I am suffering from writer’s block — or am I?

As you may have noticed, there was no December newsletter. I could claim that this was due to my travel schedule and the busy holiday season, but I knew those were just excuses. What I was experiencing was not merely physical or mental exhaustion; it was soul-level fatigue. I felt like my soul had been working too hard to make something happen, had veered off its intended course, or maybe just needed rest, attention, and a new purpose.

I am at a time in my life when it is more important for me to do something meaningful and lasting than to gain admiring fans. Over the past few months, there have been some instances when people made me feel as if all my life's work was in vain and without value. They told me the Sacred Spaces principles are too hard, and they want something they can do to get instant results with their horse.

As you know, there are plenty of horse-training techniques that may seem to provide instant results—but at what long-term cost to the horse? Sometimes, Sacred Spaces principles take a long time because it is necessary to undo the mental, emotional, and spiritual effects this type of “Get ‘r done” training has had on a horse. Later in this newsletter, you will see how the "Get-‘r-done" mentality made Beauregard terrified of horse trailers.

Once I had given my mind, body, and soul a much-needed rest, I realized that my soul’s journey is not to change the mindsets of the larger equestrian community. I do not have to prove that the old ways are harmful or ineffective. I do not have to prove anything to anyone.

I am here to be a voice for the horse. I am here to offer another perspective and a path forward for those who wish to break free of old training paradigms. I am here to be a part of, and bear witness to, humanity's evolution.  

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. A 12-year cycle underlies the Chinese Zodiac, with each year represented by a different animal. The attributes, or traits, associated with each animal of the zodiac influence the events, societal attitudes, and outcomes of that year. Additionally, there are five elements (i.e., wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) that further shape the personalities of the zodiac animals.

A particular animal/element combination occurs every 60 years, making 2026 the year of the Fire Horse. The Fire Horse heralds a time of intense energy, renewed momentum, growth, breakthroughs, freedom, innovation, progress, bold action, and powerful change.

Some people may find inspiration in the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse; others may dismiss it as irrelevant, or merely amusing. As equestrians, the symbolism and attributes ascribed to 2026 may resonate with us in a slightly different way, given our affinity for horses.

I intend to enter the Year of the Fire Horse with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by a desire to continue to bring about changes in how we interact with, and care for, our horses. The paradigm shift in the horse world is still in its infancy. The horses need bold leaders, advocates, and innovators to continue working on their behalf.

This year, my goal is to complete a follow-up book to Sacred Spaces - Communion with the horse through science and spirit. In this book, I plan to take a much deeper dive into the topics presented in Sacred Spaces. I will include additional information, stories, and insights gained from working with clients and their horses, donkeys, and mules.

As I prepare to launch a new book, I am exploring ways to help people learn and integrate the principles more effectively. Therefore, instead of publishing the book in its entirety, I may offer it one chapter at a time with a once-a-month study group option. This format will provide readers with greater clarity about the book's concepts and the opportunity to have their questions answered. More importantly, it will connect us in a way that transcends the reading or listening experience.

Questions to consider for the January 24, 2026 Zoom meeting:

How can I become a better advocate for my horse and other equines?

What is my role in the paradigm shift that is occurring in the horse world?

As you learned in last month’s newsletter, Beauregard’s owner quickly found out that he wasn't fond of horse trailers. Beauregard’s answer, when asked to load or be near a horse trailer, was "No@#?!" followed by rearing and pulling back on the lead rope.

Barb, Beauregard’s new person, explained that his former owners had used the following tactics to get him into a trailer:

Here is a short before-and-after video of Beauregard’s trailer loading behavior. In this month’s Zoom meeting, Barb and I will discuss Beauregard’s transformation from being anxious when in the proximity of a horse trailer, to walking in calmly and confidently.

When a horse says "No," an Energetic Equestrian searches for the reason behind the resistance—they don't resort to using more force or harsher techniques. Our job, as informed and critical-thinking equestrians, is to figure out how to get the horse to say, "Yes, of course I would love to show you how well I do that!"

Trailer loading issues—like most behavioral challenges we encounter with equines—require us to transcend the one-size-fits-all training mentality. That way of thinking is part of the outdated horse-training paradigm. We must now fit the box to the horse, which means looking outside “the box” for solutions.

Beauregard’s story needs to be shared because it so beautifully demonstrates the healing power of the Sacred Space. Beauregard dared to face his greatest fear, and he conquered it. Rather, he slayed it—on his own and in relaxation!

(More will be announced when dates and locations are confirmed)

May 1-3, 2026 Mt. Crawford, VA

Email Lonnie O’Baugh at [email protected] or text her at 540-292-5666

May 15-17, 2026 St. Louis, MO

Email Barbara Dove at [email protected]

July 13-17, 2026 Ty Evans Mule Week

Guest Clinician

September 2025 marked the official launch of The Energetic Equestrian Digest.

Within the pages of this digital publication, I explore topics from science to energy and spirituality. Each issue will include evidence-based and/or theoretical articles and equine-related stories. In addition, there’ll be a light-hearted editorial column, compliments of Cotton the donkey.

All of the articles in the digest will represent a fusion of science with spirituality, as one without the other gives us an incomplete picture of our human experience. Rest assured, all articles will be AI-free!

I have been an enthusiastic consumer of information for most of my life, with far-ranging interests including horses, the environment, psychology, energy, the brain, and consciousness. While pursuing these interests, I earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Environmental Science, and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

I also have certifications in a number of energy and mental training modalities and techniques. I consider myself quite fluent in the language of energy!

In my former life, I raised Morgan horses and Scottish Highland Cattle on my ranch in western Colorado. I showed many of my horses, achieving local, national, and world championships in various performance-related disciplines.

While working on my Ph.D., I studied the role of early childhood trauma on mental, emotional, and physical health outcomes. My understanding of the effects of trauma is vital to my work with equines. The devastating impact of trauma on our equines is far too common, but also highly preventable if we follow science-based and energetically-aware training methods, such as the ones I teach in my Sacred Spaces work.

Virtual Zoom Session

A private Zoom session is a great opportunity for you and your equine partner to experience the Sacred Space. In a Zoom session, I offer:

The potency of energy is not affected by distance. Many clients comment that the energetic effects are just as strong during a virtual session as during an in-person one.

Sacred Spaces Gathering

Gatherings offer both people and equines an opportunity to experience Sacred Spaces principles and techniques in a safe and supportive environment.

At a Gathering, you’ll learn more about energy, energetic horse training, and how to commune with your equine partner.

Consider joining the Sacred Spaces/Sacred Wisdom Facebook community where we share heartwarming stories, struggles, and victories on our path to becoming our horse’s “once in a lifetime human.”

© 2026 Susan D. Fay Ph.D., LLC. All rights reserved.