Over the arc of my career I have worked as: a fitness professional, public speaker, university lecturer on the mind-body connection, non-profit fundraiser, integrated marketing communications specialist, and more. It took a midlife trifecta of a divorce, unemployment and a fall at the top of a mountain to finally re-orient my life toward my passion: horses.

 

My mission is to make a difference in the lives of horses and their guardians by creating heart-centered connections that support the return to harmony. My whole-horse body-work focuses on equine acupressure, myofascial release, massage (including shiatsu, tui na and trigger point), and Reiki Shinpiden level (animal and human). I also like to share my love of HeartMath, T-Touch,  energy work and other amazing modalities to improve how guardians connect with their own horses.

 

I am a certified HeartMath Coach and Mentor and a former associate instructor at Elemental Acupressure. And, my most meaningful work is providing compassionate comfort-care to horses, their guardians and herd-mates as an end-of-life doula…offering harmony in life and in death.

 

Click the link to read testimonials from a few happy clients.

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As a life-long learner I attend workshops, clinics and trainings with the motivation to provide the best care for the horses and my clients. While on-going education and training are a priority, my greatest teachers are the horses themselves and for that I am grateful.  Some of the organizations and teachers that have influenced me the most include:

• Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute (graduate of practitioner program)

• Elemental Acupressure (former Associate Instructor)

• Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki created by Kathleen Prasad of Animal Reiki Source® (Shinpiden, Okuden and Teacher certification)

• Mark F. Barnes Equine Myofascial Release (MFR) level 1 & 2

• HeartMath® (Certified Mentor/Coach)

• Whole Horse Trimming and Certification with Ida Hammer (Certified)

• Donkey hoof trimming with Megan Hensley 

• Daisy Bicking School of Integrative Hoofcare (continuing education)

• Anna Breytenbach and Brad Laughlin 

• Tamara Thomas

• Stormy May

• Nick Pole 

• Mark Rashid

• Brent Graef

• Therasage 

• Epala with Juli Lynch

• Robin Salerno

• Kirsten Nelsen

• Anna Blake

• Andrea Datz

• Tamara Parr

• Linda Tellington-Jones of T-Touch

• Horse Speak with Sharon Wilsie

• Wendy Murdoch, creator of Sure Foot pads 

• Ida Hammer, Pete Ramey and Yogi Sharp

• Jillian Kreinbring

• Tami Elkayam

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I also maintain membership in a variety of organizations, including:

• Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (insurance and membership)

• International Association for Animal Hospice & Palliative Care

• National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage

• Shelter Animal Reiki Association

• Wisconsin Horse Council 

• Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners 

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As a practitioner of Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki created by Kathleen Prasad of Animal Reiki Source®, I also volunteer my time as a member of SARA (Shelter Animal Reiki Association). SARA is a non-profit organization that teaches and promotes the Let Animals Lead® Method of Reiki created by Kathleen Prasad, which uses meditation practices. The goal is to create a peaceful, healing environment within shelters and other animal care settings. Working closely with staff and volunteers of shelter/rescues, veterinarians, and service organizations the work helps create a positive healing space for all.

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Finally, if you are wondering where the name came from...Red Dog Ranch is named in memory of my beloved Golden Retriever, Ella, who embodied all that is good in the world: she approached every day with an infectious love of life, exhibited gentle compassion toward all living creatures and created a special connection with each and every person she met; all the qualities I strive to embody in my work and life.

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My husband, Tim, and I live at Red Dog Ranch with our rescue family: three horses (Copper the Buckskin, Romeo the Thoroughbred and Pye the majestic red roan), Hamish and Milo the standard donkeys, two cats (Elmer and Felix) and our Golden Retriever, Darcy.

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my website! I look forward to helping you and your horse enjoy more time together.

~ Sam MacLean

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