Discover Windhorse Wisdom

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Windhorse Wisdom is a non-profit organization that fosters a unique partnership between humans and the American Wild Horse. Through this special bond, we learn how to create willing relations with ourselves and others.

Our work educating Mustang Ambassadors leads to many heartfelt experiences that profoundly enrich thousands of lives. The spirit of a wild horse touches each heart, and from this, they learn about the life-changing power of these majestic and magical animals.

Windhorse Wisdom is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and stewardship to our 22 American Wild Horse partners, ensuring their well-being and safety.

"Here is my secret. It's quite simple. One sees clearly only with the heart.  Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."--Antoine De Saint-Exupery.

Our Mustangs were adopted from the Bureau of Land Management Program and were born in herds that roam in Utah, Nevada, and California. We have horses from 11 different herds. The Windhorse Herd resides at Kayenta Korrals in the desert community of Kayenta in southern Utah.

 Windhorse believes it is essential for the healthy development of the horses to remain in a herd setting with the freedom to interact and relate with other wild horses. The horses are not haltered, restrained, or forced to accept our presence and touch. We allow them to choose to be with us and accept us as leaders.

 Their herd leader teaches humans to demonstrate inner strength while understanding the horse's needs. All of the additional steps in their "gentling" and education are performed with respect and trust. Through this mutual understanding, we are able to create WILLING RELATIONSHIPS.

Specialized workshops, seminars and trainings are formulated to meet the needs of specific areas of interest. Some examples include:

• communication skills
• collaboration
• compromise
• leadership
• teamwork
• problem solving
• relationships

These workshops are offered to a variety of interest areas including:

• Continuing education for social workers, psychologists, counselors
• Staff development
• Human resources
• Management
• Graduate Studies
• Restorative Justice/ Corrections/Probation
• At Risk Youth
• Community Education

When anyone asks Mary Lee what makes our programs so special and unique, she is quick to answer, “It’s our Mustangs.”  All of us who are fortunate enough to work with her say, “It’s Mary Lee and our Mustangs.”  The magical relationship she has with the horses shines through each program and every one of the horses.

Mary Lee listens to everything the horses show her and responds with respect and insight. Sometimes, it seems as if she knows what the horses are going to do before they do.

Her technique of “Working the Edge” is the cornerstone of the Windhorse Teaching Model. Mastery of the technique requires impeccable timing, keen awareness, and empathetic observation, which Mary Lee demonstrates in her relationship with the horses.

Although much of her talent is innate, she has complimented her gift with her experiences working with Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, George Morris, Bob McDonald, Peggy Cummings, Linda Tellington Jones, and Peter Campbell.  Additionally, she is quick to point out that her greatest teachers have been the wild horses.

In 1996, Mary Lee adopted her first Mustang from the BLM Wild Horse Adoption Program. "Wild horses have transformed my life." The Mustang's heart, keen awareness, intelligence, and athletic abilities captivated her.

Mary Lee was chosen as one of a hundred top trainers in the United States to compete in the first Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions.  She gentled her Mustang without using "cowboy methods," roping, or another horse to illustrate these incredible horses' willingness, intelligence, and natural ability.

Mary Lee started teaching workshops and was profoundly impacted by the wisdom the mustangs have to share with the participants. Since then, Mary Lee has founded Windhorse Relations™, and the Windhorse Mustang Herd has grown to 30 teachers. Her M.E.E.T. the Mustangs, Where Heart Meets Horse™, Workshops are expanding into various fields and touching many people's lives.

"Wild horses are my teachers. I have learned how to integrate my service as a teacher, my skills as a horseman, and my need for spiritual connection in M.E.E.T. the Mustangs, Where Heart Meets Horse programs.  My mission is to guide wild horses and assist them in the full expression of their unique capabilities and greatness, especially in healing the human spirit."

Marcia is a gifted communicator and teacher. Her empathy and skills have changed lives and directed others along the path of excellence she has walked so well herself.

Marcia taught Honors English in Salt Lake City, Utah, for 25 years. Subsequently, she attained an MSW from Boise State University and has her CSW.  Her clinical experience includes a spectrum of individuals and families with various issues.

In 2002, Marcia became a cofounder of Windhorse Relations. Her previous experiences and beginner’s eye into horsemanship helped create adventures with the Windhorse teachers that are transformative to humans, even if they are afraid of horses or have no previous experience. Marcia’s humor and great Windhorse Herd anecdotes keep the adventures playful yet powerful.