About Us
Guiding Horses and Humans Toward Mutual Understanding and Respect
Bridging
the Gap
Between You and Your HorseI understand that you may be facing challenges in building a trusting and harmonious relationship with your horse. You want to safely ride and enjoy your time with your horses, free from anxiety and behavioral issues that might be holding you back.
At Sacred Connections, I offer a compassionate and holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of both you and your horse. By understanding horse psychology and herd dynamics, I help you align with your horse to become a more solid team. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or lifelong horseperson, my personalized training and mentoring are designed to fill gaps in your knowledge, enhance your skills, and build your confidence. We will work to create a strong, trust-based relationship between you and your horse, empowering you to achieve your goals and enjoy a fulfilling partnership.
I am dedicated to solving the unique challenges that you and your horse may face. My personalized approach, rooted in a deep understanding of horse psychology and practical horsemanship, ensures that each horse receives the tailored care they need to thrive. Whether you are dealing with behavioral issues, seeking to enhance your horse's training, or striving to build a stronger bond, my methods are designed to provide effective solutions. You have come to the right place if you value a supportive, transparent, and results-driven training experience. Together, we will overcome obstacles and create a harmonious relationship with your horse. Explore my services to find the perfect solution for your needs and take the first step towards achieving your goals.
Meet Alena Clancy
Owner and Founder of Sacred ConnectionsHi, I'm Alena Clancy, the owner and founder of Sacred Connections, a horse training business nestled in the heart of Eagle Point, Oregon. My journey with horses began in Pullman, Washington, where, despite not owning a horse as a child, I developed an unshakeable love for them. Even then, I felt a profound connection, as if I had past memories of riding these magnificent creatures.
From an early age, I experienced a unique spiritual connection, despite being raised in a secular household. I always felt the divine presence and had an uncanny ability to connect with animals through feel and vibration. This connection has been a guiding force throughout my life.
I hold a BA in anthropology, which has enriched my understanding of cross-cultural communication and has been invaluable in my approach to horsemanship. I appreciate and understand horse culture within its own context, allowing me to connect deeply with these animals. Additionally, I have certificates in Equine Husbandry from Pierce College and permaculture design, further broadening my knowledge and skills.
Building Horsemanship Skills
Lessons from Life and MentorsMy formal training in horsemanship began in college when I met my best friend, Danielle Bennett. She taught me how to work a horse in a round pen based on horse psychology and herd dynamics. This experience was the foundation for my future endeavors. I gained hands-on experience running a 65-horse ranch, where I handled wild mustangs and breeding stallions, and worked as a ranch hand, camp counselor, and trail guide in Susanville, CA, which provided me with invaluable skills in understanding Mustang body language and managing non-handled horses.
A pivotal moment in my career was meeting my mentor, Richard Lambert. Together, we trained various “low end” horses, from stock auction horses to stock broker horses to abandoned and free horses. Richard taught me practical horsemanship skills and the importance of prioritizing the horse's needs. He taught me how to access and retrain any horse.
My interest in classical horsemanship was sparked when I moved to Oregon and began working with Lusitanos.
A HOLISTIC PATH
From Healing Modalities to Horse Training
My exposure to different healing modalities has significantly influenced my work. I am certified in ReConnective Healing and as a Yoga Teacher, including yoga for kids. I have also studied with indigenous medicine people, with a focus on herbalism, body work, energy medicine, ceremony, and prayer.
Throughout my career, I have been a final chance for horses failed by humans. My expertise in retraining and healing traumatized horses, often from abusive, neglected or difficult backgrounds, including being run through stock auctions or coming from race tracks, has been a cornerstone of my work. I utilize my entire toolkit—from subtle energetics to old school wrangling—to help these horses overcome their past traumas.
If you're seeking a compassionate, holistic, and effective approach to horsemanship, you've come to the right place. Join me at Sacred Connections to build a trusting and harmonious relationship with your horse. Explore my services to find the perfect solution for your needs and take the first step towards achieving your goals.
Heart-Centered Horsemanship
Committed to Client and Horse Success
My passion for my work and love for helping clients and their horses are the driving forces behind Sacred Connections. The greatest joy for me comes from mentoring the younger generation of horse trainers, especially in the art of retraining challenging horses. It's incredibly fulfilling to witness the progress of both the trainers and the horses, as we integrate spiritual growth and personal development with good old fashioned horse training. It’s a journey of empowerment for both horse and human.
EMPOWERING OWNERS AND HORSES
Creating a Supportive Environment
From giving a final chance to horses failed by humans to promoting human empowerment through direct coaching and storytelling, my work is about making a difference. I strive to transform horsemanship through holistic education and compassionate training methods, empowering owners and trainers with the knowledge and skills to develop true partnerships with their horses.
My core values prioritize what's right, with running a business being secondary, and I feel a deep responsibility to keep clients and their horses safe through thoughtful training. My clients' appreciation for personalized attention, transparency, nurturing, and compassion creates a supportive environment where they feel valued and understood. With a constant drive for improvement and a dedication to advocating for horses' welfare, I aim to make a lasting impact in the world of horsemanship and holistic education.
Kiger Coltrane
A Journey from Flighty to Fortified
Kiger Coltrane's
Remarkable TransformationKiger Coltrane, also known as Col, ran wild in Eastern Oregon until he was six years old and was rounded up in 2015. After being adopted, Coltrane was sent to a TIP trainer who succeeded in gentling Col until they had a horrible accident. As the TIP trainer was trying to load Col into a horse trailer with both a butt and lead rope, Col spooked and bolted. Unfortunately, the trainer was caught in the ropes that he was using to load Col, and he was drug behind Col for at least ten minutes as Col bolted.
Luckily, the man survived, but he never worked with Col again. The experience left Col with severe PTSD. In his psychology, something threatening had happened, and the only person who Col had trusted had abandoned him and had even “chased” him. Col became incredibly flighty and prone to bolting from any stimulus. Col had to be worked in stocks by his owner to get him back in a halter and accepting of touch again.
Fortunately, Coltrane made a full recovery under the guidance of Alena Clancy and also happened to become a significant milestone in her career. Col underwent extensive "nervous system retraining," emerging as a calm and solid horse that thinks before reacting. Alena developed a protocol to make Col "grandma safe," (for his then 67 year old owner to trail ride) which has since become her standard for many horses. Coltrane remains eager to work, enjoying the connection and sense of purpose it brings, although he has been officially retired from riding due to a deformity he was born with.
Alena credits Coltrane with helping her understand the importance of mindfulness in training. His strength of character now aids in fortifying other horses' constitutions and character. Alena's bond with Coltrane is deeply synced, marked by love and loyalty. Recognized as the #1 project of her career, Coltrane continues to inspire and demonstrate the profound impact of Alena's training methods.
Why Choose Us?
At Sacred Connections, we help you build a trusting, harmonious relationship with your horse. Whether you're facing anxiety, behavioral issues, or simply want to improve your skills, our compassionate and holistic approach prioritizes the well-being of both you and your horse. Through personalized training and mentoring rooted in horse psychology, we aim to enhance your skills, build your confidence, and create a strong, trust-based partnership. Explore our services to achieve your goals and enjoy a fulfilling partnership with your horse.