Heart to Horse Connection

Companions and Their Horses

As close to coming from the horse's mouth as possible,  here are testimonies

from companions who have met their match!

Companionship with horses couldn't exist without the generosity

of the horse owners in sharing  their equine friends with companion graduates. 

They are:

Gonzo -- Jocelyn Grey,

London  & Rudy the Rock- Janet Burgess,

Mango/Valerie & Nemo - Val Westgate

Cindy and Glad and then Paddy

It is very rewarding to have earned Glad's friendship through mutual respect, trust and affection.

NOTE:  Cindy enjoys her time with Glad and has since become a companion to two other horses:  Dimer and Paddy (short for Paddington).  Sadly, Dimer passed over the Rainbow Bridge in the spring of 2018.  Cindy still spends her time with Glad, who has changed considerably since having Cindy as her companion.  Paddy continued to benefit from Cindy's visit, too! In 2019, Cindy was faced with potentially losing both Glad and Paddy when the horse owner was going to move them to Ottawa.  Thanks to Marsha Gormley, Cindy pitched for the purchase of Paddy as he was still rideable and Cindy wanted to enhance their relationship through trail rides.  Fortunately for both Paddy and Cindy, the owner agreed and Paddy gained a new heart-human.  They have both moved over to Unity Stables on Unity Road.  

Cindy and Paddy circa 2019

Cindy and Glad circa Fall of 2016. 

Michelle and London

I appreciate the reflective approach to the training which helps me to patiently listen and respect what London is telling me.  It's a very special feeling to be able to communicate with him. 

NOTE:  Michelle became London's companion in the fall of 2016.  Michelle took the program because she wanted to feel more comfortable around horses as she volunteers at  a horse rescue near her home in Ottawa.  As a result of the program, she fell in love with London and continued to travel every week to visit him.  The distance and commitment was a challenge so she made the difficult decision to give up her companionship.  Michelle has since made a home for Wyatt, one of the rescue horses at the farm where she volunteers.   London has had a couple of  companion,  Alex and currently, Graham. London lives with Janet & Grant at Second Chance Farm along with Rudy the Rock, a couple of goats, two cats, two dogs and 4 chickens.

Lynn and Mango and Lil' Val

Awesome experience!  Never thought I could actually do this but, over time, I've become very comfortable with Mango.  It is still an on-going learning experience but well worth it!

NOTE:  Lynn became Mango's companion in the winter of 2017, just before Christmas.  She enjoyed developing a relationship with this 33-year old pony.  Sadly, Mango (left) passed away in the fall of 2018.  In that time, Lynn has been a companion to four other horses, including her current companion, Valerie -- or Lil' Val, the Welsh pony (right).  They lived and live (respectively, at Val Westgate's farm.  Due to a busy life with grandchildren, Lynn has withdrawn from the program. 

Alex and London

What I love most about this program is that it is an opportunity to simply "be" with horses.  There is no pressure on the human -- or the horse -- to do anything in particular.  It is simply about enjoying each other's company and learning to engage in a relationship that is mutually satisfying.  And the bond that begins to develop is very special.

NOTE:   Alex became London's human companion in the Fall of 2018. London, as mentioned above, lives at Second Chance Farm. As of 2023, she has completed her training as a doctor specializing in psychiatry and moved away from Kingston to pursue her career.

Leslie and Rudy the Rock

Heart to Horse Connection is a great program for anyone who wants to become a companion to a horse; to make a meaningful connection with a magnificent animal.

NOTE:  At the time of this photograph, Leslie and Rudy were getting to know each other after a short time after becoming companions in December 2018.  As of 2023, Leslie and Rudy has formed a heart connection with each other and often go on walks together, levaving London and Tivio to the company of the goats.  

Judy and Rudy the Rock

Learning to be a horse companion is a very gratifying experience to be at peace with nature and in the presence of magnificent horses teaching me to pay attention to my surroundings.

NOTE:  Judy became one of Rudy's heart humans in April 2019.  She continues to visit Rudy while enjoying her retirement from nursing.

"Mr. November" and London

As a beginner with horses, my focus during the training was largely on practical components in the barnyard including herd dynamics, body language, vocalizations, leading, grooming, and health and first aid.  However, before the last match session, it became clear to me that the seminal intent of the program is to get ready to “engage in a mutually enhancing relationship with a horse”.  

While this intent is embedded throughout the manual including in the Mission Statement and Vision Statement, and in the coaching sessions, the message did not get through to me initially.  I look forward to working toward a mutually enhancing relationship with London.  

NOTE:  "Mr. November" prefers anonymity so he became this "nom de plume".  He became London's companion in November 2019.  He is the "Wednesday" man who helps out around the barn with feeding the horses and mucking out the barn -- giving Janet an opportunity to sleep in for a change!

Julie and Bella

Companion Connection Training teaches a person how to respect, communicate and have a meaningful relations with a horse.  The horse comes first in this relationship rather than a person putting themselves first.  It is a very rewarding experience where you can also meet new friends with similar minds.

NOTE:  Julie became Bella's companion in December 2019.  Bella lives at Unity Stables on Unity Road with Nancy Badgely and a number of other horses -- including three miniature horses!  As of 2021, Julie has withdrawn due to an increase in the demands of her career.