Located North of Pittsburgh
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Our Equine-Assisted Coach
Laura Nickel
Licensed Coach, Equine-Assisted Learning Specialist, and Founder of Heart Song EAC
Laura is Heart Song's Equine-assisted Coach, and works with children ages 8 and up to adults of all ages. She's Certified by the Equine Assisted Coaching Association (EACA) and in the Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship.
She offers one-on-one coaching sessions, group coaching, workshops and retreats. Laura is trauma informed and has many years of experience working with kids and mentoring adults. She has worked with kids who have anxiety, attention, behavioral and attachment issues. She also works with adults that seek personal growth and development to overcome challenges. There is really no issue that a Heartsong Horse and Coach can’t help with. Call or visit to see if this is right for you.
Laura is dedicated to helping individuals live a healthy, fulfilling life.
"I have used therapeutic activities with kids for years, and realized that equine activities were the most therapeutic activity available for people of all ages. Many physical, behavioral and emotional issues people have are largely due to attachment insecurities and relationship stress.
My approach is unique, empathetic, and non-judgmental. Horses have always helped humanity, and they still do. This approach brings self-awareness, confidence, and harmony in yourself and with the world around you. I am trauma-informed, combine horse psychology, art, neuroscience, and attachment theories to provide a well-rounded coaching experience."
Certifications
Riding and Horsemanship
Antoinette Walton
Riding & Horsemanship Instructor
Operating under her own LLC and brand, Antoinette collaborates with Heart Song EAC to assists clients in building trust with horses without force or coercion. Aligned with Heart Song's mission of building mutual trust and connection, Antoinette teaches people how to develop deeper, more meaningful, safer relationships with their horses based on connection and understanding.
Currently in the process of becoming a Level 1 Certified Natural Lifemanship practitioner, Antoinette offers an experience-based, holistic approach to healing and personal growth. She believes that a safe horse is a connected and understood horse — one that shares a relationship with its handler akin to a trusted friend or partner. In her philosophy, the horse is not merely a tool but a sentient being deserving of respect and understanding.
Antoinette emphasizes that a healthy relationship requires both the horse and the human to be safe for each other. She is committed to helping individuals learn how to be a safe and reliable presence for their horses, enhancing the bond between them.
Offering riding lessons and horse training services either at our barn or at your location in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh, Antoinette guides clients toward greater trust, attunement, and authentic relationships with their horses — which translates to their relationships with people.
Meet our equine partners
Lucky
"Hey there! I'm Lucky, the easygoing fellow who loves a good scratch. I'm here to share peaceful moments and maybe a gentle nuzzle or two. Let's take things slow and enjoy life together!"
Personality: Friendly and laid-back, Lucky is the gentle soul of our herd. He loves spending time with people on the ground, offering a calm presence that's both comforting and uplifting.
Favorite Activities: Lucky adores scratches — he'll happily stand by your side for as long as you're willing to give them!
Role at Heart Song EAC: As a cherished partner in our equine-assisted coaching exercises, Lucky excels in helping individuals find peace and connection. His soothing demeanor makes him perfect for clients seeking grounding experiences and gentle companionship.
Caretaker Extraordinaire: If he gets stung by a bee, he'll simply stop and wait patiently for you to notice, dismount, and help him. No bucking or fussing — just a considerate horse looking out for his rider's safety!
Fun Fact: Lucky has a nurturing side, especially when it comes to Johnny, our youngest equine partner new to the farm. He looks after Johnny like a protective big brother.
Johnny
"Hello! I'm Johnny, the young and curious explorer of Heart Song EAC. I can't wait to meet you! Let's be friends and share some snuggles!
Personality: At just four years old, Johnny is the enthusiastic youngster of our herd. Super friendly and remarkably calm for his age, he's always eager to meet new people and loves hanging out with anyone willing to give him attention.
Favorite Activities: Johnny adores snuggles and is incredibly curious about the world around him. Whether it's investigating new sights or making new friends, he's all in!
Role at Heart Song EAC: While he's a bit too young and underdeveloped to carry a rider just yet, Johnny is hard at work training with Antoinette. He's the star of her upcoming horse training program based on Natural Lifemanship principles. Johnny is learning how to work under saddle and is on his way to becoming an exceptional partner in our equine-assisted learning programs.
Best Friend Alert: Johnny absolutely adores Lucky and follows him everywhere! Lucky has taken Johnny under his wing, showing him the ropes and helping him settle into life on the farm.
Fun Fact: Despite being the youngest, Johnny's calm demeanor often surprises people. His friendly nature makes him a quick favorite among visitors.
Bentley
"Howdy! I'm Bentley, the gentle giant with a knack for making friends and keeping riders smiling. I'm here to help you find your footing, both in and out of the saddle. Together, we'll build trust and maybe share a carrot or two."
Personality: Friendly, cuddly, and always forgiving, Bentley is the big-hearted draft cross who believes in second chances and soft nuzzles. He's known for his thoughtful nature and enjoys thinking for himself.
Favorite Activities: Bentley loves leisurely walks through the fields and connecting with people on the ground. He's a fan of long grooming sessions — especially when they include his favorite scratch spots!
Role at Heart Song EAC: Once an Amish farm horse, Bentley now shines as our primary lesson horse for beginner riders and those eager to learn about connection on the ground. His patience and intuitive understanding make him perfect for those starting their horsemanship journey.
Fun Fact: If he feels you getting unbalanced or thinks you’re about to fall, Bentley will slow right down and adjust to get back under you. It's his special way of taking care of his riders!
Shadowfax
"Greetings! I'm Shadowfax, the graceful and wise soul of Heart Song EAC!"
Personality: Shadowfax is known for his serene presence and gentle wisdom. With a calm demeanor and a keen sensitivity to those around him, he brings a sense of peace to everyone he meets.
Favorite Activities: He loves leisurely strolls through the pasture, basking in the sun, and engaging in quiet moments of connection with visitors. Shadowfax enjoys being groomed and often nods off during a relaxing brushing session!
Role at Heart Song EAC: As a cherished partner in our equine-assisted learning programs, Shadowfax excels in activities that promote mindfulness and emotional attunement. His steady and patient nature makes him an ideal companion for clients seeking deeper self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.
Fun Fact: Despite his calm demeanor, Shadowfax has a playful side! He occasionally enjoys a gentle game of chase with his pasture mates and has a special talent for finding the tastiest patches of grass.
Location
Our horses are located in Zelionople PA, less than 1 hour north of Pittsburgh. Exact address is given when you book your session.
We can also travel to other locations if you have a horse you'd like to work with.