The Herd
Meet Our Board of Directors
United by our love of horses and an understanding that they have an incredibly positive impact on the minds and body's of people.
Karolina Conroy, Director
My very first memory in life is seeing a horse for the first time. It has since been a life long passion of mine. As a rebellious teenager, my love of horses kept me out of trouble. The barn was always my sanctuary and second home. My most favorite thing about working with horses is that the entire world disappears when I'm around them. I arrive on another frequency where I am calm, patient and assertive- hours fly by. Horses are sensitive, big, majestic creatures and I am in constant awe of the trust they put in us.
Galloping on horse back has got to be the most freeing experience I have ever felt. This connection between horse and human is incredible and almost indescribable.
~Karolina is an entrepreneur, adventurer and equine enthusiast. She brings unmatchable passion to Freedom Equine Association we are beyond overjoyed to have her encouraging others to follow that passion through Freedom Equine Association!
Kaylei Hope, Treasurer
Since the day I first sat on a horse with my Papa when I was 2, I have been in absolute love
with horses. Growing up in Northern BC near Fort Saint John, I had many opportunities to
learn about and work with horses and other livestock at either my friends or family ‘s
properties. When I was a teenager, we moved around a bit, and I found myself in the city for
the last 15 years. I hadn’t been around horses much at all in those years until one fateful
day!! I made a post looking for a volunteer opportunity so that I could have horses back in
my life. I had been struggling with mental health issues in those 15 years & found that
horses and being in the country were my passion. Without that, I was lost. In November of
2022, a member of the Freedom Equine team reached out to me in response to my post, saying the program was in need of volunteers and would love to have me come meet everyone. Since then, I have been a volunteer at Freedom Equine, and it has changed my life! I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such an
amazing organization as a long-time volunteer and more recently as a member of the board of directors.
Although I have always wanted my own horse, I have not had that experience yet!! I look forward to that day, but in the meantime, I love the love from our very special program horses.
​
Francesca Ter Poorten, Director
Francesca is an avid horse rider/ lover and spends most of her days She rides and has trained in both English and Western but her true passion is riding in the mountains and getting out under the stars with her horses and dogs. Francesca is a clinical counsellor in Fernie that works with a variety of modalities to help people heal. She is passionate about the connection between horses and humans and all that is learned from that relationship. She is currently getting her Natural Lifemanship Certification and is certified in Equine-Assisted Therapy. She believes we can heal so much in our own relationships, by learning about our connections with horses. She has a farm on 10 acres just outside of Fernie where she can be found petting a dog, hugging a cat or nuzzling a horse. Her clinical office is there as well as her equine-assisted therapy practice.
Simone Bourassa, Director
Simone has always been guided by two quiet callings: a deep love for animals, and a natural instinct to care for people.
From her earliest memories, she has found herself drawn to the spaces where connection lives—muddy boots, soft noses, open hearts. Over time, that instinct became a life’s path. For more than 15 years, Simone has supported children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum and with diverse abilities as a Behaviour Consultant, walking alongside individuals and families with patience, compassion, and respect. As a Registered Autism Service Provider with ACT BC, her work is grounded not only in knowledge, but in genuine care for the people she serves.
But it was through horses that something deeper unfolded.
What began as a lifelong dream became a turning point—one that reshaped both her personal and professional world. Standing beside a horse asks something different of us. It asks us to slow down, to soften, to become honest. To be fully here. Simone has witnessed, time and again, the quiet transformations that happen in that space—the kind of growth that doesn’t need to be forced, only felt.
To her, horses offer something rare: a place where people can lay down what they’re carrying and simply be. And in that being, there is healing. There is confidence. There is peace.
Simone’s work now lives at the intersection of these worlds—humans and horses, growth and presence, support and freedom. With her extensive background and a heart fully invested in this work, she brings both depth and authenticity to the Freedom Equine Association Board of Directors.
Her belief in this work is simple, and powerful: when we create space for connection—real, grounded, and honest—lives change. And often, it begins with a horse.
Ben Haley, Director
Originally from Cornwall, Ontario, Ben Haley was raised on a dairy farm, where his connection to animals began before he could even walk. Growing up in a hands-on agricultural environment instilled in him a deep appreciation for rural living, hard work, and the quiet wisdom of animals.
Ben’s move to the East Kootenays marked a turning point, allowing him to fully step into his passion for horses and the lifestyle that comes with them. In 2024, he joined Cactus Mountain Ranch and became involved with Freedom Equine Association, where his lifelong love of horses quickly evolved into meaningful, skilled horsemanship.
A stone mason by trade and also working in livestock at Fort Steele Heritage Town, Ben brings both craftsmanship and practical knowledge to everything he does. He is a natural with horses—both in and out of the saddle—and soon stepped into a role as a lead trail guide, where his calm presence and intuitive connection shine.
On the ranch, Ben is deeply involved in the daily care and wellbeing of the program horses. From riding and training to feeding, fence repair, building infrastructure, and maintaining tack, he embraces every aspect of ranch life with dedication and pride.
Ben’s commitment to Freedom Equine Association goes far beyond the day-to-day. His belief in the organization’s mission and vision is evident in every interaction, every task, and every moment he spends with both horses and people. He brings authenticity, heart, and a grounded sense of purpose to the board, helping guide the organization with lived experience and genuine passion.
Jen Boucher, Secretary
Jen brings heart, organization, and a deep sense of community to her role on the Freedom Equine Association Board of Directors. She has been part of the Ponies and Planks Skijoring Fundraisier community since its very first year, and as an organizing committee member since year two, she has poured her energy into helping the fundraising event grow and thrive. Whether coordinating sponsors, managing social media, keeping things on track behind the scenes, or jumping in wherever needed, Jen shows up with care, reliability, and a genuine love for the people and purpose behind the work.
Her professional path began in the arts and entertainment world, working alongside Canadian music industry pioneers Paul Mercs and Sam Feldman. She later joined the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as part of the Cultural Olympiad team—an experience that deepened her appreciation for community, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
After the Olympics, Jen followed her growing passion for supporting purpose-driven work into the non-profit sector, contributing to LIFT Philanthropy Partners. In 2013, she started her own business, Call the Bouch, where she continues to support a wide range of clients with administrative, project, and creative services. Her work has included collaborations with organizations such as Women in Biz Network, Coastal Sound Music Academy, the Vancouver International Guitar Festival, and Kim Barthel.
Jen also brings valuable board experience, having served as Vice Chair of the Vancouver Homework Club Society from 2020 to 2024.
Now based in the East Kootenays, Jen is grateful to be part of a community that reflects what she values most—connection, care, and time spent close to nature. She continues to volunteer locally through Ponies and Planks, the Rotary Club’s Feast for a Cause fundraiser, and 100 Women Who Care.
Her love for animals and the natural world, and her belief in their quiet ability to support healing and growth, is what draws her to Freedom Equine Association. Jen brings a thoughtful, steady presence to the board, and a genuine commitment to helping the organization continue to grow in a way that feels grounded, inclusive, and full of heart.
David Golls, Director
I’ve had the privilege of spending time with horses, both as a rider and an observer of their remarkable impact on people. Horses have taught me patience, trust, and the power of connection. Their ability to tune into human emotions and respond to subtle cues has deepened my appreciation for non-verbal communication and empathy. Through experiences such as therapeutic riding programs and equine-assisted learning, I've witnessed firsthand how horses help individuals build confidence, overcome trauma, and develop a sense of purpose and belonging. Horses offer a unique opportunity for empowerment and transformation, This work can make a lasting positive impact on our communities by providing both the space and resources for healing and growth.
After a successful 25-year career in Business and Sales, David made a transformative shift into life coaching, snowboard coaching, and mountain bike coaching, seeking to combine his passion for personal growth with his love of the outdoors. His extensive experience in sales honed his communication, leadership, and motivational skills, which he now applies to helping individuals overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve their goals in both their personal and athletic lives.
David believes that the principles of coaching—whether in business, snowboarding, or mountain biking—are deeply connected. The challenges faced on a mountain or trail often mirror the challenges we encounter in life, and by navigating these physical challenges, individuals can gain clarity and strength in other areas of their lives. Through his work, David empowers others to push past their limits, embrace their strengths, and find balance, all while fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
His transition into coaching is driven by a desire to help others achieve personal breakthroughs, and he believes that organizations like Freedom Equine, which combine therapeutic practices with outdoor activities, can play a vital role in improving mental health and community well-being.