Our stories
Equine Assisted Learning in Ojai, CA
Cindy Hanson
Equine Facilited Learning Practitioner
Each of these teachers has contributed to the way I show up—with grounding, intuition, openness, and a genuine commitment to holding a judgment-free space.
Horses have been a lifelong love of mine, a quiet guiding force since childhood. When I moved to Ojai in 2019, I finally had the opportunity to bring that passion fully to life. What began as a long-held dream has since evolved into a deeply meaningful practice—one I’m honored to now share with others.
My passion is helping people uncover something true and extraordinary within themselves. Sometimes that discovery feels uplifting and energizing; other times it invites us to stretch into uncomfortable places or become quiet enough to notice the subtle truths we often overlook. But on the other side of that courage is a sense of growth, empowerment, and joy that’s entirely your own. That’s the magic of this work—and the gift that horses so generously offer.
Mr. Doogie and Me
I’m Cindy, the founder of Equine Enlighten—a place where people come to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover themselves through the compassionate wisdom of horses surrounded by the beauty of Ojai.
For many years, I’ve curated high-level, deeply transformative experiences for individuals seeking to live with more presence, connection, clarity, and authenticity. That same level of care, intuition, and excellence now lives at the heart of my equine-facilitated learning work.
I hold a certification with Linda Kohanov’s Eponaquest and am continually inspired by the teachings of Warwick and Robin Schiller, Buck Brannaman, and other thoughtful voices in conscious horsemanship. I also completed a mentorship with Sara Fancy of Silver Horse, whose approach has also been influential in my understanding of intuitive, energy-based work.
Mr. Doogie
Chief Equine Facilitator and Cindy's Boss
Mr. Doogie and Cindy first crossed paths thanks to a riding instructor and a Facebook post from Coastal Horse Rescue. Cindy was most definitely not ready to adopt a horse—until she saw him. After emailing, calling, and texting the rescue (and hearing nothing back for an excruciating twenty minutes), she jumped in her car and drove straight there, determined to meet him… even if it required some creative gate-entry methods.
When she finally met Mr. Doogie, he didn’t greet her with warmth or curiosity. Instead, he offered a reserved, appraising look that clearly said, “I don’t know you, and I’m not sure I want to.” After everything he’d recently endured, it made perfect sense—trust wasn’t something he was ready to give freely.
Over the next three years, though, that quiet dignity softened into an honest, steady friendship. They learned each other’s rhythms, earned each other’s trust, and built a bond that now feels unshakeable. Today, they are true partners—and Cindy can’t imagine her life without him.
Born overseas in 1999, Mr. Doogie was once a very fancy, accomplished show horse. His exact birthplace is unknown, but Cindy likes to imagine it was Spain—an origin story that suits his elegant, worldly aura. After landing in some difficult situations, including escaping a Malibu fire by jumping a fence, Coastal Horse Rescue stepped in. Their care not only saved him but set him on the path to the work he loves most today.
Now, Mr. Doogie enjoys the finer things: watching other horses exercise with serene intensity, offering enigmatic looks that might be approval, judgment… or simply contemplation of snacks. He thrives on being admired and pampered at the tie rail—tell him he’s handsome and he’ll agree with you. Bring treats and he’ll remember you forever. He loves kids, dogs, rolling in sand (or mud), alfalfa hay, and—above all—his beloved feed bucket.
He takes genuine pride in his EAL work and always looks forward to meeting new people. Beneath his calm presence and worldly charm is a horse who has lived many lives, learned many lessons, and still shows up each day with a wide-open, generous heart.
In the end, behind all the dignity and mystique, Mr. Doogie is simply a horse with the biggest, softest heart—and he’s remarkably good at sharing it.