“I would come to anything Peggy and Vickie were presenting”
Suzie Steenbergen, TTEAM certified practitioner

"Peggy and Vickie did a wonderful job of presenting an absolutely feminine approach to equine assisted therapy. I was touched, excited, delighted and moved by the work they did. Even though it was presented as experiential rather than therapeutic, some wonderful therapy went on. Some of the women had what appeared to be life-changing experiences. For me, it was a "corrective experience". I had participated in some equine therapy at a treatment center in Utah that left me angry and feeling tricked. We did some of the same work at Peggy's retreat and she presented it in a format that was supportive, encouraging and not at all manipulative. I'm investigating more intensive training in this work as a result of this experience.

Peggy is a class act. Respected by her colleagues who were there and deserving of all they accolades we showered on her. Thanks for suggesting I do this. It was amazing."
             Nancy Waite-O'Brien, psychologist

"What a rich experience, one that was powerfully inviting, safe and personally satisfying! I felt very moved to be so close to beautiful horses, with sweet-natured temperaments, obvious intelligence, intense curiosity and raw power.

I was instructed to simply observe my own thoughts, feelings and associations as I observed several different horses.  Gradually, I moved from observing to having physical contact with the horses, and then, having even more direct experience with a horse of my choice.  With each step in the progression, I was given information that I needed, and I was offered choices about the extent of my participation.

Aspects that are easily experienced include: meditation, trust , establishing boundaries, sensing silent communications, increased self esteem, exploration of beauty and power, and heightened awareness.

I recommend this non-intrusive approach to anyone who is wanting to work in a natural setting to learn more deeply about themselves"
              Martina Clarke, Psy.D Clinical Psychologist

. . .

"This Spring I spent a morning at Oakzanita Ranch with Peggy Martin & Vickie Cottle, learning more about myself with the the help of a few well-chosen horses. We were given a few exercises that seemed simple enough and revealed to me a lot about how I operate in the world.
 
I was told not to talk, that was hard. I was told not to touch, and that was harder. But, in the silence, an understanding was born. The horse helped me to see that I didn't need to do anything, I could just be myself and be quiet with her. I know that is one of the things that horses do best, hang out together and take care of each other within their herd. There is no thought of the future or the past, just the present, right now, right here.

When I let go of my plans and practiced being quiet, my vision of the world all around me expanded. Peggy and Vickie are gentle, kind educators and facilitators. They asked me some thought-provoking questions that helped me to understand the significance of what was happening between me and the horse.

The present is such a good place to be, and I had no idea I carried so many expectations into the round pen.  It was good for my soul to let go and just be."
            Beth Anne Doblado   Rancho Doblado   Alpine CA

. . .

“Peggy Martin and Vickie Cottle have been instrumental in helping me to look at experiences through more understanding eyes. When I am with them I am always learning in one way or another.”
            Deborah Silverstone