Heart Horse Connections

12/28/2025

The light you shine
does not vanish into the distance.
It moves through other lives,
rests in small kindnesses,
learns new shapes.
And one day,
often when you are not looking for it,
it comes back to you
as warmth,
as help,
as hope,
as a reminder
that nothing given in love is ever lost.
Rivers in the Ocean

12/16/2025

I don't know about you, but this past weekend, things felt incredibly heavy globally: hatred and violence seemed to relentlessly emerge and assault our hearts and minds. It can be overwhelming to absorb and try to make sense of all these tragic events. It's okay to step away from the news cycle from time to time to give your nervous system a break.

My heart goes out to all affected by the tragedy and violence.
Today, the HeartMath Institute shared a Heart Meditation for the Holidays; I would also like to offer it as support during these days where things feel very dark.

A Heart Meditation for the Holidays

1. Breathe love through your heart area. Imagine breathing in the feeling of love. On the out breath, radiate love, or compassion, appreciation through your cells and out to others.

2. Envision yourself and more people throughout the world taking steps to be more compassionate, caring, kind, and cooperative with each other. See this increasing the connection with our heart’s guidance and direction.

3. Radiate love to humanity, seeing people harmonizing their relationships, which creates the best possible outcomes for wholeness.

4. Now radiate love and compassion to all who are suffering from wars, famine, displacement, natural disasters, and other major stressors. See this helping uplift the planetary energy for all, especially the hearts of those suffering hardships.


Peace

12/14/2025

I have been blessed over the last two weeks with rich conversations with peers and colleagues from Canada, Europe and the U.S. I am always moved by how, with heart-centered intention, energy can be shifted, and connection can take place via ZOOM. Of course, all of these conversations were grounded in the work we do with horses, how we can best serve both clients and horses and how we must continue to do our own personal work. Even as we gather online, we bring in the energy of our horses. I have a love and appreciation for these people that I have never even met in person and isn't that just a wonderful gift.

December's Heart of the Horse newsletter has just gone out via email. We send a monthly email. You can sign up by messaging me here OR sign up on my website www.hearthorseconnections.ca and use the sign-up page there.

12/04/2025

11/11/2025

We must never forget the sacrifices made by our service men and women, the suffering endured and the lives lost. There is a saying that goes something like this: 'The history of humankind is written on the back of a horse.' Horses have played a pivotal role in human evolution and history, including both the First and Second World Wars.

During World War 1, it is estimated that 8 million horses were taken from farms, stables, homes and thrust into the terrifying chaos of a bloody global conflict. In the Second World War they estimate 2 million horses were 'enlisted.' No one knows for sure how many returned home. Hundreds of thousands died from artillery, exhaustion, starvation, or illness. At the end of the wars many were often left behind or sold off. Both wars had a devastating impact on horse populations.

On November 11 we remember the sacrifice.

09/19/2025

On Wednesday, September 18th we closed out our 2025 Spring/Sumer Mindfulness/Coherence Circle Sessions. We reflected on the upcoming Autumnal Equinox (September 22nd). Our meditation that evening was dedicated to the theme of balance. At the time of the Equinox day and night are in perfect balance. The Equinox is a time for us to reflect on the balance in our lives and to honour our light and our shadow, our productivity and our need for deep rest. As the trees begin to shed foliage, it can prompt us to reflect if there is anything we need to shed (beliefs, habits, behaviours,) or perhaps release attachment to outcomes.

Maddie and Red held space beautifully with their grounded presence and Maddie, with her "downward dog" stretch at the end brought us all back to embodiment.

At this time of year remember to honour both your productivity and your need for deep rest.

"Both are necessary in the rhythm of life...The Equinox is not just outside of you. It lives within you. You are balance with your own cycles and rhythms." - Anitra

Thanks to all of our participants.

09/15/2025

Please reach out for more information. Small group size. Full scholarship available for participants. The program consists of 4 sessions delivered over two weekends.
October 4 and 5
October 18 and 19
1:30 to 3:00 PM

Introducing our newest program-
PEACEFUL HEARTS, Cancer Recovery with horses

Peaceful Hearts is a 4 session journey of renewal and healing, created for those moving through life during or after cancer. Guided by the gentle presence of horses, this program invites you to explore new ways of being grounded, present and open to new possibility.

Here, in the stillness of nature, you’ll discover practices that support mind, body and spirit through breath work, mindful movement and the quiet strength of the herd. Together we’ll create space for compassion, resilience, renewal and a deeper connection to self.

Peaceful Hearts is more than recovery-it’s a pathway to living fully, with courage and softness in equal measure.

Are you or someone you know in need of a little support and inspiration? Please reach out for more info.
Full scholarships available.

Sessions will be held Oct 4 and 5, 18 and 19, 1:30-3pm
Roberts Creek Ranch.

09/15/2025

What the world needs now...peace, peacefulness, community

Send a message to learn more

09/03/2025

We hope you can join us for one of our September events. The "turning of the wheel" into Autumn gives us time to lean into:

Releasing old patterns and making space for new growth.
Appreciating the present moment.
Shifting energies from summer abundance to fall introspection.

No horse experience required. All activities are done on the ground under the supervision of certified instructors.

Space is limited.

For more information on events or to inquire about private sessions, reach out to: dorothy@hearthorseconnections.ca
www.hearthorseconnections.ca

09/01/2025

The beauty you see outside yourself is a reflection of the beauty within…

08/31/2025

❤️

“The Painted Horse of the Four Winds”

The elders tell of a time when the Four Winds gathered to give a gift to the people. From the North came wisdom, from the South came warmth, from the East came vision, and from the West came strength. The Winds braided their gifts into a single being, and thus the Painted Horse was born.

His mane carried the colors of the sky at dawn, his eyes reflected the endless rivers, and his spirit moved like fire and storm together. Upon his neck were feathers and beads, each one carrying a story—of ancestors, of prayers, of victories and losses that shaped the people.

The Painted Horse was not just a companion. He was a guide. He taught the people that freedom was not only to run across the plains but also to live in balance with earth and sky. His turquoise color reminded them of sacred water, the lifeblood of all things. His fiery orange spoke of the eternal flame of spirit, the fire that never dies.

Elders said: “When you see the Painted Horse in your dreams, know that the Winds have not forgotten you. Ride with him, and you will find the path that belongs to your spirit.”

To this day, the Painted Horse of the Four Winds remains a symbol of courage, freedom, and the unbroken circle between the people and the land.

08/22/2025

UPCOMING EVENTS!

We still have room in our August 27th Mindfulness/Coherence Circle on Wednesday, August 27th
6:30 PM start time
$20

Due to the heavy rain on August 15th, we felt it was in the interest of safety to postpone our August 16th workshop. We have rescheduled that workshop for Saturday, September 27th

Exploring Self Leadership through Horse Wisdom
Horses support us in finding self-acceptance in a world of judgment.
10 AM to 5 PM
$169

Please reach out for more information or check out the website

Where heart and horse wisdom meet. About Heart Horse Connections Whether you feel burnt out, stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your heart’s longing we offer programs to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Heart Horse Connections is inspired by my journey of learning ...