In early 2006 I needed to get a new horse for myself. I went to visit my Portuguese Lusitano expert friend in LA and there he was, in a round pen, looking at me with his beautiful, yet curious eyes, his long black mane covering his face and neck. He was the perfect size gelding for me, his color was ‘Stones under Water” – impressing and beautiful to look at. A stunning 6-year-old Lusitano boy waiting to come to his new home “La Esperanza” in Topanga. I fell in love with him immediately. His energy, his elegant gates, his power, yet his gentle way of approaching me did not leave me any other choice but to purchase this new four-legged family member. I named him “Regalo” since he was a present from the Universe. What a horse he was and still is. It took me a while – once he came to Topanga – to completely understand him – patience, listening to him, caring for him and us growing together over time made us the best team ever. He serves as one of the most intuitive yet forgiving therapist and guide in the Equine Leadership Program.
Kayak was born 22 years ago in France. He was born as a pure black colt, his genes arising from an old Baroque Lusitano bloodline. Kayak was brought to the US when he was about 4.5 yrs and became famous as a black Lusitano stallion in many arenas of the Portuguese bullfighting tradition (bloodless bullfights). Kayak stood up to 3000-pound bulls, being extremely courageous like one would never imagine – never afraid of anything.
We brought him to La Esperanza , our home in Topanga, at the age of 14. He quickly became a huge part of my riding school at the time and has always been incredibly loyal, strong-minded, focused, trustworthy, reliable, and loving with everyone. His little naughtiness is so cute and he makes me laugh often just hanging out with him and the other horses around the barn or when they are all out together running around on their 4 acres of land that we grant them. They need that space to run so much – a herd life. He is not an Alpha horse in the herd, in fact, he takes his place gracefully, but every now and then steps up to the plate and demands his spot and makes sure he is never left behind or unnoticed.
Living in a herd is what horses are born to do. Running around free for a portion of the day with their herd companions is what makes them happy and content. They are living with each other and sense each other and need the surrounding of their friends. This is when they thrive…
Kayak is the greatest riding teacher one could wish for. Whether he’s with a 4-year-old child or an adult who is learning to ride – he is the most patient horse I have worked with. He adjusts to his rider and is gentle in his movements. He is forgiving while he also knows when to give subtle intuitive direction when needed.
Kayak had proven himself to be a huge part of the Equine Leadership Program. He loves working with people of all nature and energy levels, and again, is a master in receiving and sending signals, teaching us humans the same.
In 2025 the ELP welcomed our new boy “Corazon” to the family after we had lost one of our amazing four legged friends and Equine Therapy Master “Chance” due to unforeseen medical circumstances. His spirit of strength + power + protection I continues to be around us.
After a while, I started to look for a new horsey friend and came across a 10-year old grey Andalusian gelding through an old friend of mine. “Corazon” is a very special soul. He has got that rare mix of gentleness, like he is truly turned into the people around him. The way he follows you, the way he perks at your voice. It’s trust. It’s connection.
He doesn’t just live beside you. He chooses to be with you. Almost companion-like. Heart first. Steady, and calm. A real “Corazon”….
