About Me

Personal Profile

My Story

The typical...horse crazy kid, full of love for these magical creatures. worked hard to be around them, sometimes getting to ride. wanted more. more connection, more flow, more magic. instead learned violence, hardness, force - as the common practices demand. luckily it didn't work that well for me. the joy faded. it just didn't feel right. also fear showed up. I kept searching. believing in the fairy tale of performance AND peace. doing the cool things without having to buy a designer horse (or 6, 'cause 5 of them won't make it) found my mentors as I was ready for them. layer by layer I let go of the old and let in the new. found my way. learned so much in the process, changed my life

I believe these to be the three pillars of excellence with horses

Leadership
...this is how the horse understands the human world, learns to think, understands his role and work

...and this is how we grow... become qualified to lead our horses. This is the way the horse can take us places, make us better people

Athletic Development
balance, fitness, symmetry
...time tested methods, logical, understandable exercises. Clear progression

...this is how we make horses strong, beautiful, sound and able to do anything

Rider's Seat
the effect of the rider on the horse is profound.
...to enhance or hinder - your choice!

Education

Manuel Jorge de Oliveira

Christina Wunderlich

Vertical

This is it. The real deal.

I don't even have adequate words. I spent so many years believing this exists somewhere... and finally found it.

This works. Horses and students advance. Life opens up.

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Josh Nichol

Relational Horsemanship

This is the part about connection, relationship, finding freedom on the back of the horse.

clinics, mentorships, tears and laughter... deep immersion into the reality of being a leader, meeting the horse's needs.

Frank Grelo

Portuguese Horsemanship

the one and only... Frank

I spent a few years learning to grasp this way of riding, of life.

The courage and determination - and the softness.

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Mary Wanless

Ride With Your Mind

Mary's work truly changed my path!

Re-defined everything. Gave me the actual skills to ride.
And eventually to teach.

I pursued this knowledge: Poland, England, Florida, Texas, Ohio...
I became the first accredited coach in Canada.

This is definitive, clear knowledge on what to do to sit well and influence the horse.

Centered Riding

I studied this approach, working with a senior coach Dawn Ruthven for a number of years.
Centered riding, with its connection to Tai Chi, brings a wealth of tools for increasing the feel between the rider and the horse.