coaching/healing with equus
Horse to Human
The presence of equines fosters a sense of grounding and clarity. Through their understanding and unwavering truth, they guide individuals to move beyond self-imposed barriers, illuminating pathways toward healing and growth. Whether it's the gentle nudge of a donkey or the steady gaze of a horse, equines invite humans to step into vulnerability and emerge with newfound strength.
Human to Horse
Life involves a balance of give and take. With horses, taking is often more common. We gain much from them, but when horses connect with humans, they transform both parties. They find purpose and grace within their spirit. Healing occurs when humans give back to horses by showing respect, listening to them, and valuing their voice. It’s only fair we reciprocate for all they have given us.
Horse to Horse
Horse-to-horse healing is a fascinating dynamic, where the innate wisdom of these animals facilitates mutual support and emotional balance. This natural process often mirrors the human-assisted therapy facilitated by equines, yet it is entirely instinctive and unspoken. Horses possess an extraordinary ability to sense distress or imbalance in their herd mates, often responding with subtle gestures of reassurance and connection.
Within the healing herd at HIGH FIVE RANCH, the bonds among equines themselves are an essential part of the therapeutic environment. Observing how these animals interact—how they comfort one another or encourage a hesitant companion to step forward—offers profound insights into their capacity for empathy and solidarity. It is not uncommon for a horse to nuzzle or stand protectively beside a herd member experiencing fear or discomfort. These simple acts of care establish a rhythm of trust and resilience that ripples through the group.
This horse-to-horse healing dynamic not only strengthens the herd but also enriches the therapeutic experience for humans. Witnessing such moments can be deeply moving, reminding participants of the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. Just as humans seek healing through connection to equines, equines themselves thrive on the relationships they share within their herd. These bonds underscore a universal truth: healing is a shared journey, transcending species and thriving in an atmosphere of mutual respect and compassion.
At HIGH FIVE RANCH, the concept of horse-to-horse healing is honored and incorporated into the broader philosophy of equine-assisted therapy. The herd's cohesion and natural ability to nurture one another create an energy of wellness that envelops everyone who steps into their world. It is a testament to the profound interconnectedness of all beings—a dance of healing that begins with the simplest act of kindness and extends far beyond the ranch grounds.
Coaching/healing touch team
Trish Lay
Kathi Proper
Betty Berry
Building on her expertise in mindfulness and self-discovery, Trish Lay has recently integrated Equine Assisted Coaching into her practice. This innovative approach combines her motivational coaching with the healing and transformative power of working with horses. Trish believes that horses, with their innate ability to sense and reflect
Building on her expertise in mindfulness and self-discovery, Trish Lay has recently integrated Equine Assisted Coaching into her practice. This innovative approach combines her motivational coaching with the healing and transformative power of working with horses. Trish believes that horses, with their innate ability to sense and reflect human emotions, offer a unique pathway to self-awareness and personal growth.
Through Equine Assisted Coaching, Trish creates an environment where clients can connect with these magnificent animals, fostering breakthroughs in communication, trust, and emotional balance. Whether navigating personal challenges or professional hurdles, the presence of horses adds a dynamic element to the coaching process, helping individuals uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden.
Trish’s sessions involve activities such as groundwork, observation, and interaction with the horses, all designed to illuminate patterns in behavior and thought. As clients engage with the horses, they learn to develop skills like resilience, mindfulness, and non-verbal communication, which they can carry into their everyday lives.
This expansion of her coaching practice reflects Trish’s commitment to exploring innovative methods for helping people unlock their fullest potential. Her ability to merge traditional coaching strategies with the profound wisdom of equine interaction sets her apart and continues to inspire those she works with to lead lives of authenticity and purpose.
Betty Berry
Kathi Proper
Betty Berry
Born and raised on Kauai, Hawaii, the “mana” (Spirit) of the land, sea, wind, and fire, flora and fauna has played an important role in my sense of energy and upbringing. We are all beings of energy, and energy healing is necessary to keep our energy open and flowing. Life experiences present stress to our energy field, and energy healing
Born and raised on Kauai, Hawaii, the “mana” (Spirit) of the land, sea, wind, and fire, flora and fauna has played an important role in my sense of energy and upbringing. We are all beings of energy, and energy healing is necessary to keep our energy open and flowing. Life experiences present stress to our energy field, and energy healing seeks to support self-healing through relaxation and release of tension, which affects the immune system and creates a sense of well-being. My journey of energy healing began naturally as a child and became a serious study when I learned about Healing Touch for Animals, working with all species of small animals and large animals. It then became important to bring in animal communication, horsemanship, and the attunement of Reiki Master. It has given me great joy for the opportunity to energetically support animals and people for almost 15 years. My life journey has included a Bachelor of Music degree with focus on vocal performance and an MBA degree; private teacher of music theory, voice and piano; performance in music and theatre; business experience in corporate America; retail experience in the print music industry; raising and training many Belgian Sheepdogs and Samoyeds; realizing a dream of having a horse; and volunteering at several horse rescues. Being a facilitator of energy healing and serving as a messenger for the animals who need a voice are concepts of who I am today.
Kathi Proper
Kathi Proper
Kathi Proper
Kathi grew up in New York City, yet her true passion has always been for open spaces, connecting with nature, and caring for animals. To achieve a balance between work and leisure, she lived in a picturesque town in Connecticut. Her degree in Physical Education (covering pre-K through grade 12) became the foundation for a 35-year teaching
Kathi grew up in New York City, yet her true passion has always been for open spaces, connecting with nature, and caring for animals. To achieve a balance between work and leisure, she lived in a picturesque town in Connecticut. Her degree in Physical Education (covering pre-K through grade 12) became the foundation for a 35-year teaching career in Stamford, Connecticut.
Over the years, Kathi participated in a variety of activities, including managing youth soccer teams, officiating sports, and volunteering in numerous roles at a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats, where she provided hospice fostering; through these experiences, Kathi discovered her empathetic abilities. After relocating to Colorado in 2015, she channeled these strengths into supporting a hippotherapy program focused on the healing bond between horses and humans. Currently, she dedicates her time volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation program, two horse boarding and rescue facilities, and an orchard that contributes to the Task Force.
Serving diverse causes brings immense joy to Kathi, especially when animals are at the heart of the mission. She has completed advanced coursework in Healing Touch for Animals and continues to pursue greater expertise in this field. Kathi’s deep commitment to helping animals achieve energetic harmony—whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or instinctual—remains central to her purpose.