Courageous

Self Talk

The Inner Voice of Self Love and Compassion

Discover how to create open, expansive and positive self-talk to reframe and change how you experience a life you love.

Calm, safe, trained and experienced horses

Discover Your Sacred Voice

The beginning of creating a life you love full of the joy and wonder in open expansive experiences is to listen to the inner voice of your thoughts as the words create your reality.  With greater awareness you will discover a pattern in the “chatter” of the mind and be able to choose the words you hear. 

In one amazing afternoon you’ll discover:

  • How to recognize the limited beliefs of your inner voice, stuck on repeat, as you chart your days events.
  • The difference between your inner”scared voice” and your “sacred voice” and how to nurture love, compassion and kindness for yourself through a change in perspective and the  words you choose.
  • The tools for creating healthy, loving “chatter” for yourself as well as giving and receiving support from others and your environment.
  • Your new voice as it empowers you to experience positive emotions-happiness, joy, gratitude and kindness and enhance your sense of self.

A unique, enlightening and educational experience!

TWO LOCATIONS:

REGISTER TODAY FOR June 27th CLASS in OREGON

“Courageous Self Talk” will be offered in a group (adult participants only) for a three hour session at the Zeb’s Wish Equine Sanctuary (about 30 minutes southeast of Portland)

Participants will engage in simple activities on the ground with horses followed by guided reflection with an experienced facilitator . There is no riding and no equine experience necessary to participate. 

COST: $150 (handouts, journal and light lunch included)

EARLY BIRD RATE (sign up before June 1) $100

DATE/TIME: June 27, 2021 from 12 pm to 3 pm

FACILITATOR: Cathy Mahon, Certified Coach/Equine Experiential Education

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”

REGISTER TODAY FOR July 25th CLASS in Olympia, WA

“Courageous Self Talk” will be offered in a group (adult participants only) for a three hour session at Healing Hearts Ranch (about 60 minutes south of Seattle)

Participants will engage in simple activities on the ground with horses followed by guided reflection with an experienced facilitator . There is no riding and no equine experience necessary to participate. 

COST: $150 (handouts, journal and light lunch included)

EARLY BIRD RATE (sign up before July 1) $100

DATE/TIME: July 25, 2021 from 11 pm to 2 pm

FACILITATOR: Cathy Mahon, Certified Coach/Equine Experiential Education

“The way you talk to yourself creates your reality.”

“It’s a great program, and not just for horse people” The biggest AHA moment was  learning about the patterns of my self talk.”

Amanda

Some of the insights from the others opened me to new ideas. Understanding that we all have negative self talk was reassuring.”

Carol

Meet One of  the Teachers

“Wave” 13 year old Arabian Gelding

Wave has been part of our family since 2013 when he arrived as a gift from a student who felt he was too much of a challenge. Once he matured, Wave showed what a brilliant teacher he is by staying true to his personality-bright, curious, energetic and encouraging students to grow in their assertiveness and confidence during life lessons. Thanks Wave!

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn How it Works!

Do I need experience with horses?

No. The workshops are not about horsemanship, training or riding. The horse is a facilitator for learning because of its unique characteristics (described below). You will have an experienced horse handler available to assist you at all times during the workshops.

Why do you use horses?
  • Horses are responsive beings with a strong awareness and sensitivity to their surroundings
  • Horses can accurately perceive a participant’s state of mind and quickly reflect this back to them
  • Horses provide immediate and honest feedback as to when participants have clear intention and when they do not
  • Horses have as many individual personalities, physical abilities and limitations as the people who work with them
  • Horses accept people for exactly who they are and what they present internally and externally IN THE MOMENT!
  • The ability to successfully communicate with the horse provides the means to learn better ways of communicating with others
What if I'm afraid of horses?

A safety demonstration is given before each session and the horses used in the workshops are trained to work safely around people,including our Shetland pony, Daisy. If at any time during the activities you feel unsafe or wish to observe only, you are encouraged to notify the staff for help in leaving the arena.

What should i wear to class?

Remember you are dressing to work with horses. Wear clothes that can get dirty and closed toed shoes with socks-no sandals, no exceptions.

WIll there be food served during group classes or leadership training?

Yes, lunch is available during GROUP CLASSES and LEADERSHIP TRAINING. We love good food and are lucky to live in an area where fresh farm produce is readily available. We have a trained chef that creates delicious food for all of our FULL DAY class participants. Snacks and beverages are available all day. Please let us know if you have any food allergies.

what about weather? What if i have allergies?

Programs are held year round. In the Northwest, summers are warm but sometimes rainy. You will spend time in a covered but unheated arena as well as outdoors in a pasture or roundpen. Dress appropriately for the weather. It is best to layer during all seasons. 

If you have known allergies, please consult your health care professional for recommendations. We keep a clean environment, but it is a farm with animals and plants.

What are SOME highlights of the experience?
  • Fun without fear as you meet new friends, both human and horse and learn to work as a team in your “herd”
  • Self discovery through immediate, honest, observable feedback from your teacher, the horse
  • Develop confidence, empowerment, compassion, independence and inner healing in a fun, non threatening environment
  • Improved communication, self esteem, empathy, tolerance for stress, problem solving skills, responsibility,  trust and improved interpersonal relationships
  • A chance to nurture your soul and find a greater connection to your natural self through the wisdom & intuition of the horse
Is E3 the same as therapy?

No it is not the same. Cathy is trained as an educator, coach and facilitator.  As a facilitator, her job is to keep the focus on the future, not the past, in the context of a learned skill, not an emotion or past event.  Participants are asked to focus on a social skill they learned, a personal insight, or a life skill that may lead to personal growth and making positive change in your every day life.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy requires a trained mental health professional to be present and the work is done with his/her patients and the horses supervised by a trained horse professional.

What training has Cathy completed that qualifies her to facilitate E3 Classes?

Cathy has completed a certification training with the Equine Experiential Education Association(E3A) which is an international professional membership organization offering training, certification, business development and resources for the implementation of Equine Experiential Education (E3) programs by educators, coaches, professional development trainers and other facilitators.  Cathy is also a certified (International Coach Federation) professional coach.

How long are each of the activities with the horses?

The activities are 20 to 30 minutes followed by reflection with questions from your coach/facilitator and integration of the knowledge gained, into a plan to move forward in your life through positive change.

Do i need to be fit or athletic to participate in the class? Will I be riding a horse?

NO. There is no riding involved and any level of fitness is fine. If you can walk a half mile, you are fit enough to participate in the horse activities. If you have special needs and prefer not to walk, you can still be an active team participant. Anyone can enjoy learning from horses in this environment.

what if i have experience with horses?

Interestingly, people who love horses enjoy the classes because it gives them a chance to observe and learn from horses in a different environment. Our experiential teaching is not about horsemanship or riding; rather, you gain insights about yourself from horses, other participants and the facilitators. You get 360 feedback in real time!