About this Event
Speaking Horse Class is a Friendly Trails Horse Rescue and Sanctuary community event, co-sponsored by Heart & Mind Equine. This began as our volunteer class and has expanded to serve the larger community. A chance to meet our rescued therapy horses, check out our volunteer program, and learn some holistic horse keeping and equine assisted services (e.g. therapy, coaching, leadership, and teambuilding with horses). NO experience necessary, and both horse and mental health professionals are welcome--truly all are welcome (9+ years old.)
Curious about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy? Speaking Horse is not therapy, but it is an opportunity to get a "taste" of EAP because we use some of the same tools and exercises in both settings. So come out out and meet the herd (both humans and horses) connected with Friendly Trails and Heart & Mind Equine.
Each month the class is centered on a holistic horse keeping theme, equine assisted learning, understanding herd dynamics, holistic horse care and training, or how they all relate to our human journey.
FEBRUARY THEME: Year of the Horse
As the Lunar New Year is in February, we will borrow the them of the passing Snake year, shedding what is old and no longer needed and embracing the power and majesty of the horse. This time of year also coincides with the horses literally shedding (plan to be covered in horse hair as we groom them.) We will explore how the herd's ecosystem changes as they experience spring and the lessons we can learn from them.
Horse lovers, highly sensitive people, mental health providers, parents, and teachers might especially benefit from this class as well as horse owners/riders who hope to improve their relationships with their equine partners. (Though this work is great for dogs as well, your dogs are not welcome at our horse rescue due to liability and distraction concerns.) Newcomers and novices are most welcome.
Come and experience the magic of working with horses firsthand. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and connect with these majestic creatures. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just starting out, there's something for everyone at our Speaking Horse classes. Don't miss out on this exciting chance to bond with horses and fellow horse lovers. We can't wait to see you there!
Children 9 and older are welcome with adult participation and supervision (and legal guardian signed liability release). Youth 15 and older may attend alone with a signed parental permission form. We meet in a pasture which has uneven ground and slippery gravel. For these reasons, it is difficult to accommodate participants with limited mobility. (In some cases we are able to offer limited in-place, chair-based experiences, as well as onsite parking, so we invite those with limited mobility to reach out to learn more. Please call to RSVP 415-203-6600, first come, first served.)
Holistic horse keeping methods and perspectives form the primary vision for our rescue. This class is a fundraiser for the nonprofit horse rescue, so please donate what you can, either here, by VenMo, or at the class. Note that Eventbrite will charge you a processing fee. Directions and liability paperwork are sent upon registration. This is a volunteer orientation as well. It is an opportunity to meet our herd, both horses and humans, and find out if you might like to get involved. All registration fees are donations to support the rescue herd.
Register for directions to the barn.
Liability and Emergency Forms
For your first visit each year, please print the signature pages from this link and bring them with you. Minors need to have a legal guardian sign/complete all forms, and minors under the age of 15 need an adult to attend with them (but it doesn't have to be the legal guardian.)
Additionally, please use this Google Form to complete your Emergency information.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Petaluma Vacation Pasture of Friendly Trails and Heart & Mind Equine, San Antonio Road, Petaluma, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 108.55
