Message from Ilse - September 2014 
I have loved and been involved with horses in some way or another for most of my life. Though not necessarily in ways traditionally associated with horses. Yes, as a child I had riding lessons and I spent some years on a farm riding horses who didn’t want to be ridden. In fact, they didn’t want to be caught in the first place.
Did I ride? Yes.
Did I know what I was doing? Hell No.
It was more a case of mastering the art of not falling off a runaway horse!
About 16 years ago around the time when my two beautiful children were born horses came into my life again, this time to stay. They, along with my children, ended up transforming my life. I had unwittingly gotten involved with horses that came from particularly dismal circumstances. I tried everything I knew in the rehabilitation process but had limited and inconsistent success. So my quest for more information started.
In the process I discovered a whole new world – the world of prey. I had discovered my passion.
It has been an incredible journey, starting with me learning to view the world through horses’ eyes. For too long I rationalised horse behaviour using my framework and reasoning. I was using the wrong map! And which evolved into a journey of self-discovery. As I opened myself to this world, I found myself moving beyond technique to a space of inner wisdom. A space which fosters true awareness, presence and unity with a horse during our time of interaction.
What a ride this has been.
It is my hope that my site will be of value to you.
Ilse Makowka
Cape Town, South Africa - September 2014
Ilse Makowka returned to Cape Town, South Africa, after an 8 year sabbatical spent further North mostly in the Maluti Mountains of the eastern Free State, living with and learning from her horse herd, and studying contemporary and classical horsemanship approaches. She also attended various courses including a Therapeutic Riding Course (SA) and The Equine Experience™ (USA).
Talents: Mother; Horsewoman; Animal Communicator, Protector & Healer; Writer; Qualitative Marketing Research Specialist; Journalist; Newspaper Reporter.
Testimonials
"My son is a special needs child diagnosed with ADHD and aspects of Aspergers syndrome. After several agonizing therapies and months of evaluations I took him to Ilse. Here was a little boy of 4 with no belief in himself or his ability to do anything. Ilse worked with him and through her extraordinary gift and resonant wisdom, his muscle tone improved visibly but more importantly, his aggression, frustration and sense of ineptitude seemed to evaporate while he was with Ilse and the horses. Ilse has a truly profound gift." - Barbara
"While I was still a teenager Ilse opened my eyes to the world of horses. I personally experienced her wisdom and unique touch in sessions with her and her horses. I wouldn't have my deep appreciation and understanding of horses if it weren't for Ilse." - Kendra
