Editor's note: Judy Askins is one of three founding members of Equus Elemental.

What is your specialty?

Equus Elemental, founded by Ezra Marrow, Briana Marrow and Judy Askins, specializes in equine-guided education and coaching. However, our customized “combo event” Aug. 7-8 is scheduled at The Shiloh Foundation in Auburn. This one-of-a-kind event offers a one-on-one horsemanship clinic in addition to our coaching. Plus, we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to their worthwhile cause (visit www.theshilohfoundation.com for more information).

Describe your services.

Equus Elemental offers fun, powerful and effective personal development workshops, customized seminars for groups, as well as individual coaching. Equine-guided education facilitates dramatic change and growth for both individuals and organizations in areas such as relationships, communication, responsibility and leadership.

Immediate results occur because of the amazing, nonjudgmental guidance each person receives from the horses. No two participants get the same response from the horse. The horses actually mirror back each participant's internal emotions and how they are moving through the world.

It's jaw-dropping to witness, and their honest feedback combined with the staff's professional coaching, accelerates the personal growth process allowing people to make long-lasting changes. It's also easier to receive feedback from a horse than another person. Horses have no agenda with us. They just “tell it like it is.”

Our August event differs in that it starts with a horse clinic lead primarily by Ezra Marrow and assisted by his team, Briana Marrow and Judy Askins. People of any horse discipline get one-on-one time to work on whatever issues or problem areas they have. Ezra Marrow will personally offer specific ways to improve their horsemanship.

These insights will not only improve your relationship with your horse, but also give you tools that will enhance their own personal growth.

How long have you been in Nevada County?

This is our third year and we have already begun expanding and conducting events in other areas of the state.

What sets you apart from other similar organizations?

This is a relatively new industry and there are some amazing people offering this work. Two things that set us apart from most of them: We travel to our clients' locations in different geographic areas instead of having one fixed location, which gives people more opportunities to benefit from this extraordinary work.

Another major factor is Ezra Marrow's extensive and diverse background teaching horsemanship.

Describe your background.

Together we have more than 17 years of horse training and horsemanship expertise and more than 20 years of combined personal growth and teaching experience. Ezra Marrow is a master horse trainer and horsemanship teacher who has two decades of experience working with people and horses. His background also includes professional training and leading adventure tours in the U.S. and Mexico.

Judy Askins is a certified equine-guided educator and former horse trainer who has also been published in three books, including, “Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul.” In addition to her extensive horse experience, she also enjoyed a 28-year career as an award-winning, prime-time television writer, producer, director and actress.

Briana Marrow is a certified professional coach whose background includes teaching outdoor and experiential education. For the past 11 years she has also been leading women's circles and retreats.