Here at The Equine Connection our belief is that the invisible, felt, or sensed, places within ourselves, are essential, like the air we breathe. Our passion is to follow the horses and nature’s silent messages to connect with these invisible parts of ourselves. We invite you to visit with aspects of yourself you may never have even met, to trust the intangible pieces of your life. By ‘hearing’ the imagery Mother Nature and the horses’ body language offer, we touch places within ourselves that are difficult to express with words. These experiences deepen the intimacy we can feel with ourselves. Life becomes more meaningful. Come connect with yourself through one of the offerings here at The Equine Connection!
The Equine Connection, located on an eight acre property, is in a peaceful, rural setting just 10 minutes from downtown Vernon, BC. The Equine Connection offers a variety of equine-assisted learning opportunities. Women are invited to join us at our fabulously nourishing and trans-formative retreats. Businesses are offered team building sessions, and individuals can access individual sessions ,as well as our wellness workshops. We will custom-make self-development workshops for any group wanting to expand their self-awareness. Our services also include traditional counselling.
Listen to the Podcast : Freeing the Soul Through the Wisdom of Animals with Wendy Elrick
Equine-assisted learning and therapy offers a compelling journey of clarity and understanding. Horses are powerful teachers who instantly respond to actions, body language and the energy of the participant. Horses can inspire our dreams and awaken our spirit. The focus of equine-assisted learning is not riding, nor horsemanship, but self-development. It takes place out of the saddle and on the ground.
Wendy Elrick, MSc
Counsellor:
Individual counselling is offered by Wendy Elrick, while groups are facilitated by both Wendy, and a co-facilitator.
Wendy Elrick is a counsellor with a Masters degree in Human Services. She has been working as a counsellor for over 20 years. Her experience includes working with both children, and adults, as well as families, and groups. Wendy’s experience includes trauma recovery, teaching assertiveness, and women’s empowerment.
Horse Professionals:
Equine-assisted therapy groups are facilitated with different horse professionals. All of the horse professionals working at The Equine Connection have extensive experience handling horses and live with their own horses on their own properties. The role of the horse professional is to take very good care of the safety aspects of being with horses. It is a pleasure to work with women so committed to personal growth and who have a deep respect for horses..
Horses:
Vienna – the herd mother
Landor – a very large Holsteiner, and an angel in a horse’s body
Kara – a dependable mare who is so happy to be a part of the herd at The Equine Connection
Chunky – an adorable miniature horse with a huge appetite
Bandit – the sensitive and very confident one
Little Joe – an assertive pony and a Chunky look-a-like
Sweetie Pie – the family baby girl
Sunny – the little mare with the big personality
Three of our horse friends died in 2009: Amos (age 30), Tia (age 40) and Socks (age 29). We are very appreciative of all the gifts they offered the many people who were lucky enough to work with them. Many people will remember our loving, four-legged helpers. In March 2013, Athena left us. Although her life was short, she left a lasting impression on all who worked with her. In March 2015, Amiga was freed of her chronic pain and left us knowing her baby girl was in the capable care of Vienna. In September 2015, we said good-bye to Sadie, whose presence is still tangible.
Resident Cats:
Marble ensures the property is as mouse free as possible!
Pumpkin died during the summer of 2012. He will be remembered for his excellent cuddling abilities. Rest in peace my friend.
In 2013 we had to say good-bye to Pretty Boy. He will always have a place in my heart. He trusted us enough to embrace domesticity, despite being a wild guy.
In August 2014, we welcomed Elfje into our family. Elfje is a male tabby. He is approximately 3 months old and has already started joining in on office sessions. He is itching to get outside, but will have to wait until he is full grown.