05 January 2012
Kiki Ebsen, owner of the Healing Equine Ranch, is presenting 'Horse
Mornings' this weekend.
 | |
| Photo courtesy of Healing Equine Ranch |
“We have a lot to learn from horses,” said Kiki Ebsen, owner of The Healing Equine Ranch on
Agoura Road.
The multi-awarded former junior rider is not just talking about her
own life experiences growing up on this ranch but also about being
“present” and “unplugged” in today’s fast-paced electronic world.
“Horses are herd animals,” said Ebsen who rescues horses. “They need
effective leadership or they may lose their respect for you.”
Effective leadership along with life skills, communication and
listening tools are just some of the topics that will be covered this
weekend, Jan. 7 and 8, in a two-part program entitled “Horse Mornings
for Women.”
“There will be no riding, just ground work and interaction with
horses,” said Ebsen of the teaching program she put together to “empower
women.”
Now in its second year, the program is for all women with or without
experiences with horses. The typical age range is 30 to 60 years old,
she said.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Healing Equine Ranch |
“Most of the women are in transitional stages in their lives,” said
Ebsen. “Some are going through job losses, deaths, divorces or empty
nests.”
Women who are looking for something fulfilling to do or looking for
answers are usually drawn to the program, according to Ebsen.
Past participant Sheri O’Hara Watton needed some time to heal. “When I
looked into the horse’s eyes, I saw so much wisdom and life,” said
O’Hara Watton, who had to deal with the death of her brother.
“It has helped me have a sense of purpose, so I can move forward with
my life,” she said.
For others, the life skills they acquire help with enhancing
relationships. “The program was really empowering for me,” said Debra
Davis from Glendale. “I’ve since applied the principles I learned to
this ongoing power play between me and my daughter."
Ebsen has a full day planned for the women, from studying the horses
to exploring their language. “Like us, they have ‘horsenalities’,” said
Ebsen.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Healing Equine Ranch |
Deborah Raoult, another past participant from Calabasas, said she
appreciated the learning environment. “I learned how horses interact,
about their social structure and how it calls for decisive, beneficial
leadership,” she said. “I’m able to apply that now in daily life and
relationships.”
“Women are typically more nurturing and giving to spouses and
children with a tendency to give up leadership positions,” said Ebsen.
“We’ll tackle being assertive here and not worrying about what other
people think.”
West Hollywood resident Suzanne Waters is a first-time participant.
“I’m really looking forward to a weekend of self-discovery,” she said.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
