Hi! I am Carol Baillie, a disabled U.S. Coast Guard veteran that served both active duty and reserve for eight years. During my military service I encountered challenges as a LGBTQIA+ member under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell legislation as well during my response to numerous environmental disasters as an emergency responder. Through my personal challenges associated with PTSD and other mental and physical challenges, I found the power of human-equine connection, thus I pursued my equine facilitated learning (EFL) Level 1 certification through The HERD Institute. Currently, Norm and I are set to pursue our HERD Institute EFL Level 2 Certification in July 2023!

During my darkest moment when I left active duty U.S. Coast Guard service and entered into status as a full-time undergraduate college student at Rutgers University, I met a friend, Scott, who inspired my journey towards healing and the creation of One Hoof Forward LLC. Post graduation, Scott and I maintained contact on occasion to check in and say “hi” and reminisce of our days and to see where we both were at in life. Unfortunately, Scott passed away unexpectedly in May 2022, but I realized he may not be here physically, he still inspires me, thus my vision for One Hoof Forward LLC, is an homage to what he taught me. Most importantly he taught me to put one foot in front of the other, no matter how small the step, and to keep going, thus the “One Hoof Forward” name of my EFL small business.

One Hoof Forward LLC’s vision is to provide EFL services to the LGBTQIA+ community as well as the military community (active duty, reserve, veterans, family members) through individual or group facilitated sessions. One Hoof Forward LLC is an inclusive EFL small business that meets all individuals where they are in the here and now (present moment) during each session that is specifically tailored to what they need.