Year of the Fire Horse

Horses have become my life, though I would argue they always have been. As someone born in the Year of the Metal Horse, the Year of the Fire Horse carries special meaning for me. In the Five Elements cycle, fire melts metal. I take that as a metaphor: My environment will continue to shape, refine, and strengthen who I am becoming.

To understand where I am going, I must first reflect on where I have been.

Childhood

I grew up in a small village in southern Austria. I was a shy child around adults: compliant, observant, and rarely interrupting. While I enjoyed playing with other children, I was equally content on my own: listening to fairy tales on my cassette player, painting and drawing, playing music, tending to our farm animals, or spending endless hours in the pasture with horses.

I loved movement. In summer, I played soccer and tennis in the street with the boys (there were no girls my age nearby until my sister arrived). In winter, I skied and played ice hockey, secretly proud that I was never picked last despite being a girl.

At nine years old, I bought my first horse, Betty. She was a fiery filly purchased by emptying my piggy bank and savings account. She quickly became the center of my universe. I fed her, mucked her stall, groomed her daily, and once she was rideable, my sister and I would race across fields and through forests for hours after school, rain or shine. In winter, we couldn’t feel our fingers or toes, but nothing could keep us away.

My childhood was defined by freedom, independence, grit and horses.

Youth

Betty remained the center of my world through my teenage years. Even as school demands increased and I worked afternoons in my father’s company's office, I made time for her. When the first boy caught my attention, he didn’t replace my horse, instead, he was invited to ride with me.

When I left for college in another city, my father cared for Betty during the week. The first thing I did upon returning home was saddle her and head out into nature. She knew every trail and anticipated every gallop, often adding a few playful crow hops before taking off. I learned to rise slightly out of the saddle before she made that move, otherwise, she would make the decision for me. Betty had a fun personality and we always had a great time together.

Adulthood — A Life Without Horses

After two years of college in Austria, I received a scholarship to study in the United States. I could not refuse. It marked the end of my life with Betty, and the beginning of 13 years without horses.

During that time, I earned three degrees, married and divorced, and built an international career.

Meanwhile, Betty suffered a viral intestinal infection and had to be euthanized. Returning home one winter to her empty stall was beyond devastating. It marked the end of an era.

For over a decade, I had neither the time nor the resources to ride. I did not fully realize how deeply horses were woven into my identity, until I deeply felt their absence.

Biotech and Amigo

After building a translation and interpretation company, I transitioned into biotech, eventually becoming Director of International Business Development and Operations at a start-up. It was life-changing. I entered the emerging world of genetics and genomics, traveled extensively, built lifelong friendships, and achieved financial stability.

And finally - I was able to buy another horse.

His name was Amigo.

He came with a history of neglect and abuse. He was anxious and distrustful, especially of men. Our early months were difficult. One day, I spent six hours asking him to take one single step forward in a spot on the ranch he did not want to go through. He refused. As I had promised him, I refused to use force. I also refused to give up.

It was getting dark and after six hours, he stepped forward.

That moment changed our relationship forever. From then on, we had an understanding and  trusted one another completely. He became my soulmate. We did not need words. Our bond transcended language. I only needed to think about what I wanted him to do and he responded.

We had entire conversations without ever uttering a word.

After a devastating accident over a year ago, I had to let him go. It was the hardest decision of my life. It shattered me, and yet I knew it was right. He told me he could not continue. I listened. While I miss him dearly, he will always be a part of me.

Founding Temekunga Farms

My biotech career continued through multiple genetic testing companies until reductions in force at my last employer eliminated first my teams, then my role. Just months earlier, I had purchased the farm of my dreams.

My practical voice said: “Find another job.”

Another voice said: “If you don’t jump now, you will never do what you are meant to do.”

Again, I listened.

Temekunga Farms LLC was born.

Horses had healed and shaped me my entire life. I wanted to offer that gift to others. Today, we serve children with developmental disabilities and adults navigating stress, emotional challenges, and mental health struggles. Through equine-assisted therapy visits,  somatic workshops, retreats, and individual sessions, we create space for healing and connection. Our work is rewarding and fulfilling. 

Plans for the Fire Horse Year

This year, we will continue expanding our equine-assisted somatic programming. We will broaden services for children through partnerships with Inland Regional Center and Aveanna Healthcare. We will work on collaborations with the VA, particularly in Whole Health and women veterans programs.

Fire melts metal.

I expect momentum, visibility and growth.

I also expect refinement through challenge and discomfort. I am prepared to release outdated structures and continue forging my identity through my studies, practical experience and through hands-on work with our clients at the farm.

I will be tested...and I will be sharpened.

2026 - I am ready!!