Community Highlights: Meet Ellen Guhl of Homegrown Equine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Guhl.

Hi Ellen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised in Palmer, Alaska and always horses were my peace. Growing up in the Matanuska Valley gave me freedoms like nowhere else. My wonderful neighbors graciously let me ride their horses – and oh the places we went! My mother was an avid rider as well and we went for hours and miles on the trails surrounding Jim Creek and the Knik River systems. Growing up, I never rode in an arena but real miles on good horses (and mules!) taught me years of invaluable lessons! After graduating from Palmer High I drifted for a few years before finding Meredith Manor in Waverly, WV. I knew I wanted to do something ‘horsey’ but wasn’t sure what a girl from small town Alaska was capable of.

I graduated with honors and was hired as the Assistant Riding Director at the Grier School outside of State College, PA. I learned an unfathomable amount with the head trainer Emily David and was blessed to be involved in daily coaching, Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), camps, rated shows and clinics, and a myriad of other opportunities.

In the years after I left Grier, I returned to college and obtained my Associate in Business from South Hills in Altoona, PA, and moved to Maui, HI to take trail rides for my college internship. While in Maui, I met my daughter’s father and the usual series of events took place. I took a step back from the industry to be a stay-at-home and when my daughter was almost 3 I returned to horses in Colorado when I began teaching again south of Denver in Castle Rock.

My Family moved around from Alaska to Florida to Pennsylvania and finally settled here in Franklin, TN. I was fortunate to find employment at The Jeakel Centre in Thompsons’ station and the director Naomi Minardi gave me the chance to work with horses in a completely new construction that still utilized my current skill set – I had found equine therapy.

This opportunity was the catalyst for my return to school and I became an Equissage Certified Equine Massage Therapist in November 2020. It has been a fabulous ride! I am currently riding Foxhunting horses for Dana Burke at Farside Farm and have fallen in LOVE with Foxhunting! It is an awesome balance to managing and growing Homegrown Equine. There have been so many wonderful supportive folks throughout my journey!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is always a little bumpy to make smooth spots sweeter! Some of the struggles I encountered were of course financial restraints and also figuring out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to do it!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Homegrown Equine?
I am an Equine Massage Therapist and Bodyworker. I assist with equine rebalancing using various modalities including but not limited to; sports massage, craniosacral, myofascial release, Kinesiology Tape, and manual manipulation.

I am different because previous to becoming a therapist, I have 20 years in the industry as a trainer, rider, and barn manager. This experience gives me a unique and full understanding of the broad spectrum of ‘things’ we ask of our horses that can produce tension in their nervous system. Brand-wise, first I am proud of my logo! It was custom designed and includes a hand-drawn mountain range in Alaska done by my branding agent and fellow equine therapy nerd Camille Kevan!

I am also incredibly proud of the hard work and passion that fuels my brand. I am constantly learning and adding to my tool bag to better help a wider spectrum of horses. I am my brand and I am proud of my depth of knowledge and continued ability to learn and grow.

What I want readers to know is how much I truly care about each horse’s wellbeing. I LOVE to teach individuals how to help the horses we love perform most comfortably. From teaching grooming techniques to anatomy and biomechanics, to reading the subtle cues of relaxation and release – I am always ready to share!

We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is finding the balance that refuels your fire.

Pricing:

• Full body massage session – $65
• Full session + Kinesiology Tape(3sets) – $85
• Kinesiology Taping only(3 sets) – $35

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownequine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownEquine

Image Credits
Camille Kevan @thefrozencowgirl