“Some people leave footprints wherever they go—Laura Hutler leaves a trail of transformation. From summer camps to Natural Lifemanship, her journey has been one of connection, growth, and a deep reverence for nature and the relationships we build within it. We are beyond blessed that she blazed a trail that led to us!”
– Bettina Shultz-Jobe, CEO and Co-Founder of NL
Each month, we celebrate a member of our NL family who embodies the heart and soul of what we do. This time, we’re turning the spotlight on Laura Hutler—our Onsite Steward of People and Place at NL Headquarters in Brenham. Her story is one of passion, discovery, and an unshakable belief in the power of relationships, not just with people, but with the natural world and, of course, with our equine partners.
A Life Rooted in Nature
Laura’s love affair with the outdoors started young. Growing up in Wisconsin, she could often be found chasing butterflies, catching turtles, or simply reveling in the beauty of the natural world. As a teen, her happy place was the barnyard, spending countless hours with her horse—an early glimpse of the path her life would take.
It was only natural that she pursued a degree in Wildlife Management/Biology and Environmental Education, as she was eager to merge her love for nature with her deep-seated desire to help others discover and appreciate its wonders.
From Campfires to Connection
Laura’s passion for the outdoors took on new depth during college when she stumbled into summer youth camping. What started as a summer job quickly became a calling. As a Summer Camp Program Director, she spent decades crafting experiences that not only brought kids closer to nature but also fostered friendships and personal growth that lasted long after the last campfire had burned out.
But it was in the final years of her camping career that something truly remarkable happened—her path crossed with Natural Lifemanship.
Discovering a New Way with Horses
For years, Laura had sensed that the traditional way of working with camp horses was missing something. The transactional nature of lessons and trail rides didn’t sit right with her. She knew, deep down, that there had to be a better way—one built on partnership, not control.
That search led her to Natural Lifemanship in 2017. One visit to the NL website, and suddenly, all the dots started connecting. She saw a vision where horses weren’t just tools for recreation but willing partners in an experience that could be profoundly transformational—for campers, staff, and families alike.
In 2018, that vision took its first real step forward when NL’s own Tanner and Kathleen facilitated a Fundamentals Training at Laura’s camp. Among the attendees was Ashley Stavig, a local therapist. The two connected instantly, and together, they began building something entirely new—a horse program rooted in the principles of healthy relationship.
What happened next was nothing short of magical.
Horses That Choose to Partner
Under Natural Lifemanship’s guiding philosophy, the camp’s horse program underwent a profound shift. No longer was it about what horses had to do—it was about what they chose to do.
Burnt-out horses, once weary of the repetitive nature of camp life, began showing up differently. They started to engage. They began volunteering to partner with campers and clients, stepping into relationships in ways that had never been seen before. And, in turn, the campers and staff learned a new way of being—one that was relational, intentional, and deeply connected.
By early 2023, Laura and her core barn team had completed their NL Dual Certification and had embarked on the Advanced Certification path. By the end of that year, they had completed it. And in May of 2023, Laura and her husband, Chip, took a bold leap—stepping away from over 30 years in professional camping ministry to become the Onsite Stewards at NL Headquarters.
Now, she welcomes others into this world, offering a space where people can come to learn, explore, and experience the depth of connection that NL fosters.
“This Way of Being is a Lifelong Adventure”
For Laura, Natural Lifemanship is a way of being. It’s a practice, a mindset, and a lifelong adventure.
“It’s not about doing it perfectly,” Laura shares. “It’s about being vulnerable enough to start, to take each step, and to do our own work alongside the horses and each other.”
That work, she believes, is where the real transformation happens. It’s about having the courage to ask—whether it’s a horse or a human—if they’d like to step into the dance of relationship. And then, it’s about creating the kind of space where both parties feel seen, heard, and safe enough to explore their answer.
Mistakes happen. But in Laura’s world, mistakes aren’t failures. They’re opportunities for reparative work, for strengthening relationships, for growth.
Walking the Path Together
Today, as the Onsite Steward of People and Place, Laura plays a vital role in the NL community. She’s here to walk beside those on this journey, to create a space where learning and connection flourish.
And for those just discovering Natural Lifemanship, she has this to say:
“This is the work. It’s about relationships—with ourselves, with others, with the horses, with nature. It’s about stepping into a way of being that honors connection above all else. And that… that is where the healing happens.”
Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL
We are beyond grateful to have Laura as a part of our NL family. Her passion, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of connection inspire us all. Thank you, Laura, for everything you bring to this journey!
If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.
Learn more at naturallifemanship.com/memberships.
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