About Ellie Insley
RAINBOW CHASER
Nature Lover, Facilitator
“The horses and I bridge worlds: We help people connect to the natural world, their inner world, and the outer world of family and career. For many we can help bridge to the world of spirit as well.”
As a landscape architect and natural habitat restoration specialist, Ellie brings to her programs a deep, abiding love of the earth and all its creatures, and a capacity to work successfully with people from all walks of life.
“Growing up in Maryland, I began riding at a very young age, usually bareback across the rolling fields and woodlands. Traveling through the natural world on the back of a horse satisfied a deep need to be connected with the earth, and set the tone for my future career with the land and with horses.
My insatiable curiosity has taken me on an interesting career path with several important shifts, as I clarified my passion and purpose. After studying political philosophy in college, I took a side trip into the world of finance, and spent several years working as a corporate banker. While the banking world gave me a great professional education, I yearned for a more creative career closer to nature. Moving to California I earned a masters degree in Landscape Architecture, finally settling into a career in natural habitat restoration in the Bay Area.
Much of my restoration work has involved collaborating closely with landowners, helping them restore the natural function of their land. I had the pleasure of monitoring each revitalized landscape for several years, witnessing the changes as the native vegetation and wildlife returned. Unexpectedly at first, when visiting the rejuvenated native habitats, I would feel an overwhelming sense of joy emanating from the newly flourishing web of life. Tuning into this sensation helped me realize that restoring the land created potential for healing all those who pass through.
“The horses remind us that the real answers are in our hearts. They teach us to tune to all of nature when we need support. With horses there are no words, yet there is profound communication. One can access the vast knowledge and support available beyond speech and thought.”
In 2005 events in my life inspired a new shift. While coping with grief from the loss of both parents, I encountered the book “The Tao of Equus” by Linda Kohanov. First as a student of Linda's, and later studying with Ariana Strozzi, I entered the field of healing with horses, finally becoming certified in Equine Guided Education in 2010. The work with the horses encouraged me to listen to my body and to explore a number of healing modalities to support my own health and those of my horses, family and friends. Among the teachers that have formed the core of my healing approach are Linda Tellington Jones whose deeply intuitive TTouch techniques support horses and people; Lynda Caesara who teaches energy healing and ceremony; and Jisho Warner, a wise and wonderful Zen Buddhist priest at Stone Creek Zen Center. In addition I’ve received certification in Gyrokenesis, a nurturing movement practice. With these practices I have grounded my life and work upon a solid physical and spiritual foundation, and can offer support to others wishing to nurture themselves.
In this journey of life and career I faced many moments of challenge and choice, and learned to listen to my body, the natural world and the horses for inspiration, guidance, and direction. My goal is to provide a safe environment to help others along their journey.”