I was a traditional equestrian who loved competing and training until I met one horse who changed my perspective completely.

From a young age, I trained and competed in eventing and dressage, but everything changed when I met Ransom. He both fulfilled all my dreams and sent me on a journey to find something else. That journey taught me a powerful lesson: training based on force was never going to lead to a true partnership. I came to understand that a real relationship with an animal must allow them to have a voice and a choice in the process.

As I learned more about positive reinforcement I knew it was the way I wanted to communicate with my horses. I had already spent years clicker training dogs, I couldn’t believe I had never thought to use it with my horses! Clicker training uses rewards to show a horse that training leads to positive outcomes, while also empowering them to offer behaviors and make choices. Without punishment or fear of getting the wrong answer, this approach reinforces that learning is a cooperative, positive experience.

My love for dressage continues to shape my training, and I find that positive reinforcement aligns remarkably well with the principles of the sport. The athleticism, clear building blocks, communication, and focus on harmony and connection that I admire in dressage are enhanced when combined with positive reinforcement. I continue to explore dressage with clicker training and am excited to add it to my program.

For me, horse training is about partnership—creating an environment where the horse is motivated to participate willingly, not out of fear or pressure. This is the kind of connection I aim to help you build with your horse.