Meet the Team
We aren't your traditional workplace team! Sometimes the human is in charge and other times, the horses are in charge! Our team has been together for a long time, as we tweaked our services and found our purpose. Our mission has never changed; we are here to support people, young and old, on their journey. Sometimes we play a very active supporting role, and sometimes not.
It is up to you, whatever you need, we've got you!
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Owner
Tara Tanton
I'm the owner and facilitator of Harnessing Harmony. I am a mother of two amazing kids, and my husband and I live in Cole Harbour - exactly where the city meets the country.
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I grew up on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia and attended St. Francis Xavier University, graduating with a Business Administration degree. My journey has taken me all over this amazing planet, and I've been fortunate to work in, live in and visit so many places. I taught English as a second language in South Korea for several years; an experience which is probably, or at least partially responsible for igniting a flame within me to share knowledge and to always explore. Coming back to Canada, I tried many hats...none of which seemed to fit perfectly! Over the years I've continued my learning journey and I'm happy to be able to share what is in my toolbox.
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I am proud to have been trained as a Personal Development Coach and a Professional Development Coach by EAL Canada (2016) and an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator from Equine Connection (2018).
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I am a Reiki master, having studied Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki and I am also an Access Bars® facilitator.
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At Harnessing Harmony, our purpose is to present you with an opportunity to learn, grow and be; as you are - your true authentic self.
Lead Mare
Shadow
Shadow came into our lives by chance. She had been surrendered to a rescue and had been placed in many homes, however by her 5th year, she had not been comfortable in any of the offerings. She was said to be moody, challenging, and a bit "spicy". Her future was looking very uncertain, as no one seemed to be able to make her happy. I came to learn about Shadow as I had met her once already and decided to provide her with a home with no demands, no expectations; and no experience!
Shadow had had several names before she came to us and responded to none of them. In the beginning, I spent many hours sitting in the grass inside her paddock and we learned to trust one another. One day, early on, I stood up and I could see her watching me. I walked away from her and decided to walk around the perimeter of the fence. I became lost in my own world, looking at wildflowers and trying to spy the song birds that I could hear. Without warning, I felt the warm breath of my friend "Shadow" on my shoulder. Since that day, she follows curiously and with great trust and has become my sidekick and my Shadow.
Lead Gelding
Jasper
Jasper, a.k.a "J", "Jay Jay" & Mr. J has been a true gift. Literally and figuratively. Jasper was given a beautiful home from the time he was young.
He was spoiled rotten by his "mom" and he was trained in the arena to ride there as well as on trails. He has always been smart, predictable and eager to please.
Unfortunately, with a broken heart, Jasper's mom needed to find him a new home, through no fault of his own. Her biggest fear was that Jasper would become a lesson horse and not be able to have bonding experiences.
Changes can be hard on horses. In nature, they belong to a herd and don't stray. Knowing that Jasper could come with us and have "forever" people and as a bonus, have a meaningful job was a gift to her, to us and, to Mr. J.