What takes place
The dream catchers I create can be made for many reasons, but the main purpose is to create a memento that celebrates the lives of beloved horses currently in people's lives or those that have passed on. Often, the dream catchers I am asked to make are to be given as gifts and represent the love people have for their equine companions, past and present.
If you would like one of my unique creations for yourself or to give as a gift, please contact me at trainwithnova@xplornet.ca
The information and materials I require from you are as follows:
1. If the horse is/was shod, the shoe should be cleaned and the nails removed. If shoes are no longer available or if the horse was barefoot, I will use one of my horses' shoes.
2. I require as large a quantity of full-length tail hair, pre-washed if possible, as you can send. Ideally, it should be cut off as close to the tail dock as possible, and the circumference should be double your thumb width in order to ensure I have a sufficient quantity to make a more interesting piece.
3. Send me as much additional information as you can on the horse, describing its breed, colour, age, any particular behaviours, special traits, and anything else you think may add character to the piece. Also, if you have riding colours or a colour scheme particular to the horse, please let me know.
I use beads and feathers to represent the information supplied to me. Each owner gets a written description of the meaning of the beads I have used, as well as what the feathers represent. Each dream catcher is created from dreams and with the help of my spirit guides. I honour our ancestors and ask for their guidance when creating the dream catcher, and I incorporate a bit of myself into each one I make. I also include a tobacco pouch in the parcel if it is mailed or delivered by hand.
Aho, all our relations.
I ask that you pay the postage and, if you wish, a donation for the materials used and for the time to make it would be appreciated. The dream catcher takes about 10-20 hours to make, and if you look at the pictures below you will notice they are not alike at all. The reason is that the dream catcher makes itself. The vision of it comes to me as I make it.
(For your convenience, a donation button is at the bottom of the page.)
Baamaapii (Until later)
Nibiwa Nektoshayuk (Many Horses)
Dream catcher gallery
Samples of past Dream Catchers

I made this for Marg and her horse Des. He was a white arabian who loved his red mare companion. Nov 15

This was made of two horse tails, Clay (35 yrs) and Roy (21 yrs). They died one month apart and were constant companions.Clay is on the left, Ray on the right. Feb 2015

Made as a Christmas gift from two living horses tails from a daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law. Dec 2014

One of two dream catchers made for my friend Susie in California. She lost her filly Rouge (a red Friesian filly) and the dream catcher has Rouge's hair, plus the sire and dam's hair. Made in January 2014

The other dream catcher I made for Susie. Susie provided Zen's shoes and his tail hair, plus the dam's tail hair, jewellery and other accessories. I provided the feathers and made the dream catcher for her. Jan 2014

Made for a lovely little girl who had bad dreams. She provided the shells and the butterfly and the dreams Nov 2013

Made from willow branches and from parrot feathers, this dream catcher was made for a good friend using his feathers. There are colours of each nation, and memories of his past life on this dreamcatcher.

I made this in May 2012 for Ceci and her horse Missy. Missy lived a long time, she was a black and white paint. I put feathers on the dreamcatcher

Close-up of July 2012 dream catcher. I used green beads and grean/yellow feathers in this one as the owner was partial to green for her horse. I was given a lot of hair so I could make three strands, one which was braided and green feathers were added.

Another one for Missy, I made three for the same horse, for three family members who miss her a lot. May 2012

I made this in early Jan 2012 for my friend Heather's horse Henry Fjord. Henry died at age 4, one year ago. He was a valent soul.

Close-up of Joelle's dream catcher. Lady was a lovely white and cream horse who lived a long and lovely life. Oct 2011

I made two dream catchers, one for each sister when their horse Lady passed this summer. Made in Oct 2011. This is for Brynn.

This was made for Ron and his partner Dan. Ron trained my mare Metina and did an excellent job with her. I joined two dreamcatchers for this one.

Close up of Ouke 313's dream catcher. Hair on left is Ouke's, and hair on right was his son who died in 2010 as a foal. I braided the hair to give it a long tail.

This was made for my friend Heather's granddaughter, Eve. I tried something different and put two rings together as this was a Birth Gift. Oct 2010

I made this for a friend who has no horses, but found the shoe on his property. He lives in Nova Scotia. Made in Jan 2007

For my friend Linda B for her horse Spot, who is retired this year to have a foal. Made in March 2007

For Russ my farrier who had a very old pony named Ink Spot. Ink Spot was in his 30's when he died. Made Sept 2007

For Karen's horse named Sweat Grass Tatti. She is still alive and expecting her first foal in 2011. Made in 2007

This was made for Russ my farrier, for his horse Bugs. Bugs still does the barrel circuit and is in his late teens. Made Nov 2007

For Susan and her old boy Aztec.He is now in his late teens, and still as feisty as always. This was made in Dec 2006