Our Mission
When we are truly empowered in a balanced and heartfelt way, we experience the freedom to be who we are meant to become.
At Horse Sense North, we know how difficult it is to use power in healthy ways, and authentically be who we are.
We believe everyone deserves to be fully empowered with effective skills and tools, so that we can move through the world with a heartfelt, grounded confidence, and experience the freedom to be who we are meant to become.
Our Values
We all deserve to feel safe and connected.
All of our programs and offerings here at Horse Sense North are inclusive and trauma informed.
Our work is rooted in nervous system informed principles, Connection Focused Therapy and Trainings (developed by Linda Kohanov and Dr. Rebecca Bailey), and Eponaquest Worldwide (Carmen is a certified Advanced Instructor).
Carmen is a certified self-defence instructor with Helen Stranzl and Nick Drossos. She also leans on years of experience and education working with thousands of horses. This has all informed her approach to facilitation and program development, being highly attuned to shifting needs and experiences that clients may have.
We all deserve to feel safe and connected, and experience protected spaces that allow us to step into who we’re meant to become.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Programming
At Horse Sense North, we believe every person deserves to feel safe, seen, and fully empowered to become who they are meant to be — and we mean every person.
We are proud to be an explicitly 2S-LGBTQIA+ affirming space. We use affirming language, honour chosen names and pronouns, and hold ourselves and everyone who works with us to a standard of respect and care.
Our programming is trauma-informed and designed with inclusion at its core. Whether you are a client, a community member, a volunteer, or a member of our team, you are welcome here — fully, exactly as you are.
This is equally true for members of BIPOC communities. All members of our Horse Sense North team are on lifelong learning journeys to educate and expand ourselves to recognize blind spots and privilege, while actively working toward decolonizing our minds and practices.
We also have practices and polices that honour and protect all levels of ability/disability, neurodivergence, and all cultural and spiritual backgrounds.
Perhaps most importantly, when there is a person courageous enough to offer feedback about something they notice that could feel unsafe to them, or someone else, we consistently and consciously practice receiving this with gratitude. We see this kind of vulnerable communication, and education, as a rare gift.
For so many people, finding a genuinely safe space is not a given. We don't take lightly the privilege of being that space for someone. It is a responsibility we actively choose, every day.
At Horse Sense North, the freedom to be who you are meant to become, is not just something we believe in. It's something we work to make real.
Empowering ourselves with some Horse Sense.
Clarity
Being clear, within ourselves, and in our communications with others, is the kindest and most helpful thing we can do.
Connection
Being connected with ourselves, and in our relationships with others, ensures that our heart is a key decision maker and guide.
Courage
Being courageous is necessary to walk the unique path of being who we are meant to become.