
Howdy. My name is Jake LeClair and I feel grateful to be of service as the Emerge with Horses program’s human coach. I have a gift and passion for helping humans reach their potential, especially through horses.
I grew up in a small rural setting where there was a lot of dysfunction and scarcity. There was also a lot of people who did the most they could with what they had to look after me as best as they could. I had
Beginning The Journey
I began a journey two years ago to a way of living that allows me to live on life’s terms along the middle road. A reprieve from survival at the outer extremes.
When I was seven, my father introduced me to horses by trading his labor for horseback riding lessons for me. I was a peculiar person even at that young age and my interests were consistent with this track I was taking. Then other mentors became eager to share their gifts related to horses at no cost to me or my family. They were willing to give away freely what had been given to them. We made memories I will cherish for a life time. One woman, Linda, shared her love of horses so deeply without a need for words, just action and presence. I believe many parents and their children spend a lifetime hoping for this level of connection. The magic relationship of horses was, in my opinion, what held the space for this possibility.
Character Growth, Resilience & Mindfulness

Horses have made a life and death difference in my life story, especially in the areas of character growth, resilience and mindfulness. These three areas, character growth, resilience
Horses – A Labor of Love, Sometimes
Sometimes horses were a labor of love. I got injured too many times to keep counting. Sick horses were cared for at the cost of time and money I truly didn’t have to spare. In addition, I was on a team of people playing sports with horses. Out of
The Majestic Relationship
I joined the workforce in 2003, under the popular leadership development programs at the time. Over time, I increasingly felt unsatisfied as a worker among workers, until I was no longer employed in 2014.
I spent years searching for purpose in my life. However, seeking new professional avenues always felt unsatisfying. In contrast, today I find myself with purpose and a calling to help others through the majestic relationship with a horse. On top of that, so much of what I learned working inside of corporations has proven to apply beautifully to my purpose! What if I was actually on the path to my life’s purpose all along no matter how much it didn’t seem like it at the time!?!? Wow all the struggle and adversity actually feels like it was placed there exactly to suit what I needed to get to this point! However, the first thing I did to receive this gift was to get my own house in order so to speak.
One of the steps I took was being a resident in the retreat program at Serenity Vista in Boquete Panama. My life had become unmanageable at the time.
At the time 45 days was all I thought I could afford. But, in retrospect I would sell my belongings to stay and grow more. I had accumulated my own baggage, wounds and limiting believes that needed to be released. Consequently, I set out on a path of rigorous action to restore myself.
The Founding of Emerge With Horses

Today I have founded Emerge with Horses, an equine partnered life c
I am passionate about working with people. In addition, I help those who have a desire to improve themselves and their life. The focus of my work is life skills coaching through equine partnered encounters. The alchemy I offer is accomplished through the use of key life skills. This is facilitated through

I am available to discuss your questions or comments at jake@emergeresilient.com. In my next post, I look forward to uncovering and sharing more about my journey of growing and developing into my current life’s purpose.
This is the first of 3 posts in an invited article series. Serenity Vista is grateful for these inspirational submissions from Jake LeClair of Emerge with Horses.