Helen Huie
Lifestyle
Helen Huie – The Empathetic Equestrian is a master’s level Counsellor with university qualifications in counselling, psychology, education and equine assisted therapy. Helen is the owner and principal counsellor at The Stables Counselling and Equine Assisted Therapy practice. Helen is passionate about supporting equestrian’s emotional wellbeing to deepen their human-horse relationships.
She has been involved with horses since the 80’s and has been involved in everything from cattle work on her family property, breaking-in horses for Arabian studs to riding dressage.
Helen currently competed in show horse, breed shows and dressage. At competitions, she recognised how much people’s emotional states impacted horses’ ability to stay calm and perform to their potential. Often seeing people who were calm and grounded at home become stressed and anxious in the public space and the flow on effect that had on their horse. Knowing that many of these people already had great horse coaches and mindset coaches she realised there was a gap in this space bringing forward The Empathetic Equestrian.
The Empathetic Equestrian is the bridge between horsemanship and equestrian coaching. Helen is a qualified therapist who can help support you have a deeper connection with your horse, through understanding yourself better. From professional riders to the mum wanting to start riding again, The Empathetic Equestrian can guide you through riding anxiety and nerves, to unlocking blocks from achieving your highest goal. Offering a unique approach of psychology, psychophysiology, neuroscience, education, evolutionary science, and equine behaviour and holistic horsemanship.
Helen currently works full time at The Stables Counselling and Equine Assisted Therapy as the Principal Counsellor. Helen has presented as an educator at the national Cowgirls Gathering and is a regular contributor to the Equestrienne Mag
Visit Helen Huie at the following sessions
Details
Thursday November 14th
Ariat Theatrette, Ariat Building
Exploring the Subconscious – How our Brain Influences Equestrian Success
Understand the hidden influences shaping your equestrian journey. Beyond the surface of rider mindset, lies a realm of subconscious barriers that may be hindering your progress in overcoming nerves, building confidence or even find motivation to ride. The session will examine the interconnected experiences of humans and horses, and how your subconscious impacts on your relationships with your horses and riding.
Delve into the emotions and behaviours that impact our riding and horsemanship, and how they are shaped by past experiences, attachment theory, psychophysiology, evolutionary biology, and play out through our nervous system and subconscious.
By unravelling the ‘why’ behind personal riding challenges, transform the way you connect with your horse. Through heightened self-awareness, participants will start a journey into a more grounded sense of self, ability, and capacity; refined feel and timing in the saddle and ultimately fostering a deeper connection with their self and horse.
Details
Sunday November 17th
EQUITANA Classroom (Royal Block)
Intention Setting and how it can Deepen the Human-Horse Connection
Experience the transformative practice of intention setting for equestrians. Riding is not just a physical activity; it’s a dynamic relationship between horse and rider, heavily influenced by the rider’s mindset and focus. Intentions go beyond a goal, to include our values, beliefs and actionable direction.
This sessions aims to explore our psychological and emotional drivers and barriers to help ground riders to their purpose and goals as a rider. Exploring aspects of identity, authenticity and self-awareness along the way.
By understanding and harnessing the power of intentions, riders can elevate their connection with their horses and enhance their overall riding experience.
