I hope the year is off to a good start for all our HERD members! It’s been a busy month for us here in Florida. Construction on the classroom and barn is almost complete (finally!), and I am writing as we complete our first Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy training module of the year. We are so pleased to announce our two newest EFP graduates, Catherine Frend Gillihan and Jeannette Clark.

We are also thrilled to be partnering with PATH International Accredited Center, The Red Barn, in Leeds, Alabama by offering a special cohort in our Level One Equine Facilitated Learning Certification especially for them. We are honored that The Red Barn have chosen The HERD Institute to train their staff members, and excited to see what the team will create as a result of the training. This year also marks the launch of our Level Two EFL Certification, and we are already booking up for the first cohort.

The beginning of each year always feels so full of potential. Resolutions are made and plans are put into action, as we strive to bring a little more of our dreams into reality. It’s a hopeful time as well as a reflective time. As I sit and look out of my office window, I see my horses grazing in their pasture, and am immediately reminded that while dreaming for the future is important, I also need to take in and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

With that reminder, I can take a deep breath and know that the busy-ness of life will always be there, there will always be something else to attend to on the farm, and while that can be overwhelming sometimes, I can also allow myself to rest a while and attend to the connections that I may be missing while I try and catch up with tasks.

So as The HERD Institute grows, we remain dedicated to staying connected with our members. Whether you are a student, graduate, or community member, we would love to hear your news about the programs you are offering in your local area. You can send us updates at [email protected] for us to highlight your offerings in upcoming newsletters. Our vision is to create a community for like minded practitioners who are committed to furthering the work of the pioneers in the field of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning, and each of you have a part to play in that.

I look forward to hearing about your dreams and connecting with you in the Now!

Warm Wishes,

Veronica
Executive Director