Our Team
Kellie, Facilitator
I like to say I am a horse crazy girl who never grew up! I have been obsessed with their beauty and power since I was a very young age. However, it wasn’t until I was a much older adult when I learned how horses have a unique way of opening up pathways in our mind, body and soul.
My career path to become an equine assisted learning facilitator has been a long time coming. I delayed my aspirations to go to college and become a Marriage and Family Therapist for many years, as well as my dream of being a horse owner—but I never gave up the dream and eventually my perseverance led me to find a way to make it all work together.
I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2024 and am currently working toward my Marriage and Family Therapy license. I completed level two training in Natural Lifemanship toward certification as an Equine Assisted Learning/Coach in 2025.
Rico
Five years ago I acquired my first rescue horse, Rico. He is approximately 22 years old, but since rescue horses don’t come with a birth record, this is an estimate. Based on a trainer’s assessment, Rico is a highly trained gelding who was possibly used as a western pleasure show horse. A DNA test identifies Rico as half quarter horse and half Andalusian which is referred to as an Azteca. Tragically, an injury to his hoof made him imperfect for showing and Rico was sent to auction where he was bought by a kill buyer (someone who ships horses to slaughter in Mexico). Luckily Rico’s story doesn’t end there and he found his way from Texas to California and eventually to my care.
Rico loves to meet new friends and is great at receiving hugs. He’s a very gentle soul and once he knows he can trust you, he will give you his whole heart.
Rosie
Rosie is also a rescue who came from the same Texas kill pen as Rico. She was rescued two years ago and her age is estimated by the vet to be approximately 16 years old. Rosie is a large pony of unknown breed, but she is a tough little lady who knows how to survive. She is small but mighty and definitely the boss mare in my herd!
I believe humans were not always kind to Rosie so it sometimes takes her time to warm up to new people. However, once she knows you are safe, she will seek out your attention and is very open to establish a connection with you.
Horses aren’t magical—they are just very authentically real and present in a way our human selves often struggle with.
Pony Pathways Equine Assisted Learning is based on the principles of Natural Lifemanship and their approach to horsemanship. Your pony assisted sessions will follow the guiding principles of Natural Lifemanship, yet the pace of the connected relationship between you and your pony partner will be uniquely yours—based on your individual needs and the needs of your pony partner.
“A principle-based approach offers guidance AND allows for individuality and creativity–– an organic unfolding of the therapeutic process.”
Jobe, T., Shultz-Jobe, B., McFarland, L. & Naylor, K. (2022). Natural Lifemanship Trauma-Informed Equine Assisted Services. Liberty Hill: Natural Lifemanship.
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