HorseWISH - Horse Wisdom Inspiring Sensitive Humans – is owned and managed by Michelle Devitt, Equine Gestaltist, Pilgrim in Life, Optimist, Artist, Innovator, Seeker, Animal Guardian, Grower of Plants, Reader of Books, and ongoing Student of Life.
“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” – Dorothy Parker.
Michelle has had an affinity with horses from an early age, and has shared many profound learning experiences with many different horses, from an un-named tiny black pony on a first pony-ride, to the beautiful cream-coloured Silver, to the wise and sensitive Shire Rebecca.
Michelle has worked on various equestrian yards in Ireland and the UK, before injury necessitated a return to college and then work in the corporate world for over twenty years. The pandemic and a health scare were the catalyst for Michelle to find a gentler way and to pursue a work-to-live modus operandi.
In 2022, Michelle began a two-year apprenticeship programme with Touched By A Horse in Colorado, USA. This Equine Gestalt Coaching Method was created by Melisa Pearce in 2008 - Melisa is a psychotherapist, educator, author and well-respected horse-woman, and one of the founder members of the human-equine healing movement, in the 1980s. Melisa's Equine Gestalt Coaching Method is a rigorous, trauma-informed training, consisting of over 150 hours of online lectures, over 140 hours of practical work personally overseen by Melisa at her ranch in Colorado, and at other ranches throughout the U.S., and also incorporates a comprehensive curriculum of assignments and reading.
Michelle is the first person in Ireland to be certified as an Equine Gestaltist, graduating in September 2024, and is currently enrolled with Melisa on her Master Gestaltist Training Programme.
At the moment, the HorseWISH Herd consists of lead mare Holly and her companion mares, Peggy and Remy.
"‘Come to the edge’, he said. ‘We are afraid’, they said.
‘Come to the edge’, he said. ‘We can’t, we will fall’, they responded.
‘Come to the edge’, he said. And so, they came.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.” – Guillaume Appollinaire.
Kind Words from Clients
"...Michelle coached my through a very painful piece of my past...she held space for me in such a peaceful connection that I was able to speak about my loss, my heartbreak and let it out of my heart. She is a gift from God. I am eternally grateful for her coaching me during such a difficult piece of work" ~ Carolyne S., Michigan, USA.
"...Michelle creates a truly safe environment...she is like a rock that catches the waves of emotions that come up... it is a deep honour to be in her presence and experience her energy" - Daniela S., New Jersey, USA.
"...Michelle has a calm, kind and caring manner, she elicits trust and safety from the very first interaction. I felt supported, safe, heard and seen from the very start" ~ Erika L., Colorado, USA.
"...Michelle is a kind and gentle person and a great coach. She is so easy to talk to and holds space when you work with her" ~ Jane A., Wisconsin, USA.
"...Michelle's super power is her strong connection with all of her clients. I trust her completely". ~ Jane S., Connecticut, USA.
"...Michelle is a phenomenal Gestalt Coach! She was extremely kind and heart-centred and helped me understand that I am important" ~ Jodi E., Saskatchewan, Canada.
"...Michelle is a fabulous coach... she is a great guide who really hears you" ~ Kristin B., Maryland, USA.
"...Michelle has such a lyrical way of speaking and sets the perfect tone for a safe space . Her insights and ability to recognize synchronicities makes her a terrific coach - I highly recommend her!" ~ Laurie F., Arizona, USA.
"...Michelle picked up instantly on what I needed most at our first conversation. She has a gift for listening to her clients. I would fly to Ireland in a heartbeat to work with her. I highly recommend her". ~ Patricia Y., Washington, USA.
"...Michelle embodies good form! She is calm, grounded, connected and kind. she is incredibly intuitive in her connection to Mother Earth, and helps her client re-connect to themselves and the natural world" ~ Shannon S., Edmonton, Canada.
"...Michelle is an empathetic and authentic coach and Gestaltist! I felt the compassion that she brought to the group and she made sure each person felt heard and complete in what they needed to find within themselves. I would be honoured to work with her again!" ~ Tricia K., Maryland, USA.