Daniela Juri
Founder & CEO
Daniela Juri has loved horses for as long as she can remember. At just nine years old, she purchased her first horse, Betty, using every dollar she had saved in her piggy bank, marking the beginning of a lifelong bond with horses that continues to shape her work today.
Daniela’s professional journey is richly interdisciplinary. She has worked as a foreign language instructor, translator and interpreter, yoga instructor, and business development executive. After more than a decade in the biotechnology industry, she chose to follow her heart, leaving the corporate world to become a farmer and to create meaningful, equine-assisted therapeutic experiences for individuals and families in need.
She is the founder of Temekunga Farms and holds equine specialist certifications through both the Miniature Equine Standards Association (METSA) and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). Daniela is also certified in trauma-informed care through Michigan State University. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Arizona State University and intends to pursue her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification by 2027, further strengthening the evidence-based and person-centered foundation of her work.
Daniela offers services in both English and Spanish and is deeply committed to inclusive, compassionate care that honors the unique strengths, experiences, and needs of each individual she serves.
Alessandro Silva
Operations & Co-facilitator
Alessandro has a background in hospitality management and a lifelong passion for horses. He plays a key role in the Equine-Assisted Therapy Program and is certified in trauma-informed care through Michigan State University. Dedicated to helping others, he brings warmth, expertise, and compassion to every session. In his free time, Alessandro enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring the trails of the Temecula Valley on horseback.
Julieta
Therapy Horse
Julieta is four years old. She is a small girl with a big personality and a great sense of humor. On her days off, she loves grazing and doing high-speed "zoomies" in the turnout arena.
Lulu
Therapy Horse
Lulu is two years old. She is our youngest barn member. She is a very kind and relaxed little girl. Lulu loves to do tricks for treats, getting pampered and receiving hugs. She enjoys eating and playing with her friend, Julieta. She has a very "chill" personality.
Nature/Somatic Therapeutic Team
Our sessions and workshops are led by a Professional Clinical Counselor and may include interactions with both our full-sized horses and certified miniature therapy horses.
Rachel Couch
Associate Professional
Clinical Counselor
Rachel Couch, APCC, is the founder and developer of The Art of Living Medicine©, a therapeutic approach grounded in the belief that every human being is a living work of art—a
masterpiece in the making. As a gestalt equine practitioner and professional counselor, Rachel brings a depth of presence and compassionate insight to her work, guiding clients through the transformative terrain of healing.
She serves as a steady witness and skillful guide through life’s darker seasons and emotional depths, helping individuals recognize and remove the obstacles that hinder the full expression of their true selves. Drawing from years of clinical experience, personal growth, and the help of
horses, Rachel supports her clients in seeing themselves more clearly—even in the face of their shadows—encouraging profound self-acceptance and inner illumination. Her life’s work, The Art of Living Medicine© (www.artoflivingmedicine.com), is a heart-centered practice devoted to the
unfolding wholeness within each person.
Bruce (Springsteen)
Gentle Giant
Bruce joined our herd in April 2024. He is a majestic cross between a Friesian and an Andalusian, known for both strength and elegance.
With his big presence and even bigger heart, Bruce is incredibly sweet, gentle, and kind. He has a natural gift for bringing calm to our younger horses and creating a grounding presence for workshop participants.
Though he is a gentle protector at heart, Bruce lights up on the trail. He loves to move fast and shows off an exhilarating blend of power and grace. Whether he's offering quiet comfort or racing with the wind, Bruce is a truly special soul.
Gucci (aka Fabio)
Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
Gucci joined our herd in October 2024. A breathtaking Andalusian, he’s the perfect blend of ballet dancer, showman, and war horse: graceful, expressive, and strong.
Gucci came to us with a deeply troubled past that nearly broke his spirit. When he arrived, he was completely shut down — both mentally and physically. But as he slowly began to open up, it became clear he had a lot to express. Years of unspoken pain surfaced as intense anxiety, anger, and emotional volatility, making him difficult to reach, let alone manage.
Transforming Gucci into the remarkable horse he is today took time, courage, patience, and unconditional love. As a survivor of PTSD, he understands pain, mistrust, and the long road to healing.
Gucci is profoundly honest and expressive. He never hides how he feels. And because of that, when he shows affection, it’s deeply meaningful. He is a brave, intuitive soul and one of the most powerful teachers in our herd.
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Eclipse
Wise Man
Eclipse is our OG: our original herd member. He has been with us since 2013. A striking Polish Arabian, he’s the epitome of a true gentleman, deeply loved by everyone who’s ever worked with him, from trainers and veterinarians to farriers and equine dentists.
Kind, calm, and endlessly sweet, Eclipse is affectionately known as our "barn grandpa", a wise elder with a gentle spirit who still has a spark of fire when the moment calls for it. As a former athlete, he’s done it all and seen it all, always with grace, courage, and a big heart.
He’s climbed mountains, galloped along the Pacific Ocean shore, and carried us with quiet strength. These days, he enjoys a slower pace, taking peaceful walks through the valley and grazing alongside Lulu and Julieta in the pasture.
Our workshop participants are especially drawn to Eclipse’s quiet wisdom and comforting presence. Time spent with him is truly grounding. He’s the soul of our herd.
Vivian
Black Beauty
Vivian joined our herd in 2023 as an 8-month-old filly, and we’ve had the joy of watching her grow into a striking young Moriesian (cross between Friesian and Morgan).
Now three years old, Vivian is blossoming into a confident, intelligent, and elegant mare. She’s a beautiful mover with a natural presence, and her sweet, curious nature makes her a favorite among both humans and horses.
Vivian absolutely loves attention, especially hugs and a good scratch! With her bright spirit and affectionate heart, she brings joy and energy to everyone she meets.
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