MEET THE PEOPLE
LAURIE BRANDER
CERTIFIED EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FACILITATOR & OWNER
Laurie's compassion for critters and love of animals is life-long. Laurie started Epona Experience in 2008, several years into her relationship with her "heart horse," Summer. Through her relationship with Summer, Laurie became fascinated with how Summer demanded an authentic relationship before she would cooperate. As a result, Laurie was forced to change her interactions and relationship with Summer. Based on this experience, when she first heard of Equine Assisted Learning, Laurie was hooked.
This skills development program with horses is a natural progression of Laurie's fascination with the dynamic relationship between horses and humans. Laurie has been certified since 2008. However, immediately upon discovery of these groundbreaking programs offered by Equine Connection, Laurie traveled to Strathmore, AB, Canada to attend The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning's Course. Laurie became certified to facilitate the BuildingBlock™ Curriculum in 2016. Laurie is excited to be able to be the first to bring this research proven program with irrefutable results to the Southwestern United States.
In the summer of 2023, Laurie became a HeartMath Certified Practitioner for Stress, Anxiety and Self-Regulation. She will incorporate HeartMath techniques into Epona Experience programs and plans to further her studies at HeartMath.
Laurie believes that as sensitive prey animals with extraordinary senses, horses can feel what you bring to the table, regardless of any façade you are presenting. At the same time, being with horses is simply a wonderful experience for most people. In a magical way, horses can teach one to be a better human - a better parent, a better leader, a better teammate.
Laurie has spent decades working in the legal profession and business world. When she is not working with Epona's clients and "teachers," she works freelance as a writer, paralegal, and holistic health and wellness consultant for humans and horses.
CHERYL EBERHARD
CERTIFIED EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FACILITATOR
After retiring from a long career in the computer industry, Cheryl started a brand-new "surprise" career in Equine Assisted Learning. She first became familiar with Epona Experience's programs after volunteering for our youth curriculum program as our photographer. When she saw the programs and the profound changes in the students, Cheryl was hooked. She attended the Equine Connection Academy of Equine Assisted Learning in 2022-2023 to obtain her certification and is now a valued part of the Epona Experience team.
Cheryl is a committed horse and animal enthusiast. She lives in Camp Verde, Arizona with her husband, and her herd of horses, mini-horses, donkeys and a respectable number of canines and felines for a horse property.
MEET THE HORSES
CHARM
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Birthday: April 4, 2004
Size: 15.3 Hands
Breed: Paint
Color: Tri-Color Tobiano
Gender: Mare (Female)
Before coming to Epona, Charm lived in the city. She had done some weekend horse shows. She may have been a little bored with the lifestyle because she had turned into a bit of a sour Nelly. Since her arrival in the country, Charm is thriving while learning new skills, exploring mountain trails, and teaching in our life skills programs! We think Charm is one of most beautiful horses we have ever seen! Charm is "all in" as an equine assisted learning teacher. She absolutely lights up on work days and even enjoys being consulted on arena setup.
GYPSY
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Birthday: February 2, 2003
Size: 14 Hands
Breed: Arabian
Color: Jet Black
Gender: Mare (Female)
Gypsy is a jet black full Arabian from famous Arabian bloodlines of Bask and Khemosabi who started her life in the show ring. Arabian horses are known to have a very high level of sensitivity. Gypsy came to Epona Experience when, through no fault of her own, she found herself in a rocky situation. She had a caring, but fearful, owner who didn’t have the funds or experience to care for her properly. Gypsy, the newest member of our Epona herd, has flourished since her arrival. She is shiny, beautiful, kind and sensitive and immediately wins the hearts of all who meet her.
IN MEMORY OF JUDGE
Birthday - Unknown-2022
Size: 15 Hands
Breed: Grade Quarterhorse
Color: Red Dun
Gender: Gelding (Male)
Judge will always be remembered as a great leader to our herd and a valued teacher. From the beginning of his riding career, Judge was wise, patient, solid and a horse like Judge is always worth his weight in gold. Judge was always fair and honest in his leadership and served as the Captain Picard of the Starship Epona. Judge's favorite thing was splashing in rivers and creeks. Judge was one of our most solid herd members and was a catalyst for significant personal growth for the people he worked with. Judge, we love and miss you.
IN MEMORY OF ARTHUR
Birthday: 2006-2018
Size: 9.1 Hands
Breed: Miniature Horse
Color: Sorrell Overo Pinto
Gender: Gelding (Male)
Arthur, our dearly departed Epona mascot, is the smallest horse we have ever had. He was absolutely fearless, gregarious and fun, and he just loved children. RIP Arthur. May our memories of you remind us to always live life to the fullest and set no limitations!
