Meet Lori Morman of Equine Wisdom and Coaching in Evergreen

Lori, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first became aware of equine facilitated learning and coaching as a client myself! I had been through a very difficult period in my life where there was a lot of conflict, anxiety, transition, loss and grief. I suffered from chronic migraines, depression, purposelessness, and lack of direction. I found myself in a pretty dark place that I could not navigate my way out of. I tried every remedy imaginable. I saw a therapist, tried medication, changed my diet, increased my exercise program (when I had the energy to do so), practiced yoga, went to acupuncture, added dietary supplement….you name it. None of these alone or in combination were effective.

Then I came upon a three day equine facilitated learning and coaching workshop which seemed to address much of what I had been going through, and offered the possibility of a starting point to begin moving forward out of the dark cloud. I was unfamiliar with this type of work, but I was intrigued.I had always believed in the human-animal connection and its power. I loved horses and had nothing to lose. I enrolled in the workshop figuring if it didn’t offer any solutions, I would simply add it to the list of “Things That Didn’t Work”.

I had no idea how significantly the experience would change my life and my outlook. I found the work to be pure, profound, strong and loving. I gained tools to carry the work forward into other aspects of life. My connection and experience with the horse at the workshop resonated deeply with me.

I left the workshop hungry for more. I enrolled in workshop after workshop. I read everything I could find on the subject. I enrolled in classes and began volunteering at a horse rescue. These experiences solidified in me that the work was so beautiful and powerful it should be shared. I found I wanted to be a part of that sharing.

Soon after, I applied to an Equine Facilitated Learning Coach certification program. I completed the program, graduated and am now able to share my knowledge, experience, insights and the gifts of the horses with others.

Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all!!! I entered into this journey on ground zero. The practical horse experience I had was limited to my volunteer work at the rescue. I knew nothing about life coaching other than my own experience as a client and from what I had learned and read prior to enrolling the certification program. I was starting out far behind my classmates. Most were seasoned horsewomen and/or had some degree of exposure to the concepts of life coaching. Thanks to the remarkably supportive and loving class I graduated with, I found my strength and determination to come out the other side a stronger and more independent facilitator.

After graduation, it was time to open a practice. The most important requirement for me opening my practice and bringing the work out to the world was a horse……I did not have a horse. That was a big obstacle! After doing much of my fieldwork with the rescue horses I decided it would be best for me to partner with a horse of my own. There was so much involved logistically, practically and intangibly I thought it might never happen! After many ups and downs I am grateful to have found my spectacular four-legged business partner!

My biggest challenge, however has been in my “not-knowing”. I am very happy and comfortable at work itself. It has been the “business “aspects of the business that have held me up and slowed me down. Things like marketing, finances/accounting, social media etc. are areas I with which I am unfamiliar. I have found myself frustrated at times, “not knowing what I don’t know”. This snowballs into time management. Working on my own, I need to be the one making sure all jobs are done and done well, not just the work my clients. Definitely a work in progress here!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Equine Wisdom and Coaching is equine facilitated learning and life coaching/personal growth in partnership with horses and their wisdom. This is NOT equine therapy. Rather, it is a unique opportunity for self-discovery practiced by the client, facilitated by the coach and supported by the horse. Much of the work our clients choose to focus on includes moving forward in some aspect of their life, inviting change and discovery and/or taking steps toward achieving their goals. Horses provide guidance and reflect our truth back to us without judgement, allowing the opportunity for growth. Sessions offer our clients a safe place to discover the authentic self and to move forward toward the next step of their journey.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I do think the Denver is a wonderful place for a business like mine. People in this area are generally open-minded and so many see the “outside the box” opportunities as valuable. People are generally very willing to explore and follow their hearts in different ways that will offer them an opportunity for self-discovery and self-acceptance. Being in Evergreen offers the unique benefit of a retreat from the Denver area to our beautiful setting. This area affords a great opportunity for those businesses that offer something just a little different.