Linda Kohanov
Linda is an author, speaker, riding instructor and horse trainer who has become an internationally recognized innovator in the field of Equine Experiential Learning and a respected writer of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy.
Her book The Tao of Equus: A Woman’s Journey of Healing and Transformation through the Way of the Horse was selected as one of the Top Ten Religion and Spirituality books of 2001 by Amazon.com.
Her second book THe Tao of Equus: Riding Between the Worlds: Expanding Our Potential through the Way of the Horse, was published in 2003.
Both books have been used as texts in university courses across the country and have received appreciative reviews in publications as diverse as Horse and Rider, Natural Horse, IONS Noetic Sciences Review, Shift, Spirituality and Health, Animal Wellness, THe Equestrian News and Strides (the magazine published by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association).
Among her numerous lectures throughout the U.S. and Canada, she was a presenter at the 2001 NARHA conference and was the keynote speaker at the 2003 NARHA conference. She was also a featured presenter at the 2004 International Transpersonal Conference.
Support Staff
Sue Smades
Office Manager/Apprentice Liaison & Advanced Instructor
Sue joined Eponaquest in August of 2007 as a member of the Epona Center staff, holding positions as a ranch assistant and apprentice trainer. She is currently the Eponaquest Office Manager, the Apprentice Liaison, and a member of the Apprenticeship staff.
Sue completed the Eponaquest Apprenticeship in June 2009, becoming a Recommended Instructor, and has continued her training while co-facilitating various programs at Eponaquest Worldwide. Prior to joining Eponaquest, Sue spent more than 15 years in the client relations industry where she held positions in college relations, retail management, and equine facility management.
Elysa Ginsburg
Workshop Manager & Advanced Instructor
Elysa’s life-long love of horses, combined with her equestrian and psychology background brought her to her first first Eponaquest workshop with Linda Kohanov. Feeling inspired and transformed, Elysa realized that she wanted to share the gift of this work with others and went on to complete the Apprenticeship at the Epona International Study Center. In 2012, Elysa completed advanced training with Linda and became an Eponaquest Advanced Instructor. Elysa is currently the workshop manager and also co-facilitated with Linda and the magnificant Eponaquest herd.
Jennifer Ybarra
Ranch Manager & Recommended Instructor
Growing up, Jennifer was always outside alongside her father and grandfather, working with horses. From a young age, her father taught her to truly watch and listen- to pay attention to what the horses were communicating. He often reminded her that horses can sense what we’re feeling at any time of day when we’re with them. That early foundation shaped not only her horsemanship, but the way she understands connection, awareness, and presence.
Along with riding and handling horses, Jennifer developed a deep love for rehabilitating horses, especially those needing patience, consistency, and a safe partnership to rebuild trust. She has always been drawn to the quiet work of helping horses regain confidence, strength, and emotional balance, believing that healing goes both ways. Supporting a horse’s journey back to wholeness has become one of the most meaningful parts of her life.
In 2017, Jennifer began working at Eponaquest, starting by cleaning pens, grooming, and doing whatever tasks needed to be taken care of. Over time, she began horse handling during workshops and gained deeper insight into the powerful work taking place there. Seeing first hand how profoundly horses had impacted her own life and witnessing that same transformation in workshop participants she felt called to deepen her involvement.
In 2024, Jennifer completed the Eponaquest Apprenticeship program while also earning her certification as a Health and Life Coach. Today Jennifer serves as the Ranch Manager at Eponaquest, caring for and working closely with the herd, including supporting their rehabilitation, well being, and continued development. She also co-facilitates workshops alongside Linda, helping others experience the same awareness, healing, and growth that horses have brought into her own life.