Welcome | Berkana Farm

The Partner Up Promise

At Partner Up, we believe that true harmony stems from a genuine commitment to self-awareness and growth. Our program isn't just about understanding your equine companion—it's about fostering a deeper connection and fulfilling their unique needs. Through dedicated support, interactive assignments, and personalised guidance, participants emerge from our program with a newfound sense of purpose and connection.

Think of it this way: if you want to have a strong, cohesive congruent relationship with your horse that is based on trust, you have to get to know each other, learn how to support each other, and bring out the best in each other. It’s an equal, two-way street. You have to make each other feel that, no matter what, you’ve got each other, that builds trust and from that point forward you know you’re safe and your horse knows they are safe.

The essence of our teaching lies in our Partner Up Program

• Ideal for those seeking to transform their approach to managing their horse's behavior.
• Designed for individuals aiming to deepen their understanding of themselves and how their horse perceives their communication.
• Tailored for anyone interested in deciphering their horse's language.
• Geared towards providing a clearer understanding of energy dynamics, both human and equine.
• Intended for those desiring a confident, willing horse that seamlessly integrates with their body and mind.

About Mona, your instructor

Horses for over 6 decades have been and are a vital part of my life. My relationship with horses began the moment I was able to walk. From then on every free moment was spent with horses.

I am honoured to have the privilege of having the responsibility for horses in my care. I am most at home when I am with my horses whether that be cleaning the stalls, riding bareback out on the trails with friends or alone in remote country

Riding bareback has taught me the importance of balance with a light hand in creating free movement, balance, congruency, and willingness in my horse.

My health journey has given me a unique perspective and a strong understanding of the importance of being present, free of judgment, patient, and how the human is the key when connection is to be realized.

From a young age, I found my empathetic nature always trying to make things better for horses and this led me to the realization that I, as the human, was the key. Using my energy, curiosity, visual acuity and awareness, I learned to decipher what horses were saying.

My empathetic nature also houses a warrior goddess that seeks inner peace, energetic congruency, and worth, not only for myself but for all I come into contact with.

Having trust and feeling safe in my opinion is the most basic needs that must be met before any type of relationship/connection can follow. Feeling seen, felt, heard, and understood are integral to “worth” for both horse and human. Safety is only realized once worth and trust have been established.

My strong desire for congruency and to give worth and inner peace are the defining factors for giving the horse a voice by teaching others how to connect and communicate with horses. Through my Partner Up Program, I now use this fluency to teach others how to better connect, communicate and attain anatomic congruence with their horses.

Purchase

Discover the Benefits: Why Invest in Our Partner Up Course

Deepen Horse Bond

Our program helps you create an unbreakable connection with your horse, building trust and companionship.

Effective Communication

Learn the language of your horse and master how to convey your messages clearly for mutual understanding.

Safety & Trust

Gain the skills to ensure both you and your horse feel safe and secure, establishing a foundation of trust.

Behavior Understanding

Understand the subtle cues of horse behavior to anticipate needs and strengthen your relationship.

Emotional Connection

Tap into the emotional wavelength of your horse, fostering a deeper emotional rapport.

Addressing Fear

Overcome fear and build confidence in your horse through proven fear management techniques.

About the Partner Up Program

The 60-hour Partner Up Program consists of 3 parts

1- Who You Are

This segment offers a safe and nurturing environment for participants to explore their authentic selves and cultivate vulnerability. Through introspective exercises and guided discussions, individuals are encouraged to embrace their true identities and deepen their understanding of themselves within the context of equine partnership.

2- Fear

Delve into the intricacies of fear and its profound impact on our physiological well-being. By examining the parallels between human and equine responses to fear, participants gain valuable insights into their own emotional landscapes. Through experiential learning with horses, individuals develop strategies to confront and overcome fear, fostering resilience and empowerment.

3- Anatomic Part

In the Anatomic Part of our program, participants embark on a journey of personal growth and self discovery. We delve into the depths of understanding our physical bodies' requirements for smooth, floating movements, which are crucial for harmonious interactions with our horses. Just as in dancing with a partner, it's essential to be aware of our own movements and timing, as well as the needs of our horse. By learning to synchronize our movements with our horse's, we deepen the trust bond and create more willingness. Throughout this process, we continuously learn about ourselves and what we bring to the partnership, allowing us to identify and correct any restrictions or adaptations necessary for the benefit of both horse and rider.

Are you ready to join the Partner Up Program?

Module 1: The mind connection
Module 2: Understanding the horse senses
Module 3: Interpretation horse communication
Module 4: Fear biology Horse & Human
Module 5: Strategies for dealing with fear and doubt
Module 6: The importance of having an anatomic connection
Module 7: Identifying and correcting your imbalances
Q&A during online sessions

Insights from the Founder: Transformative Wisdom from Our Partner Up Program Creator

Discover transformative insights from the creator of our Partner Up program. In these enlightening YouTube videos, our founder shares profound wisdom and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on equine connection. From personal stories to expert advice, these videos provide a glimpse into the transformative journey of the Partner Up program, guided by the vision and expertise of its creator.

Become What your Horse needs

Harnessing the Power of Both

What You'll Learn

For the Human Foundation

Kind words from our Partner Up attendee's

Diane Lightfoot

"After a bad riding accident and a long absence from riding, Partner Up has given me the necessary tools to overcome my fears and anxiety and how to become an active partner with my horse. With endless hours of research, Mona has brought together a wealth of information on how to read your horse in order to communicate effectively and to have a positive shared experience with mutual respect between horse and rider. Thank you so much, Mona, for this wonderful learning journey about myself and my horses."

Derek Main

"We are only 7 lessons in but wow...great job Mona. From the start I have felt so welcomed. Mona you are covering phenomenal territory and will touch many lives! This change of mindset and moving to a different way of life is the essential ingredient that's missed in all horse courses, this isn't a course in horsemanship it's a course in lifemanship that will reach every corner of our lives. Each week you continue to astound and inspire...... Thankyou"

Areal Lutsch

"Amazing couple of days learning about understanding and connecting with horses (and learning a lot about myself and how that affects our connection). Thanks Mona Illerbrun. I first met Mona when she came to do her 3 day course with a small group at our ranch. Learning about fear responses and what happens as well as how to read our horses was very informative. It helped me understand how my lack of confidence and fear based responses while riding my horse were making things worse for both of us. When I was younger I never lacked confidence riding or became fearful. Gradually as I have aged I have found that my anxiety and fear when riding had gotten worse which was being passed onto my horse and making our rides not very enjoyable. Working with Mona helped me understand what was happening, that it was normal and gave me some strategies to help diminish my anxiety and thus enjoy my rides more. Mona then came back awhile later and spent a week riding with my husband and I every day. I had not taken my young green horse out of the arena much before then as I was afraid of what might happen. While riding with Mona I was able to feel more. confident as she guided me through some tough times by helping me understand what my body was doing and how that was affecting my young horse. I was much more confident after the week spent riding with Mona and after a couple years using the springboard she created for me am much more confident and now ride on my own throughout our property. Thank you for being my CALM today and encouraging me to ride with a looser rein! Thank you so much for riding with me. You have helped my confidence so much! I am eternally grateful!! "

Beth Shearer

"l am very thankful to have had the experience of spending time with Mona. She has an incredible amount of kindness and patience when teaching about horses and helping to overcome fears and anxiety. Whether you're scared to go near a horse or you're a seasoned rider, there's something to be learned and fun to be had with Mona. Definitely recommend!"

Sue Sargant

"Mona, Thank-you for a wonderful summer of roaming the woods of the Blackwater! The learning curve was steep, the trails and scenery superb, the company exceptional and Ben was the perfect partner to get me back in the saddle again. The generosity you have shown me in sharing your horses, your advice and your home is truly appreciated. To have a friend who can challenge and guide you on so many levels with such warmth and insight is a true gift. Happy Trails Dear Friend Sue"

Romi Glessner

"I have a question: it is always my intention to go to the barn with what I have been calling, "low or calm energy" (ie- not bringing the day's stresses or challenges along) In theory though, am I correct in saying that I actually should be striving for a high energetic frequency and if so is that equivalent to a calm state of being?" and my response

Frequently Asked Questions

The Partner Up Program is an investment in a lifelong skill set for both you and your horse. While it may seem like a higher upfront cost compared to other options, our comprehensive approach provides in-depth knowledge, one-on-one coaching, and exclusive resources that offer exceptional value and long-term benefits you won't find elsewhere.

Our program is based on universal principles of trust and communication that apply to all horses. However, we also provide personalized one-on-one consultations to address your unique situation and guarantee that our methods can be tailored to work for you and your horse.

No special equipment is needed to participate in our program. We focus on natural methods that primarily require your presence, attention, and time to effectively communicate and bond with your horse.

We understand that time is precious, which is why our program is self-paced. You have access to the course materials and can progress at a rate that fits your schedule comfortably, ensuring you can fulfill both your commitments and your horse training goals.

Yes, our online course is thoughtfully designed to simulate in-person training. It combines multimedia learning materials with interactive components, such as weekly Q&A sessions and active community support, to give you the full experience and guidance you need.