Meet The Team
Amber Denis
I've had a passion for horses ever since I learned how to walk; which was with a Fisher Price horse! Growing up I always admired them and was drawn to them. It took me awhile to realize how important they were to me and how perceptive they truly are. I started pursuing my passion and love of horses on a more personal level at age 20 when I bought my first Quarter Horse Cheyenne. She was my rock, my friend, my constant through the good and the bad. When I needed to regroup and re-evaluate my life I spent time with her. I learned a lot about myself with what she reflected back at me.
Sadly, Cheyenne passed away the summer of 2024 at a ripe old age of 27, but her legacy lives on at Equi-Soul.
I rescued a horse for a companion for Cheyenne and myself a few years after owning Cheyenne. Beau is a Thoroughbred who although he never raced on a track, he has the markings and tattoo of one. He was rescued after living a year in poor conditions leaving many scars and fears. We worked together through those traumatic memories and he is now living his best life with the herd.
In the summer of 2020 we added Lilly to the herd. She came to us from Western Canada where she spent the first 4 years of her life with the Amish as a driving horse. She has recently received a few months of training to learn how to be ridden. She is such a smart girl and has enjoyed the new challenges of accepting a rider and what that means for her role with her new skills. She is not for beginners as she will need more time to adjust, but she is very willing to put in the time.
Titan came to Equi-Soul in October 2021. His history includes starting his life with the Mennonites in Southern Ontario pulling wagons and carts, to becoming a lesson and trail horse. He was used in a previous EAL program working with kids camps and soaking up all the love! He is strong and mighty, but also a big softie and happy to follow wherever you lead. If you're looking for connection, he's your guy!
Oliver joined our team in December 2021. Oliver worked previously in a therapeutic riding program. He's one of the first ones to greet you in the field and is always happy to be brushed and fussed over. He has a reputation for being one of the lazier horses on the team (hahaha!)
Our next addition comes to us from Edmonton, Alberta area. Rhea is our sweet Appaloosa mare retired from a lesson program. She joined the team in May 2022 and has been so sweet since day one. She loves connecting with people and her favorite thing is to be brushed! She will stand for hours to be brushed and fussed over!
Nova joined the team of Heroes with Hooves in July 2022. This beautiful girl was discovered near North Bay. One look and my heart sang! She is the kindest mare with a puppy dog personality that loves cuddles. There's something special about her connection to us and the feelings she instills.
Lastly Buttercup a beautiful black Percheron mare joined the herd in October 2024. She is the definition of a gentle giant. Although her size may be intimidating, she has a heart of gold! She is happy to share space or take you on a gentle ride around the property, whatever the goal she aims to please.
My journey as a coach began back in 2015 when I discovered a course being held at Heavenly Acres in Brockville. I looked into the program and was immediately drawn to it; working with horses to help people. This sounded interesting. I contacted the instructors who graciously let me volunteer for a day.
That day changed my life!
We spent the morning learning the difference between human communication and horse communication. Absolutely incredible information. The afternoon though was where the real magic happened. The instructor had me work through an exercise with one of the horses. It was about achieving a goal and identifying what was holding me back from it. The instructor guided me through the exercise as I identified the roadblocks. Then he asked me to pick one of the roadblocks to overcome. Well wouldn’t you know it, that horse moved towards the one I was considering without me saying a word, walked up and knocked it right out of the way! That was so powerful as I’d never experienced anything like it before. It showed me the true power of horses. I went home that day charged with a new purpose in life and driven to become a coach. So I did! In 2016 I hosted a coach course at Lone Wolf Farm in Burritts Rapids and started working with clients shortly after.
In 2019 I added Facilitator to my title allowing me to work with corporate groups and events. I have my certification as an Equine Assisted Personal Development Coach and Facilitator. With these certifications I can bring my love and passion for horses to people. Nothing gives me more hope and joy then having someone else experience the true empathy that horses can portray to us.
My husband and partner Terry was also certified as an EAPD coach in 2019. He primarily works with First Responders and Veterans as he has extensive personal experience as a firefighter for over 18 years. Terry and I have two sweet little boys Oliver and Taylor who keep us very busy, and we love it! We enjoy our time together as a family going on adventures, cooking and creating memories!
Karen Stephen
With 29 years of experience as a first responder, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to my work supporting others through life's challenges. My lived experience with PTSD, anxiety, and depression has given me unique insight into the realities of mental health struggles, resilience, and recovery.
In March 2025, I became a Certified Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Coach through EAL Canada, combining my passion for helping people with the powerful lessons and connections that horses can provide. Through equine-assisted learning, I support individuals in developing self-awareness, confidence, emotional regulation, communication skills, and personal growth.
My experience includes working with individuals living with autism, Down syndrome, anxiety, depression, and a variety of other mental and physical health challenges. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where people can learn, heal, and discover their strengths at their own pace.
Drawing from both my professional background and personal journey, I believe meaningful growth happens through connection, understanding, and authentic experiences. My goal is to help individuals build resilience, develop practical life skills, and move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
