However, I truly believe that what counts most ist what the horses tell us. I try to share stories from my coaching as often as I can. Go check out Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

If you want to hear what the humans have to say about me, check out my Google Reviews. If you have any questions, never hesitate to reach out: playbasedhorsetraining@gmail

Qualifications

Intrinzen

In 2023, I got to learn from and with Kathy and her amazing horse at the Intrinzen Summercamp on her farm.

I am the co-founder of the Intrinzen Context Designers’ Creed, the Community Crunches Collection, and the Stepping Stones video library.

Positive Reinforcement

Horse Physio and Rehab, Holistic Care

Traditional Equestrian Qualifications

I have the German Equestrians’ Association “Große Reitabzeichen Bronze”. (It doesn’t exist anymore. It qualified me to compete at intermediate level dressage and show jumping.) This certificate includes ridden exams in both disciplines. It test your knowledge of horse keeping, food & digestions, and basic health.

Dr. rer. soc (PhD in Social Sciences)

Interestingly, this is surprisingly relevant to horse training. My PhD focused on motivation among other things. One of my main theories was self-determination theory – which is one of Intrinzen’s core theories.

Additionally, being a scientist for 5+ years taught me how to read papers. I know a good study from a bad one. I know if a conclusion is justified or not. And I do still read loads of scientific research on: Rehab/Physiotherapy, movement science, pain science, behaviourism.

If I tell you something, you can be sure I read the science behind it.

Experience

I was lucky enough that these horses included a wide range of breeds and personalities: shetties, ponies, icelandics, cobs, tinkers, haflingers, arabians, quarters, P.R.E.s & lusitanos, warmbloods & sport horses, draft horses, and even some rather unique breeds like: Lippizaner, Mangalarga Marchadors, Menorquin, Criollo, Knabbstrupper.

I’ve helped people to re-kindle movement joy in their horses, overcome trauma, start youngsters, and find calm for reactive/anxious horses, master outside walls, hoof handling, intrinzeninspired/+r riding, establish good communication around grass, overcome food anxiety, injury rehab, build muscle and strength a weak topline. 

I’ve helped horses and their sidekicks turn from barely moving to exuberant play. From bolting and rearing to walking outside on a loose line. From being unrideable to carrying a rider with joy. From lame to strong and agile. 

Philosophy

Horses

My leading value is: The horse is the hero. 

The horse’s welfare and happiness are my number 1 priority. I value your relationship with your horse more than fancy moves. And I strive towards friendship and fun for human and horse 

All my coaching and training is based on +R and Intrinzen. There are no whips. I do not use force. The horses always get to say no thanks. I love to use play in even the most mundane handling excercises. Hence: Playbased Horsetraining. 

And I base my work on the current knowledge we get from the sciences of pain, movement, and motivation. Read more about my principles in the Intrinzen Context Designers’ Creed.

I am also convinced that we need a holistic percpective to help horses become their most badass selves. Which is why your horse’s living situation, nutrition, and hooves are an important part of the picture. If warranted, I will combine manual techniques and tools to increase body awareness (proprioception) with training excercises.

Humans

Kathy created Intrinzen so the every equestrian could be enabled to train their own horse. I embrace this mission. If you hire me as your coach, I will help you understand the basic principles. This will enable you to create your own training. So you still might want my help from time to time. I have experience to contribute. I might have new ideas and an outside perspective. But  I want to make sure that you don’t need me.