Our Story

Welcome to Hidden Valley Horses, where healing and growth unfold in the serene embrace of nature and the gentle presence of our equine companions.

At Hidden Valley Horses (HVH), we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that allows both horses and humans to thrive. Our unique approach respects the natural instincts and behaviors of horses while acknowledging the individuality of each participant. This fosters authentic connections and facilitates profound healing experiences. The power of horse therapy lies not just in its ability to help us connect with our most authentic selves but also in its capacity to guide us in achieving a regulated state of being within our bodies, minds, and hearts. At HVH, we believe in embracing our inherent wholeness.

Our Philosophy

Healing, for us, is not about fixing but about coming home to oneself. We believe in reclaiming one’s balance of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being; it is inherent to our being. Healing includes creating effective change to maladaptive behaviors, cognitions, and habits that negatively impact us and includes learning to nurture the parts of ourselves that adapted and needed those to survive and live. Healing is finding our wellness and embracing ourselves as we are. At Hidden Valley Horses, we facilitate positive change, and at the core of our practice is recognizing our intrinsic wholeness and well-being. Wellness Counselling and Learning Together.
Our Methodology

At Hidden Valley Horses (HVH), we practice a two-eyed seeing approach, “learning to see from one eye the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing and from the other eye the strengths of Western ways of knowing, and using both of these eyes together” ~Albert Marshall, Mi’kmaq Elder. We combine our education as Registered Professional Counsellors with evidence-based approaches, drawing from client-centered methods, mindfulness-based practices, and methodologies from our equine-guided learning education and mindfulness (non-violent communication) practitioner training. We blend experiential learning, counselling, applied psychology education, and land-based wisdom into one comprehensive package. At the core of our methodology, we adapt our therapeutic approach to each person’s experiences, needs, and abilities to carefully co-create a therapeutic approach that works best for them.
Role of Horses

Horses provide a non-judgmental space for us humans, helping us stay present. They mirror our non-verbal communications, which Karmin, our session facilitator, uses to help individuals explore their mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Unlike humans, horses don’t mask or withhold their thoughts and feelings, teaching us to be authentic with our own. As prey animals, horses are masters of non-verbal communication and resonance (ask us about it!), offering valuable lessons for us humans. They don’t hold ego states like we do, guiding us to overcome our own barriers in life. Many find it easier to connect and share their thoughts and feelings with horses, where human interaction might be challenging. Horses help us reconnect with our bodies, mind, emotions, and spirit, promoting balance and regulation. They also teach us non-verbal communication through horse language, allowing us to make mistakes and learn, fostering self-discovery and empowerment. Our activities vary based on the person and session, including quiet reflection with the herd, observation, mindfulness practices, horsemanship skills, obstacle courses, grooming sessions, and one-on-one time with the horses.

Karmin Manning

RPCC, Equine Assisted Therapist

The gift of horses has carried me through some of life’s most challenging moments—addictions, grief, loss, traumatic accidents, life changes, divorce, differing abilities (disabilities), and adversity. They have repeatedly guided me to healing, strength, resilience, and growth physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Over the years, I have sought my own counselling therapy and found that I would take whatever I was learning and working on in sessions right to the horses. When I really paid attention, the horses were showing me what I needed! I will share stories about some of these moments later. As I listened to the herd and learned their wisdom, I integrated horse wisdom into my own practices and eventually sought out more formal education, which led me to bringing Hidden Valley Horses to our community—a combination of Horses, and counselling in Wellness Counselling and Learning Together.

My hope is to offer you the same moments of respite, connection, and healing that horses have given me. I look forward to being part of your journey towards well-being and self-discovery.

Meet our Farm companions

Spice aka Spicy Mama

Spice, our Matriarch and Lead Mare, guides the herd with calmness and balance. She brings wisdom, patience, and grace to both the herd and humans. Spice loves one-on-one grooming, especially with kids, and enjoys extra belly scratches, snacks, yoga, and sun naps. She embodies patience and forgiveness.

Spice’s philosophy: “Lead with your Heart and Trust your Intuition.”

Prince Charming aka Lover Boy

Prince embodies the Divine Masculine and approaches connections cautiously, valuing authenticity and honesty. He has a goofy side, loves sunny naps, and has a big heart. He thrives on playful interactions, long walks, snacks, puddle-splashing, and gentle snuggles.

Prince’s philosophy: “Don’t give up yet,” “My fears do not diminish my strength,” and “My sensitivity is a superpower.”

Princess aka Precious

Princess is a unique horse who sometimes wishes she were more human or even a dog. She is curious, funny, loving, bold, and unapologetic about asking for what she needs and wants. Fiercely claiming her space and owning who she is, Princess loves showing up for her human partners and is incredibly soft, like a teddy bear. She enjoys warm hugs, soft kisses on the nose, naps in your arms, long walks, learning new things, going on adventures, horsing around, and getting into trouble when you aren’t looking.

Princess’s philosophy is: “Be unapologetic about showing up for yourself. See yourself, know yourself, take up space, be honest with yourself, and embrace every part of your being.”

Sunshine aka Sassy Pants

Sunshine is a lively and sweet pony with a playful spirit. She loves adventures, long walks, running, and snacks. She enjoys time with her best friend, Feather and loves grooming sessions with ear scritches. Despite her energetic nature, she also appreciates snuggles and naps. Sushine’s sassy personality brings joy to everyone around her and believes in having fun, loving yourself, and standing in your own authenticity.

Braveheart aka Braveheart Glitter Sparkle Wings

Braveheart, aka Braveheart Glitter Sparkle Wings, is our smallest horse with a big attitude and the best hair. Despite his size, he confidently asserts himself, especially around food. Braveheart is cautious around humans, preferring to approach on his terms. He brings big energy to the herd but seeks patience and calmness from his human partners, encouraging grounding and self-awareness. He enjoys hanging out with his bestie Spice, snacking, bossing around the farm dog Boots, and napping in the sun. His philosophy: “Let’s get grounded in our connection.”

Feather aka Lacey Knickers

Feather, also known as Lacey Knickers, is the elder of our herd and a boarding horse who shares her wisdom with humans. Though gentle, she tests for clear communication and sincerity. Feather is patient and serves as a wise guide, preferring fun interactions over big adventures. She enjoys long grooming sessions, peppermint candies, snuggles, and quiet time with humans. Her bestie, Sunshine, keeps her active and involved in adventures. Feather loves taking horse selfies and cherishes peaceful moments with people. Her philosophy: “What do you hear when you let your mind find quiet?”

Panda Spirit

Panda, who passed away in January 2023, remains a cherished member of our spirit herd. Though no longer physically with us, she offers guidance from the horse ancestors and helps us connect with our intuition. Greatly missed, Panda guided dozens of children in horsemanship and life lessons, always coming when called. Her legacy continues to inspire us.

Quote: “Remember those who came before who helped pave the way.”

Ben & Jerry

Meet Ben and Jerry, the comical brother duo named just like the ice cream. Always hopeful for treats (especially tortilla chips), they love adventurous walks with their human partners. Jerry enjoys ear scratches, while Ben prefers scratches behind his horns and under his chin. Their playful antics never fail to bring joy to those around them.

Boots

Boots is the beloved family and farm dog. Though you won’t see him during horse sessions, as he’s not allowed to join, he adores spending time with humans. His friendly presence adds warmth and joy to the farm.