Instructors
Ayrne Meyer, EGE/Natural Horsemanship Instructor, EQUEST: ”I entered into this world with an affinity to play outdoors and the desire to be a horse! My passion for horses and nature has resulted in a surge of artistic expression over the course of the past few years. Through observation, interaction and body language I strive to develop relationships with horses based on trust and respect, ultimately, documenting my experiences through artistic sculpture. My thirst for the healing knowledge a horse has to share inspires me to pursue authentic equine partnerships and guide others towards this experience. I truly love the details of horse individuality. Outside of herd dynamics, horses are born with personalities unique as a fingerprint awaiting discovery. This encourages flexibility, sensitivity and awareness from the human partner to ensure a confident relationship. The bonus of self-discovery and self-development are eternal rewards to us and others. I continue to evolve on a personal and creative level through my direct connection with nature and horses. Above all, my most knowledgeable and credible mentor in the equestrian world is THE HORSE. A triad of Faith, Horses and Nature are my perfect recipe for a balanced life and fuel for artistic expression.”
From the Rocky Mountain region to travels abroad, Ayrne’s exposure to local surroundings and distant cultures have fueled the explorer and artist within. Ayrne is an avid traveler but feels her most memorable experiences were born exploring her native state of Montana. Her true passion is encouraging artistic expression through nature inspiration and horse “play’’. Ayrne obtained an Associate’s Degree in Arts from Front Range Community College in Ft. Collins, Colorado and a degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Colorado in Denver. Ayrne resides in Helena, Montana and lives with her two children and horses on a bit of heaven “Black Mountain Retreat”. Ayrne has participated in several workshops with award winning painters such as Mark Silvers and Patti Andre. She has a fondness for rescuing abandoned furniture and primitive objects giving them an opportunity for new life through creative refinishing and sculpting techniques. She is president of the board for Adventures Unlimited, a non-profit organization with a focus for introducing people of all ages, abilities and incomes to the great outdoors as well as an adventure guide. Ayrne is a Certified Whitewater Rescue Technician and CHA Certified Equestrian Vaulting Instructor. Horse skills are numerous and include wrangling, vaulting, training and fellowship with horse lovers alike. Ayrne has worked with local Helena horse trainers to further her horse knowledge and credits several well know trainers for enhancing her skills.
Sally Clinton, Yoga Instructor, SEAQUEST: “I love helping people feel better in their bodies so that they experience greater health, comfort and joy in Life. I also love to create experiences and opportunities to connect and deepen relationship with the innate intelligence of body, being and Life and therefore help individuals deepen their trust in themselves and open to their own unique gifts and wisdom. By aligning with that deeper wisdom, we can open to the magical journey and flow of consciousness as it expresses itself through each one of us, bringing greater joy and meaning to Life. As I support this process in myself as well as through my classes and with private clients, I continue to fall in love with Life and be in awe of each person’s unique unfolding. Through my work, I love to constantly remember what a precious gift Life is, and do my best to live in a way that honors and celebrates that gift while helping others do the same.”
Sally has been teaching yoga on the Blue Hill Peninsula since 1997. She also works individually with clients using Therapeutic Yoga, Ayurveda, Breathwork, and Wellness Coaching to support each individual in their unique journey of self-awareness, health and healing. Sally received her training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and has continued studies with many internationally recognized teachers from various traditions. She is also a Certified Breathwork Facilitator as well as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant and Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist with certification through the Kripalu School of Ayurveda.
www.artoflivingwell.info
Leslie Smith, Yoga Instructor, EQUEST: “Nothing pleases me more than for a student to tell me they “got” the spiritual connection, or felt the meditative result of their exercises for hours after class, or felt freedom and joy during dance class even though, “I’m not a dancer.” These comments are not about me, but reflect the deep connection these students felt in their bodies and spirits. When I can help someone along this path, I have succeeded in meeting my goals as a teacher.
They also happen to be my personal goals as a student. Knowing that I can get to those feelings at will is an essential piece of what makes me feel alive and vibrant as a human being.
My life experience has taught me that the body is waiting for attention. It will respond, and quickly. My philosophy of teaching is about helping people trust their bodies, about learning to find the ways to physical and mental peace, and about finding confidence in oneself through interaction with one’s own body. These are skills that anyone can have. My goal is to teach people how to tap into them.”
Leslie is the mother of three grown children and has a teenage granddaughter. Her dancing life began at 4 with classical ballet. She danced and taught dancing into her 40’s, while also working in a high-stress industry as an adult. She is a lifelong student of dance, Pilates, yoga, qigong and other forms of exercise which “serve the soul as well as the body.” Leslie is certified to teach group fitness, zumba and Pi-Yo. She is a four-time participant in the Inner Idea Mind-Body-Spirit Conference.
