Elite Equestrian july august 2018 issue

SHE

DANCES

with

HORSES

Stina Herberg’s inspiring journey with a herd of rescues on St Vincent Island. ��

I believe

horses are on this planet to help us find our own way back to ‘Source’ (or however one prefers to call the place where nothing but love exists).

With remarkable patience for humankind, these incredible animals invite us constantly to join them in a state of oneness and pure connection.

In their majestic presence, our hearts synchronize rhythms with theirs and slow down, so we can fully surrender to the moment.

All that horses ask of us is to stay open to who they are; to partner with them while respecting their deep need for freedom; to understand that, when treated as equals and seen for their immense sensitivity, they are so very willing to come our way and never leave our side. Then the dance can begin.

Meeting Stina Herberg: A dream come true A few years back I was guided to

learn about Stina’s amazing story with a herd of abandoned-turned-feral horses and, as it often happens in my life, I just knew I had to meet her. And I finally did: this past January I traveled to the lush and scenic St Vincent island.

Stina’s experience with this herd, unfolding over a period of more than 10 years, is not easy to describe in a few paragraphs…like any personal journey, it is a complex story of patience, constant search and learning, resilience, openness of the heart and of course, the transformative power of love.

Stina’s Story Stina’s journey with horses began at the

age of ten when she fell in love with her first equine friend. Over the years she worked with Icelandics, trained trotters for race, took dressage and Western lessons and rode in India, Morocco and Mozambique.

Originally from Norway, Stina was brought to St Vincent in 2007 by a job opportunity: to lead the ‘Richmond Vale Academy’, which is an educational institution.

Soon after her arrival on St Vincent, Stina encountered a herd of feral horses. Brought over to the island 8-10 yrs prior and originally meant for trail rides, the horses were abandoned by their owners and left to survive the hard way. The original herd had sixteen members, but nine had already died. The last seven survivors were brought to Richmond Vale. And the journey began.

“When I came to St. Vincent I thought I knew quite a bit about horses but...when I rescued the wild herd, I realized I had to start over”, explains Stina.

Rehabilitation and Natural Horse Management Once at Richmond Vale, the horses were allowed to live together in a big pasture with a long road leading to

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their water source, so their hooves would trim naturally.

“The horses were dewormed, we got the ticks off, and slowly they gained weight. We started to use their manure in the organic vegetable garden and many local people found the horses very interesting as there are not many of them around”, explained Stina.

But the horses were still distant, seemed frightened and even showed signs of aggression at times. Faced with behaviour she had not previously encountered, Stina had to reconstruct her approach and find new ways to connect.

Building the connection

For weeks to come, Stina had spent time observing the herd dynamics without interference and began to get insight into the horses’ language. “I did not want to use force. I intended to find a way to communicate with the horses. I wanted to help them relax and enjoy my company and the reason-

able challenges I presented to them. I studied with Carolyn Resnick, but most of all I studied my horses. I learned to wait for them to interact with me. While hanging out with them, I made them move a bit forward, showed them the way to the fruit trees, and sometimes I picked fruit for them. We built mutual trust and I copied their companionship interactions. The bond grew as I was learning their language. I became one with the herd.” said Stina.

With the most difficult times already behind them (even though the learning never really ends), this admirable woman and her herd are now at a point of visible harmony, trust and joy in their interaction. They are a delight to watch moving together in synch and offering a spectacle of deep union. “Sometimes I just sit in the moonlight with the horses, watching the stars while feeling their breath and listening to the deep sounds of the rain forest.”, says Stina.

I really enjoyed my walks to the

beach with Stina and her herd and captured their playfulness on camera, while contemplating the deep trust they have for each other.

More so, these horses are now very open and welcoming of all humans. I felt so much peace and joy around them, I could not wait for the mornings to come, so I could visit them again. I was very touched by their gentleness and could see my own soul in their loving eyes.

The horses came this far simply because a human was willing to be there for them in the most understanding and compassionate of ways.

Stina as Teacher Stina’s profound knowledge built through the interaction with her rescues is now an inspiration to many. Students from around the world visit Richmond Vale where Stina teaches the language of horses and how to work with them at liberty.

I bring horses and humans together in harmony through a connection built on friendship, trust and respect.

“ ”

“I bring horses and humans together

in harmony through a connection built on friendship, trust and respect. I teach about how to have better relationships in life from what you learn from horses. I show you how to win a horse’s respect, how to keep a horse interested in learning and performing and how to create a perfect connection with them on a daily basis.”, says Stina.

Every December, Stina also offers the unique ‘Sahaja Liberty Training Clinic and Retreat’. To my delight, she invited me to co-host this year’s clinic (December 1-5, 2018).

“I am very excited to have Manuela join me to co-teach so we can add more feminine and spiritual elements. Manuela’s amazing photography will also gift the participants with some very unique moments and memories that are likely to be life changing.” exclaims Stina. I look forward to creating magic together!

For more information, visit Stina’s website at www.stinaherberg.com

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“I want a

VACATION HOME

in the mountains!”

Have you said this before?

It might be time to consider buying a second home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, we checked it out!

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More...

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Stucco sided custom home with rock accents, on 8.2 acres backing to National Forest, imagine the endless adventures! Ten minutes to restaurants and shopping with WONDERFUL mountain views. This home is great for entertaining! Beautiful stacked rock fireplace in formal living room off kitchen. Separate formal dining room with custom cabinetry and a copper sink. Kitchen is galley style with plenty of counter space and ample cabinets and large pantry. Large master bedroom and bath are on the main floor, double sinks, walk in shower and deep tub. Downstairs has 2 game rooms, wonderful space for TV room, 2 bedrooms, office room or use as a 4th bedroom. Aspen paneling and engineered wood flooring make this a cozy home. Outside is landscaped and a greenhouse is included. Large deck has custom rock fire pit. The home has BARELY been used, only as a part time residence and has never been in the rental pool. This home is a must see!! $790,000 Laura Daniels, Laura@teampagosa.com or Erika Hampton, erika@teampagosa.com MLS 738903

Absolutely beautiful home on 35 acres bordering the San Juan National Forest in Pagosa Springs only 10 minutes to town. 3260 sq ft 3 bedroom 3 bath and 3 car garage, Native stone exterior and beautiful interior finishes. Pine covered ridge with outstanding southern exposure great for solar or greenhouse. Come enjoy the sunsets from this native stone home with many upgrades including hardwood floors throughout, tiled baths and an open gourmet kitchen including granite counter tops. Expansive windows soak up the sun and the views and also provide a bright open atmosphere and allow you to spot wildlife from most any room. Get more info and pictures from Zillow.com or the MSL listing, listed for $995,000 Jim Mudroch, Jim@teampagosa.com 1408 Ironwood Drive, MSL 733215

Exquisite finishes, custom marble and granite, vaulted Aspen ceilings, and tobacco acacia wood floors define 4000 sq.ft. of this exclusive mountain property. Located just off a paved road with a fully paved driveway, this beautifully renovated home remains privately tucked away on 20 sun-filled acres. This meticulously crafted property features open concept living at its finest and features widespread, awe-inspiring views of Pagosa Peak. A chef’s dream kitchen flows into the dining room and both living rooms – perfect for entertaining. Listed for $1,299.999 Co-Listing Debbie Loewen debbie@teampagosa. com Deborah Kerns, Deborah@teampagosa.com MLS 740172

Wow!!! Unblockable mountain views comes free with this beautiful home, hydronic heat, 2 fireplaces, newly painted, lots of storage, 2 kitchens, 2 laundries, new front patio, covered decks & patio for family BBQ or just sitting out and enjoying the fresh air and majestic mountain views, fenced for horses, pond, green house 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, separate living quarters w/your own kitchen, living room, bedroom, full bath, laundry, covered patio and your own garage, for extra guest or to rent out long or short term ect…. Only 5 minutes to the grocery store. Listed for $799,000 Deborah Kerns, Deborah@teampagosa.com MLS 734221

BRAND SPANKING NEW PAINT and FLOORINGTHROUGHOUT. Enjoy living on the golf course in this much sought after single level Meadows Golf Villa w/ VIEWS of the MOUNTAINS, GOLF COURSE & POND. Full of character and charm!!! Open SUNNY & BRIGHT living, dining & kitchen area. Kit has plenty of cabinet space, pantry, curved bar sitting area large enough for the whole family. Wrap around curved windows give a modern feel & provide incredible views in every direction. Beautiful french doors off living area open to concrete patio. See-through gas fireplace between living area & master bedroom. Enjoy morning coffee and watch the sun rise from both patios. Huge master suite has cozy gas fireplace, huge master bath w/ soaking tub, separate custom walk in shower, walk in closet, outdoor patio. Lrg 2 car garage make this Villa very project friendly. Don’t worry about the outside maintenance, landscaping or snow removal because that is taken care of by the POA. Located on a paved road w/ easy access to all that Pagosa Lakes area has to offer. Short walk to recreation center, stocked fishing lakes, walking paths, coffee shops, restaurants, brew pub, banks & grocery store. Pagosa Springs Hospital & Fire Department approx. 2 minutes away. This one will go fast so don’t wait!! Debbie Loewen, Debbie@teampagosa.com MLS 744426

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Powder Keg Ranch

...located 8.5 miles south and east of Pagosa Springs.

This 463 Deeded acres shares common boundary with San Juan National Forest on 3 sides. Tremendous views of nearby peaks include Needles, Blackhead Peak, Nipple, and Squaretop. The property features small stream fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout on approximately 800 feet of the Little Rito Blanco River. Resident wildlife include good numbers of mule deer, turkey, and Elk. Terrain is comprised of tall Ponderosa pine, Aspen, Gambel Oak, and Blue Spruce. Well maintained sheds are the only improvements, however underground electrical service and water are in place. In addition to its own attributes, Powder Keg Ranch offers immediate access to countless recreational amenities within minutes of Pagosa Springs

This ranch is unencumbred by conservation easements and can be reconfigured in a number of ways that take advantage of its scenic, recreational and agricultural amenities.