of tension, weakness, or discomfort, I can tailor our approach to address your horse's specific needs effectively.

Gut Health Assessment: A healthy digestive system is paramount to your horse's overall well-being. My sessions include a thorough assessment of your horse's gastrointestinal health, examining factors such as digestion, behaviour complexes, nutrient absorption, and potential imbalances in gut flora leading to gut dysbiosis. By identifying any issues or imbalances in their gut health, I can recommend dietary adjustments, supplements, or holistic treatments to support optimal digestive function and overall health.

Hoof Balanced Assessment: Your horse's hooves are the foundation of their entire body, influencing their posture, movement, and comfort. I evaluate hoof balance, and overall hoof health. By ensuring proper hoof balance and function, we promote soundness, comfort, and optimal biomechanics, contributing to your horse's overall well-being and performance.

Energetic Assessment and Healing: As a reiki master of 8 years, I recognize the vital role that energy plays in your horse's health and vitality. Through Reiki I tune into your horse's subtle energy system. By identifying and correcting any disruptions or blockages in their energetic flow, I facilitate profound healing on a deeper level, promoting balance and harmony throughout their entire being.

Acupressure and Aromatherapy Support: Through gentle pressure applied to specific acupoints, I stimulate the body's natural healing responses, alleviating pain, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, I incorporate the therapeutic benefits of essential oils to enhance the effectiveness of our sessions, promoting emotional balance, immune support, and overall wellness.

Myofascial Release Techniques: My sessions conclude with specialized myofascial release techniques aimed at releasing tension, restoring mobility, and improving overall muscular health. By targeting the fascial network, we address restrictions and adhesions within the soft tissues, promoting flexibility, circulation, and optimal muscular balance.

After each session, clients receive a detailed report summarizing my observations, the techniques applied, and specific recommendations for ongoing care. This invaluable resource serves as a roadmap for your horse's continued wellness journey, offering personalized guidance on nutrition, exercise, and holistic therapies.

For the months of May/June, new clients can utilize $25 off their initial appointment, making it the perfect time to embark on this transformative journey towards holistic equine wellness. Secure your appointment today by sending me a message or visiting my appointment registration link at linktr.ee/holistichorsewoman!

05/01/2024

Thank you, Steve of Pathways Holistic Petcare Centre - London for coming out and treating some of the horses at Peaceful Place Equestrian & Wellness Facility

Steve is a wealth of knowledge being certified in Equine Acupuncture and Tui Na Medicine
(Acupressure, Massage, Chiropractic) he gave such a comprehensive session for River, Ted and Samson that included muscle testing, chiro, cold laser, acupressure and acupuncture!

Always grateful to able to connect with other practitioners that share the same value in whole horse approach to wellness!

04/26/2024

Let's Talk About Real Solutions for Our Horses

It's time to stop normalizing the use of band-aid solutions for our equine's' behavioural issues. Instead, let's address the root causes of these problems to genuinely help our horses heal and thrive.

Far too often, when faced with a behavioural challenge from their horses, many resort to quick fixes or temporary solutions. Whether it's masking discomfort with pain-relieving medications, special gadgets or tack or using training techniques that suppress rather than address the underlying issues, these band-aids may provide temporary relief, but they rarely offer long-term solutions.

Horses are incredibly intuitive animals with complex emotions and communication methods. When they exhibit behavioural issues, whether it's aggression, fear, or resistance, it's their way of telling us that something isn't right. Ignoring these signs or merely covering them up with temporary fixes does a disservice to our horses and jeopardizes their well-being.

Instead, we should commit to a more holistic approach. We need to change the narrative as equestrians and prioritize understanding our horses' individual needs, physical health, and emotional well-being. This means investing time in building a strong bond based on trust and mutual respect, rather than relying solely on training techniques that prioritize obedience over understanding.

Getting to the root cause of behavioural issues requires patience, observation, and sometimes professional guidance. It might involve examining our horses' living conditions, diet, exercise regimen, and social interactions. It might mean seeking the expertise of equine veterinarians, bodyworkers, nutritionist or behaviourists to rule out physical discomfort or trauma that could be contributing to their behaviour.

By addressing the root causes of our horses' behavioural issues, we not only improve their quality of life but also strengthen our partnership with them. We empower ourselves as caretakers and trainers to cultivate deeper connections built on empathy and understanding.

So, let's challenge the status quo and commit to doing better by our horses. Let's shift away from band-aid solutions and towards a holistic approach that honors their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.