Raised by Horses
As a young girl—actually probably osmosed in my mother's womb—I was drawn to be near horses.
Often I was “lost” and found to be out with the horses, next to them or on them. There has not been ever a day in my life that I am without horse. But it wasn't until I stopped horsing around and became a certified facilitator of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) that I put together the magic of the horse.
I was raised with much hard work and strife, yet I coped with sunshine kissing me everyday. I truly attribute that to the power of the horse. I remember the epiphanies of WOW—and the years that passed where I was oblivious of the grace the horse provided me.
Born and raised in the Wild (North) West, I have lived with the land, off the land, and of the land. I've worked the land, played on the land. Certainly prayed for the land and thanked the land. My roots are country dirt roads and wide skies, the Frontier where animal and wilderness play.
My mom, a true horse-loving horse lady, always included horses in my everyday. She, though not much bigger than a stump and the size of the willow stick, exemplified horsepower. She modelled their importance in her life, which inspired me to follow in her footsteps.
I found that school—and its four walls—really stifled my freedom. I swore I would marry a rancher and never go to school again!
But life happens, experience teaches us. I now have my bachelor’s degree (Education, Special Needs) and my master’s degree (Education, Leadership)—along with decades of teaching school behind me.
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Life is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments, these rare adventures that shape who we are. HorsePower honours this uniqueness by helping you find your own path with courage, support, and connection.
How This Horse Girl Came to FEAL
Life’s journey—with occasional twists and some road closures—nurtured my grit and resilience with the power of perspective and attitude.
I had to take leave of my teaching profession when my second-born son joined me on this journey. His complex care and high-risk medical needs changed life as I knew it. The entrepreneurial spirit in me was reignited. I flourished, from oilfield company, to ProEducation programming, to becoming a Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator through the Equine Connection Acadamy of Equine Assisted Learning, and ultimately to Frontier Equine Assisted Leadership (FEAL). What was one of my biggest challenges I now see as a gift.
FEAL was inspired by a fellow rancher and principal, Wes McKnight. He approached me with a dream—an idea of a school that offered a horse program. He absolutely believed in me. His dream became my dream, and together we set the goal to deliver. In 2016 I became a certified equine assisted learning coach, and our classroom of horses out in the Frontier is the highlight of my teaching profession.
I have expanded from classroom education support to include leadership development more generally, working with people of all ages interested in equine-assisted personal development.
If that sounds like something you might like to try, get in touch! I would love to have you join in me and my horse partners for a variety of programs designed to help you get the best from yourself.
— Shawna-Marie
PS: If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out and ask!
Wildflowers and Wild Horses
Lainey Wilson’s song puts words to the marrow of my life—raised by horses, shaped by weather, grit, and grace.
It’s the push of a daisy through old sidewalk cracks, the bareback courage of getting back on, the steadiness of boots dug into the dirt when the sky turns. When I work with people and horses, this is the energy I bring: grounded, honest, a little wild, and deeply caring.
Wildflowers remind me that strength can be soft, and that growth finds a way. Horses remind me to be present, to breathe, to lead with clarity and heart. Together, they’re my compass. and this is my anthem!
“It is the amazing power of horses to heal and teach us about ourselves that is accessible to anyone.”
