Frequently Asked Questions

As the Heartfelt Horsemanship recommended practitioner for Johannesburg, I practice Evidence-Based Empathetic Horsemanship, which is a progressive approach to working with horses, rooted in scientific research and a deep understanding of equine behavior, cognition, and welfare. This practice emphasizes the use of humane, respectful, and evidence-supported methods to train and care for horses, fostering trust and partnership rather than reliance on dominance or fear. This approach encourages horse handlers to consider the horse's perspective - its emotions, instincts, and physical needs - while incorporating strategies that align with how horses naturally learn and respond. By combining empathy with science, practitioners can create an environment where horses feel safe, understood, and willing to engage. The benefits of Evidence-Based Empathetic Horsemanship are profound. Horses become more confident, relaxed, and cooperative, leading to improved performance and a stronger bond with their human companions. It also empowers handlers with a deeper understanding of their equine partners, promoting ethical practices and long-lasting, harmonious relationships. This method is a game-changer for anyone seeking to work with horses in a compassionate and informed way.

Whether you ride for sport, leisure, therapy, or connection in an English saddle, a Western saddle, or no saddle at all - all disciplines are welcome here. As the Heartfelt Horsemanship recommended practitioner for Johannesburg, I teach Evidence-Based Empathetic Horse Riding - a modern approach to equestrianism that blends scientific research with compassion to create a truly harmonious partnership between horse and rider. This method prioritizes the horse's wellbeing by using techniques grounded in equine biomechanics, behavioural science, and psychology, ensuring that riding practices align with the horse's natural abilities and comfort. It's not about fitting the horse into a discipline; it's about understanding how to support their body and mind, no matter the saddle or setting. Riders are encouraged to develop a deeper awareness of their horse's physical and emotional state, focusing on clear communication, balance, and responsiveness. By fostering trust and mutual respect, riders can achieve greater harmony and fluidity in their movements while promoting the horse's long-term health and happiness. The benefits of Evidence-Based Empathetic Horse Riding are profound. Horses remain relaxed, willing, and engaged, leading to improved performance and a more enjoyable experience for both horse and rider. It also empowers riders to build a more ethical and fulfilling relationship with their equine partners, redefining what it means to ride with care, clarity, and understanding. To find out more about what a horsemanship or horse riding lesson with me is like, please visit https://zenhorseandhuman.wixsite.com/zenhorseandhuman/services.

Having grown up without my own horse, I rode the horses that nobody else wanted to ride. The ones that were hard to catch, that bit and kicked, that napped and spooked, and that bucked you off at every opportunity. I've ridden big and small, fast and slow, and everything in between. I've "shown them who's boss" and "got back on the horse" more times than I care to remember (I no longer believe in these things). I've done Join Up and Parelli Natural Horsemanship. I have competed unsuccessfully in Show Jumping, English Dressage, Eventing, Endurance, and Mounted Games (unsuccessfully as this was done on the above-mentioned type of horses 😉)... and, more recently, successfully in Cowboy Dressage with my horse, Anderstone Poco MidniteBlu, with scores in the 70's.

As an Evidence-Based Empathetic horse riding instructor who is also a life coach, I offer a uniquely transformative way to overcome horse-related trauma. This combined expertise ensures that the process of regaining confidence on horseback is approached holistically, addressing not only the physical skills required for riding but also the emotional and mental barriers that arise after such an experience. As an empathetic instructor and life coach, I create a safe, judgment-free environment (we don't "do" falling off), where you can process your fears and progress at a pace that feels comfortable to you. Using evidence-based techniques rooted in equine biomechanics, behavioural science, and psychology, I will guide you through controlled, mindful exercises that foster trust and safety between you and the horse. Meanwhile, the life coaching component will help you explore your emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop strategies to rebuild confidence and resilience. This dual approach empowers you to regain a sense of control and joy in your riding journey while fostering personal growth beyond the saddle. The process strengthens self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills - all of which have a positive ripple effect in other areas of life. By combining compassionate horsemanship with life coaching insights, you can transform your trauma into an opportunity for healing, growth, and renewed connection with both horses and yourself.

No time at all, and here's why: Evidence-Based Empathetic Horsemanship moves away from traditional round pen practices like chasing horses, as these methods often rely on pressure, fear, or dominance to elicit a desired response. The goal of empathetic horsemanship is to prioritize the horse's psychological and emotional well-being, fostering trust and a willingness to engage rather than compliance rooted in avoidance. Chasing horses around a round pen can create stress and confusion, as horses may feel they are being hunted, triggering their prey instincts. While traditional trainers might interpret certain behaviours, like a horse "joining up," as a sign of respect or connection, it's often an attempt to escape pressure and avoid conflict. In contrast, evidence-based empathetic approaches focus on understanding the horse's natural learning processes and creating a safe, low-pressure environment where the horse can confidently choose to engage with the handler. By using techniques grounded in scientific research, this method builds genuine trust and cooperation. The horse feels secure and respected, leading to a healthier, more harmonious relationship with their human partner. In short, chasing a horse around a round pen doesn't align with the principles of mutual respect, understanding, and care that evidence-based empathetic horsemanship champions.

An Equine Behaviour Consultation can be highly beneficial for anyone dealing with specific behavioural challenges in their horse, such as anxiety, aggression, dangerous behaviour, resistance, or training difficulties. Riders who seek to enhance their horse's performance or strengthen their bond can also gain valuable insights from this service. Equine Behaviour Consultations are ideal for those who want to better understand their horse's unique needs and behaviours, whether for improving communication, addressing safety concerns, or fostering a more harmonious relationship. Trainers and equestrian professionals may also benefit, as the consultation provides evidence-based strategies that align with humane and empathetic practices. Ultimately, anyone committed to their horse's well-being and personal growth as a handler would find these consultations transformative. It's a path to unlocking your horse's potential while creating a foundation of trust, respect, and partnership. For more about what a Behavioural Consultation entails, please visit https://zenhorseandhuman.wixsite.com/zenhorseandhuman/services.

No, Evidence-Based Empathetic Horsemanship is for all disciplines. Whether you ride Western, English, or anything in between, this approach isn't just compatible, it's a performance advantage. Evidence-Based Empathetic Horsemanship combines cutting-edge research in equine biomechanics, behaviour, and psychology to help riders unlock precision, power, and partnership in the saddle. This isn't soft science; it's smart strategy. By understanding why horses move, react, and learn the way they do, you gain tools to sharpen responsiveness, reduce resistance, and build the kind of trust that translates into consistent results in the arena. For Western riders, it refines the timing and feel needed for reining, cutting, mounted games, ranch work, and trail riding—by cultivating relaxation, clarity, and lightning-fast cue recognition. For English riders, it enhances performance in dressage, show jumping, and eventing—by improving balance, focus, and willingness, while reducing tension and burnout. This method helps you troubleshoot faster, train smarter, and compete with a horse who's mentally engaged and physically prepared. It's not about shortcuts, it’s about building a foundation that holds up under pressure. Beyond competition, it empowers handlers, trainers, and owners to resolve behavioural challenges, improve safety, and strengthen the horse-human bond. Every interaction - on the ground or in the saddle - is guided by respect, clarity, and long-term wellbeing. When your horse understands you, and you understand your horse, performance becomes partnership - and partnership wins.