Hillary has been with Robyn for over three years. She is a pre-med student at the
University of Washington and an accomplished rider. What little free time Hillary
has is spent with her two horses, Chanel and Magic, and helping out at the barn a
couple days a week. She loves kids and was a natural to assist Robyn with the children’s
lesson program and summer day camps. We are grateful to have such a dedicated and
reliable person on our team!
Other two-legged characters around the barn
David & Donnell Boyd – Proprietors Horse Haven At Bear Creek
Mylissa Kowalski - Volunteer and Artist
Mylissa rides and volunteers at Equine Life Solutions. When she is not with us,
you can usually find her painting. As an artist, her inspiration comes from the
wildlife and scenery that surrounds her and the animals and people she meets.
"I'm very lucky that in my surroundings I can find nature’s beauty. If I'm in need
of ideas I only need to look outside my door or spend some time with the many horses
at Horse Haven.”
The Boyd’s have been animal lovers all of their lives. In 2006, David left the corporate
world and purchased Doggy Haven Resort. Donnell fell in love with the ranch next
door, and when it went on the market 2 years later, she left her corporate job and
created Horse Haven At Bear Creek. It is not unusual to see Donnell out in the barn
mucking a stall or two or David loving on a current Doggy Haven lodger.
“We are so grateful to be blessed with the gift of getting to be around and help
care for these wonderful and amazing creatures.”
Nate Jensen – Caretaker
Nate the Great!
Nate and his wife Mary worked together for several years managing a thoroughbred
breeding facility. Leaving was difficult, but the sale of the property which necessitated
their leaving was our good fortune.
Nate and Mary come to us with over 25 years experience caring for the well-being
of horses. While Nate’s main job is to care for all of the day-to-day needs of the
horses and property, he is always ready to lend a helping hand to a client, vet or
farrier. I don’t think there are horses anywhere sleeping in as clean a barn as Nate
keeps.
Mary is our resident ‘cookie queen’ keeping everyone’s sweet tooth completely satisfied.
Michelle Melton – Assistant Instructor
Michelle has been with Robyn since 2006 and was instrumental in the start-up venture
of Equine Life Solutions and Horse Haven at Bear Creek. Michelle’s patient instruction
has started many students on their journey of horsemanship and she also assists intermediate
to advanced students working through special obstacles.
A Natural Horsewoman in her own right, Michelle enjoys that special bond with her
equine partner, Ginger. Michelle has helped Ginger work through many trust issues
and she is now a willing partner. Michelle is an accomplished trail rider and also
assists Robyn with her Trail Training program.
Claire Adamson - Natural Horsemanship Instructor
Claire grew up with wide open space in York, England.
Because all her dreams revolved around horses, Claire's career
led to travel to the U.S. to study Natural Horsemanship under Pat Parelli. Realizing
that she loved teaching she returned to her childhood passion - horses.
Robyn Smith – Instructor and Equine Life Solutions Director
Connecting Humans with Horses
Robyn has been involved with horses for over 40 years. As a teenager she rode QH/TB
crosses, competing in rodeo games, including bareback barrel racing. This training
developed the extreme balance needed to compete in such challenging sports. More
recently, Robyn has ridden Endurance, Competitive Trail, and Dressage.
Robyn’s deep appreciation and respect for horses led her to Natural Horsemanship,
which she views as the most comprehensive way of communicating and being with horses.
As a Registered Nurse with a background in anatomy and physiology, Robyn emphasizes
the importance of balanced riding through Natural Horsemanship training.
"I believe that no matter what saddle you put on your horse, or what style of riding
you choose, Natural Horsemanship is the best foundation training. Relationship building
and riding a balanced, independent seat creates a willing, interactive equine partner."
Robyn has successfully rescued, fostered, and adopted more than 25 horses and placed
each animal into a loving home that appreciates Natural Horsemanship as a life-long
journey.
