At the heart of Wisdom Horse's transformative experiences is a team led by Isabella (Boo) Martin, the visionary founder and lead consultant. With a Master's degree in Organization and Management and certification as a Corporate Facilitator by the Equine Experiential Education Association, Boo brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of excellence in the horse industry. Her leadership has sustained the farm's success for over 50 years, a testament to her belief in the power of teamwork and the strategic harnessing of team strengths.Boo's philosophy centers on recognizing and nurturing the unique abilities of each team member, a principle that has cultivated a loyal and effective workforce. Her extensive experience in leading diverse retreats for 45 years, coupled with her insights into group and family dynamics as a mother and grandmother, enriches Wisdom Horse's programs with depth and empathy.
Boo's philosophy centers on recognizing and nurturing the unique abilities of each team member, a principle that has cultivated a loyal and effective workforce. Her extensive experience in leading diverse retreats for 45 years, coupled with her insights into group and family dynamics as a mother and grandmother, enriches Wisdom Horse's programs with depth and empathy.
Supporting Boo is a cadre of Co-Facilitators, each selected for their specialized credentials from nationally recognized organizations. These facilitators are deeply familiar with the farm and its horses, tailored to meet the specific needs of different groups and individuals. Their diverse backgrounds enable Wisdom Horse to address a broad spectrum of client needs, enhancing the personalization of each session.
Equine Specialists play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both participants and horses. Their expertise in equine behavior and handling adds an essential layer of security to the sessions, while their spirit of fun and creativity enriches the overall experience. Together, the team at Wisdom Horse embodies a blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication, fostering an environment where every interaction is an opportunity for growth and discovery.
She says, "I value teamwork over all else and know that the right team can successfully tackle any challenge. I firmly believe in identifying team members’ strengths and then allowing them the opportunity to fully live into these strengths. This has been a winning strategy that developed effective employees remaining loyal to our organization for years"
Armed with a Masters in Organization & Management, she has worked for fivedecades as a certified camp director, internationally certified therapeutic ridinginstructor, founder of a nationally known nonprofit, and successful businessowner, Boo is also an internationally certified Equine Experiential Educator andCoach. She currently is an E3A Board Member. As the owner of Stepping Stones6Farm & Retreat Center, she is eager to work with people from diversebackgrounds of all ages and in partnership with horses and co-facilitators.
People development is part of my DNA.
As a certified professional coach, my focus is on championing your success. I believe in creating a coaching relationship within a safe space, designed to foster growth through memorable and unique experiences.
My approach is driven by three key principles:
This methodology has consistently empowered my clients and teams, honed through 36 years of work experience in over 100 countries across diverse industries. Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership roles ranging from precinct commander in the Police, Chief Ethics Officer at the world’s largest professional services firm, to leading a sales organization in a $2B market.
Rev. Shayna Appel is a retired minister with plural standing in both the United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist Association. a retired firefighter paramedic, Shayna now serves First Responders as both a fire department chaplain and a critical incident stress responder. As a lifelong horse person, Shayna’s focus is on developing deep relationships with horses. Working as a facilitator with Wisdom Horse at Stepping Stones Farm and Retreat Center brings many of Shayna’s gifts together, enabling her to work closely with horses and people to be their best selves.
Moderator; Hillsborough Association, NHCUCC
Chaplain; Townsend (MA) and Peterborough (NH) Fire & Rescue; Granite State Critical Incident Response Team, MA CORPS of Fire Chaplains and UU Trauma Response Team.
Janis Cooper is a certified Equine Coach and Facilitator with dual Equine Learning Certifications including a Level II E3A Facilitator. With 30 years of leadership and team-building experience across the corporate, high-tech, and non-profit sectors, including at the Executive level, Janis brings a diverse and dynamic skill set to her work. She currently is in charge of leadership and staff development programs at Best Friends Animal Society, a 900+ employee nonprofit organization. She has also designed and implemented wellness initiatives to promote the well-being of the Best Friends Animal Society staff.-being.
Beyond her professional roles, Janis has served on the board of two non-profit organizations, including four years as an executive board member of the International Equine Experiential Education Association. Her expertise in Positive Intelligence and Equine-Assisted Learning equips her to drive meaningful, transformative change for individuals and teams alike. She also holds a certification in DISC, CliftonStrengths and Appreciation Inquiry. Janice is a life-long horsewoman who has an abiding sense of respect and appreciation for the gifts that horses bring to humans.
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James Wilson is a Texan by birth, and a New Yorker by choice. Based in Queens, James works with individuals and teams to help them connect to themselves and others, leading to positive change in their work and personal life. He believes that horses can help humans in many ways, and partners with horses to conduct equine activities in his coaching and leadership work.
James is fortunate to have had a diverse career, from retail buying and planning to non-profit management. He has led teams large and small to accomplish audacious things. As Director of Operations and Executive Director at GallopNYC, New York City’s premiere Therapeutic Riding Facility, he led the organization to new heights, helping expand ridership, volunteer capacity, budget, and physical locations.
He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Texas A&M University in Agribusiness and Marketing, respectively, and is an E3A certified practitioner, certified professional life coach, a CHA certified Equine Facility Director, and CHA EFM Assistant Certifier.
Horses have thrived for 55 million years by responding to environmental feedback and communicating through body language. Hyper vigilant and social, they have awell-honed herd hierarchy, teaching us how to live in harmony with others. Since 3,500 BC, horses have partnered with humans. Wisdom Horse offers amodern approach to this partnership. Participants must show up as congruentbeings because horses can’t be fooled. By learning new herd behaviors andteamwork, organizations and individuals can thrive in today’s world.Through carefully planned unmounted activities, participants learn andimmediately apply their knowledge. Horses provide instant, non-judgmentalfeedback, making learning “stickier” and more effective. This multi-sensory, realtime learning approach offers a higher ROI compared to traditional methods likeclassroom lectures, corporate presentations, or wellness podcasts.Partner with horses to learn, grow, and transform
Affectionately known as,” Pokey”, she came to us as a rescue from NorthCarolina. After many months of gentle care, she has learned to trust people again. She is a Miniature Horse, standing 30” tall. Though small in size, she is mighty in personality. She is the perfect choice for someone who is unfamiliar with horses.
“Chili” lives up to her name as the leader of the herd. She is a bright chestnutQuarter Horse with great curiosity, personality and spirit. She loves people anddoing the Wisdom Horse work because she is so curious. She is eager to workwith you!
Millie is another miniature horse who has only had one other home in her life. She has been trained to do tricks and wants to be right in your pocket. With her flowing mane and tail, she is stunningly beautiful and ready to go to work with you. She, too, is a great choice for someone who is nervous with horses. She is small but confident.
Phoenix is a stately small horse. She is whip smart and very sensitive to her humans. She notices the littlest movements and is very responsive. She enjoys this work especially when people’s “words go with their music”. You can’t foolPhoenix!
Willow is our miracle girl. Coming from a kill shelter in Texas, she was saved by one of our team members. With loving care, she was nursed back from starvation and sickness, and is now slick with perfect body weight and a loving presence.She is gentle, eager to please and loves people. She is one of the farm’s favorites and wants to meet you!
Enhance your escape to Stepping Stones Farm Retreat Center with the addition of Wisdom Horse, a transformative addon that elevates your private retreat experience. Alongside the tranquil beauty and exclusive amenities of our farm, Wisdom Horse offers a unique opportunity for deeper reflection, connection, and personal growth. Immerse yourself or your small group in personalized equine experiences that foster meaningful insights and a profound sense of peace. Perfect for individuals seeking an introspective journey, celebrating special occasions, or teams aiming for a focused and enriching gathering. This addon integrates seamlessly into your custom retreat, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation, rejuvenation, and the creation of cherished memories, all while engaging in powerful, unmounted equine activities designed for lasting impact. Make your retreat truly unforgettable by exploring new dimensions of self and collective understanding with Wisdom Horse.
Experience the transformative power of corporate retreats at Stepping Stones Farm Retreat Center, where we specialize in creating vibrant and impactful experiences for your team. Our retreats are more than just team-building; they are immersive journeys that harness the unique qualities of our Wisdom Horse program.
Our Wisdom Horse program involves equine-assisted learning, a powerful method that leverages interactions with horses to develop essential leadership and communication skills. Guided by skilled facilitators, this experience enables your team to discover new ways of working together, building trust, and fostering a deeper understanding of team dynamics.
Imagine your team surrounded by the lush beauty of our farm, where the tranquil ambiance encourages innovative thinking and open communication. Our expertly crafted programs blend outdoor challenges with strategic brainstorming sessions, all enhanced by the wisdom of our horses. These experiences promote collaboration, creativity, and leadership development, providing practical skills that can be applied directly to your workplace.
One standout feature of our corporate retreats is our ability to tailor the experience to your specific goals. Whether you're focused on improving communication, enhancing leadership skills, or fostering a more cohesive team culture, our retreats, enriched by Wisdom Horse, are fully customizable to meet your unique needs.
As the sun sets over our picturesque setting, your team will leave feeling revitalized, motivated, and equipped with practical skills, guided by Wisdom Horse, that can be applied directly to your workplace. Stepping Stones Farm Retreat Center is your partner in unlocking your team's full potential, setting the stage for your business to achieve new heights of success.