Sovereign Horse

There are times when words just aren’t enough to convey the potency of an episode. This is one of those times.Yes, this conversation is about co-creation and building authentic relationships with horses. But in truth, it is about so much more.This may just be the most powerful episode I have ever recorded. And it is my absolute honour to share it with you.I cannot thank Breanne Kerr and her mare, April, enough for sharing their story with such honesty and transparency. I know in the depths of my heart that this episode will be a source of inspiration and healing for so many.Connect with Breanne:Instagram: @wildwyndequinewww.wildwyndequine.comConnect with Angela:Instagram: @equineelevationwww.equineelevation.com

What does it mean to work with horses in a trauma-informed way?I am overjoyed to have had Poppy Peach on the podcast to dive deep into the multi-faceted and nuanced topic of trauma-informed horsemanship. When I first learned about the trauma-informed methodology for horses, I assumed it was another one-size-fits-all methodology. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Poppy explains how she applies this work on both a species-specific and individual level that is tailored to each horse and each scenario.Poppy is such an incredible source of knowledge and wisdom on the subject, which led to a fantastic conversation about the theories and practical applications of this way of being with horses. This was one of my favourite conversations I have ever had on the podcast! Poppy is such a light in the world and it my absolute honour and pleasure to share her with those of you who don’t know her yet.Connect with Poppy:Instagram - @howtospeakhorseSubstack - @howtospeakhorseHow to Speak Horse Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4HbGTf4sDUxb8hdjZFa69F?si=ftVoIvzrRdWdjQqW-F199wConnect with Angela:Instagram - @equineelevationWebsite - www.equineelevation.com

It was such a pleasure to have my dear friend and colleague, Caren Dougall of North of 9 Equine and Canine Bodywork, back on the podcast to talk about some super practical ways she empowers her clients to support their horses well-being.Caren is an equine and canine bodyworker and educator who has worked with thousands of horses in her practice. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge and wisdom and is a true champion of owner education and equine advocacy.In this episode we talk about some simple yet profound ways you can support your horse to thrive, especially in the transitional seasons that can be so challenging for our equine partners.  We also talk about her upcoming program, Fitness Foundations, which is designed to get your horses feeling happier and healthier in their bodies using a combination of gentle bodywork techniques and hand walking. It’s an amazing program for horses of all ages, training levels and disciplines! Check out the Fitness Foundations program hereDon’t forget to use promo code FITNESSFRIENDSFALL2025 for your 15% discount!Connect with Caren:www.northof9bodywork.caInstagram: @northof9equinecaninebodyworkFacebook: @North of 9 Equine & Canine BodyworkConnect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation

I have been wanting to record an episode about constellation work with horses for years, so I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to speak with Harriet Goddard on the podcast.The concept of family constellations has fascinated me for some time, but what I didn’t know was how little an understanding I had of the many facets of this work.Harriet uses the constellation modality for a variety of purposes, not only for family work but also for brands and businesses. I love how she shares the incredibly layered nature of the work and the impact it has far beyond the individual client.This is a beautiful conversation about self and other, and how the horses support us in both our becoming and our unbecoming.I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it.Connect with Harriet:Instagram: @harrietgoudard Website - https://harrietgoudard.com/Connect with Angela:Instagram - @equineelevationWebsite - www.equineelevation.com

Many people speak about the beautiful spiritual awakening that horses are brilliant at inviting us into, but what about the period of darkness that often catalyzes the awakening? In this first episode back, I recorded a solocast all about the dark night of the soul so many horse people experience that leads to their awakening and ultimately the evolution of how they are in partnership with horses at a fundamental level.Having worked with hundreds of horse owners and equine professionals, this is a pattern I have seen time and again. And so I wanted to make space to speak to this very common evolutionary phase that often leads us to feeling isolated and as if we are the only ones experiencing it. But trust me, if you can relate to what I’m sharing in this episode, you absolutely are not alone.I am so excited to be back and look forward to another beautiful season ahead.Thank you all so much for being here.Connect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation

Everyone has a reason why they do the things they do, and it’s important for us to know our ‘why’ when it comes to being in relationship and working with horses.Whether you’re a horse owner, horse ally or equine professional, it’s important to be aware of the underlying reasons behind why horses are a part of your life. It’s so easy to get lost in the sea of ideas, methodologies and opinions that are swirling around in the horse world. Knowing your ‘why’, as well as your core values and standards of care will help you to stay clear and grounded when making decisions on behalf of your horse, your clients and yourself.And if you are in a place of seeking support for yourself as a horse owner or equine professional, I currently have two full mentorship spaces opening up in June and two mini mentorship spaces available now. Learn more about my mentorship packages here.Connect with Angela:Instagram - @equineelevationWebsite - www.equineelevation.com

Religion is something people often turn to when they are seeking connection to something greater than themselves. Greater than their individual problems or life circumstances they are in. They look to religion for answers to deep philosophical and moral questions. They go to religion when they are seeking guidance and comfort. \For so many people, horses fill this role. I know they certainly have at times in my life. Because horses initiate us into a deeper connection with ourselves. They remind us of the wisdom that lives within us and the interconnectedness of all things. They are deeply in tune with both nature and spirit, which makes them incredible teachers of presence. Join me and my dear friend, Dilara Pataudi, as we explore the concept of horses as religion. What does it look like to be with horses beyond an interest or a hobby, but as a way of life? What does it mean to be in devotion to horses? What do they activate within us? What pathways do they show us are possible through the act of being in service to them? Learn more about The Art of Sacred PartnershipConnect with Dilara:https://dilarapataudi.com/Instagram: @dilarapataudiInstagram: @divine_nature_of_horsesConnect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation.com

In the launch of our new offering, The Art of Sacred Partnership, I have been sharing pieces of mine and Dido’s 15-year journey together. We have certainly had our fair share of challenges and it has been so interesting to see how many people have resonated with pieces of our story. It can be such a healing experience to see yourself in someone else’s story. It helps us feel like we’re not alone. And when we can see an example of someone who has gotten to the other side of what we are struggling with, it gives us hope that one day things will get better for us too. In this spirit, we have dedicated this episode to sharing more of our story and how we went from being horribly mismatched to living our lives in co-creation with one another. We hope that you enjoy this episode and that, if you are struggling with your horse, it helps you to see that if Dido and I can find our way to being in right relationship, anyone can. Learn more about The Art of Sacred PartnershipConnect with Us:Instagram: @equineelevationwww.equineelevation.com

Would you believe that there are thoroughbreds in the racing industry who are so well-loved, well-cared for and well-prepared that by the time they arrive at the track to race they look like balanced and developed adult Warmbloods?I certainly didn’t. But my dear friend and colleague Caren Dougall of North of 9 Equine and Canine Bodywork has been working intimately inside the racing industry helping to develop leading-edge training programs filled with sound, happy and healthy racehorses who not only have successful careers but retire sound off the track in body and mind.If your mind is as completely blown as mine was listening to her firsthand experience, you’re not gonna wanna miss this conversation!Caren is someone I deeply respect as both a professional and horsewoman. She is a certified equine and canine bodywork practitioner and instructor as well as a registered veterinary technician. On top of that, she is incredibly well-versed in all things natural and holistic. Her combination of knowledge and embodied wisdom in the space of equine wellness is next level.But the thing I respect the most about her is that she is a fierce advocate for her horse clients, always working with them in a consent-based and deeply compassionate way. So when she told me she was working intimately with racehorses on the track, I was equal parts surprised and intrigued.I am so grateful to Caren for taking the time to give us an honest and eye-opening look into a corner of the horse world that is often demonized as the worst in the industry, as well as hope for what’s possible when you take a horse-first approach to the sport of racing.This one is dedicated to all the incredible thoroughbreds out there. Your hearts are immense and your loyalty is unmatched. We love you!Connect with Caren:https://www.northof9bodywork.ca/Instagram: @northof9equinecaninebodyworkConnect with Angela:Instagram: @equineelevation.comwww.equineelevation.com

In this episode I share the story of a time when I didn’t advocate for my Kisses mare when I absolutely should have. I didn’t stand up for her or myself and I had no idea at that time how far and wide the implications of that painful experience would ripple out. A seed was planted in that experience that ended up changing the course of our lives—not just for myself and Kisses, but my entire herd. And while even then I believed that everything happens for a reason, I could have never predicted the strange yet seemingly fated turn of events that helped me forgive myself and heal the harm I’d caused Kisses that day. File this story under: “You can’t make this sh*t up.” (Welcome to my life, especially when it comes to Kisses.) Join us inside our Healing Through Writing workshopJoin the Equine Elementals membershipConnect with Angela:Instagram: @equineelevationwww.equineelevation.com

I recently took a writing class that changed my life.I joined the class to brush up on my creative writing skills and learn some new techniques for a project I am working on in 2025.But what I didn’t expect was the deep emotional healing I experienced through the process. The practice of writing and working on the class assignments brought up wounds that I had no idea were ready to heal—not to mention the wounds I didn’t even realize I had.When the class was over, I felt like a completely different person. And I awoke one morning with a new assignment—to share the gift of healing through writing with you.I don’t know anyone who has spent significant time with horses who doesn’t carry wounds around things they have done—or haven’t done.And I cannot tell you how many people I have worked with who struggle to heal their past experiences of causing harm to horses. They cannot forgive themselves for not knowing or doing better, and they carry the weight of that guilt and shame around with them every day.In this episode, I share my personal experience of healing through writing, as well as the teachings of the horses who not only gave me permission to forgive myself, but showed me how to alchemize my wounds into embodied wisdom.I also share about our upcoming workshop, Healing Through Writing, which I am so looking forward to holding on Saturday, December 21st at 10am PST. You can sign up to join the workshop here.I genuinely hope this episode helps you realize that if you’ve caused harm to a beloved horse in your life, it’s not only okay for you to heal and move on from your pain, it’s exactly what the horses want for you.

There is no denying horses are big investments. The physical, financial, emotional, energetic and time investments of having with horses are vast.If you are listening to Sovereign Horse podcast, there is no doubt in my mind that you are invested in horses. Not just invested, but likely deeply invested.The people who hang in our world feel a connection with horses that goes far beyond caregiving, or riding, or working with them as clients or colleagues.Horses are a significant part of their lives.They’re on their minds and in their thoughts every day.They’re woven into their DNA.But something I have come to know is that, while you may be deeply invested in horses, the horses in your life are also deeply invested with you.In this episode, I explore the ways in which horses have shown me time and again just how invested they are in their humans and why.Connect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation

My friends, I am beyond thrilled to share this news with you! I am left terrible at keeping secrets so the fact that I have managed to keep my mouth shut on this is a freaking miracle! I have been working diligently and with deep intention behind the scenes to birth a new business into the world. I am so proud to introduce you to The Sacred Rebellion! She has been a long time coming. We have been on quite a journey together and so to see her finally made manifest is kind of incredible to me. In this episode where I share the story of her creation, how I intend to be of service through this new business, and the ways in which Equine Elevation is evolving now that’s she has arrived. I genuinely hope you enjoy hearing how The Sacred Rebellion came to be and what she means to me and my work going forward. Thank you all so much for being here and witnessing this exciting new chapter!The Sacred Rebellionwww.thesacredrebellion.caInstagram: @thesacredrebellion.ca Connect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation

A few months ago I had someone ask me to do an episode for new horse owners. She asked me to cover what I would consider to be the basics when it comes to horse ownership. As I have sat in contemplation of this, what I realized is that instead of calling these things basics, I’d consider them more the fundamentals or foundational elements of horse ownership. And so this extends well beyond being a ‘new’ horse owner, because these foundational elements took me many years of horse ownership to come to realize.So while this episode is meant to be supportive for new owners, I hope it will also be supportive for everyone who is in partnership with horses.Join Equine Elementals MembershipJoin Business Elementals MembershipConnect with Angela:Instagram: @equineelevationwww.equineelevation.com

It was amazing to host Brittany Ference, Executive Director of Great Escape Mustang Collaborative, for a very honest conversation about their work with these incredible wild horses.   Brittany shares some of the realities of the journey many mustangs experience from living in the wild to being round up, domesticated, and all too often, what happens if these horses don’t settle well into domestic life. I am genuinely so honoured to be connected with Brittany and an organization that is committed to supporting the sovereignty of mustangs and their well-being as they adjust and integrate into domestication.  I hope that you will give this episode a listen and consider supporting Great Escape in any way you can.  Connect with Great Escape:https://www.greatescapemustangs.org/Instagram: @great_escape_mustangsBrittany: @britt.ofthewild Connect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation

I had such a wonderful experience chatting with Chloe Elgar for our most recent episode. Chloe is a vibe and her perspective on horse guardianship is one I’m honoured to share with you all through our podcast.  I loved our conversation around allowing horses the freedom and space for self-expression. Chloe shares about offering her horses avenues to explore and fulfill their needs, and the importance of following the evolution of their self-development so they can continue to express their true selves as they change and grow. I especially enjoyed hearing about how Chloe approaches setting people up to work with her horses, how that translates into trust and safety, and minimizes potentially negative impacts on her herd. Chloe speaks to the connection between advocating for self and advocating for our horses (which is a topic y’all know I love!) and we jam on our experiences of learning to trust in the connection and purpose we have with our horses. There is so much wisdom in this episode that I know will be of value to those of you who are walking the path of new paradigm partnership with horses. Have a listen and let us know what resonates with you!Connect with Chloe:Instagram: @channeledbychloewww.channeledbychloe.com Connect with Angela:Instagram: @equineelevationwww.equineelevation.com

I am so excited to share with you about our new membership space, Equine Elementals! This education membership is the culmination of everything I’ve ever learned working with, caring for, riding and owning horses.  In this episode, I share what Equine Elementals is, how it came to be and the ways I hope it will be of immense value to those of you who join us inside. Sign up for your free 14-day trial here.Learn more about Equine Elementals here. Connect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation

This episode was a meeting of the ‘horse moms’!  I was excited to be joined by Breanne Kerr of Wildwynd Equine and Brittany Ashworth of Sacred Echos to chat about the concept of herd hierarchy as it applies to our blended herd of seven. I was curious to sit down with the ladies and ask where they would each place the seven horses based on the herd hierarchy model. You’ll have to tune in to find out if we all came up with the same answer! We also explore what is the herd hierarchy model, why was it created and what purpose does it serve? As well as what does leadership look like within the herd? What significance do the individual roles of each horse play into the herd hierarchy conversation? And what role does each individual relationship play within the hierarchy of the whole herd? We also look at the role meeting the baseline foundational needs of the herd plays when having this conversation. As well as what do horses hold for one another when it comes to meeting those foundational needs within the herd, and the development of each horse as an individual. This episode was recorded in the Sovereign Horse Outdoor Studio (aka: the paddock) so you are definitely going to hear some horses and nature sounds! You will also hear some cars in the background, but they absolutely do not take away from the potency of this conversation.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it! Connect with Breanne:https://www.wildwyndequine.com/Instagram: @wildwyndequineConnect with Brittany:https://www.sacredechos.com/Instagram: @sacredechosConnect with Angela:https://www.equineelevation.com/Instagram: @equineelevation

We were talking big mare medicine in this episode aptly recorded on International Women’s Day!Join me and equine-partnered life coach, animal communicator and healer, Kate Neligan, as we talk about exploring relational dynamics, especially through the lessons we’ve learned with some of the mares who have had profound impacts in our lives.We navigate the difference between transactional vs relational interactions with horses, and how to enjoy the process and relationship development when we are doing anything together with them.We also chat about what it’s like to work with not just horses but also donkeys and goats in her Equus-partnered coaching business.Plus we receive a special and beautiful message from the beings Kate refers to as the Heaven Herd, a group of horses she works with who have transitioned.And on a super fun note, our recording time was 1 hour and 23 mins. Y’all know I love me some number codes!  Connect with Kate:www.kateneligan.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/awakeningwithequines https://www.instagram.com/kateneliganequinecoach/ https://www.youtube.com/user/KneliganConnect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation

In this week’s solo episode, I explore some of the teachings my horses have offered me around the importance of making mistakes with them. Yep, you read that correctly. My horses have told me time and time again that there is deep importance in making mistakes for many reasons. Of course we all know that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow, but my horses have shared that they are also fertile grounds for building deeply authentic relationships, and cultivating trust with each other and ourselves.And while that is a beautiful offering, before I could get to that place, I had to move through a lot of shadows when it came to accepting the mistakes I’ve made with them. I had to learn how to deal with the guilt, shame and anger I have felt toward myself and others whom I blamed for their part in the harm done. I also had to figure out how to cope with seeing certain mistakes I made every day as my horses wore the physical scars of them.And then I also had to learn how to be okay making mistakes with clients and find ways to navigate their resolution without berating myself for getting something ‘wrong’ or making a decision that may not have been as beneficial as I originally thought.I have moved through a lot of layers on my journey to embracing my mistakes, so I hope that these honest shares will support you if you have been struggling to embrace yours.Join us for our Embrace Your Mistakes class here.Connect with Angela:www.equineelevation.comInstagram: @equineelevation