• I am Certified with CHA in group & private riding lessons
• CHA has also certified me as a Level 4 Equine Facility Manager
• I also hold a certificate in Natural HorsemanshipI charge $35 an hour here @ Shady Oaks or I can come to you!
  

A central-California native, I started my first horse under saddle at age 13.  In high school, I competed locally on hunter-jumpers.  In college, I trained draft horses on both coasts.  After college I studied dressage.

I was assistant trainer at Summit Equestrian Center in Los Gatos, CA for four years, and then proprietor and head trainer there for another seven years.  During that time my focus shifted from dressage to “natural” horsemanship in its many guises.  My single most influential trainer since 2001 has been Ray Berta of Carmel Valley.  He showed me that kindness works, for any worthy goal.

In 1997 I started training in Aikido, receiving the rank of shodan (black belt) in 2005.  Aikido has informed my horsemanship more than any other discipline or disciple.  Aikido improves our balance, posture, judgment, and values.  As non-competitive martial artists, aikidoists learn kinesthetically how to empower our partners.  This skill transfers seamlessly from the dojo to the arena.

Many people have suffered from our current economic recession.  This means that the time is right for horsemen and women to seek out their own path that has heart.  Everyone can practice horsemanship with heart.  Your horse does not care for expensive accessories, but he waits for you to join him in the moment.  Go to him!

Click here for Louise's website