‘Equinisity’: the gift of finding the unexpected but truly meaningful perspective through the almost 360 degree vision of the equine.

“Beyond the dimension that is known to the ego lies the simple truth that is clearly obvious to animals, and equally obscure to us humans: We are all one with God, and God is all there is: relax and enjoy the experience.”
This simple vision from the book ‘One With the Herd, A Spiritual Journey’, clearly describes the E.A.R.T.H (Equine Assisted Re-connective Therapy and Healing) Retreat experience that is changing hearts and minds at Gateway 2 Ranch near Kamloops, B.C.

Looking for a life–changing retreat experience, I arrived at the 320 acre Sacred land, with a good measure of childlike wonder, having read the books and watched the You-Tube videos of a woman who lived with her herd of ‘wild’ horses and had learned to communicate with the herd (including her dogs, cats and pet steer), co-authoring four award-winning books with the animals. Readers from all over the world were now gathering to enjoy the connection to higher consciousness that the land and herd facilitate. We arrived the afternoon of the first Saturday of our eight day adventure and were delivered to our wall tents (basically a cabin with a canvas roof). The tents were accessed by a trail, sharing a secluded area of meadow and forest along with natural wood shower house, toilets and a Spirit Lodge and totem designed into a grassy hill with glass skylight and door. After a wonderful dinner of organic and local foods, we were invited to meet and share our stories there.

Modeled after a native American roundhouse the lodge had comfortable couch/beds lining the walls around a central glass table. In the soft glow of candlelight we joined in the opening ceremony, passing a talking stick and sharing our stories. After some time, shuffling and munching sounds coming from the direction of the skylight, alerted us to our first meeting with the herd and upon leaving for our tents, the glow of eyes could be seen playing amongst the stars and solar-powered flowers lighting our path to bed.

They were waiting for us after breakfast the next day, grazing in the pasture by the barn and one by one dropping to the grass in a deep sleep when they had their fill. “Smile with your heart” is the message I received, sitting in meditation with these gentle giants, as I began to resonate with the higher vibration of the herd and the land.

Over the week we would learn to communicate with our thoughts and body language, playing at liberty in the pasture and riding bit-less, lying on healing tables while the horses shared their wisdom. They seemed to know exactly which part of the body needed healing, first scanning with their nostrils wide, up and down the body, and then somehow absorbing and releasing the disturbed energy. I arrived with several herniated discs with permanent bruising that had been present for twelve years. A few days later they had mysteriously vanished and have not returned!

In the afternoons we were guided to powerful places in the land, from vortices and natural rock chakras, to five hundred year old trees, each welcoming and sharing their energy like old forgotten friends. From wildflowers to dragonflies, rainbows to sunsets, the peace and beauty of the land enveloped me and the heart of the herd healed me.
Wandering the landscape and following the herd, I was filled with a knowing that here were the answers to life’s biggest questions. Away from the noise and the struggle of our busyness, it occurred to me that it all could be so much simpler.

The pristine splendor of a land and it’s creatures in perfect harmony with each other, and their connection to the one consciousness, the force of love in all life, left me to contemplate our real purpose here on earth.

by: Ann Davis, travel writer

Equinisity.com and Voiceforthehorse.com will be hosting an Equine Awareness Day non-profit event at Gateway 2 Ranch in Kamloops, B.C. on May 14th. It will be an overnight mini E.A.R.T.H. Retreat where people will experience healing with horses, learning trust and connection, herd communication, play at liberty and riding bitless.
This is all-inclusive with local, organic food, wall tent accommodation, walking the land and Spirit Lodge gathering. Please e-mail why you would like to come and we will pick six winners.

To learn more about Liz Mitten Ryan and the E.A.R.T.H. Retreats please visit www.equinisity.com

Participant: Yvonne Allen - At Ease Horse Care www.ateasehorsecare.com

Understanding why we need to use massage, chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition in combination with other techniques to maximize the performance of the body, gives us many reasons why we would want to provide the same for our horses. Much can be said for the benefits of regular body care and a balanced lifestyle for both horse and rider.

To help us understand how shiatsu massage can benefit our horses, let’s take the words “emotion” and “disease” and ask what they have in common. We will find that they are related to both energy and health. The word emotion put in its proper understanding relates to dynamics; the greater the E-motion, the greater the dynamics, the greater the power and healthier the body. The greater the movement one can say, the greater the E-motion. If you observe the universe everything is moving; the sun moves, the moon moves and the wind will blow. At times the wind will bring just a gentle breeze and at other times it may bring a tornado, this is a lot of E-motion. When water moves downhill through our mountain creeks it is flowing evenly but what happens when a log jams it or we put a damn around this flow of water? The water becomes stagnant and it is no longer flowing with ease. We now have water that sits in a state of dis-ease. We can no longer drink this water, bugs live in it and fish will not survive these conditions. When you take E-motion and put it in a state of dis-ease you bring on the inevitable and this is disease.

Let’s take this concept to the performance of an animal or the human athlete. World class athletes such as those that compete at the Olympic level all use things like massage, chiropractor, acupuncture and nutrition to maintain their bodies. They utilize skills such as mental focus and visualization techniques to develop a positive image of themselves. They believe in their success and the power of the mind and body. If they are not focused and their energy is not dynamic they are not going to win the Olympics. Both human and equine athletes also share the same qualities as far as the physical and mental aspects; bone is bone; muscle is muscle; blood is blood; tissue is tissue and emotions are emotions. If a part of us becomes shut down, our E-motions and dynamics cease to operate at full capacity. Shiatsu Massage assists in reversing this state of dis-ease thus allowing the athlete to perform optimally in their sport once again. Shiatsu massage is known to be one of the most powerful healing tools in the world and by receiving regular maintenance treatments one will be able to deal with the stresses of athletic competition more efficiently.

Yvonne Allen of Voice for the Horse will be one of many that will be hosting an Equine Awareness Day - a non-profit event to promote horses in our lives and to celebrate their past, present and future service for mankind. On May 22, 2011 Yvonne will be teaching a small select group of individuals the art of Equine Shiatsu Massage in Langley, B.C. The course will be specific to classroom style learning with hands on experience with the two Mascots of Voice For The Horse; Angel and her little brother Mischief. Participants will also receive a full course manual and DVD on Equine Shiatsu Massage. The event will include a light lunch as well as time to mingle with the horses at leisure.

Anyone interested in participating is invited to contact Yvonne by clicking on the button below. Let her know why you would like to spend time around horses and learn this very special art of Equine Shiatsu Massage. Participation is limited so please ensure that your story of why you would like to participate is appealing for us to consider!

For more information on Equine Awareness Day 2011 we invite you to visit www.equineawareness.org and www.voiceforthehorse.com

‘The Joy of the Journey’

GP Cottonwood Stables hosts “The Joy of the Journey” book launch for local author Jodine Carruthers

“Jodine Carruthers has written a truly absorbing and inspirational book about her experiences with horses.” Jane Holderness Roddam, Olympic Gold Medalist (Eventing)

On May 8, 2011 GP Cottonwood Stables is excited to be hosting the official book launch for “The Joy of the Journey: Exploring a Deeper and More Fulfilling Partnership Through the Path of Harmonious Horsemanship”, written by local author, Jodine Carruthers. From 1:00pm-4:00pm the stables will open their gates for an afternoon of live demonstrations, Q & A with the author, and the opportunity to meet the horses and staff of GP Cottonwood Stables. This is a free event, open to the public! GP Cottonwood Stables, 3735 Jingle Pot Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6X2, (250) 758-1617

What the horse lover in you or your family can expect:
From 2pm-3pm: A horse/human communication demonstration by Jodine Carruthers and a dressage demonstration by Cottonwood's own Selena Pellizzari.
Mini riding lesson demonstrations throughout the event.
The chance to pet, touch and groom Cottonwood's lesson ponies and horses.
Q & A time with author Jodine Carruthers.
Q & A time with the Cottonwood's head coach and owner, Selena Pellizzari.

The Joy of the Journey immerses the reader into the world of horses and reminds us of the magic that first drew us to horses. This insightful and easy to read book not only encourages a deeper relationship with horses, its simple, straight forward guidance leads us closer to truly authentic relationships, in all areas of our lives. Whether you are a novice rider or a veteran horse lover or you simply enjoy being in the presence of horses, The Joy of the Journey opens the door to a world of horsemanship that will lift your spirit and fill your heart.

Jodine Carruthers is an Equine Behaviour Specialist and the founder of Harmonious Horsemanship. A lifelong horsewoman, she has dedicated her career to empowering and improving the lives of horses and humans through education, communication, and the depth of connection found through her teachings. Jodine has extensively researched human dynamics and neuroscience, and is an expert in horse psychology, equine body language, inter-species communication, and healing equine trauma.
GP Cottonwood Stables is situated on Jingle Pot Road in the heart of Nanaimo, BC. They are a full service boarding and training facility in operation since 1973, and boast an indoor arena and two resident Equine Canada certified coaches. School horses suited to all levels of rider, from the very first horse experience through to competitive levels, are available for lessons. Fun, safe learning of good horsemanship principles in a friendly environment is the foundation of our riding programs.

GP Cottonwood Stables, 3735 Jingle Pot Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6X2, (250) 758-1617
For more information about Jodine and her book, please check out: www.harmonioushorsemanship.com
For more information on GP Cottonwood Stables, please check out: www.gpcottonwoodstables.com

Like many young children, Karen grew up loving animals, especially horses. She spend hours with her horses, brushing them, hugging them, and jumping on their bare backs in the open field. Her best memories were just being with them.

In 1994, Karen quit her job and backpacked around the world for 18 months, primarily in third world countries. As she traveled, she saw how so many animals were mistreated, and realized that it was time for her to follow her heart. This trip changed Karen’s life. She knew she had to follow her path and leave the corporate world behind.

Karen began by volunteering for a wild horse sanctuary in California, becoming part of the grass roots movement to help wild horses. The experience she gained from working with the horses, and being part of this new organization, was beyond her imagination. During this time, she learned about the plight of horses, all horses in America. Karen learned about the Premarin industry, the plight of Premarin mares and foals, and knew in her heart, that someday she would have a rescue and sanctuary to help the horses and to educate women about Premarin and natural alternatives to Premarin.

This is how Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary™, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping save Premarin mares and foals from slaughter, was born. The staff at Equine Voices is just as devoted as the president and founder.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Jean has always had an interest in animals. Totally smitten with the incurable "Horse Bug", she bought her first horse with the money she earned babysitting, mowing lawns, and from her first job at McDonalds. She, as many of us did, worked off her board by mucking stalls, cleaning tack, and tackling various other jobs around the stable. Working her way up the ladder from stable girl to trail guide, she eventually became Barn Manager for Hunter's Glen Morgans, following the New England Morgan Circuit during show season while still maintaining a presence at her home stable. 

In 2006 while distributing flyers for her horse club, she stumbled across the Equine Voices Fundraiser and learned of the PMU industry and all its horrors. She was invited to tour the Ranch and it was there she met Scout, the PMU by-product baby she would later adopt. He has become her faithful companion and the love of her life, and together they enjoy many adventures, exploring the beautiful Santa Rita Mountain trails behind their house.

In September of 2008 Jean got the opportunity of a lifetime and left the corporate world to become the Ranch Manager for Equine Voices.

Born and raised in Germany, Claudia always had the passion for animals. Her grandpa put her on a horse before she even could walk and from that moment on a wonderful relationship between her and the horses developed. Although she never owned her own horse, Claudia knew in her heart that one day her dream would become reality. 

Claudia came to the U.S. in 1998 and moved to Tucson, AZ in 2004. In 2005 she came across EV and she started volunteering weekly. That’s where she also fell in love with a PMU baby, Desert Star, and she made it her goal to make him her first horse. She bought horse property in 2007 and that same year she took him and Tehya, a beautiful Palomino Paint mare, home with her.

Claudia saw the opportunity to work for EV as a sign to follow her destiny and do what she was meant to do – help the animals she loves so much.

If you never have heard about Equine Voices before and if you never had the pleasure to meet the horses at the ranch please come and visit us whenever you are in the neck of our woods. Meanwhile please visit our website www.equinevoices.org or follow us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/EquineVoices.

‘Women and Horses’

In Celebration of Equine Awareness Day: Harmonious Horsemanship and Equifit Services host the official launch of “Of Women and Horses”

On May 9, 2011 Jodine Carruthers, author of Joy of The Journey and expert on horse and human connections, along with Equine Canada Certified Level II Hunter/Jumper Coach, BCRPA Fitness Instructor and founder of Equifit Services, Gina Allan will be celebrating Equine Awareness Day by hosting the official launch for “Of Women and Horses”. In Nanoose Library Hall (2849 Northwest Bay Rd, Nanoose, BC V9P 9E6, (250) 468-9977), from 6:30-8:30pm, a group of like-minded women will be gathering to re-discover the magic of horses. Jodine and Gina are combining their expertise to help women create deeper, more meaningful relationships with horses and themselves…mind, body and spirit. There is also a contest that will be heald prior to May 9, 2011. Win four, free three month memberships to Of Women and Horses. Please email us using the button below to let us know why you deserve to win!

Both Jodine Carruthers and Gina Allan have worked with and for some of the top horse people in the world. They have learned that to have a truly harmonious and fulfilling partnership with our horses we must be aware of who we are in the relationship…mind, body and spirit. Of Women and Horses was sparked out of a desire to create community between women who love horses. Of Women and Horses is a membership based business that hosts one live evening event per month and a monthly podcast interviewing top horsewomen on their area of expertise.

Members are also eligible for special discounts at other events offered by Harmonious Horsemanship and Equifit Services.

Please check out www.harmonioushorsemanship.com/ofwomenandhorses for more information.