About Me
Why are horses such powerful teachers?
We humans often become disconnected from our intuitive natures and incongruent in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. But horses are intuitive by nature and as prey animals are hardwired to discern the true intentions of others in their environments. They perceive our incongruencies and see through our masks, giving us authentic and immediate feedback about the quality of our energy and the truth of our intentions.
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Also, as herd animals whose safety and ultimate survival depends on their attunement to and respect for each other's needs, they are masters at teaching us about teamwork, leadership, trust, and how to be authentic, present, and truly connected in our relationships.
Hello! My name is Sheri Scurr. I am a certified equine-assisted experiential learning professional and connection-based horsemanship coach. (My experiential learning certification is through the Equine Experiential Education Association - E3A.) My goal is to provide equine-assisted services to those seeking personal and professional growth and horsemanship coaching to those seeking to deepen connection with their horses by improving self-awareness. ​
My approach. Fundamental to my approach is my understanding that there is a paradox behind self-improvement. The paradox is that it is only when we accept ourselves as we are and compassionately accept the gifts of our imperfections that we feel our inherent worthiness. In other words, it is only when we let go of trying to "fix" ourselves in an effort to belong and be accepted -- that we experience growth and transformation. As one of my favorite authors and speakers, Brene Brown, writes in her book Daring Greatly, “Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
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Horsemanship philosophy. Horses have been my teachers and guides since childhood. I have owned and trained for my own use many different types of horses for pleasure and competition -- each with special gifts and challenges. My horsemanship journey has included many styles and disciplines. With all of the different approaches out there, I have learned from experience and observation that the fundamental ingredient is true connection between horse and human. Therefore, my approach in horsemanship coaching is to help you create a trusting and heart-centered relationship where your horse chooses to be with you as a willing partner, which is not the same as a horse choosing "join-up" to avoid pressure or to receive a treat. I have personally studied with some amazing people, such as Federic Pignon and Magali Delgado (Cavalia), Karen Rohlf (Dressage Naturally) Linda Kohanov (Eponaquest), and Caroline Beste (The Tao of Horsemanship). I also study and closely follow Carolyn Resnik, Warwick Schiller, Linda Tellington Jones, Mark Rashid and Dr. Stephen Peters (neuroscientist and horseman). The core of all of this learning for me is connection. To be authentic and connected with a horse, we need to show up authentically and congruently inside. When you work with me, you experience with your horse (or with one of my horses) the dance of listening and asking, of noticing and being intentional, of leading and following. It is this attunement in relationship that creates trust and responsiveness. As Mark Rashid says: “Horsemanship is the art of mastering our own movements, thoughts, emotions and behavior. Not the horses.”
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Past professional experience. Considering my qualifications to facilitate professional development, I have more than 30 years of experience as a nonpartisan research analyst and bill drafter for the Montana legislative services division. My responsibilities included developing agendas for and facilitating numerous committee meetings, task forces and working groups. These duties encompassed framing decision-making sessions and negotiations between legislators and various stakeholder groups. I also served 13 years as a commissioned military intelligence officer in the Army Reserve and National Guard, including special active-duty tours outside of the United States. I provided command-level briefings and facilitated strategic and tactical decision-making discussions related to a variety of military operations.
Personal experience. However, the most important and rewarding experience in my life has been as the mother of two beautiful daughters who now have families of their own. On a personal level, I have navigated family adventures as well as traumas. I am divorced, have survived different types of abuse and betrayal, and navigated my own healing and recovery journey. I am a proud and devoted grandmother, too!
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So, wherever you are on your journey, personally or professionally, my horses and I are here for you. You are in the right place and in seasoned and loving hands and hearts.
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