Meet Amanda Held | Horse and Human Behaviorist & Facilitator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Held and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Instead of work-life balance—I prefer to think of it as work-life harmony. My aim isn’t to juggle everything evenly but to empower the different areas of my life in alignment with my business and talents. In the early days, I was so focused on business and administrative tasks that I reached burnout. It forced me to adopt a more strategic approach. I’ve learned that life has seven core areas—spiritual, mental, vocational, financial, social, family, and physical. I try to prioritize meaningful actions that empower as many of these areas as possible, with most everything I say yes to centered around my values, intrinsic motivators, and goals. I also recognize that business has its own rhythm, with seasons of focused effort, then some for harvest, and also some meant for rest and reflection. Embracing this ebb and flow not only helps my business thrive naturally but keeps me deeply engaged and inspired along the way.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Running two businesses certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. Fortunately, my companies are intertwined and my for-profit feeds into my non-profit. H.O.O.V.E.S. stands for Healing Of Our Veterans Equine Services and provides 5-Day healing Intensives for veterans struggling with PTSD at our sanctuary in Northwest Ohio. The Equine Wisdom Institute is a unique blend of healing, coaching, and learning facilitated by the wisdom of horses. What sets us apart is our holistic approach: we don’t just offer traditional equine-assisted services; we empower individuals through the Equine Wisdom Institute
Method (EWIM™), where horses act as co-facilitators, guiding individuals through self-discovery, healing, and growth. Our facilitation model includes Equine Communication Charts, designed to help people identify and clear their blocked energy so they can access deeper clarity in their lives.

We’re most proud of the transformations we witness daily. Seeing individuals overcome limiting beliefs, reconnect with their inner selves, and discover a renewed sense of purpose is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited about expanding our online courses and certification programs, which allow us to reach a broader audience of equine enthusiasts, facilitators, and those seeking personal growth.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. We faced obstacles such as skepticism about equine-assisted healing, logistical challenges in scaling the business, and the inherent unpredictability of working with animals. We overcame these challenges by remaining steadfast in our mission, adapting our strategies, and listening to feedback from clients, facilitators, and even the horses. We learned that persistence, adaptability, and remaining grounded in our core values are essential for growth.

The biggest lesson along the way has been to trust the process. Just as horses live fully in the present moment, we’ve learned to embrace each step of the journey, even when it’s challenging. I want the world to know that our story is one of resilience, deep connection, and the transformative power of horses. We’re not just another equine business; we’re a community committed to changing lives by tapping into the wisdom that lies within, guided by the gentle yet profound presence of horses.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d make sure they experienced the best that northwest Ohio has to offer. I’d start by taking them on a trail ride through Oak Openings Metropark—there’s nothing like connecting with nature and enjoying the fresh air on horseback. For a cozy morning, we’d grab coffee and pastries at CK Sweets, which is a local favorite for a good reason.

In the evenings, we’d hit up some of the best local spots for dinner—Local Thyme is perfect for a laid-back meal with great vibes, and the historic Whitehouse Inn serves up some of the best prime rib around. And of course, we’d have to spend a day at Cedar Point, because what’s a visit to Ohio without the thrill of some of the best roller coasters in the world?

For a dose of culture, I’d take them downtown to the Toledo Museum of Art, followed by a stop at the Glass Pavilion to see some incredible glasswork. If they love animals, we’d definitely spend a day at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, which is always a crowd-pleaser. Toledo also has some fantastic parks, so we’d make time to visit places like Wildwood Preserve Metropark or Maumee Bay State Park for more outdoor fun.

There are so many great spots here that make it easy to have a good time—whether it’s taking in a sunset by the Maumee River or enjoying dinner at one of Toledo’s local gems like Tony Packo’s or The Blarney. The area has a little bit of everything, from thrills to relaxation, making it the perfect place to show someone a memorable time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to extend a massive shout-out to my incredible team—my husband Justin, my best friend Katy, and the dedicated staff and volunteers at HOOVES, my non profit dedicated to helping veterans heal through the power of rescued horses. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and commitment to the mission are truly the foundation of my success. I am so grateful to have each of you by my side on this journey.

Website: https://equinewisdominstitute.org

Instagram: equinewisdominstitute

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-held?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.coalethompson?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rAEmMMkZP8xbhhRhgX0CY?si=u5bBg43ZSducmzpeoIjLLw

Image Credits
Sean McConnel