3 more sleeps prior my journey South.. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to engage in a five week work study experience at the Buffalo Women Ranch down in Dove Creek Colorado where I will apprentice with Robbie Nelson (co-founder of the ranch) as an Equine Integrative Healer.

Robbie is an Epona approved instructor. She studied with Linda Kohanov, internationally recognized founder of the Epona approach and author of Tao of Equus - A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation Through the Way of the Horse  (2000), Riding Between Worlds - Expanding our Potential through the Way of the Horse (2007) and Way of the Horse - Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery (2007).
Robbie incorporates the Epona model into her own holistic approach. When I read the Tao of Equus back in 2002, I was astounded and inspired by the amazing possibilites for the Horse-Human healing partnership.

Since then, I have engaged in my own learning journey through academia and worked as a counselor for a local mental health center. I completed my degree in Social Work with Honours in 2009 and have since 2002 experienced first hand the power of presence and transformation horses encourage, model and support. I have learned this with Tamrah my beautiful thoroughbred Quarter horse cross mare along with her herd mate Prowler, a wise Appaloosa. The sunny plateau that we share with our equine friends is populated by numerous horses in all directions. I call this the Valley of the Horses.

I continue to evolve and learn on my own transformational path with the inspiration and support of my four legged friends. Not only have I been personally transformed (an ongoing process) by my equine teachers, I have witnessed others on their own healing paths.
I much resonate with the Epona approach. Seen under this paradigm, the horse is no longer used and seen as a beast of burden or a tool for ego's gratifications but respected as a sentient being and honoured as a wise teachers for Presence, authentic purpose and compassion.

I so look forward to be immersed in the teachings and wisdoms of the White Calf Buffalo at Buffalo Women Ranch. Being invited into another herd to share "The Way of the Horse" and work alongside Robbie in her Integrative Healing practice is an honour.
I give thanks to my ancestors and teachers that guide me, to the Spirit of the Buffalo, to my equine brothers and sisters may they continue to light the way. I particulalry give huge thanks to my beloved David, who has been so supportive along my realization path with the unexpected detours along the way. He continues to inspire me with his gentle compassionate presence and gives me unconditional support, a rare quality in a two legged creature.
I give thanks also to my parents who believe in me, especially a huge thank you to my father who has modeled a pionneer spirit with his courage, vision and persistance.  I was recently so touched of his learning more about the realm of Equus in his wish to understand this unrelentless passion I have for  horses. Blessings Dad!
Thanks also to my dear friend Carina who for 35 years now continues to share and witness our life's journeys. It is such a gift to have true friends. Thanks also to Jai who so cares for our equine friends and will look after them while I am away. A great hayshack manager she is, very vigilant & caring.

I would like to share a poem prayer my old friend Carina wrote for me recently in the occasion of my imminent trip.

"This is a special time indeed.
You seem to be answering
The call of the Godess
in the white buffalo cloak-
May she receive you
May you receive your true self
with gentleness and wisdom
kindness and compassion
May you hear the whispers
of your ancestors, guides
and equine brothers and sisters
May they love you well
on the journey you are continuing
May you be surrounded by Light Beings
Holding clear the Path ahead
Lifting the branches upon the Camina
Fully Alive and Awake
You leap and Duck
Walk, run and even fly
with the Light of your Heart
All obstacles Become opportunities
You move with Grace, Joy & ease
Naturally into your mastery.
This is your time."

Thanks dear old friend for this blessing.






Legend of the White Buffalo:
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/NA-WhiteBuffalo.html
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