A unique equine event for riders and trainers in all disciplines will take place June 30 and July 1 at Iowa State University via live webcast of presentations, panel discussion, concert, art show, and interactive learning forums. The Voice of the Horse Conference explores the horse-human relationship in an innovative format that facilitates active learning by all participants, with presentations by internationally-known clinicians, trainers and other equine professionals.
Jo Belasco, head of the Horse-Human Relationship Program of Tapestry Institute, the nonprofit research and education organization producing the conference, says, “People have such unique experiences with their horses, whether they compete, ride for the sheer joy of it, or watch horse events. There has never been a gathering of horse people where these experiences could be shared and explored. Now there is. Not only will we share stories with some of the top horse professionals in the world, but participants onsite and from their homes, offices, and barns will share their stories online, creating a new understanding of the horse-human relationship together and launching a new community that will further explore this amazing relationship. It’s not about one person telling someone what that relationship is about; it’s all of us coming together and learning about it together.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of the Voice of the Horse Conference,” says Jane Savoie, Barcelona Olympic dressage squad member, who is also an Olympic coach and internationally-known author and speaker. “I believe this is a unique opportunity for horse lovers in all riding disciplines to reflect, learn, and rediscover how horses have impacted their lives in amazing and varied ways. The versatile panel of speakers, who will bring a wide range of viewpoints and experiences to this event, are sure to make this an unforgettable experience for all who attend–whether onsite or online.”
Other presenters at the Voice of the Horse Conference include: Phillip Whiteman, Jr. (Northern Cheyenne), founder of the “Medicine Wheel Model to Natural Horsemanship,” North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) founder Marj Kittredge, singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphey of “Wildfire” fame, Pulitzer Prize-nominated Chickasaw author Linda Hogan, and equine artist Kim McElroy.
