meet the herd

Shady (April 1993 - November 2022)

As a part of our family since 2001, Shady was and always will be nearest to my heart. Although no longer in the physical form, he is the reason that Empowered By Horses and Friends began and exists today. It was our connection that first demonstrated the tremendous power in the horse~human connection and how a horse’s presence can heal. Our relationship was unequalled and I am honoured to have shared over 20 years with him.

Shady was a sensitive and kind horse. He was gentle with people and despite the pressure he would have experienced during his initial training as a reining horse, he always tried his best. But when he started working as a therapeutic partner at EBH&F, other skills came to the forefront. His ability to hold stillness with clients was unparalleled. Perhaps it was because it was healing for both him and the clients, but maybe it was just his true calling. Shady will be remembered by many whose lives he touched over the years. Although he retired in 2018, many of his ex-clients did not forget him and would stop by and say hello.

Shady is deeply missed but if you let your roots sink down beside the Three Sisters tree, you will feel his presence. Shady is Anam Cara. Read his full story here

May (Born May 2003)

May is a cherished and original member of the Empowered By Horses and Friends herd. She was born near Red Deer, Alberta, on a PMU* farm in 2003. Four months later, I brought her home and together we began developing the strong relationship we have today.

May has a strong and grounded presence. Other herd members come to her for guidance and comfort and, although herd leadership can fluctuate, her energy is very much the lead horse. May’s speciality lies in her big heart and she is skilled in holding space for clients who might be experiencing intense or uncomfortable emotions.

Babs (Born May 2003)

I met Babs at my friend’s place in Princeton, BC, and immediately fell in love with her. Although I had no intention of increasing the herd―it happened, and Babs has now been part of our family since 2007.

Babs is a sensitive and curious yet sensible horse. She is quite social, especially if grooming is part of the activity, and likes spending time with the other horses.

Babs developed arthritis in her early teen years. As with all our horse partners, she is provided with a choice in how she would like to engage with clients. She is a treasured member of the EBH&F herd.

Selena (Born April 2008)

Selena has been part of the family since December 2010. We didn’t know a lot about her history but it was soon apparent, by her behaviour, that there had been abuse and neglect. Like anyone who has experienced trauma, safety is at the forefront of needs. As such, we created a safe space for Selena to find her footing and begin the slow process of trusting humans again. We have learned many valuable lessons from Selena, especially about ourselves. For example, Selena has severe arthritis. This informs her how and when she engages with clients. Her self-care skills are admirable and are honoured.

lulu (June 2007)

In 2012 we were on the internet in search of a miniature horse. We spotted Lulu at Pipsqueak Paddocks Miniature Horse Rescue. Her gentle eyes are what first drew me in and I had to meet her. Strangely, and fortunate for us, eleven other families had passed her by and Lulu joined our herd.

Lulu prefers slow movement and calm energy especially when being groomed. She can, however, get quite playful and loves having her chest scratched.

Fable (May 2011)

We met Fable at Pipsqueak Paddocks Miniature Horse Rescue while going through the adoption process with Lulu. Fable was only 6 months old and had been rescued from the auction block. Steve fell in love first and declared we needed two miniatures instead of one. We are tickled to have the presence of Fable in our herd.

With little experience of humans, Fable was initially very timid and shy. As his confidence grew, his playful nature and saucy attitude blossomed. He loves splashing in water and running after the big horses to show them who’s boss! He also loves having his butt scratched to the point of backing himself into any pair of available hands.

Chase (April 2007)

Chase has been part of our family since November, 2020. Born and raised in Langley, BC, by a good friend of ours, I’ve known Chase for many years. Initially trained in reining, I enjoyed watching him and his friend, Smoky, when visiting his farm. When I noticed his sale ad, I quickly connected with my friend and the rest is history. Although nervous and distracted at first, he followed the modelling provided by the EBH&F herd and is now more calm and grounded.

Chase is very playful and curious with foal-like energy. He has a few human clients that love him to bits.

kidd (May 2008)

Kidd has been part of our family since October 2018. We were actively looking for another herd member and came across an ad for him in Langley, BC. He immediately captured our hearts and once on the farm, our clients’ hearts too. We are blessed to have met Kidd.

Kidd’s gentleness was clear the moment we met him. Initially he was unclear about boundaries. This made him a bit shut down but given time and space to express himself without risk of negative consequences, his playfulness and skill set came through. Kidd is now able to set his own boundaries around contact with humans. He is a beautiful soul.