Donna Baxter, EEBW

Donna Baxter wasn’t a horse-crazy kid. In fact, she didn’t begin her equestrian journey until the late 90’s, entering the horse world as an adult when her own daughters took up riding. However, it is this unusual background that gives Donna such a special connection to horses. Looking at the horse world through the eyes of a compassionate adult, Donna’s late introduction to horses allowed her to perceive horses without pre-conceived notions or childhood conditioning. This nuanced awareness helped Donna recognize aspects of equine behavior, performance, and care that many riders take for granted. By questioning and furthering her knowledge base, Donna’s desire for understanding horses led to a deeper level of communication and interpretation through their bodies and being. This perspective, which honors the horse’s “voice” through his or her behavior, reactions, and physical state, gave rise to Donna’s desire to bring balance to the horse’s physical wellbeing and the horse/rider relationship.

Today, Donna is an accomplished leader in equine education, with over 20 years of service at the local and regional level of the United States Pony Club. She has held various board positions for the Vashon-Maury Island Horse Association and is an active member of the Puget Sound equestrian community. Donna competes in eventing with her horse Quin, who was purchased in 2001 as a feral four year old who wouldn’t even approach humans for food. She lives with her husband and eldest daughter on the pastoral island of Vashon, Washington. Her youngest daughter is a veterinary technician. Three horses, a goat, a dog, a cat, and a hedgehog complete Donna’s farm and family.

Donna’s formal training for equine bodywork includes Equinology, Inc., as well as the Northwest School of Animal Massage, where she now holds a faculty position as an instructor. (Source)