MY PHILOSOPHY

 

Equusynergy combines a trauma-informed and neuro-science-based approach with the principles of both positive and negative reinforcement training and the biomechanics of classical dressage.

 

By honouring our horse's choice to connect and communicate and incorporating the science of the mammalian nervous system and brain, we can create a felt sense of safety for both horse and human in the learning environment. Then by combining reinforcement training and the wisdom of the classical dressage grandmasters, we discover a mutually beneficial enjoyment of the training.

 

Over the years of learning and growth, I have experienced over and over again how our own authenticity, awareness, and attunement, along with an understanding of the horse's heart, mind, body, and spirit, is a holistic pathway to finding harmony and synergy in the dance together.

 

Along with my passion for learning, I love sharing my experience with others so that they too can enjoy the wonderful feeling of connection when their horses enthusiastically choose to participate in the training journey together.

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MY JOURNEY

 

I was fortunate enough to have had horses in my life from a very young age, and I competed in Childrens and Juniors through into Adults in Showing, Dressage, Show Jumping, and Equitation. My first big paradigm shift happened after reading the book Tug of War: Classical versus Modern Dressage by Gerd Heuschmann. I decided to pivot my training approach towards more Classically based principles. 

Another shift happened shortly after this; I broke my ankle on a hike and couldn't ride for a year. I watched The Path of the Horse and learned about Linda Kohanov's and Mark Rashid's work with horses. I immediately bought their books which opened my eyes to a beautiful way of connecting with myself and horses. Once my ankle was healed enough to walk, I started exploring groundwork, particularly liberty, with my horses, and this sparked a whole new passion in me.

Now I had a strong desire to find a way to combine the beauty of classical dressage with the freedom and relationship of liberty. I explored many avenues and found inspiration from the amazing horse-people worldwide who were on a similar path. In my search for a balance between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual areas of being with and working with horses, I studied and qualified as a certified ST Instructor and worked as an Online Coach in the Straightness Training Academy® from 2014 until 2022.

At the beginning of 2022, after listening to Karen Rohlf's fabulous podcast series, Horse Training in Harmony, I decided to sign up for Karen Rohlf's Dressage Naturally Habits for Excellent Horsemanship online course. This took me back to basics with all of my horses, and I rebuilt our foundations with fresh eyes. 

 

In November 2022, I joined Mustang Maddy's HCA Connection Course, where I studied more about compassionate, ethical, science-based horsemanship centralised around positive reinforcement. I am now combining my Classical training experience with the life-changing training approach I have learned from this course and my horses are absolutely loving it!

In 2023, I am also expanding my learning in the realm of the mammalian nervous system and brain in Stephen Peters's (PsyD, ABN) and Sarah Schlote's (MA, RP, CCC, SEP) Equuscience course, which will be completed in January 2024. 

 

Finally, I will keep deepening my understanding and application of the classical dressage principles through the online courses in the Academic Art of Riding Online-Reitschule membership.

My horses will continue, as they have always been, to be the true North in my journey to becoming the best partner I can be for them. I will also continue to share everything I am learning with my students, both in person and online, as my understanding and experience evolve.