Meet Our Herd
Octavia
Octavia is a dapple grey mare who was born in Illinois. Her father’s name is Maruka and he was a very fancy pony! Her mother is a Holsteiner mare named Oasis.
Octavia has been working at Mane Source since 2019, and is our veteran equine therapist here now! Read more about Octavia’s story below:
Octavia’s Journey: From Resistance to Connection
Life is full of unexpected lessons. Sometimes, those lessons come from the most surprising places—like a horse named Octavia. Her story is one of transformation, not just for her, but for me as well.
When Octavia first came into my life, she was 12 years old and had lost trust in humans after some difficult experiences in different training barns. Though she had once been an eager learner and a joy to train, by the time I met her, things had changed. She had become disconnected, shutting down under pressure, and developed a habit of throwing riders. It was clear that Octavia didn’t like her job anymore, and she was letting everyone know it.
After years of trying to find a role that suited her, Octavia’s previous owner and I decided to try something new—equine-assisted learning (EAL). I hoped the change in environment and the different type of work might help her reconnect. But when Octavia arrived at the farm, she seemed overwhelmed by the new surroundings and disengaged from the work. I’ll admit, I started to doubt whether EAL would be a good fit for her.
Then, in early 2020, everything changed—both for the world and for Octavia. With the COVID-19 pandemic bringing life to a standstill, I suddenly had time to focus on building a relationship with her. Over months of slow, patient groundwork, something shifted. Octavia began to trust me, and in turn, I let go of my expectations and simply listened to her.
By learning to communicate on her terms, Octavia showed me that she didn’t want to be ridden. She didn’t want to be forced into a role that made her uncomfortable. Instead, she thrived in her new role as a therapy horse—working with people from the ground, helping them navigate their emotions, and offering a calm, non-judgmental presence.
Today, Octavia is an integral part of our EAL program. She teaches clients the importance of boundaries, patience, and mutual respect. Watching her transform from a horse who hated her job to one who loves connecting with humans in a therapeutic setting has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Octavia’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, we need to stop pushing for the results we think we need and simply be present. She’s shown me that horses are not tools—they are sentient beings, capable of teaching us profound lessons, if only we’re willing to listen.
Tia
Tia’s story is one of resilience and transformation. As an Oldenburg mare, she has a grace and presence that captures the hearts of everyone who meets her, but her journey has not been an easy one. Tia joined the MSC herd on a foggy, rainy day two days before Thanksgiving of 2021.
Tia’s Story: From Isolation to Connection
Tia came to us later in life, having changed hands multiple times. Each transition left her a bit more wary of people, and the memories of her past linger in her nervous system. It’s clear that she’s experienced environments that weren’t always safe, leaving her with a sensitivity that makes her easily dysregulated. This translates into her daily life—Tia is a “hard keeper.” When she feels stressed, she can lose her appetite, making it a challenge to keep her healthy and thriving. Unlike many horses who might be motivated by food, Tia finds it hard to focus on nourishment when anxiety takes hold.
Her claustrophobia adds another layer to her personality. Tia thrives in open spaces, and her preference for a gentle, consent-based approach to work has been crucial in helping her feel secure. This method not only honors her boundaries but also allows her to express her needs, fostering a bond built on trust.
Despite her challenges, Tia is a remarkable teacher. Through her own journey of learning to regulate her nervous system, she has become a guiding light for others—both horses and humans alike. In her presence, people find a safe space to explore their own anxieties and learn about the intricacies of emotional regulation.
As the matriarch of the herd, Tia has embraced her role with grace and authority. She watches over the younger horses, guiding them and setting boundaries, ensuring that everyone feels safe within their social structure. Her wisdom and experience provide a stabilizing force, and her gentle nudges keep her companions in line.
Tia’s story is one of healing and growth—not just for herself, but for all those fortunate enough to be a part of her life. Each day, she continues to teach us about resilience, the importance of consent, and the beauty of nurturing a calm, safe space for growth. In Tia, we see the power of compassion and the profound impact of understanding one another’s journeys.
Sophia
Meet Sophia, my sidekick and faithful friend who is almost always by my side, unless she’s busy greeting our visitors. Sophia has an incredible ability to sense when people are feeling afraid or sad, making her an integral part of the sessions I conduct in the office. Her intuition and gentle presence provide comfort and support to those in need. Sophia also loves her equine friends and thrives in the vibrant life on the farm. Her companionship is invaluable, and her contributions to our therapeutic environment are immeasurable.
Sugar
Sugar’s bio is coming soon!
Eddie
Meet Eddie, our beautiful spotted Appaloosa mini. His personality is as vibrant as his colors, ensuring that everyone notices his presence. Eddie excels at helping people stay grounded and in the moment, always keeping them aware of themselves in the here and now. His lively character and grounding influence make him a cherished member of our herd. Eddie is here on loan from the lovely and talented Susan Lally.
Anne Bonnie (Annie)
Meet Annie, Eddie’s older and wiser sidekick, who is as sweet as can be—unless you find yourself between her and dinner. Annie delights in long walks in the woods with her preferred human, yet she’s just as happy entertaining herself with games and chasing Eddie around the pasture. Despite having had surgery before joining MSC and missing an eye, Annie is more aware of her surroundings than any horse I know. Her keen awareness and spirited personality make her a remarkable and cherished companion. Annie is generously on loan from the wonderful Susan Lally.
More MSC Staff
Oscar
Meet Oscar, our charming barn cat who has made it his mission to keep our barn mouse-free. Oscar is not just an efficient mouser; he’s also a beloved member of our community. He loves being around people and is the most cuddly cat we know, always ready for a snuggle or a gentle pet. Despite his affectionate nature, Oscar is fiercely independent and wily, embodying the perfect balance of companionship and self-reliance. Whether he’s on the prowl or curled up in your lap, Oscar brings warmth and character to our barn.
Cupid
Meet Cupid, our vibrant panther chameleon who arrived under dire circumstances, requiring an emergency trip to the exotic vet within his first week with us. After months of being handfed crickets and receiving meticulous care for his humidity and temperature needs, Cupid has made a remarkable recovery and is now flourishing. He absolutely loves human interaction and eagerly latches onto the front of his cage whenever someone comes to visit. His personality is beyond anything we ever imagined for a reptile, as Cupid is clearly a people lover who brings joy and fascination to everyone he meets.
Want To Meet A Member Of The Herd In Person?
Click below to find out about how you can do just that. From individual and group therapy or wellness coaching sessions to specialized workshops and events – we guarantee you can find your next step in growth right here.
