Jewel, Karma and Strider

“At Listening Horse Ranch we listen with the heart and share our strength with you.” —The Horses

Jewel

“I came here from Circle F Horse Rescue.  I’m curious and kind of a trickster.  I’m not sure if I was a raven in a past life or a human, cuz I love to tease and sometimes I think l’m human.  I look out for the herd and keep them in line.  I like talking about myself, having my picture taken, and being the centre of attention so I’ll be happy to tell you all about myself when you come.”

Karma

 “I came here with an eating disorder which made me lame, but I was received at Listening Horse Ranch in time for them to turn my health around.  I am very happy to be here and love the peace and contentment of this place.  More importantly, I need you to know that I love apples.  And carrots.  And Tara.  And kids.  They make my eyes smile.  Almost as much as apples do.  And I like to share my food with Jacob Goatay cuz he’s my Bud.”

Strider

 

“I’m the horse version of an iPhone.  I love doing FaceTime. You’ll have to come visit to see what I mean.  I’m a soft, gentle guy.  Like Dwane, my favourite human at the ranch, I like things to be predictable and calm, but I also love to work.  I’m a kind of renaissance man-horse: I’m sensitive, accommodating, dare I say…charming, and I let the mares have their way most of the time.  I look good no matter what I’m doing and I know how to look especially cute and innocent when I’ve found a way out of the paddock or when I’ve pulled someone’s hat off their head.  Sometimes I’m so good looking I just don’t know what else to do but stand there and look gorgeous.  So, yeah…”

From Jewel on behalf of the herd: “Our Herd Leader, Terri Scallon, has many years of experience in family counselling and individual therapy. She works with people from all walks of life, from children and teenagers to the elderly, with people grieving losses to others seeking new directions, with people struggling with addictions to those in recovery. She has worked with prison inmates and corporate managers. And Terri has tons of life experience of her own that comes through in her fun-loving nature.

In addition to being a Family Systems Counsellor, Terri is also a certified Equine Facilitated Therapist from Guelph University’s L.E.A.D. Program – Leadership through Equine Assisted Discovery. She has trained in Pioneering Leadership with Linda Kohanov (author of The Tao of Equus), Ruth Heney, Deborah Marshall and others. And, if you happen to be looking for some spiritual direction, Terri is a Buddhist and Christian practitioner and has worked as an educator in inter-faith dialogue and world religions.

From Jewel, Karma and Strider: “We love that Terri brings a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to her work and that she takes such delight in the insights and strengths her clients gain from working with us. As horses who came to Listening Horse Ranch with troubles of our own, we have come to trust and respect her, and we truly enjoy giving back to others the love and healing we have received here.”

Meet our assistants

Jacob Goatay:  “I like to get in there for a scratch between my horns whenever I can.  I like carrots.  And most kinds of lettuce.  Love fresh grass.  Dandelions.  Apples.  Nice bottle of Chardonnay goes nicely with any of those, so…”

Maisie:  “I like to run fast, soo fast, and spin in the air and wiggle and bark.  And bug Prince. Then look cute.  And give cuddles.  BTW, I hate lettuce and all that healthy food.  I like buffalo burgers.  Hold the mustard.”  

Rancher:  “Where’s the ball?  Where’s the ball?  Is it time to eat yet??  Did you bring any treats?? Where’s the ball? Wanna play? Did you bring kibble? Wanna go for a walk?  Did you say walk?? Swim?  What about a swim?? I’m only a year old but I’m a really big boy! My dad is a Golden Retriever and my mom is a King Shepherd and my humans say I have the personality of a goofy Retriever.  I’ll jump in water any chance I get so it must be true.  I don’t care if it’s the ocean or a puddle!  Splash!!!

Prince:  “I am the world’s best yapper!  When I meet you I will probably bark at you but don’t take it personally. Anyway, after I get my barks out if you sit down I will curl up around your feet and hug your ankles.  Just when you are convinced I am annoying I will melt your heart. Plus I’m waay cuter than Maisie.  BTW, I eat any and all food and food like substances.  No booze.  I’m on the wagon.  Again.  Sigh.”

Mea Culpa:  “You probably won’t see me.  I’m way too busy.  First I sleep, then I nap, then I get up and have a little doze and well then I’m pretty darn exhausted and ready for bed.  If I think of it I’ll eat.  Or catch a mouse, but…nah…well, maybe after a coffee laced with catnip. I’ll supply the coffee. You bring the catnip.”  🙂

Puff: ” I’ll be doing all the squawking and laying all the eggs.  The other chickens are just a bunch of lazy peckers.”  😉

Mr. and Mrs. Raven:  “We love dropping pine cones on Maisie.  Makes her Craizie 🙂  Oh and we like stealing the goat’s cob.  Sometimes we follow Terri and Dwane when they are out for a ride on the trail. Somebody’s gotta make sure they find their way home.”

Othello:  “I’m a Barred Owl. When I’m in this neck of the woods I have a favourite tree I perch on at Listening Horse Ranch.  On December 31, 2013 I made a special trip to call Hannah the German shepherd over The Rainbow Bridge.  I called who-who-who-who—who-who-who-whoooo and her spirit left her tired body to run free.  I like staying up late.  Shakespeare.  Nietzche.  The Whoooo.  And not to brag but I’m the one who sings the theme song on CSI.