As much as we would like to believe it is possible, we can never really know what is like to be a horse. But the relationship and work that a human does with a horse transforms into a thing of beauty once we learn what it takes to gain mutual understanding with a creature that views the world quite differently than we do.   Though human and horse have the same sense organs, they have different priorities for using them. Senses used in different combinations produce different result.

I also submit that horses take better advantage of what they have to work with because they are still very much hard wired with survival in mind. Humans on the other hand have let dust collect on much of what we have available to us because survival of the species is no longer primary in our consciousness.  Our best hope for connection lies in developing skills in humans with the goal of finding the key that unlocks the door to greater understanding of the being that we call “horse.”

Exercising a horses mind is as important as exercising his body.  We have all seen horses that appear mindless and flat.   It is appears as though they are sleeping through life.  That analogy is more true than not.  It is most often seen in those who have repetitive jobs.  A horse like this can become no more than a puppet and the rider a marionette rather than partners engaged in the perfect dance.  This unfortunate but common pattern can be observed most readily in competition, even at the top levels.  Have you ever wondered when watching a competition, why you are drawn to a particular horse and rider?  The horse is the one with that certain spark. He is the horse who steals the show.  He is the “thinking” horse. The rider is the competitor skilled enough to know how to bring out the best in him. 

Katelyn specializes in teaching her students how to tap into a horses mind and how to further encourage him to use it.   The most unlikely of horses can be taught to do the most unusual things if you help him to understand what you want of him and then leave him alone to figure out a way to do what you asked. It is truly amazing what a horse will give if he understands what you are asking. He will go to the limits of his physical capabilities and even beyond to give to you. It is equally as amazing what can happen if he does not. She can help you re-pattern those behaviors which you find undesirable and facilitate the development of those that are considered healthy. 

Katelyn’s goal is to help humans understand what it takes to reach their equine partner.  She teaches the foundational skills needed to be successful in whatever job or discipline for which the team is to be trained. She coaches her students in the art and science of developing the whole horse. She creates an atmosphere for her students where learning is fun.  She works toward helping horse and human appear a seamless fabric; the perfect blend of horse and human. It is a beautiful dance indeed.  Welcome to the dance floor.