Our Mission
We strive to heal humanity and the planet by fostering a deeper connection to animals and the natural world.
About
Equus Insight was born from the creative vision of Melinda Blackwell in 2009, initially serving underprivileged youth and local businesses with a mission to cultivate modern leadership and teamwork in a world increasingly shaped by technology. With her extensive background in education and deep passion for experiential learning, Melinda crafted Equus Insight’s foundation, blending creativity, knowledge, and purpose.
As the program grew, Fran Melino, a lifelong horsewoman and former professional dancer, joined as a co-facilitator, bringing her expertise in movement, expression, and equine connection.
After a brief pause due to the pandemic, Equus Insight has reemerged with renewed energy and vision, now welcoming Hannah Waen, ACC, an Equine-Assisted Educator and ICF-Certified Professional and Executive Coach, to the herd. With fresh perspectives and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, Equus Insight is stepping into its next chapter—empowering individuals, teams, and communities through equine-assisted learning and leadership development.
We believe that everyone is a leader, and through the wisdom of horses, we help people take ownership of their personal, professional, and community roles.
Equus Insight is proud to be a licensed partner of HorseDream and a member of EAHAE International, bringing world-class equine-assisted education to the Reno-Tahoe region and beyond.
Our Coaching Team
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Melinda Blackwell
Certified Equine-Assisted Educator, Owner
Melinda brings over 30 years of teaching experience in Washoe County public schools to her work with Equus Insight. Her journey into horsemanship wasn’t traditional—after growing up watching her sister compete, she reconnected with horses later in life by enrolling in a natural horsemanship workshop on a whim.
Following 9/11, Melinda felt compelled to create meaningful change. After bringing her students to the ranch where she trained, she witnessed firsthand the transformative impact horses could have on young lives. Inspired, she pursued additional training and certifications in equine-assisted education, ultimately founding Equus Insight.
After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, Equus Insight is back, stronger than ever, with a renewed focus on addressing the challenges we face in schools, workplaces, and our personal lives. Melinda’s passion for helping others and her belief in the power of equine-assisted learning remain at the heart of the organization’s mission.
Certifications:
HorseDream Certified Equine-Assisted Educator
EAGALA Certified Equine Professional
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Hannah Waen, ACC
Certified Equine-Assisted Educator, ICF-Certified Coach
Hannah’s journey with horses began in childhood, accompanying her older brother to riding lessons as a toddler. By age six, she was immersed in riding camps and weekly lessons, and as she grew, horses became the centerpiece of her life—culminating in owning her own.
After riding and competing in college, Hannah’s connection to horses remained steadfast, even as her career, moves, and relationships evolved. Today, she has seamlessly blended her passion for equine learning with her expertise as an executive coach and marketer. Through her coaching business, Hest Creative, Hannah is excited to partner with Equus Insight to deliver transformative equine-assisted coaching experiences.
Hannah is highly creative and loves crafting new offers and group programs for various audiences. She also offers private coaching focused on leadership, personal branding, identity, values, personal integrity, and emotional well-being. Hannah hopes to bring group coaching to Equus Insight soon!
Certifications:
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Fran Melino
Certified Equine-Assisted Educator, Equine Specialist
Fran began her career as a professional dancer, performing in New York City alongside some of the industry's most renowned talents. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she discovered partnership, healing, and profound personal growth through her work with horses.
Over the years, Fran has worn many hats—trainer, rider, instructor, groom, and competitor—but she finds the greatest fulfillment in working in harmony with these remarkable animals. Embracing gentler methods of horsemanship, including bitless bridles and bareback pads, Fran is committed to ensuring that the horses at Equus Insight receive the highest standard of care and respect.
As a certified Equine Educator, she not only oversees the well-being of our herd but also plays an integral role in facilitating equine-assisted coaching programs with training and certification in a range of equine-assisted learning methodologies.
Certifications:
HorseDream Certified Equine-Assisted Educator
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Wesley Smith
Certified Equine-Assisted Educator
Wesley’s connection with horses began in early childhood—showing in 4-H, competing in gymkhana play days, and camping with her family and their horses in the Point Reyes National Seashore. She grew up immersed in a world shaped by embodiment, somatics, and transformational learning. Her mother, Ariana Strozzi Mazzucchi, is the founder of Equine Guided Education, and Wesley spent much of her early life alongside the evolution of that pioneering work.
While dance became her primary passion in her teens, the imprint of those early experiences with horses and healing remained. In recent years, that foundation has come full circle. After completing her certification with SkyHorse Academy and collaborating closely with her mother’s work, Wesley has come to see how powerful and life-affirming coaching with horses can be.
Today, she offers coaching sessions designed to help people reconnect with their authentic selves—through horse work, nature-based practices, and creative exploration. Her approach is grounded, gentle, and deeply supportive. She’s especially drawn to creating spaces where people don’t have to perform or push—where simply being yourself is enough. Wesley is currently developing new offers that blend presence, creativity, and somatic awareness, including an adult crafting club that may be offered at Equus Insight.Certifications:
Our Certifications
