The Healing Equine Ranch

The Healing Equine Ranch The Healing Equine Ranch, 501(c)3 dedicated to educating, empowering and enlightening through horses. How can I learn? Patricia Mortlock, student

Our mission:
to provide a forever home and to care for our herd of rescued horses. To educate and enlighten people through the natural interaction with horses. Our goal:
to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space where the horses and humans can interact and learn from each other. Our process:
Natural Equine Interactive Growth and Healing is a holistic approach to equine-assisted services

that integrates yoga philosophy, natural horsemanship principles, and trauma-informed science to create a profound connection between humans and horses. This method acknowledges the innate wisdom of both horse and human, fostering mutual healing, personal growth, and deeper communication through mindful presence, breathwork, movement, and trust-based interactions. At its core, this approach is rooted in the understanding that horses are highly sensitive, sentient beings that respond to our energy, emotions, and body language. By incorporating yogic philosophy such as breath awareness, balance, and mindfulness, we learn to regulate our nervous system, enhancing our ability to connect with horses in a more grounded and centered way. The basic principles of natural horsemanship provide the foundation for ethical, respectful, and intuitive communication, moving beyond dominance-based training into a cooperative, heart-centered relationship. It encourages partnering with the horse rather than controlling it, honoring its natural instincts and basic needs. Through a trauma-informed lens, we recognize that both horses and humans carry past experiences that shape behavior, trust, and resilience. Understanding the impact of trauma on the nervous system allows for healing interactions that prioritize safety, attunement, and co-regulation. We create an environment that prioritizes the relationship that both honors consent and offers choice through mutual requests for connection. This idea of choice encourages us to stay present to what is and empowers both the horses and humans to move toward emotional balance, confidence, and inner peace. This integrative practice is not about riding or performance—it is about presence, connection, and mutual transformation. Whether seeking personal growth, emotional healing, or a deeper relationship with horses, this approach offers a nurturing space where both human and horse can heal, learn, and thrive—together. We offer private and semi-private sessions and workshops both scheduled and customized. Please check the calendar for scheduled workshops. For booking, questions or to set up a complimentary phone call,
please email us here at [email protected]

About us:
The Healing Equine Ranch, founded in 2007 by Kiki Ebsen, is a nonprofit organization located in the Santa Monica mountains of California, with a sole purpose to care for its small herd of rescued horses and share them with those who wish to learn more about them and themselves. Certifications and Ongoing Credentialing

Kiki is a registered yoga teacher (RYT500) and has additional certificates through Yoga 12 Step Recovery and Stanford Medicine's YogaX Mental Health program. Additionally, she is a Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) certified to offer and teach specific equine bodywork techniques within the Equine Assisted Services Community. Kiki is Level 2 trained through the Natural Lifemanship Institute and is currently in the process of dual certification as both a practitioner and equine specialist (NLC-P, EP) to provide Trauma-Informed Equine Assisted Services. "Kiki has a special talent for decoding both, human and animal energy. Her desire for the participant to come away from her clinics better is both sincere and transformative."

🐴 What can a horse teach you about your nervous system?Probably more than you think.Horses live in a world of moment-to-...
08/26/2026

🐴 What can a horse teach you about your nervous system?

Probably more than you think.

Horses live in a world of moment-to-moment information. They notice movement, tension, attention, breathing, intention, and changes in their environment—and they respond accordingly.

That makes them extraordinary teachers of presence, regulation, communication, and relationship.

This Sunday at The Healing Equine Ranch, we're exploring these ideas together in:

🌿 Horses, Humans & the Neurobiology of Presence

We'll spend time observing the herd, engaging in experiential activities, and reflecting on what horses can teach us about:

🧠 nervous system regulation
🐴 equine communication
🌱 safety and trust
✨ curiosity and learning
💫 authentic presence and connection

The goal isn't simply to understand horses better.

It's to become more aware of ourselves in relationship—and how our own state influences the relationships we create.

This is a small, intimate workshop with only 6 participants, allowing plenty of space for observation, reflection, and meaningful interaction.

📅 Sunday, August 30
⏰ 8:00–10:30 AM
📍 The Healing Equine Ranch | Agoura, CA
💰 $149
🐴 No horse experience necessary
🌿 All activities are ground-based

🎟️ There are still spots available:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/horses-humans-and-the-neurobiology-of-presence

If you've been curious about the connection between horses, neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and authentic relationship, this is a beautiful place to begin.

🐴 Come learn with the horses.

Discover the science of safety, connection, and authentic relationships through the wisdom of horses.How do horses experience the world—and what can they…

I’m stepping away from the herd for an evening to play a special Joni Mitchell tribute performance at the Festival of Ar...
08/22/2026

I’m stepping away from the herd for an evening to play a special Joni Mitchell tribute performance at the Festival of Arts on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

While the horses are having a quiet evening back home, I’ll be sharing some wonderful music, songs, and community vibes. If you’re in the area, come unwind and listen under the stars!

📍 Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Event: Festival of Arts – Joni Mitchell Tribute
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Would love to see some familiar faces in the audience! Let me know if you can make it 👇💛

What a fun day yesterday.I was finally able to participate in a Working Equitation schooling show at Conejo Creek Equest...
08/10/2026

What a fun day yesterday.

I was finally able to participate in a Working Equitation schooling show at Conejo Creek Equestrian Park, organized by Claudia Roberts and Pacific Dressage. I rode with a lovely group of women who were all enjoying their horses as much as I was.

Buddy and I have been steadily practicing and building our partnership, and I could not have been prouder of him. His focus, patience, and willingness really showed me how much he has grown over the past couple of years. He was relaxed throughout our dressage test and really stayed with me.

It also cemented for me how clear and confident my role has to be in our relationship for him to follow me. During our practice sessions, I have become increasingly aware of when it is time to stop and not overdo it. Learning when and how much to ask and when to let him process has really helped shape the quality of our time together.

My favorite moment came while we were waiting our turn for the Ease of Handling obstacle course. Buddy kept moving closer to the IN gate, almost as if he was saying, “Let’s do this.” I realized that he was starting to see the game—and perhaps the fun in it.

We showed L1 and ended up second in our dressage test and first in Ease of Handling, but honestly, the ribbons were secondary to how good it felt to experience that moment of partnership with him.

Many thanks to Claudia Roberts, Pacific Dressage, the Conejo Creek Equestrian Park, and to the lovely community that shows up to ride and support each other's progress (Kathy, Diana, Alison, Sylvie, Joni, and Jonelle), as well as our friends, family, and volunteers.

❤️🐴

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting another clinic with the wonderful horseman, Lester Buckley, here at The...
07/16/2026

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting another clinic with the wonderful horseman, Lester Buckley, here at The Healing Equine Ranch.

I've been learning from Lester for about five years now. Looking back, this clinic reminded me just how much can change when we choose lightness and relationship over control.

One of the things I admire most about Lester is his quiet, strength-based approach. Every horse has value. Breed, discipline, pedigree, or price simply don't matter. He sees the horse in front of him and helps us do the same.

Most of my horses came from difficult beginnings—feedlots, abandonment, or situations where they simply weren't understood. Their stories are written in their bodies, and healing doesn't come from demanding more. It comes from listening more deeply.

Each of my horses brought a different lesson to this clinic. Violet reminded me what it feels like to rebuild confidence after health challenges. Buddy reflected how far we've come together over the years. And Moo Moo, with all of her sensitivity and humor, continues to teach me that behavior is communication. When we stop asking, *"Why won't you?"* and begin asking, *"What do you need?"* everything changes.

Each day was built around thoughtful patterns and exercises that developed these relationships mentally, physically, and emotionally. As our horses' partners, we owe it to them to bring our best selves to the barn each day—to arrive rested, present, mindful, and intentional. Our horses notice everything, and they respond to the energy and clarity we bring.

Our lead mare and oldest herd member, **Rose** (26 years young), watched the entire clinic from the sidelines, occasionally offering her own "feedback" to Lester when she felt it was needed. 😉 As any good lead mare would.

The greatest lesson I took home wasn't a new technique. It was a reminder that true horsemanship is built on patience, observation, trust, and kindness.

Thank you, Lester, for sharing your wisdom and for helping both horses and humans become a little softer, a little lighter, and a little more connected.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

This is a lovely piece on my friend and mentor, Dave Ellis. For over 20 years, Dave has been helping me with my horses. ...
07/06/2026

This is a lovely piece on my friend and mentor, Dave Ellis. For over 20 years, Dave has been helping me with my horses. We have spent countless hours at the LS Ranch learning from this master horseman and his lovely wife, Jody Grimm-Ellis. If you have never ridden with him, go spend a weekend (or a week) with these guys. It is well worth it.

Wow! It was sold out, but I just heard that one rider spot just opened up for our Lester Buckley Advancing Horsemanship ...
06/19/2026

Wow! It was sold out, but I just heard that one rider spot just opened up for our Lester Buckley Advancing Horsemanship clinic next week, June 25-28. He is a really amazing clinician! DM me if you are interested.

Lester Buckley Returns to The Healing Equine Ranch Renowned horseman and master teacher Lester Buckley returns to The Healing Equine Ranch for an immersive natural horsemanship clinic you won’t want to miss. This dynamic clinic combines morning group riding sessions with focused small-grou

Check out this new Nahshon Cook Podcast. His wisdom, authenticity, and humility are truly refreshing and inspirational. ...
05/21/2026

Check out this new Nahshon Cook Podcast. His wisdom, authenticity, and humility are truly refreshing and inspirational. He never fails to motivate me to better my relationship with myself and my horses. https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/ep-79-nahshon-cook-classical-dressage-clinician-author/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR7GTBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPMmw5aXJqclFQQmU2M3R5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgZxMMlo1BokxffubiThM25hfmfWGpedtUCQ6rUYWn8l2tc27BY_6XnLnuVx_aem_hCp4wnxG62W200tMSLyPwA

Describing Nahshon Cook is an unenviable task. He’s not easily put in a box. His background is in Classical Dressage. He’s really more into working with physically broken horses to rehab the mind, body, and spirit. He’s highly intelligent. He’s a writer of things and organizer of a unique pe...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that healing does not always happen through words alone.Sometimes heal...
05/06/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that healing does not always happen through words alone.

Sometimes healing begins in stillness.
In breath.
In nature.
In the quiet presence of horses.

At The Healing Equine Ranch, we honor the nervous system’s need for safety, connection, and authentic presence. Horses gently invite us out of survival mode and into awareness — helping us reconnect with ourselves, our emotions, and the natural world around us.

On May 17, we invite you to join us for our Rest & Reconnection workshop — a restorative experience that includes a sound bath in the presence of our herd, followed by time to connect with the horses afterward. This offering was created to support grounding, reflection, and nervous system restoration in a peaceful natural setting.

Mental health is not simply about coping — it is also about connection, regulation, and remembering we were never meant to heal alone.

A few spaces are available. 🌿 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/rest-and-reconnection-2

Address

Mailing Address: 26500 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA
91302

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