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2021 Online Symposium
Thursday - Sunday, April 22 - 25 (April 23 - 26 in Aus/NZ)
2021 ONLINE SYMPSOIUM
A cross-model, Online Symposium
for Equine Facilitators
and others wishing to team with horses to aid
in experiential learning and coaching in horsemanship, mounted work, or unmounted, therapy, healing, and spiritual enrichment!
Join the Gathering ~ from Home!
Time Zone - compatible for people in North and South America, Europe and the UK, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, 3 all-conference sessions with Linda Kohanov and others, highly experiential nature of the breakout sessions, and gatherings for reflection are what make our symposium:
ONE OF A KIND.
PERSONALLY POWERFUL.
UNIQUE.
Two Types of Experiential Activities Make this Symposium Uniquely Effective:
All-Conference Speakers: Linda Kohanov on Friday, and a panel of Speakers made up of Lynn Thomas, Kathy Alm, Wendy Wood, Debbie Anderson, Lissa Pohl, Joann Benjamin, and Michele Kane on Saturday, as well as an interactive All-Conference session with Carol College's Marie Suthers will present about key topics in our field.
Opening Ceremonies and Fireside Chats: Poetry, music, and discussion allow you to set intentions, engage in visualization and planning, integrate, and commune with others from around the world.
Smaller Group Facilitations with Horses: Each day, you choose your favorite topic and join a more intimate experiential learning group. In these smaller breakout sessions with horses in videoed demonstrations, you will experience as a participant in interaction with the presenter. Learn an aspect of facilitation, observe the process, and engage in discussion. Journal prompts and discussion will help you apply your learning to your own practice.
About the Online Symposium
The All-Conference Sessions
We have not one, but THREE:
- On Friday April 23rd (Sat April 24 for Aus/NZ): 7 leaders from a number of the training / certifying / professional organizations in the U.S. have done something that has been attempted a few times in the past couple of decades, but never reached such consensus. They have provided a proposal for languaging our practice with horses, as well as proposing a universal acronym for your practice. These leaders are:
- Wendy Wood, PhD, professor, Animal Sciences and Occupational Therapy and Director of Research, Temple Grandin Equine Center, Colorado State University
- Kathy Alm, BA, CEO, PATH Intl.
- Joann Benjamin, PT, American Hippotherapy Association
- Lynn Thomas, LCSW, Founder/CEO of Eagala
- Debbie Anderson, CEO, Strides to Success
- Lissa Pohl, MA, University of Kentucky and Equine Experiential Education Association
- Michele Kane, MA, Major, USMC (Ret.), Hearts & Horses, Inc.
- Saturday, April 24 (Sun April 25 for Aus/NZ): Linda Kohanov will be providing a really lovely offering as an all-conference event (sort of like a
keynote speech) on Friday, April 23 (or for Australia/NZ that's Saturday, April 24)
- Sunday April 25 (Mon the 26th for Aus/NZ): Dr. Marie Suthers, Chair of Carroll College's Anthrozoology Department, will facilitate an interactive All-Conference forum with Juli Lynch supporting, so that she can hear from YOU about what college and other training programs that seek to support the growth of this field into a career industry need to know to provide the best training and education for students. What do you want new practitioners to know? What support did--or do--you need to be successful? This will be a brainstorming session in which all conference goers have an opportunity to brainstorm, and learn, as well as express, what is essential to the growth and mainstreaming of healing teamwork with horses.
The Breakouts
Breakout or concurrent sessions will include small-group sessions from the Tele Summit Speakers as well as others in 7 Breakout Session Times with 4 concurrent sessions each time. That's a total of 28 sessions, 7 of which you can attend LIVE, and the rest you can watch later if you purchase the Full Package of Symposium Live + Recordings. Categories of topics include:
-
- Cultivating heart presence as self-awareness
- Calming & coregulation of the nervous system
- Facilitation skills both in person and for online settings that meet the global needs of these times
- How horsemanship can be taught to enhance consciousness, relationship, and wellness--for human AND horse
- How healing can be amplified in community or group settings, or in ways that are reciprocal
- Holistic healing support, as well as facility and equine management that enhances your horses' wellbeing, wherever they live
- Understanding what's possible with your horses through cultivating reciprocity and connection; and building your nonverbal, intimate and honoring language with your horses
- Create shifts within the session from presenters who practice their own channeling of messages that heal that which cannot be moved by your efforts at self-improvement alone.
And More!
- The conference (as were the tele summit talks) will be enlivened with original music from musician Tiffany MacNeil. The Tele Summit talks are graced with Tiffany's award-winning song, "Walk Side By Side," as the opening and closing, and we'll include it in the Symposium as well. Here's a link to the song! As well, Tele Summit Speaker Kat Cornelius will read her horse-inspired poetry at opening ceremonies, while nature poet Jason Fales will open each Fireside Chat with an original poem to set an expansive mood as we move into integration and connection time. Fotini Chandrika Walton has offered short movement videos you can utilize during the 15-minute breaks between sessions and at meal times, to keep you fresh and alert.
- Time spent at an online Fireside Chat will mimic the in-person conference tradition of a Fire Circle with elders in the field, and many of the Symposium Presenters will be in attendance so you can informally listen and converse on the Zoom session. This is my favorite event!
- A private Facebook Group to help you share and network prior to, during, and after the Online Symposium dates.
- The total number of hours in sessions is 22 hours over the course of 4 days! Day 1 (Thurs) is 4 hours. Day 2 and 3 (Fri/Sat) are 6 1/2 hours plus an hour meal time. Day 4 is 5 hours.
Inspire Uplift Empower Educate
Ways to Attend this First Ever ONLINE Symposium!
- You can attend the conference Live on Zoom. You will choose your time block and attend the breakout sessions you choose when you submit your registration form. This way to attend is a massive value. At $250, it is far less than half the price of attendance of the in-person conference.
- You can purchase the Full Package, which provides you with the live experience and networking, as well as offering the recordings so that you can see everything you missed. With 7 concurrent session times and 4 choices each time, that means there will be 21 small-group sessions you cannot attend live. Having the recordings means you get all the learning the Symposium has to offer, from truly innovative presenters. You receive the 3 All-Conference Events and all 28 90-minute Small Group Concurrent Sessions. It's an incredible package deal at $600
- You can purchase the recordings only. This is a fantastic option for those who cannot attend during the April dates. At $450, you receive all recordings of the three All Conference Presentations and the 28 90-minute Breakout Sessions. You can purchase the Conference set at any time, from before the conference to any time this year after April 25. There will be a short delay in getting the recordings up, but then they are yours.
- AND, when you purchase any of the three options above, you receive an offer to purchase the 2021 Tele Summit as well, at 20% off the regular price.
Want to Meet the Presenters?
Ready to Register?
THE FIRST ONLINE SYMPOSIUM
Chronological List of Symposium Events
Thurs April 22
Block 1 ~ 8am - 8:45am MST
Block 2 ~ 4pm - 4:45pm MST

Opening Ceremony with Diedre West, Kat Cornelius, & Tiffany MacNeil
The
Symposium
Begins!
Block 1 ~ 9am - 10:30am MST
Block 2 ~ 5pm - 6:30pm MST
Breakout Session #1
Room 1: Fotini Chandrika ~ Sacred Horse Stewardship & the Language of Synchronicity
Room 2: Trish Lemke ~ Life Coaching Tools to Aid your Equine Sessions
Room 3: Andrée Baillargeon ~ Becoming a Voice for Horses: Cultivating Connection & Reciprocity
Room 4: Pam Allen LeBlanc ~ Animal Reiki and your Equine Services
Block 1 ~ 10:45am - Noon MST
Block 2 ~ 6:45pm - 8pm MST

Symposium Intention Setting & Askings: Diedre West and Sandra Wallin
Fri April 23
Block 1 ~ 8am - 8:20am MST
Block 2 ~ 4pm - 4:20pm MST

Opening with Diedre West, Kat Cornelius, & Tiffany MacNeil
Symposium
Day
Two
Block 1 ~ 8:30am - 10am MST
Block 2 ~ 4:30pm - 6pm MST
Breakout Session #2
Room 1: Pat Buffalo ~ Manaciso: Healing with Horses - Cree Wisdom about the Heart of Healing
Room 2: Carla Bauchmueller ~ 3 Keys to More Joy and Confidence on Horseback and in Life
Room 3 Block 1 only: Pete Jeffs ~ Horse Kinesiology: From Muscle Testing for Diagnosis to Bach Flowers for Treatment
Room 3 Block 2 only: Judy Brightman ~ Cultivating Self Care to Nourish Ourselves and Create a Grounded, Embodied Presence
Block 1 ~ 10:15am - 11:45am MST
Block 2 ~ 8:45pm - 10:15pm MST
Breakout Session #3
Room 1: Carrie Brady ~ Heed your Horses: Developing a Meaningful Language for Partnership and Facilitation
Room 2: Allecia Maine ~ Physiology Release in Distance Healing Leads to Healing and Behavior Change
Room 3: Molly DePrekel ~ Shifting your Practice from In-Person to On-Screen: The Story, the Learning Curve, the Best Practices that Evolved
Room 4: Jess Campmans ~ The Whole, Connected Self: A Calling from Horse and Beyond
Block 1 ~ 11:45am - 1pm MST
Block 2 ~ 7:30pm - 8:45pm MST

Break for Meal
Block 1 ~ 1pm - 2:15pm MST
Block 2 ~ 6:15 - 7:30pm MST
All Conference Panel Session:
7 leaders from a number of the training / certifying / professional organizations in the U.S. have done something that has been attempted a few times in the past couple of decades, but never reached such consensus. They have provided a proposal for languaging our practice with horses, as well as proposing a universal acronym for your practice. These leaders are:
- Wendy Wood, PhD, professor, Animal Sciences and Occupational Therapy and Director of Research, Temple Grandin Equine Center, Colorado State University
- Kathy Alm, BA, CEO, PATH Intl.
- Joann Benjamin, PT, American Hippotherapy Association
- Lynn Thomas, LCSW, Founder/CEO of Eagala
- Debbie Anderson, CEO, Strides to Success
- Lissa Pohl, MA, University of Kentucky and Equine Experiential Education Association
- Michele Kane, MA, Major, USMC (Ret.), Hearts & Horses, Inc.
Block 1 ~ 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
Block 2 ~ 10:30 - 11:30pm MST

Fireside Chat with Diedre West, poet Jason Fales, and singer/songwriter Tiffany MacNeil
Poetry and music open and close our discussion. With many presenters present in this informal all-conference setting, you will review your learning, hear about other sessions, integrate, and commune with others from around the world.
Sat April 24
Block 1 ~ 8am - 8:20am MST
Block 2 ~ 4pm - 4:20pm MST

Opening with Diedre West, Kat Cornelius, & Tiffany MacNeil
Symposium
Day
Three
Block 1 ~ 8:30am - 10am MST
Block 2 ~ 4:30pm - 6pm MST
Breakout Session #4
Room 1: Kerri Lake ~ Culture of the Heart: Simplify to Open New Spaces for Connection
Room 2: Eva Usadi and Alejandra Lara ~ Getting to We: The Role of Community in Moral Injury Repair and All Group Healing Work
Room 3: Juli Lynch ~ Go to the Horse to Find, Hold, and Live your Light: An Invitation to Step into Ascension Energy Gifts
Block 1 ~ 1pm - 2:15pm MST
Block 2 ~ 6:15 - 7:30pm MST
All Conference Session: Linda Kohanov ~ Connections 101: A Scaleable Course to Enhance and Grow Your Practice
Block 1 ~ 10:15am - 11:30am MST
Block 2 ~ 7:15pm - 8:30pm MST

Break for Meal
Block 1 ~ 12:45pm - 2:15pm MST
Block 2 ~ 8:45 - 10:15pm MST




Breakout Session #5
Room 1: Tara Coyote ~ Grace, Gratitude & Grit: Facing Adversity and Finding Tools to Navigate Change Through the Wisdom of the Horse
Room 2: Michelle Atterby ~ How to Create Environmental Enrichment for your Horse in Any Facility Setting
Room 3: Therese Naber ~ Energetic Tune-Up with your Horse
Block 1 ~ 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
Block 2 ~ 10:30 - 11:30pm MST

Fireside Chat with Diedre West, poet Jason Fales, and singer/songwriter Tiffany MacNeil
Poetry and music open and close our discussion. With many presenters present in this informal all-conference setting, you will review your learning, hear about other sessions, integrate, and commune with others from around the world.
Sun April 25
Block 1 ~ 9am - 9:20am MST
Block 2 ~ 4pm - 4:20pm MST

Opening with Diedre West, Kat Cornelius, & Tiffany MacNeil
Final
Day of
Symposium
Block 1 ~ 9:30am - 11am MST
Block 2 ~ 4:30pm - 6pm MST
Breakout Session #6
Room 1: Sandra Wallin ~ Conscious Horsemanship: The Role of Consciousness in the Field of Equine Guided Wellness
Room 2: Kim Cardeccia ~ Transform the Rehab Horse into a Four-Legged Therapist/Teacher
Room 3: Leslie Warren ~ Channel of Messages from Loved Ones, Including your Horses
Block 1 ~ 11:15am - 12:45pm MST
Block 2 ~ 6:15pm - 7:45pm MST
Breakout Session #7
Room 1: Kera Willis ~ Ride for Joy: How to Bring Kids Together with Horses in Ways that Catalyze Healing, Communion and Wonder
Room 2: Stephanie Sawtelle ~ Optimizing Equine Wellness in Equine Assisted Sessions
Room 3: Julia Caulder and Alejandra Lara ~ Posture without Tension: How the Alexander Technique Benefits Horse Lovers and Riders
Room 4: Vicki Talvi-Cole ~ Call of Soul
Block 1 ~ 12:45pm - 2pm MST
Block 2 ~ 7:45 - 9pm MST

All Conference Session with Marie Suthers DVM of the Carroll College Anthrozoology program, Helena, Montana
The Human-Horse Connection as an Academic Discipline
Be part of the evolution of college equine studies programs to cultivate future practitioners and researchers for our field! In this facilitated interactive forum with live discussion from participants, Marie will seek to identify key areas of interest the that define the academic study of the human-horse connection, and stimulate further discussion, resulting in the development of more intensive levels of study in this field. Questions we will consider include:
- What are the critical things that people exploring this field should be aware of?
- What are the components that make the most impact?
- How can our work help facilitate healing for both humans AND horses?
- What is the field going to need to address in the future?
As the field of equine assisted/facilitated/guided work has grown over time, it is important gather more information on what is needed to advance this field of study. Such discussion with current practitioners and aspirants is a wonderful way YOU can have a voice in cutting-edge information that will be a part of shaping academic education and training for the field of Equine Practice.
At the end of a big bunch of learning, this is a way to really begin, or continue, to be part of the shaping and mainstreaming of this field. It’s your time!
Block 1 ~ 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Block 2 ~ 9:15 - 10:15pm MST

Conference Close & Fireside Chat with Diedre West, poet Jason Fales, singer/songwriter Tiffany MacNeil, and Sandra Wallin
Poetry and music open and close our discussion. With many presenters present in this informal all-conference setting, you will review your learning, hear about other sessions, integrate, and commune with others from around the world.
Want to read about the Presenters and Sessions?
Ready to Register?
Logistics
Things You'll Need:
Zoom Capability:
The venue for this Online Symposium is Zoom, with support in a private FaceBook Group for you to network, share ideas, and get to know each other before, during, and after the live conference times. You will want to have Zoom loaded on your device. You will receive support material for how to do this, as well as contact support if you need it.
We also recommend you attend the conference on your computer or the largest device you have. You are live on recorded sessions that will then be part of the purchasable set of recordings. You want to make sure you can pay attention and have the room etiquette you would have at an in-person event. As well, there will be videos and photos and other forms of multimedia to enhance your learning and bring horses into the sessions. You'll want a large enough screen to be able to see and fully enjoy the experience!
Meals:
Are up to you. You may want to plan what you will eat, or do with your mealtimes, before each day of the Symposium. You have 1 hour 15 minutes for the meal times scheduled into Day 2 & 3. Day 4, if you want to eat during the Fireside Chat, that would be the time for it.
Breaks:
Most sessions have 15-minute breaks between events. The exceptions are:
- Between Opening Ceremonies and the first breakout session of each morning, there is only a 10-minute break
- Lunch begins right after a session, and is 1 hour 15 minutes long.