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Meet Our Team
Meet Bev Birtley
CERTIFIED EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FACILITATOR & OWNER
Beverly has enjoyed a lifelong love of animals of all kinds, and horses in particular. Bev started taking horseback riding lessons as a young girl and came back to it as an adult. Realizing that although raising a family and working full-time outside the home did not leave much time for herself, she knew she was missing something, so she found a local stable and got back to horses ~ her true passion. Bev’s dream of having her own horse in her “backyard” became a reality in 2013, when she and her family moved to some property and bought their first horse. She now owns 3 horses and has realized over the years, through her relationship with them, how each horse responds to her (and others) and will demand an authentic relationship before they will cooperate. As a result, Bev was forced to evaluate herself and her interaction and connection with each horse.
Bev enjoys being with people and helping others on a personal level and was looking for a way to marry her passion for horses with her desire to help others grow. Once she first heard of and then experienced Equine Assisted Learning, Bev was hooked!
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This skills development program with horses is a natural progression of Bev's interest in the dynamic relationship and connection between horses and humans. Upon discovery of the groundbreaking programs offered by Equine Connection, Bev attended The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning's Course and became certified in 2019 to facilitate the BuildingBlock™ Curriculum. Bev is excited to be able to bring this research proven program with irrefutable results to the southeastern United States.
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Bev believes (and research shows) 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, spouse, friend, teammate, leader, and most any role you have in life.
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Bev has spent decades working in the legal profession and business world. When she is not working with clients and teachers, she works as a paralegal in a corporate legal department.
Meet Our Horse Teachers
Goose
Birthday: May 16, 2003
Size: 15.3 Hands
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Grey
Gender: Gelding (Male)
Goose is a registered Quarter Horse and looks and feels bigger in person than his size. Goose is a very athletic (check out his muscular chest and rear!) and versatile horse who likes to jump, is an amazing performer in the arena as well as a solid horse out on the trails, on the beach, and on obstacles. He is a handsome guy with a curious, strong personality and has a lot to teach you on the ground if you will allow him.
Jet
Birthday: October 19, 2003
Size: 15.2 Hands
Breed: Tennessee Walker
Color: Black
Gender: Gelding (Male)
Jet is not only a good-looking, hunka-chunka horse, he is also the head honcho of the herd. He has been a “husband horse” and has patiently dealt with novice riders for many years. A horse like Jet is worth his weight in gold. Jet has always been a teacher ~ he demands strong leadership, honesty, respect, and trust. In return he will teach you skills that you can carry all through your life. He’s a tough horse and will teach you like he teaches his herd – in a swift and immediate way, but will always throw in his loving, father-like ways. Jet has been a catalyst for significant personal growth for the people in which he works.
Chip
Birthday: March 26, 2011
Size: 15.3 Hands
Breed: Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse
Color: Black
Gender: Gelding (Male)
Chip is a good looking, smart and sensitive horse with a great work ethic. Chip will be one of the first to greet you at the fence and enjoys hanging out with his herd leader Jet. Like many people, Chip can get a little anxious at times, but with the right people, he will calm down and be putty in their hands. He will try his heart out for your every time and loves to connect with his human teammates.
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UPDATE: Our sweet and handsome Chip crossed the rainbow bridge on 12/12/2023. He will be forever missed! 💙
Meet Our Barn Cats
Black Kitty
Black Kitty (f/k/a Coal, but black kitty seemed to suit him and was easier to remember) is a handsome big guy with piercing eyes. He is really friendly and likes to hang out with the horses as well as show off his hunting skills. You may see him wandering around the farm. Feel free to say hi and pet him, however, be beware of his super sharp claws!
Grey Kitty
Grey Kitty is another barn cat and is the sister of Black Kitty. She also hangs out with the horses and makes an occasional appearance. When she is not being chased by her brother, Grey is very shy and likes to spend her time hiding when people are around, so it would be a rare sighting to catch a glimpse of her.