I travel the world to meet horses in unique locations and write stories about them. This is how I stumbled upon a wonderful place close to the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica, the resort my clients Jana and Darren got married at. Braco Stables is a beautiful equine operation offering horse back riding in the St Anne parish area. Under great management, the Braco horses are healthy, fantastic looking and sweet natured. Knowing I was going to spend time there, I asked Jana and Darren if they would be interested in a ‘trash the dress’ session at the stables. Luckily they both love horses and they responded to my suggestion with great excitement.

The rest is…what you see below. I do not quite have words that can do enough justice to the feeling of gratitude I experience every time I recall the hours spent together: us, the horses, the ocean.

I may have similar chances in the future. But this absolutely unique adventure will stay in my heart as a first of its kind.

Enjoy these dreamy images, Manuela.

Lucina Stables in the Northen Carpathians

Horses have always been a big part of the Romanian people’s lives. In many areas of the country men and their four legged are intimately connected and the animals are indispensable in most households.

Romanian man and Hutul stallion

I had to talk about this while staying faithful to the thread tying my equine stories together: depicting horses’ vibrant spirit and reflecting their desire to run free, regardless of their circumstances.

Hutul horses coming in for grain

The locals from the North are extremely proud of this horse, which is so relevant to their existence in the area. Lucina Stables’ crew makes sustained efforts to preserve the breed by carefully and selectively working with the blood lines.

Lucina Stables were first opened in the 1850′s by the Austrian Colonel Martin Von Hermman for the equine needs of the Austrian army. The Hutul horses are still raised there to this day and are known for their exceptional adaptability, strength and agility.

Romanian Hutul Stallion: ‘Molid’

With the exception of the breeding stallions, the horses at Lucina roam free in very large paddocks with creeks flowing through. They seem to be more aware of their free nature and they are connected with each other in a herd context while exploring their natural environment. Quite refreshing to witness.

Lucina Stables mares running free

I was able to enjoy the company of almost 60 horses, most of which were gestating mares expected to foal this spring. The energy around the group was simply extraordinary.

Mares at Lucina Stables

During my stay, one mare kept on following me around to the point where I could not even take photos as she was beside me all the time.
Before leaving I went to say goodbye to my four-legged friends. She came to me, and while I was caressing her face, more of her friends joined and it all turned into a strange, beautiful, emotional procession. I was overwhelmed and had tears rolling down my face. I did not want to go!

The experience truly brought my vision to a new level. It shifted the way I look at my equine work and is already helping me imagine new adventures.

My friend: a gorgeous Hutul mare

Opportunities present themselves to us when we are ready to embrace them and make the most out of them.
Sometimes it all begins with an intention we simply throw out there without necessarily knowing how to go about materializing it. And so we continue on with our lives. Miraculously, at some point in time, what may seem like a small event pops into our reality and a new, spectacular adventure unfolds.

Aside from photographing horses in interesting locations worldwide, I have become very keen on further understanding their nature and establishing a deeper connection with them. I was not quite ready to ride yet, so that was not the answer. The equine assisted programs seemed something I would have considered at some point in time, but I was not prepared for such an experience either.

Then, one day, out of the blue, the answer came with an ease that still makes me smile to this day: Equine Pacifica of Del Mar, California decided to follow me on Twitter. Intrigued by such a resonant name, I researched them.
I read their entire web page content while resonating with every single word. How could I not? Jane Wesson, the owner and experienced massage therapist/ energy worker was eloquently describing her one week long equine body work course.

Southern Californian Coast

Each day would begin with yoga on the beach, followed by a healthy breakfast, then the group would study the anatomy of the magnificent equus and eat some more super healthy food at lunch.
In the afternoon the students would go out to different stables in the area and practice on a variety of horses. Some of them champion racers and jumpers.

Surfer riding the wave at sunset in Laguna Beach, California

Wow, how perfect would that be, I thought? I just saw myself there…on the beach…being close to horses…connecting with like minded human beings.
So I called Jane. I remember having a warm, joyous feeling throughout our conversation. Which confirmed this was meant to be. I went with that instinct and booked my trip. Not even two months later I was landing in San Diego with a deep sense of anticipation.

Sun dissolving into the ocean in Laguna Beach, California

Jane Wesson of Equine Pacifica (joined by other beach residents) enjoying morning Yoga

Jane and her Equine Pacifica students happily doing a morning run on the beach (yours truly would normally attend when not taking photos)

After exploring the magnificent coast for a few days, I joined the other students and together we began a wondrous, unexpected journey. At the end of which we emerged as deeply changed human beings, connected to something deeper within ourselves, with even greater admiration for the spirit of our larger-than-life four legged friends and cherishing new found friendships.

Savory vegetarian lunch served during the week long course at Equine Pacifica

The week long course has delivered quality on all levels to the point where our expectations (if any) were far exceeded.

Jane Wesson of Equine Pacifica uses essential oils with horses with profound effects on the animals

Barn buddies at Sunset Horse Ranch in Del Mar, California

Jane Wesson of Equine Pacifica demonstrates front leg massage technique at the Clearwater Farm in Encinitas, California

Jane Wesson and Equine Pacifica student at Dove Hollow stables, Encinitas California

Jane Wesson of Equine Pacifica demonstrates ear massage technique at Dove Hollow in Encinitas, California

Jane Wesson has a real talent at sharing her knowledge. As simple as this may sound, it is not always the easiest thing to do. Yet she is really gifted at showing others what love and respect for horses can accomplish. And the animals do love her back and are not shy to express their gratitude in the sweetest of all ways.

Jane Wesson of Equine Pacifica and Zazou, Grand Prix champion of Southern California

I can only thank Jane for having opened a new, magnificent portal into my reality. One I gladly chose to step through with her amazing guidance.
I have happily worked with horses since. My soul has expanded and I am grateful I now have the ability to give back to some of the most inspiring beings I have ever met.

Yours truly performing her version of equine body work magic in Del Mar, California. (photo taken by Jane Wesson)

And of course, one of the many rewards for having gone there and done that.

Hope to see them again very soon.