About Us
We are Mark and Amy Hartwig, hard working people with the desire to share with others the gifts, blessings, and opportunities that God has given to us to live life in a healthier manner. In the uncertain world we live in, many people are left asking serious questions in regard to their life experiences and expectations. We have come to believe that many answers and understanding can come through faith, mental health treatment, and being in an environment where nature, and animals give us a sense of solstice and comfort. The services we offer of Equine Assisted Growth and Learning, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy are a way that clients can personally discover a better understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. We strive to meet clients where they are in regard to their mental, physical, and spiritual development, and are respectful of individual choices. We strive to provide an environment where people can relax, learn, and walk some healthy steps on their own path of healing, or growing as individuals.
Two years ago we moved our farm to the current location with the intention of rehabilitating the property and creating a Growth and Learning Retreat Center. In 2007 we relocated our farm of 14 years to it’s current location where we have 20 acres set into a quiet valley next to the Mud Lake Wildlife Area and Marsh. It is made up of farm field, woods, and lowlands with Spring Creek running through it. The facility is composed of a sizeable dairy style barn with horse stalls, a riding arena, several other outbuildings, our turn-of-the-century Victorian home, and a soon to be bunkhouse for guests on retreat. Wildlife is often seen here; anything from deer to several types of birds. Many improvements have been made to the property, and we are now ready to expand our program. One of our philosophies is, Life is much like a farm in that it's always a work in progress. We can't think of a better place for people to learn about living healthy lives than on a farm.
About your Equine Professional - Amy M. Hartwig
History
Amy has twenty plus years of horse experience and been teaching people to ride horses since 1993. She’s been an avid rider and a horsewoman her entire life. Her first ride on a horse was when she was three years old and truthfully a day hasn’t gone by since, that she hasn’t thought of horses in some way or another. She admits to being horse crazy.
In 2004 she became a Licensed Trainer by the Walking Horse Trainers Association, Inc. and a Certified Equine Professional by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association in 2005. Her diverse riding experience covers English Hunt Seat, Saddle Seat, Western, and in most recent years, Dressage. She has done trail riding, jumping, team penning, showing, colt breaking, and training. She’s been blessed with the opportunity to work with, and learn from, some of the best horse people in the business.
From time to time she has owned different breeds and numbers of horses including, Paint, Thoroughbred, Pinto, Tennessee Walker, Mule, Pony, Arab, and Quarter Horse, but to her “more horses” is always better. She loves to introduce her horses to people, as they are part of her family.
Training Philosophy
"I emphasize the relationship between rider and horse, as I have seen the bond between people and their animals have rewarding and far reaching effects for both. This aspect of training is too often overlooked, and is advocated by not only myself but also famous trainers such as Tom Dorrance. I believe in resistance free training and imitate the positive, passive leadership role within the herd rather than an Alpha/controlling method, when I work with horses. These methods I’ve learned from studying trainer Mark Rashid. I see the benefits in the horses in using these concepts. I love to work with horses, as much as ride them, and it is my life’s dream to help other people enjoy their horses as much as I do mine. "
"I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and several years experience in the field of social work. This along with my certification from the Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association gives me a great understanding of horses, people, and their relationship. Over many years I have learned how horses help people in not only physical ways, but emotional, mental and even spiritual ways. Whether we are riding down a trail, learning to ride better, or spending time with our horse for stress relief, horses affect us."
"Last but not least I would like to share with you that I am a Christian, and we strive to run our farm in that manner. It is by no means a requirement that you discuss religion or faith in order to come to our farm or do horse business with us. I only wish for people to know that this is a safe place where a spiritual aspect of their life can be talked about, and utilized when learning how to improve performance of both horse and rider. Be assured that your comfort level in this matter is always considered respectfully.”
"Come visit our farm, call, or check out the rest of our web site for all the services we offer. I look forward to working with you and your equine partner. "
Location
We are halfway between Milwaukee and Madison, 7 miles north of Watertown. We are approximately 3 miles off State Hwy 26, 7 miles from State Rd 60, and a 25 minute drive from Interstate 94 at Johnson Creek. Surrounding cities are Oconomowoc, Beaver Dam, Sun Prairie, and Jefferson.
