Changing Lives With A Horse, (Of Course)!

Episode 151: Leah's Transformational Journey with Equine Connection

A Transformational Journey with Equine Connection
Leah Dick’s journey with Equine Connection began in 2015, marking a pivotal point in her professional and personal life. At the time, she was already running small wellness and balance sessions with her horses but sought a way to expand her business in a meaningful way—one that prioritized the well-being of both humans and horses.
What drew Leah to Equine Connection was its professionalism, comprehensive programming, and authentic approach. The organization’s ability to answer her questions with confidence and provide well-researched methods resonated deeply. With a ready-made business plan and a strong focus on collaboration, Equine Connection stood out as the perfect partner to help her elevate her work.
Building a New Path
Through the certification process, Leah found more than just tools for her business—she discovered a philosophy that centered on the wisdom of horses. A moment during her training stood out vividly: while struggling with a role-play scenario, her mentors, Carrie and Carolyn, offered the simple yet profound advice to “always bring it back to the horse.” That single phrase became a guiding principle, shaping how she approached challenges both in business and life.
The training also introduced Leah to a wealth of facilitation skills that transcended her work. She found herself applying these skills not only in her sessions but also in her interactions with family and friends, enriching her ability to connect and communicate effectively.
Community and Growth
The support Leah received from Equine Connection didn’t end with her certification. She describes the community as more than a network—it’s a family. Whether seeking advice, brainstorming ideas, or sharing challenges, Leah found herself surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals who were genuinely invested in her success.
Carrie and Carolyn, the leaders of Equine Connection, became not just mentors but friends. Their openness to collaboration allowed Leah to share her unique expertise, leading to the creation of her own course on horse culture and energetic exchanges. Encouraged by their belief in her, Leah developed and presented her program to the Equine Connection community, opening doors she never imagined possible.
Transforming a Business
With the certification, Leah’s business underwent a complete transformation. She expanded from small, localized sessions to an online platform that reached clients across the globe. Her income grew alongside her confidence as she combined the structured programs she had learned with her passion for horse culture and wellness.
Leah’s niche focus on energetic exchanges and horse culture set her apart in the equine-assisted learning field. She now assists other facilitators in incorporating these elements into their own practices, providing an added layer of insight and value to their work.
A Bright Future
Leah’s goals are as ambitious as they are heartfelt. She plans to develop a full certification based on her Equus Empowered program, continuing to grow her offerings while staying deeply connected to the Equine Connection community. The certification, she says, not only gave her the tools to succeed but also instilled the confidence to embrace her unique style and passion.
Her advice to anyone considering Equine Connection’s certification is simple: “Do it.” She believes wholeheartedly in the program’s ability to transform lives—not just through its curriculum but through the genuine care and dedication of its leaders.
A Message of Gratitude
Leah’s journey is a testament to the power of connection—between humans, horses, and a supportive community. She remains deeply grateful to Carrie, Carolyn, and the Equine Connection team for their unwavering belief in her potential and their commitment to the well-being of horses. For Leah, the experience has been nothing short of life-changing, and she looks forward to continuing her work of healing and connection, one step at a time.

Episode 150: What do we do when we mess up? We laugh!

🎙️ Welcome back to the Equine Connection podcast! Today’s episode is all about embracing our humanity—because in this industry (and life in general), we’re all bound to mess up. Whether it’s stumbling over your words or accidentally saying something that comes out hilariously wrong, it’s going to happen.
The key? Laugh along with everyone else and keep moving forward. Those moments of imperfection not only keep things real but also make you relatable and approachable. After all, we’re all just humans navigating life one step—and one laugh—at a time!

Episode 149: Join us in Las Cruces, NM!

We are so excited to be heading to Las Cruces, New Mexico at the end of February so we wanted to take this opportunity to interview our host, Mike Garcia aka Mr. Las Cruces, to talk a little bit more about what he has taken from the program and how he has implemented it into his Equine Assisted Learning programs as well as his new role as the General Manager of Vado Speedway Park. 

Episode 148: Yes, horses do grieve.

I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE GRIEVING OF A HORSE THAT WAS NEIGHING AND NEIGHING!! IT LITERALLY BROKE MY HEART! IT WAS EARTH SHATTERING! 💔 😭 💔What a gift on this earth to be blessed with these amazing creatures and then what a gift it is to be blessed to be with them on the next journey, the crossing over of body to soul. I would NOT trade anything for all the pain that comes with loss over never being a part of this beautiful thing called LOVE!

Episode 147: What the heck is the difference between Equine Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning?!

What the heck is the difference between Equine Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning?! 🤯🤯
 
Both have a horse… 🐴
 
Both have people… 👫
 
Yet they’re somehow so different!

Episode 146: How do I know if I have the right horse for Equine Assisted Learning?

If I get a horse first, then do your course, will my horse be right for this kind of work?
We LOVE this question, because it is so, so important to know that you are working with, or partnering with a horse that you can trust!
We were having a wonderful conversation with our friend, Krystal, about this the other day and totally agree that this is something that should be covered!
Just like she had said, “I know a great relationship with the horse is key, but I know its more than that too. Is there ever a horse that you know won’t be safe?”
Join us to find out how to choose a horse that is just right for Equine Assisted Learning!

Episode 145: Equine Connection: Our Story

We've done it all the hard way, so you don't have to. Listen to our story....

Episode 144: We are starting our 17th Year... lets talk about it...

Hi there, HorsePreneurs and dream-chasers! 🌟 Today’s episode is extra special as we’re celebrating a HUGE milestone—17 incredible years in business! 🥳
From humble beginnings to helping passionate individuals like YOU turn dreams into reality, it’s been an unforgettable journey of growth, grit, and galloping toward purpose. 🐴✨
We’ll be sharing stories from the early days, lessons we’ve learned along the way, and what it truly means to follow your passion in the equine world. Plus, stick around for some exciting surprises—we’re pulling out a little retro magic in honor of this milestone!
So saddle up, hit play, and join us for a heartfelt celebration of how far we’ve come—together. Let’s ride into the next chapter, stronger and more inspired than ever.

Episode 143: 🎄 A Retro Christmas Tale 🎄

This year, we’re heading back in time,To where our journey began, so prime.Helping HorsePreneurs find their way,Turning passion to purpose, every day.
As we celebrate seventeen years,We’re spreading joy and festive cheers!With something retro, bold, and new,A once-in-a-lifetime gift for you.
The chance to join, to learn, to grow,The program that started it all, you’ll know.Equine dreams with business flair,A special offer, beyond compare.
🎁 Join us Today, don’t delay,Join us LIVE for this grand display!Click the button, mark your spot,Replay’s there if you’ve forgot.
So come one, come all, don’t miss the call,This Christmas, we’re giving our all!Let’s make your equine dreams come true,And start the new year fresh and new.

Episode 142: How to Maintain Equine Welfare on a Small Acreage w/ Jane Hemingway-Mohr

When it comes to small horse acreages, there’s more stress on feed, more pressure on fencing, more routine maintenance. But with proper management and “know-how”, small acreages can be healthy and productive, and meet your horse’s needs mentally and physically. Join us to chat being responsible for the horse's welfare on small acreages!

Episode 141: The AUSTRALIA Exclusive!

Imagine turning your passion for horses into a rewarding career where you feel confident, connected, and fully supported while helping others. Sounds great, right? But how do you start? What should you do first?
We get it. Without support, the journey can feel overwhelming. You have valid concerns about income, finding clients, and setting up a business.
Here at Equine Connection, we understand the challenges you may face—uncertainty about income, fear of investment, or feeling misunderstood in a unique field.
But what if there was something that could help bridge the gap between dreaming and doing? What if you had a straightforward path to starting a business that uses horses to help others?Tune in to find out more about this EXCLUSIVE opportunity in Australia and check out https://ec.equineconnection.ca/australia-exclusive for more details! 

Episode 140: You Have Questions!

But not to worry! The gals from Equine Connection are here to answer your burning business questions! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this is your chance to get expert advice, tips, and insights. Let's tackle your challenges together and help you move forward with confidence!

Episode 139: Making the Wrong Thing Hard and the Right Thing Easy w/ Warwick Schiller

Understanding “making the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy”, is often hard for us as people, as it is all about allowing the horse to have control. In a sense, as people, we’re control freaks. We want to control the horse, but really in order to get along with horses really well, the first thing we've got to do and it's hard a lot of the time is to give up that need to control the situation. Listen in!

Episode 138: Dr. Karen Gellman talks Posture!

Wasting time and money switching saddles, farriers, trainers, and more?Facing unpredictable, explosive behaviors that leave you feeling unsafe?
Do you ever wonder if you've overlooked something crucial?Postural Rehabilitation could transform the way you view your horse!
Today, we have a special guest to explain why your horse's posture is so important!
Dr. Karen Gellman is a holistic veterinarian and expert in the biomechanics of posture and locomotion in animals. Since 2005, she has been teaching veterinarians, chiropractors, rehabilitators, farriers, dentists and manual therapists about the critical importance of neutral posture for equine performance and wellness..
All horse owners can easily understand how to recognize and fix postural imbalance, which is often the root cause of mystery lameness, behavioral issues and poor performance. When Postural Rehabilitation restores your horse’s neutral posture, they will be calmer, more cooperative, and ready to share your dreams - the very best they can be!
 

Episode 137: Answering Your Horse Business Questions

You ask and we answer! If you didn't know, we have started a new community to help Horsepreneurs to get their businesses going in the Equine Assisted Field.  Check it out on FB! Equine Assisted Business Hotline - Success Group for HorsePreneurs!

Episode 136: How did Kari get her first horse?

Get to know a little more about the gals from Equine Connection! We will be sharing a few shorter podcasts over the next little bit to introduce ourselves to you and let you know how we got to where we are today! 

Episode 135: “Learning is experience. Everything else is just information.” – Albert Einstein

After just completing our most recent In-Person Training outside Abbotsford, BC, we couldn’t agree more with that statement! We had some people return for more training, some people freshly certified and some AMAZING horses to work with and help us create A-Ha moments for facilitators and clients alike!
Here is one thing about being a facilitator: you can never stop learning. You can never stop growing. And neither can your certification.
Join us to discover the many A-Ha moments we had and what Equine Connection does to always stay ahead of the curve!

Episode 134: “Learning is experience. Everything else is just information.” – Albert Einstein

After just completing our most recent In-Person Training outside Abbotsford, BC, we couldn’t agree more with that statement! We had some people return for more training, some people freshly certified and some AMAZING horses to work with and help us create A-Ha moments for facilitators and clients alike!
Here is one thing about being a facilitator: you can never stop learning. You can never stop growing. And neither can your certification.
Join us to discover the many A-Ha moments we had and what Equine Connection does to always stay ahead of the curve!

Episode 133: Equine Connection & Equine Guelph - NEW BOOK

Ever wondered about their ability to snooze while standing or their lack of a gall bladder?
Equine Connection and Equine Guelph have joined forces for an engaging online venture titled "Who Knew? Fun Facts & Why It Matters."
We're thrilled to chat with Equine Guelph's Director, Gayle Ecker, delving into the book, horse welfare, and the genuine importance of understanding our horses better!
Join us to uncover how you can snag your very own complimentary copy of the book!

Episode 132: THIS is why we do what we do! Listen to this story!

Every course that we run always fills us with purpose and joy, but every once in awhile, a very special connection happens that just overfills our cup. Last week we had one of those courses. The fellas came in for their first program. Apprehensive, defensive and definitely not finding much humour in our jokes or entertainment value. They were skeptical and apprehensive to the extreme! But, we always know, it is the time with the horses that will allow them to gain what they need. And boy, did the horses ever do their job!