Natural Horsemanship

In Step

One of my greatest joys is teaching natural horsemanship to horse owners and enthusiasts who desire an extraordinary connection with their horses. Horses are relational creatures and have a tremendous capacity for connection with humans, as long as we are willing to become curious about their experience.

Because horses are prey animals (hunted for food in their natural environment) and humans are predators (hunters in our natural environment), a relationship between a horse and a human is against the laws of nature. It is very difficult for a horse to develop a trusting relationship with a human who, nature tells them, is fundamentally untrustworthy. Because their instincts for self preservation are so strong, even the most domestic of horses will watch a human approaching and think “I wonder if I’m going to be dinner.”

So, if the laws of nature are against us from the start, why have horses and humans been partnering together for hundreds of years? Because there is another instinct that is equally strong in our equine friends, and that is the drive to connect with others in relationship.

sun bathing

How can you develop the skills to consistently reward your horse’s curiosity and attempts to connect? How can you help him really believe that he can be in relationship with you, follow your leadership, and still feel safe?

This is the essence of my approach; to develop, in the human, the qualities that horses are most drawn to, so you can meet your horse half way, transcend the prey/predator relationship gap, and be successful.

Influenced by many teachers, my program is eclectic and combines solid natural horsemanship techniques with the essential keys of both horse and human psychology. This combination helps you and your horse build a deep and lasting relationship, based on safety, communication, and trust.

My approach is unique in that my extensive experience in the field of mental health and personal development allow us to quickly zero in on the relationship dynamics that are causing the most difficulty. We identify the source and put our attention exactly where it needs to be to get you on track in a fraction of the time.

I offer natural horsemanship lessons at Hidden Treasure Farm, just north of Bellingham Washington, and all over Whatcom County.

for horse enthusiasts

Individual classes for students ages 12 and older. $90 an hour.

Group classes for teens (12 -16), young adults (17-21), and adults (21 and older) are held at the farm. $75 for 2 hours. Three students per class.

See our schedule for current offerings.

for horse owners

  • Beginner through advanced
  • Ages 12 and older.
  • No need to own a horse trailer…I will come to you, anywhere in Whatcom County!
  • $70 per hour, $120 for two hours. I charge for travel that exceeds a total of 30 minutes.
  • Specific behavior issues-$150 for a 2 hour assessment. Most behaviors can be assessed and addressed in this amount of time. Others require a series of sessions to resolve them permanently.

I look forward to meeting you and your horse.