The Helpful Horsewoman

Yep, that’s me. Whether I am busy at work, managing horses, teaching horsemanship classes, hosting clinics and day camps, or providing services as an Equine Consultant, I strive to be helpful to both horses and human.

To assist in this, I have developed The HorseLover Handybook, an at-your-fingertips resource for all of your horse’s information, as well as guides on new horse ownership and better barn management.

My fundamental approach, regarding horses, is a philosophy I have termed the HORSE FIRST Ethical Equine Approach, underscoring and reinforcing my methods of training, care, and good sportsmanship. There is no one way to keep, train, or care for a horse; but our fundamental approach can always be respectful and in a vein that understands the importance of fair leadership, doing so with patience, kindness, care, and gratitude.

Building trust within a horse provides an avenue for connection that also builds more lasting foundations for any kind of horse relationship. If we are open to it, they can help and educate us even more than we may even realize. My take is that it is a privilege for these thousand pound creatures to allow us to do what we do, in riding, showjumping, rodeo, and otherwise. I respect that everyone comes from different perspectives involving horses and what is seen as appropriate “use.” And yet there is a more ethical way to it all, where cooperation is key. As the Helpful Horsewoman, I help facilitate this cooperation with a mind for keeping your HORSE FIRST.