A space for horses to be horses
UMWELT
a horse’s unique sensory world
At Equine Presence, we aspire to create a place where horses are free to live in ways that honour their nature as horses.
We recognize that horses experience the world differently than humans do. Their needs, preferences, relationships, communication, and ways of knowing emerge from their own unique sensory world—their umwelt. As caretakers, our responsibility is not to ask horses to become more human-like, but rather to create conditions that allow them to express more fully what it means to be horse.
We believe that opportunities for freedom, choice, and agency are fundamental contributors to equine wellbeing. We intentionally create opportunities for exploration, movement, foraging, problem-solving, social connection, engagement with the environment and participation in herd life in ways that reflect their individual needs and preferences.
Our approach is grounded in contemporary understandings of equine behaviour, welfare, wellbeing, and enrichment and has been influenced by the work of Susan Gordon and Dr. Allen Schoen in The Compassionate Equestrian. We intentionally incorporate food-based, structural, sensory, cognitive, and social opportunities that support self-regulation, curiosity, environmental control, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.
At Equine Presence, we view horses not simply as animals in our care, but as sentient partners with their own herd cultures, relationships, histories, and preferences. We believe that meaningful human–horse relationships can only emerge when the wellbeing of the horse remains central. Their wellbeing is not secondary to the work that occurs here—it is foundational to it. We embrace the responsibility to create conditions where horses can flourish.
Our goal is simple, though not always easy: to create a place where horses can live with dignity, comfort, connection, and opportunity. A place where horses can be horses, and where we can meet them as they are.
“Taking care of a horse is not just a duty, it’s a heartfelt responsibility.”
– Author unknown
An Invitation to Practitioners
Equine Presence was created from a belief that meaningful work emerges through relationship. Relationship with clients. Relationship with colleagues. Relationship with horses. Relationship with community.
As Equine Presence continues to grow, practitioners who share similar values are invited to explore opportunities to rent space, collaborate, or become part of a developing community of practice.
This invitation is not simply about sharing physical space. It is an opportunity to participate in an environment that values authenticity, curiosity, professional integrity, compassion, and respect for the unique contributions that each practitioner brings. Diversity of perspectives, disciplines, experiences, and approaches is welcomed as a source of enrichment and learning.
Whether you are a psychologist, counsellor, social worker, occupational therapist, educator, equine professional, wellness practitioner, or helping professional from another discipline, Equine Presence seeks relationships grounded in mutual respect, ethical practice, and a shared commitment to supporting human and equine wellbeing.
Practitioners may be seeking a place to provide services, develop programs, engage in consultation, collaborate across disciplines, or simply work alongside others who value relationship-centered practice. Whatever the path, the intention is to cultivate a community where practitioners can learn, contribute, and grow together.
You do not need to practice exactly as others do.
You do not need to hold the same theories, methods, or perspectives.
You are invited to bring your own knowledge, experience, and way of being.
Together, we can create a space where relationship, learning, and meaningful work flourish.
GALLERY
CONNECT DISCOVER GROW
Equine Presence looks forward to welcoming you.
