Cowgirl confidence is an attitude.

Tenderness and toughness.

It’s available to all, even if you’ve never touched a horse.

It’s time to touch a horse. 

When I was promoted to accounting supervisor at an energy company at 22, I mistakenly believed my superior leadership skills were responsible. Nearly a decade later, horses taught me that I was a technically competent accountant and a poor leader who alternated between bribery and bullying. When I became more self-aware and made my actions congruent with my emotions, my horses began to trust me as someone who would keep them safe. The most amazing thing is that ALL my relationships improved with this knowledge.

My love and respect for the horses caused me to learn a different way of showing up: more compassionately and respectfully. As I became a leader the horses chose to follow, I also learned to trust myself to make good decisions for myself and others. Since then, I am grateful for the opportunity to share these lessons from amazing teachers who live in the moment and seek nothing more than to get back to grazing after a scare. We have a lot to learn from these majestic creatures and the people that love and care for them.

Does your busy life leave you with little time for reflection? Are you longing for deeper connection with yourself and others?

Gift yourself with a peaceful day in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains.  With the support of the gentle equine teachers at Homeplace Ranch, you can learn to unbridle your brilliance and develop a new style of leadership, one based on keeping yourself – and each other – safe.

This intimate hands-on experience is limited to eight participants. Don’t miss out!

What makes horses special?

Most people are aware that animals can help people feel better. What makes horses particularly helpful in personal development?

• They are prey animals, not predators. Living “in the moment” is necessary for their survival.
• They are very aware of emotion and intention in the people that interact with them.
• Despite their heightened awareness of danger, horses seek calmness and quickly “get back to grazing.”
• Horses are big and powerful and choose to partner with people.
• Horses are amazing listeners with big hearts.
• Horses are herd animals and communicate their emotions clearly and non-verbally.

Moments captured from our retreat on August 9, 2024 at Homeplace Ranch

Photo credit to Cheryl Dust

Become part of the history at Homeplace Ranch

Nestled on ~600 acres of pristine Alberta wilderness, Homeplace Ranch continues its historical operation by offering trail rides, lessons, horse awareness programs, corporate retreats and more.

​Owned and operated by passionate horseman Mac Makenny since 1974, Homeplace Ranch is committed to giving you a real Western experience unlike any you will find elsewhere. With a focus on allowing you to bond with your horse, learn new skills, and connect to the history of the ranch and the land, you will leave the ranch with a sense of belonging and purpose. Break away from the bustle and pressures of everyday day life by immersing yourself in the experience Homeplace Ranch.​

Located between Priddis and Bragg Creek, Alberta, Homeplace Ranch is a short drive from Calgary and surrounding areas.​

Our priorities are:

1. Safety and well-being of guests and animals.

2. An enjoyable experience, that provides you with a sense of natural beauty, history and our love of horses and nature.

My credentials include:

• Certified Professtional Accountant (1991).
• Certified Practitioner of the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method (2012).
• Distinguished Toastmaster (2019, 2020, 2023).
• certificate of completion in the Foundations of Woman-Centered Coaching (2023).