Community Highlights: Meet Amy Hill of Mon Coeur Cheval Stables

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Hill.

Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Listening for the Whisper: A Journey of Horses, Healing, and Heart

I come from a multigenerational equestrian family. Horses were never just animals to me—they were teachers, companions, and a language I learned before words. I grew up riding, grooming, sitting quietly in stalls, and forming deep bonds with animals.

People often told me they thought I’d grow up to be a veterinarian. I always knew that wasn’t my path. I didn’t want to fix animals from the outside; I wanted to understand them, communicate with them, train them, and learn from them.

People joke that I’m like Snow White because animals always seem to find me. I can spend hours just being with them, content in silence, listening.

As a rider, I was fearless—perhaps too fearless. I prided myself on riding the “difficult” horses, the ones others avoided. I hadn’t yet met a horse I believed I couldn’t handle.

Until the morning everything changed.

It was a beautiful day, and I was thrilled to ride my friend’s horse for the first time—an off-the-track Thoroughbred named Xena, a chestnut mare and a descendant of Seabiscuit. That alone probably should have been a warning. Chestnut mare vibes, anyone? ( I actually love mares and chestnuts) But I was fearless. Or so I thought.

That morning, I had a strange gut feeling: don’t go. I brushed it off. Riding was my favorite thing in the world—of course I was going. Later, while riding, the feeling came back: get off. Everything seemed fine, and I didn’t want to sound irrational, so I ignored it. Then my friend suggested we ride over to a hillside. Once again, that inner voice said: don’t do it. I ignored it one last time.

The next thing I remember, I woke up in the hospital.

Apparently, the ambulance picked me up far from where I was riding. I don’t remember the accident itself, but my injuries told the story: I had been dragged and kicked in the head. Thank God I was wearing a helmet—it likely saved my life. Even so, I broke three bones in my head, shattered my elbow, broke and dislocated my clavicle, and sustained numerous other injuries.

Doctors repeatedly told me how “lucky” I was. Injuries like mine often result in death or paralysis.

I did not feel lucky.

I went from being an independent, confident woman to needing help with the most basic daily tasks. The pain was overwhelming, the fear constant, and the isolation profound. But the worst part was the memory loss. It’s not like the movies. It’s life-shattering. Not recognizing people you love. Losing your sense memory—your lived experiences that teach you who you are. Not being able to communicate clearly. It felt like being trapped inside myself, screaming, while no one could hear me.

Relationships crumbled under the weight of something no one truly understood. People tried to say the right thing and often said the wrong thing. I felt like I was alone on an island, surrounded by an endless ocean.

To make matters worse, the accident happened during a brief lapse in my health insurance. I was placed on Medi-Cal, and as a result, I didn’t receive the care I needed. I was in eventually discharged without surgery and without understanding the severity of my injuries.

When I finally had a follow-up appointment at the county hospital—after waiting over a month—I learned my elbow had been shattered and should have been operated on within two weeks. Because it wasn’t, I would have permanent damage. My clavicle had also been broken and left untreated.

All because of insurance.
I learned the unspoken motto of the medical system: stabilize and transfer.

I begged, fought, and pleaded for care, often being refused or forced to wait months, all while in excruciating pain. I’ll never forget a doctor telling me, “Your insurance is an insult to doctors.” It took two years and multiple surgeries before I was physically functional again.

I tried to keep my humor. Before one surgery, I joked with the receptionist, “Four surgeries and the fifth one is free, right?” She didn’t smile. Tough crowd.

And for the record—I am the biggest baby when it comes to shots, IVs, and surgery. It was endlessly terrifying.

People often ask how I got through that time alone, without support, after losing my home twice and being unable to work due to disability. My answer is simple: I just didn’t die. One day turned into the next. The sun rose. The sun set. I had my dogs. I prayed. I read the Bible. I listened to church livestreams.

And then, one day, something shifted.

I realized that if I survived this, I could use it to help others. That mission gave purpose to my pain. It lit a fire under me and became the beginning of my healing. I started showing up at church when I could, volunteering on the welcoming committee, surrounding myself with good people. God was in this miracle and saved me for a reason. To help others.

Two years later, on my birthday, I went on a trail ride—my first time on a horse since the accident. I was terrified the entire time. But I knew I had to face my fear before it defined the limits of my freedom. I did it. And it felt like victory.

Soon after, I knew I needed to reconnect with horses in a deeper, wiser way. I committed myself to learning everything I could about equine behavior so I would never end up in the same situation again.

I became a behaviorist and immersed myself in positive reinforcement training under the guidance of an incredible mentor who helped me ride again.

A few years later, I rescued two remarkable horses with histories of trauma and neglect. Something that most people thought I was crazy to do. Why not just get a nice, quiet, well trained, confidence builder, bombproof a.k.a. shut down horse? ( that would be a very different journey, and my horses needed me as much as I needed them)

Together, we embarked on a journey of trust, challenges, and growth. I learned to train my own horses from the ground up with the support of an amazing team. More importantly, I learned to trust myself again—my intuition and what horses communicate when we get still, quiet, and present.

To many people, I was the “crazy lady” sitting in the arena for hours, just being with her horse, staring into each other’s eyes. They thought I should be doing more. But I was being. Allowing my horse to be. Letting them reveal themselves.

What emerged was a profound connection and understanding.
As I went on to work and ride at top show barns before opening Mon Coeur Cheval, I earned the nickname “the whisperer.” Not because of a unique skill—but because of attention. I could look at a horse and immediately sense what was going on, what they needed, often predicting issues before they were obvious: ulcers, lameness, stress. Horses are prey animals; they hide pain to survive. But subtle signs—a tightening of the lips, a change in the eye, a flare of the nostril, a shift in energy—say everything if you’re listening.

At Mon Coeur, we slow down.
We teach our riders to be present. To listen to their intuition. To connect. To feel. To be.

In a world that is loud, fast, and relentlessly demanding, this is a gift.

Horses are mirrors. You can ask them to do something, but if beneath the surface you’re afraid or unsure, they know. Horses can sense our heartbeats. Their electromagnetic field is far stronger than ours. You can look calm on the outside, but they feel the feet pedaling underneath.

They make us work on what’s real.
That same presence develops true “feel” in riding—connection, softness, skill. It’s also what makes me a devoted coach. When I teach, I am fully present with my students, noticing and communicating the subtle changes that create real breakthroughs.

We focus on fundamentals and build from a solid foundation. No one leaves my program without an excellent seat, quiet hands, and soft, effective communication.

Our riders become confident, self-assured horsemen and women who trust their gut. (I always do now.) They are supported by a loving, tight-knit community—because community matters.

I’ve seen the equestrian world come together in extraordinary ways, especially during the 2025 fires. We truly are a family. That spirit is woven into everything we do at Mon Coeur Cheval.

Through our Invisible Angels Program, a portion of membership fees goes toward anonymous acts of generosity—buying hay, medicine, or paying vet bills for local people in crisis.

Our core values are simple and powerful: Coeur (Heart), Connection, and Community.

We are more than a riding school. We are an equestrian club rooted in horsemanship, healing, and joy. We learn, we grow, we give back—and we have fun. From attending events like the US Arena Polo Open to hosting educational clinics, we believe horses are meant to enrich our lives in every way, and us theirs.

Looking back, I sometimes think about that fateful day and the gut feeling I ignored. I wish I had listened. And yet—maybe I wouldn’t change a thing. The best worst thing that ever happened to me led me here: living my purpose, helping people heal through horses, and teaching others to listen for the whisper.

Because it’s there for all of us—if we’re willing to slow down and hear it. 🐎💛

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting Mon Coeur Cheval has been many things—but smooth is not one of them. Like most meaningful journeys, it has been a mix of deep support, real struggle, unexpected lessons, and moments that asked me to decide—over and over again—whether I was willing to keep going.

On the beautiful side, I have been incredibly blessed by clients, friends, and horse owners who believed in me from the beginning. Their encouragement, trust, and willingness to take a chance on a new program gave Mon Coeur its first heartbeat.

Watching riders grow in confidence, have breakthroughs, and rediscover joy through horses has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Those moments are fuel—they remind me exactly why this work matters.

At the same time, there have absolutely been challenges. Working within boarding stables comes with its own complexities, and not every environment is supportive but I always aim to find the middle ground and move forward with respect and understanding, looking for the compromises that can bring solution while knowing when to stay rooted in what is needed for my clients and my business.

I run every decision through the core values of my business Coeur (heart), Connection, and Community.

I also quickly learned that passion alone doesn’t make a business visible. If no one knows you exist, they can’t book a lesson.

Enter my endless obsession with SEO.
I had to learn an entirely new skill set—how Google works, how to rank in searches, how to advertise, how to market in a crowded digital world.

Horsemanship didn’t prepare me for keywords, analytics, or algorithms, but building a business demanded it. Marketing became a second full-time job, and there were plenty of moments where it felt overwhelming, frustrating, and far outside my comfort zone.

There’s also a reality no one talks about enough: when you build something meaningful, not everyone will cheer you on. There will always be people who see you as competition, who feel threatened, or who place roadblocks in your way. That part can be painful and disheartening—especially when your intention is rooted in service, care, and love for both people and horses.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned: for every person who wants to see you fail, there is another who will help make your dream possible.

The key is learning to recognize them, align with them, and keep moving forward. To trust yourself. To trust your vision and your mission. And to not give up when things get hard—because they will.

Starting a business is never easy. But it is absolutely worth it.

I see it in the smiles on my clients’ faces. In the quiet moments when something clicks. In the breakthroughs that happen not just in the saddle, but within the person. Knowing that I get to facilitate those moments is what drives me.

It’s also knowing that I am providing horses with a better life—free from harsh treatment, and full of love, care, respect, and understanding. That alone is endlessly worth fighting for.

My hope is that what people gain at Mon Coeur Cheval ripples outward—that they go on to do great things in the world, to listen more deeply, to lead with heart, and maybe even to provide homes for horses who need them.

If that happens, then every challenge along the way was worth it.

We’ve been impressed with Mon Coeur Cheval Stables, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mon Coeur Cheval is more than a riding school—it is a true equestrian club built on heart, connection, and community.

At its core, Mon Coeur Cheval exists to develop skilled, confident horsemen and women while honoring the well-being, dignity, and individuality of the horse.

We believe exceptional riding is inseparable from exceptional horsemanship, and that true mastery comes from understanding, presence, and correct fundamentals.

We offer high-quality riding instruction, horsemanship education, and training grounded in equine behavior, positive reinforcement, and centered riding principles. Our riders are taught to ride well—with balance, effectiveness, and feel—while also learning how to make decisions, problem-solve, and advocate for their horses.

Mon Coeur Cheval is known for producing riders who excel across disciplines and environments. Our students develop the skills to confidently perform in the show ring, ride thoughtfully and safely on trail, and adapt to a wide variety of horses and situations.

Whether in competition, out hacking, or navigating new environments, our riders are prepared, capable, and composed.

We place strong emphasis on correct basics: an excellent seat, soft and educated hands, clear and fair communication, balance, how to use energy and an effective position. No one leaves our program without a solid foundation that supports long-term success and soundness for both horse and rider.

Beyond riding, we specialize in creating well-rounded horsemen and women. We teach clients how to navigate the full scope of horse ownership—understanding behavior, soundness, nutrition, tack fit, veterinary care, training decisions, and management. Our goal is to empower riders to make informed, ethical choices and to confidently handle the complexities that come with owning and caring for horses.

What truly sets Mon Coeur Cheval apart is our ability to blend high-level riding instruction with deep presence and awareness. We slow things down in a world that rushes, teaching riders how to listen—to their horses, their bodies, and their intuition. This presence is what creates real feel, precision, and connection in the saddle.

Our approach is education, relationally and experience-informed for both horses and humans. Our horses come from different backgrounds some imported from Europe and incredibly trained and flashy, some are champions, others from challenging backgrounds. We are committed to training and riding methods that prioritize trust, clarity, and fairness. We do not rely on force or fear-based techniques. Instead, we develop willing, confident horses through consistency, kindness, and skilled communication.

We are also deeply community-driven. Our clients are not simply students; they are part of a supportive equestrian family. Through our Invisible Angels Program, a portion of membership fees is dedicated to anonymous acts of generosity within the local equestrian community—supporting horses and owners in times of need through hay, medical care, or emergency veterinary assistance.

Brand-wise, I am most proud that Mon Coeur Cheval embodies its name in every sense. Coeur—heart—is not a concept we talk about; it is how we operate. Our brand represents integrity, excellence, and compassion. We “Ride with Heart!”
I am proud that we are known for producing riders who are not only accomplished and competitive, but thoughtful, ethical, and confident. Riders who can walk into a show ring with polish, head out on trail with awareness, and step into horse ownership with knowledge and confidence. I am equally proud that our horses are treated as partners—listened to, cared for, and supported as individuals.

I want readers to know that Mon Coeur Cheval is for people who want more than just regular lessons. It is for those who aspire to become truly skilled riders and horsemen and women—people who value quality instruction, strong fundamentals, versatility, and lifelong learning.

Our offerings include riding lessons, horsemanship education, clinics, FUN events and gatherings, and membership-based programs designed to support riders at every stage. Whether someone is preparing for the show ring, building confidence in diverse riding environments, returning after fear or injury, or stepping into horse ownership for the first time, Mon Coeur Cheval meets them where they are and helps them grow.

Above all, Mon Coeur Cheval exists to serve—our horses, our riders, and our community. If our clients leave not only riding better, but grounded and trusting themselves, listening more deeply, and caring more responsibly for their horses, then we have fulfilled our mission.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Mon Coeur Cheval would not exist without the people who believed in me, supported the vision, and stood alongside me—sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly—when the path was uncertain. This business is very much a collective effort, and I am deeply aware that no meaningful work is built alone.

First and foremost, my mentors deserve immense credit. I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from trainers and horsemen who not only taught me how to ride and train, but how to think. Those who guided me in equine behavior, positive reinforcement, and classical fundamentals helped shape the foundation of Mon Coeur Cheval. They encouraged curiosity, patience, and humility, and modeled what it looks like to put the horse first—always. Their influence shows up every day in how I teach, how I listen, and how I make decisions.

I also owe so much to the horses themselves. The horses I have ridden, trained, rehabilitated, and partnered with—especially those with trauma or challenging histories—have been my greatest teachers. They forced me to slow down, to become more present, and to learn to listen beyond words. The lessons they gave me about trust, communication, and honesty are the backbone of this program. In many ways, Mon Coeur Cheval was built with them, not just for them.

My clients and members deserve enormous recognition. They took a chance on something different—on a program that values depth, fundamentals, presence, and relationship over quick results. Their trust, openness, and willingness to grow have allowed Mon Coeur Cheval to evolve into what it is today. Many of them are not just clients, but advocates and ambassadors for the brand, sharing their experiences, bringing friends, and helping build a strong, supportive community. Their breakthroughs, both in the saddle and personally, are what make all of this worthwhile.

I am also deeply grateful to the friends, members, and supporters who cheered me on behind the scenes—especially during the early days when the workload was heavy and the outcome uncertain. Some offered practical help, others emotional support, encouragement, or simply reminded me not to quit on the hard days. Those moments of belief mattered more than they may ever know.

There have also been horse owners, barn allies, and industry professionals who opened doors, shared resources, and gave Mon Coeur Cheval space to grow. In an industry that can sometimes feel competitive, these individuals chose collaboration over rivalry, generosity over scarcity, and their integrity made a lasting impact.

Finally, I credit the broader equestrian community. Time and again, I have witnessed how this community shows up—for horses, for people, and for one another. That spirit of collective responsibility and care is something I strive to reflect and nurture within Mon Coeur Cheval every day.

Mon Coeur Cheval is the result of many hands, hearts, and hooves. I carry immense gratitude for every mentor, supporter, client, and horse, donkey, dog, barn cat and chicken who helped shape this journey. Their belief made this dream not only possible, but meaningful.

(One of our horses has an incredible bond with his emotional support chicken who has inspired a children’s book series, “The Adventures of Guapo and Bonita” coming soon!)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moncoeurchevalstables.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moncoeurchevalstables/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mon-Coeur-Cheval-Stables/61582464676982/