Coaching
From Hannah and Rachel and the CT Coaches
Hannah
Hannah can be found predominantly online in the CT Club, where she continues to make and share training videos for the (already bursting!) Home Study Courses, as well as offering support, advice and updates for CT Club Members.
In real life, she is based in Southern France, and offers clinics around Europe.
Rachel
Rachel can also be found online in the CT Club, supporting members and sharing new material.
She lives most of the year at Cortijo de Segura in Spain, which is a rescue centre she co-founded with CT Coach Claire Waldron. Cortijo de Segura offers CT training courses in the sunshine with rescued horses.
CT Coaches
A little personal coaching can make a big difference in the journey with your horse. Getting experienced feedback, advice and guidance can really help you to overcome ‘stuck’ points and progress more easily and smoothly with your horse.
Online coaching is simple to do and is a really great way to get feedback on your training and one-to-one discussion and advice with a knowledgeable coach. In fact, we find that students make the best progress with online coaching because the process of reviewing and discussing your training gives you deep awareness and insights into your training to take with you to the next session.
All of our certified Coaches were selected because of their experience, knowledge and supportive, friendly personalities, followed by intensive training with us. We can recommend coaching with them whole-heartedly. Each Coach has specific experience and specialities. Please review their bio’s to find the best one for you and your horse.
You can book Coaching with them, both online and in person, by contacting them directly through their contact information below.
Aria Luna
USA
CT Coach specialising in training for emotional balance
Aria Luna
Location: Inyokern, California, USA
Lessons: In person coaching at the student’s location. Local and travel.
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Languages Spoken: English
Aria Luna
“My life mission is to improve the connection between horses and their humans. I am passionate about equine behavior, positive reinforcement training, equine care practices and teaching. With that package I feel that I was born to be an equine trainer and coach! I am here to support you and your beloved equine in your journey to build the relationship that you have dreamed of!
I work with equines of all ages and sizes as well as humans of all ages and sizes! I use the word equine because I would like the owners of donkeys, mules, hinnies, zebras and crosses to feel as welcome as horse owners. You are all a very important part of the Connection Training community!
I specialize in equine training for emotional balance. If you have an equine that is hypervigilant, shut down or even both, I can help them rediscover their confidence through gentle and compassionate positive reinforcement techniques, developing calmness, relaxation and a trusting bond between you and your equine. If you are raising a young horse exhibiting bursts of energy, unpredictable zoomies, or that is pushy when interacting with humans and other equines, I can help you guide them towards channeling their energy positively, learning appropriate behaviors, and developing respectful and harmonious relationships.
My coaching style is compassionate, approachable, and specialized in building partnership and connection. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where both equines and humans can thrive. By focusing on the individual needs and personalities of each equine and human pair, I tailor my coaching to foster a deep, mutual understanding and trust. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also strengthens the bond between equine and human, leading to more effective communication and teamwork. Whether addressing the challenges faced by seasoned humans or guiding beginners in their first steps with equines, my methods are designed to be adaptable and responsive. Ultimately, my goal is to not just teach skills, but to cultivate a harmonious and enduring partnership.
I offer coaching both online and in-person. If you are in Southern California, please feel free to contact me for a lesson; I will gladly meet you at your location. Alternatively, I am available for virtual coaching calls and video reviews for those not in the area. I am also willing to travel to conduct clinics or multiple individual lessons.
I am deeply committed to the journey of each equine and human I work with, and I look forward to being a part of your unique story. Whether you’re seeking to improve your skills, address specific challenges, or simply deepen the bond with your equine, I’m here to help. Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the full potential of your partnership. Reach out today to schedule a session or to learn more about how we can achieve your goals. Your adventure awaits, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!”
“Coaching with Aria has given my daughter and I the motivation and accountability to regularly work with our mare, Fifi, and get past our moments of self-doubt and discouragement. We have made observable progress in a short amount of time. Aria is a very knowledgeable & patient teacher. She’s highly observant and thoroughly explains training steps to us so that there isn’t confusion when we’re working with our mare. Her coaching recap emails are detailed and we have clarity when working with Fifi. didn’t realize how much online 1:1 coaching would help my teen daughter & I to make progress with our mare. Aria has built our confidence in our R+ skills. We should have done this sooner!” – Rebecca M., Penasco NM USA
“Aria is a keen observer! She communicates well what she sees and what she would like her student to try next. She asks wonderful questions. She can see where human and animal are on a learning path and can offer comments that help the learner modify the level of “ask” for the mule. I really need context for what to expect, and Aria did a great job providing it. I absolutely love the video review that she does with voice over or her own little box on the screen with my training video. Having the comments right there with the training moment is SO valuable. I have worked with quite a few teachers and Aria stacks up with the best of them!” – Robin B., Kingsbury TX USA
“My horse made huge changes with the tips Aria gave me. It also gave me more clarity and direction in my training techniques. Aria was always positive, she would always give me positive feedback even if she was suggesting I change something. She was very kind in her remarks about my horse. I loved everything about the whole experience and I’m so glad I did it. She even taught me how to film myself. A huge bonus!!!!” – Sabra A., Tracy CA USA
“Aria is a font of information and is eager to share it with her students, her warm, caring and friendly manner makes her very approachable. Having Aria review my footage was incredibly helpful. Not only did she point out areas of improvement she gave suggestions for alternative ways to accomplish our goals. Aria has made it easy to work with her via distance, she is always prepared, has great suggestions and encourages the slightest try (in the horse AND the owner!). I highly encourage anyone that feels a little lost about reward based training to connect with Aria!” – Lisa T., Ware MA USA
“I had never worked personally with a CT Coach, and thought it would be fun for me and my mare, Madison, to give it a whirl. Madison was getting frustrated with her stationary cones outside of training sessions and biting on the cones. We visited, talked about Madison and myself, and decided on a plan and our next visit. Madison is now doing well with her cones! Aria is such a lovely person, very committed to her career with Connection Training, has a keen sense of people and horses, a great troubleshooter, creative, and a friend.” – Gale K., Solvang CA USA
Sharen Ross
USA
CT Coach specialising in mustangs, burros and domestic horses that are fearful, unhandled or traumatised.
Sharen Ross
Location: Cave Creek, Arizona, USA
Lessons: In-person training and coaching within 25 miles of Cave Creek, AZ.
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Languages Spoken: English
Sharen Ross
Hello! I am a recently certified CT Coach based in Arizona, USA. I grew up as a horse-crazy kid in Australia, but it wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I got fully immersed into horses. I started by leasing and taking lessons in the Seattle area before purchasing a 2-year-old RMH gelding that grew to be 16.3 hh. I found myself with a lot of horse and very little understanding of how to handle him! As was the trend at the time, I went down the natural horsemanship path.
Seven years ago I moved to Arizona and fulfilled a dream of adopting a wild horse. I quickly realized that the dominance-based methods I had been taught were not only ineffective but potentially dangerous. This led me to look for a gentler training method and I found it with clicker training. Like many people, I made every rookie mistake in the book when I started, which my first mustang thankfully tolerated, but my next mustang was much less forgiving and challenged me to do better. It was because of him that I delved into Connection Training and started applying myself to learning the science of equine training, behavior, and emotions.
I currently care for and train four resident mustangs and a burro, all previously wild. I have a particular interest and passion for working with mustangs, burros, and domestic equines that are fearful, unhandled, or traumatized. I am really excited to be part of the Connection Training family!
Maria-Lucy Neason
UK
CT Coach specialising in movement and biomechanics.
Maria-Lucy Neason
Maria-Lucy Neason
Hi, I’m Maria-Lucy Neason and I have been involved with horses since I first sat on my aunt’s hunter when I was a little girl. After a childhood of pony and riding clubs, I went on to become an instructor with the British Horse Society gaining first my Assistant and then my Intermediate Instructor’s Certificate.
I worked in the horse industry as an instructor, yard manager and chief instructor coaching riders of all abilities and training horses before progressing into Further and Higher Education as a lecturer. Along the way I have accumulated various equine qualifications including a MSc in Equine Studies.
Early in my career I developed an interest in movement and biomechanics, and I was lucky enough to work with some great trainers, who believed in allowing the horse to develop slowly whilst emphasising the importance of groundwork in the training process. I have spent the last few years including horse agility in the training as this really helps foster great proprioception and confidence in both the horse and handler and it’s fun!
Reflecting on my equine career I always felt that I was missing something, and CT turned out to be the absent piece of the jigsaw and a transformative breakthrough in the way I handle my horses and prepare them for all activities ranging from daily handling including preparation for the vet and farrier to ridden work.
I love coaching and I love coaching with CT even more! I love the fact that CT focuses on the emotions of the horse and empowers them to have some choice in their training which in turn fosters a unique horse and human partnership.
I also love watching my clients grow in confidence and ability, feeling empowered to try things out without recrimination or fear. I love to share my experience and offer online coaching with video reviews and zoom calls and I also do one-to-one in person coaching.
Melissa Deal
USA
Inspiring women to enjoy their horses through compassionate training.
Melissa Deal
Location: Burgaw, North Carolina, US
Lessons: I offer freelance instruction at my farm and in the local area.
Clinics: I love to travel to teach Clinics, even if they are private for one person or just a few of their friends!
Online: I offer live online Coaching and Video Reviews via Zoom or What’s App
Location: Burgaw, North Carolina, US
Melissa Deal
- www.compassionatehorseclick.com
- (1) 910-471-5445
- melissa@victorylanddressage.com
- Skype: melissa.deal8
Transforming your R+ horse-related challenges into heartwarming experiences that you and your horse will enjoy is my passion!
Do you crave learning to achieve reliable, repeatable results as you shape your horse’s behavior creating trust, connection and confidence in your relationship with your horse and your own abilities (in a compassionate and safe manner)?
Do you want to feel safe and happy when you are with your horse in a variety of activities and circumstances and be assured that your horse WANTS to be with you and do things with you? Do you often wish you could get one-on-one feedback specifically for your horse to fill in gaps in your knowledge and your specific circumstances?
If so, let me assure you, you can…
- enjoy your horse like never before.
- feel like a kid again as you and your horse
- become deeply bonded with your horse and experience results in your training through your) coaching experience with Melissa.
Melissa is a Certified Connection Training Coach, a Shawna Karrasch Master Course participant, a Recognized Compassionate Equestrian member and facility owner, founder of Compassionate Horse Click and has been certified by ARIA in Dressage, Hunt Seat and Western Equitation for 20+ years. She’s also a USDF Bronze medalist and has many years of judging, coaching and training experience.
She’s a huge fan of Hannah and Rachel’s and is quite familiar with their methods, courses and helped edit the CT book.
While Dressage was once a favorite pastime, ensuring that horses and the people who love them understand how to communicate clearly and kindly with mutual consent is Melissa’s number one mission. She is a master at helping women read and understand their horse’s expressions and behaviors and coaching them to create the relationships of their dreams by applying simple easy to understand R+ techniques.
Melissa adores obstacle training, de-spooking exercises, groundwork and tricks for deepening connection, plus solving a variety of behavioral challenges and goals under tack and on the ground. From trailer loading and horse health care/husbandry to groundwork/liberty and flying changes, Melissa can provide you with simple easy to follow online lesson experiences, training plans, one on one and group guidance and online resources. With your input, together, you will customize just the right program for your horse’s abilities and personality and your own needs and desires. With Melissa’s guidance you will learn to be your horse’s favorite and best trainer ever by interacting softly, kindly and effectively in a way that you both value.
Melissa’s track record of rehabilitating horses who have suffered mentally, physically, and emotionally from the devastation of high-pressure training and abuse speaks for itself. She’s been in many facets of the horse industry over during a lifetime as a professional equestrian and has a deep understanding of horses can suffer at the hands of humans and the world we have created for them – and how to help them recover to become enthusiastic and optimistic about almost everything! Her own personal horse, Eclipse, is living proof. Once a horse too dangerous to be ridden and handled by skilled professionals, now he’s a total ham and happy to hang out and watch clinics, teach participants, do demos, and he ADORES photo/video shoots too. Here you can see him doing lots of fun things as a solid citizen, just scroll down to see the video at the bottom of the page: Eclipse Safe and Happy
Understanding that your life and time are precious commodities, Melissa believes that you and your horse deserve to enjoy your time together and that you both have what it takes to do so – because she’s seen it happen with hundreds of clients over the years. . Horses can learn to love doing so many things with their humans including things that they’ve previously been terrified, and activities ranging from spending quiet moments with us to being ridden and choosing to leave the herd to be with us. No matter the behavior you are training, one-on-one coaching can shorten the learning curve for you and your horse without the confusion, frustration and emotional roller coaster that can come with trying to do it on your own or without specific feedback from an expert that’s been there and done that many times with many horses and people.
Positive Proof: A once physically and emotionally abused animal now performs happily in the dressage arena and wins after training with Melissa! Previously confused and nervous – he now has a repertoire of tricks, loves being around people and seeks to both engage and please. Learn more about +R and the special horse that led Melissa to CT and the success of his complete rehabilitation in this video from her very early years: Getting your Horse to Say Yes and Love it! Video 1
Seeking Confidence: Like many of you, Melissa has experienced traumatic personal injury and loss of confidence. She wasn’t even able to walk at all for close to a year after a riding accident. “I’ve felt unable to help a horse I loved. I’ve made every mistake possible it seems and felt horrifically responsible for past training failures. The horses in my life, my clients and I am living proof that your journey can be different. CT works on so many levels!” Melissa emphatically states. Here Sharon’s story and learn how she restored her confidence in herself and her horses with Melissa’s help: scroll to the bottom of this page: Sharon’s Story
You and your horse can join Melissa and her students, many of which are and Connection Training members by learning the positive reinforcement (+R) process and experience life changing results even from a distance. +R methods aren’t just for teaching horses. Melissa’s program is well known for transforming the lives of people too (and she’s been coaching +R online successfully for ~ a decade). No need to worry about judgment or criticism from Melissa. Your comfort and learning and your horse’s happiness are vitally important to her and her team!
“I am a lifelong learner who has been studying with Shawna Karrasch and CT, living the +R life and coaching +R both live and online for years. This process transformed me and so many others from the inside out. I understand the doubts and fears that can come with trying a new instructor, training methodology and/or application, especially in an unfamiliar format. That’s why I offer an introductory lesson money back guarantee,” promises Melissa.
You have nothing to lose, if you want a safe, happy, connected relationship with a calm, engaged, confident horse. Schedule an online session with Melissa and enjoy learning to communicate with your horse on a heart and science level, at your pace and your own place!
You can find Free Behavior and Training Tips her in her BLOG. And you can sign up for her email correspondence full of R+ Horse Behavior inspiration, learning and event invitations by scrolling to the bottom of this PAGE.
For an enlightening and comical experience, have a peek at the following videos,
“Examples of Positive Reinforcement Training with Humans by Melissa Deal” from the archives of many years ago.
Video 2 Humans and Horses + R training Video 2
Video 3 Humans and Horses +R training Video 3
A Personal Note: from Melissa wishes you and the horses that you love, the very best life ever – positively together!
Testimonials
Hilde Cecilie Kjørmo
Norway
Specialising in creating relationships with horses.
Hilde Cecilie Kjormo
Location: Varhaug, Norway
Lessons: Online Calls and Video Reviews. Individual or group lessons in the local area.
Languages Spoken: Norwegian, other Scandinavian languages and English
Hilde Cecilie Kjørmo
My mother tells me my first word was “horse.” From then on, horses were a constant topic of conversation for me. My formal introduction to riding came at the age of five when I began attending a riding school. I almost took a tumble off the horse during my second attempt, which left me frightened and led to me quitting. It’s unclear whose decision it was – mine or my mother’s.
Despite the setback, my love for horses persisted, and I resumed riding at the age of eleven. At thirteen, I was fortunate enough to acquire my very own pony, an Icelandic gelding named Trunten. Since we lived on a farm, he stayed with us at home, and we shared three wonderful years together.
Over time, there were stretches both long and short where horses were absent from my life. Yet, I always felt their absence keenly.
My connection with Shakira, whom I met at the riding school when she was five, was immediate and profound. Eleven years later, in 2013, I was finally able to purchase her, fulfilling a lifelong dream. However, what began as a dream soon turned into something of a nightmare. It was then that I discovered Parelli Natural Horsemanship. While it made us safer, it didn’t bring us happiness. Drawing from my experience with clicker training in working with my dog, I sought out similar methods for horses. This quest led me to Connection Training, which completely transformed our relationship. With this approach, both Shakira and I felt secure and content, and there was no turning back.
Lukas, Shakira’s little companion also appreciated the change in training method.
Tragically, I lost Shakira in 2020. To provide companionship for Lukas, I’ve welcomed several ponies to our farm. This has not only allowed me to hone and advance my positive reinforcement skills but has also provided profound connections. Mario and Luigi, two Shetland ponies, have particularly captured my heart and pushed the boundaries of my training abilities. Remember, it’s never too late to embrace positive reinforcement techniques. Luigi was 28 when we began, and TinTin was around 30. Seeing the spark ignite in their eyes and witnessing their joy in response to this method has been truly rewarding.
Claire Waldron
Spain
Working with rescued horses and helping owners connect with their horse.
Claire Waldron
Location: Granada, Spain
Lessons: I offer courses and lessons based at my home: Positive Horse Training Spain – Granada Province
Clinics: I travel internationally for private lessons and to give clinics
Online: I offer online video coaching (Contact me for a FREE 30-minute consultation to see how we can work together)
Claire Waldon
Hi, I’m Claire Waldron and I am proud to be Connection Training’s first Certified Coach. I joined CT when it was launched in 2014 as an Elite Student. I live in Spain and needed help with my traumatised mare, Segura. I wasn’t sure that I could get the help I needed online, but I was desperate and there was no help available locally.
I am so glad I took the chance! I had monthly coaching calls with Hannah, Rachel or Shawna. I restarted Segura following the Foundation Course, and bit by bit, she began to calm down and respond to me. Within the year I was back to riding her again and we developed a once-in a lifetime relationship.
This gave me a new path in life. I began working in Customer Support for CT and set my eyes on becoming a CT Coach. I already had an HND in Equine Management and had studied Equine Behaviour online. I had also worked at Leahurst Equine Veterinary Hospital (Liverpool University) where I had taught horse-handling to vet students, so I knew I loved teaching.
I spoke at the CT Conference, 2016, where I was also awarded my Coaching Certificate. I began coaching online and also taught live in the Azores. I love both equally. It’s great to be with students and be able to actually work with the horses directly in live teaching. Online teaching is wonderful too. It is so effective to watch a video of their work with a student, as we see so much we can work on. Students make wonderful progress and I am living proof how effective it is, for handling, riding and the relationship.
Also in 2016, Rachel Bedingfield and I decided to form a business together to create Positive Horse Training Spain at my home in Spain. We have up to 10 rescued horses and students stay at our lovely villa for week-long horse-centered learning holidays which Rachel and I co-teach. Also, you can come for a shorter stay and work with me for 3 days in small groups. In addition I offer individual bespoke coaching depending on how long you want to stay.
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Angelica Hesselius
Sweden
Teaching reward based riding through CT and Academic Art of Riding.
Angelica Hesselius
Location: Sundsvall, Sweden
Lessons: I travel all over Sweden and internationally to give clinics and lectures. For those nearby there is possibilities for freelance lessons and study groups. Parts of the year I also welcome students to come to my home as week-students with their own horse or to work with my horses and take part of my everyday training.
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Languages Spoken: English, Swedish, Scandinavian Language
Angelica Hesselius
Horses and horse training are my greatest passions. In both my own training and in my teaching I focus on balance. Balance through both connection with the horses mind and connection with the horses body. I love how gymnastics and a greater body awareness can improve our relationships with our horses and ourselves. I’m also a longtime teacher and trainer of the Academic Art of Riding- a way of gymnasticising your horse according to the classical principles of dressage guided by modern biomechanics.
So, even though a search for balance has guided most of my horse life I was, however, looking for more. More connection, more relaxation. I want horses that love training and to be around their humans. I want to give my horses more choices and more control to be able to be really active participants in their own education. This is something I have found in Connection Training, and a more process-focused way of teaching.
My greatest teachers on my journey are, however, my lovely horses. Each and every one with their own special needs. I believe education should be accessible to everyone and to every-horse, no matter the breed. This, and a welcoming open atmosphere, is something we found in the Connection Training Club and also something I try to mediate in my teaching every day: Think, grow. Learn, know.
Kristen Vanderpool
Canada
Groundwork and obstacles training.
Kristen Vanderpool
Location: Red Deer Alberta, Canada
Lessons: I teach individual and group lessons and clinics in Central Alberta
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Kristen Vanderpool
I realized a number of years ago that positive reinforcement was the only way I wanted to train. Since then, I’ve been able to develop and create meaningful connections with horses and other animals. Connection Training has been perfect for this. Creating a partnership based on mutual trust and cooperation is what I love and the main reason why I do this. I am honored to help others in any way I can.
Specialties
My favorite thing to work on is foundation ground/saddle work. I love starting horses and creating a great foundation of trust. I enjoy combining this with obstacles, and objects; they make the foundation work more fun and help to create trust, reduce fear and develop balance skills. I have worked with many horses in this area and it brings me great joy to see their success!
Interests
I currently school in Classical Dressage under a Phillipe Karl certified instructor. I am able to take what I learn and convert it to R+ easily. I’m happy to share what I know.
Testimonials
Judith Edel
UK
Horse agility champion, specialising in problem-solving, groundwork and obstacle training.
Judith Edel
Location: Llandrindod Wells, Wales, UK
Lessons and Clinics: I teach regular monthly Horse Agility clinics, and am available for clinics (Horse Agility or CT) and freelance lessons. I teach mainly in mid Wales and the surrounding counties (Herefordshire, Shropshire, South and West Wales), but I can also travel further afield.
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Judith Edel
I have loved horses all my life, and although I grew up in a city I was lucky enough to spend my weekends and school holidays at a local riding school. I learned a lot about the practical side of riding and caring for horses, and built good relationships with a lot of the ponies, but always had a feeling that there could (and should) be more to the relationship than just riding and hard work. It wasn’t until years later when Honey, my first horse, was on box rest that I discovered the fun of clicker training to give us things to do and think about while she was recovering from an injury. It was clicker training (and later Connection Training) that showed me that the missing part of the puzzle had been that the horses weren’t enjoying the relationship as much as the people were, and once the horses were given the opportunity to both understand and truly enjoy what we were doing, it became much more fun for all of us.
I enjoy teaching all aspects of horsemanship, and I consider that my job as a coach is to make horsemanship fun – as fun for the horse as it is for the handler. I have had first-hand experience of when things go wrong, when both handlers and horses can lose confidence in each other. I have helped many partnerships rebuild their relationship, using the principles and process of positive reinforcement to overcome fears and doubt, and to create a bond that is strong, deep, and secure.
My speciality is obstacle training and Horse Agility; I am a Horse Agility Accredited Trainer and have been European Horse Agility Champion (liberty or on lead) four times with my little rescue pony, Pip, and my donkey Molly, who was also Reserve World Champion donkey in 2017 – we are proudly taking positive reinforcement right to the top of international competition! I teach regular monthly Horse Agility clinics, and love using obstacle training to help both horses and humans overcome their fears and worries, gain confidence in each other and learn new ways to communicate, using empathy, emotional awareness, and of course positive reinforcement.
Positive Equitation: Making Horsemanship Fun
Belinda Daws
Australia
Passionate about the horse-human journey together.
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Belinda Daws
Belinda Daws
My horsey history started with a horse-obsessed childhood, and continued through a range of different jobs, including horse manager at an agistment centre and groom for multiple FEI dressage riders. It was a childhood dream come true to actually be paid to do what I loved, particularly those jobs that involved training and riding. I worked with a variety of horses, from the first handling of foals through to schooling FEI dressage movements.
At university I majored in zoology, with my particular favourite areas being anthrozoology, animal behaviour and ethology. This sciencey background was one of the things that drew me towards evidence-based, welfare-focused horse training.
Positive reinforcement really appealed to me as soon as I first saw how much more the horses got out of it compared to their usual training. I dabbled in clicker training off and on for years, having done some with my dogs previously, but I always felt I was missing important pieces of the puzzle. Hardly anyone else around me knew about this new way of training, and there was no-one local to turn to for help and support.
Thankfully I found Connection Training. The combination of emotion-focused positive reinforcement training, good horse sense from experienced horse people, and a supportive learning environment, turned out to be exactly what I had been searching for.
I hope I can continue to pay forward what I myself have received from Connection Training, with the incredibly rewarding work of helping others as they progress on their individual learning journeys with their equines.
Testimonials
Suzy Deurinck
The Netherlands
Specialising in problem-solving and behaviour.
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Suzy Deurinck
Location: Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands
Lessons: I teach lessons at your horse’s place
Clinics: I teach clinics with horses and give theory seminars. My lessons and clinics are taught in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Languages: I teach in Dutch or English
Suzy Deurinck
Hello 🙂 I am Suzy and I so happy to be a Connection Training Coach. I work fulltime with horses and horse owners to help them understand each other better. As an animal scientist, I love using the latest research and figuring out why horses act the way they do.
Reward based training is a life style and not just a trick I use with horses. My goal is to have everyone enjoying themself: both horse and human!
I have a 21 year old mare. She used to be very anxious and went easily into the shut-down mode. She has changed so much! I think I can summarize it by the change of her spirit animal: it used to be Eeyore and nowadays it is Tina Turner!
I work a lot with aggression, since that is a big issue in my area. My point of view is that you first have to show the horse you are his/her friend, before you even think about setting up rules. I love the moment the horse connects with the owner, and all the anxiety and stress disappear.
Another subject that I often see is loading. The interesting part about loading is, that you can so do much in training! I advice people to take smaller -but effective- steps and it works like a charm.
Testimonials
Venya Bonebakker
Slovakia
Specialising focused on a happy horse-human relationship and healthy management.
Venya Bonebakker
Location: Zvolen, Slovak Republic
Lessons and Clinics: I teach lessons and clinics at your horse’s place or you can come to me and have lessons with my 7 equids – 5 horses, 1 pony, 1 donkey
I teach lessons and clinics in Slovakia and surrounding countries. I’m happy to travel further on request.
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls, Video Reviews and Slovak language membership site.
Languages: I teach in Slovak or English
Melissa Deal
- Whatsapp or Call 00421911911980
I started my R+ journey 11 years ago, but having no information nor money, I was left to experiment with my horses on my own. I have been a horse owner for 18 years and have kept a bunch of them at home for 13 years, so I had enough material and time to experiment with :D. However, it was very painful as I created some overaroused horses. However, I wasn’t ready to give up on my way of having harmonious partnership in which we all are happy and continued to search for answers.
Fortunately enough, I discovered Hannah 7 years ago, fell in love with her attitude and soon invited her to teach at our place. It was the first ever clicker horse demonstration in Slovak and also Czech republic. Since then, I’ve been building a community in our country around R+ and inviting the best teachers like Hannah, Rachel, Shawna Karrasch, Rachael Draaisma and, nowadays, colleagues such as CT Coaches Angelica Hesselius and Suzy Deurinck.
In my training I love experimenting with all kind of techniques and creating happier horses. I am bit obsessed with their emotional state and I love to observe every small change in their attitude or expression and search for a way how to change it into better state of mind.
Honestly, the emotional state of the horse is, for me, much more important than teaching behaviors. My focus is always on the relationship part, which is sometimes tricky to keep in balance with training when using food rewards. In my coaching, I focus on you and your horse as partners, where both have some needs. Taking into account your personality and your horse’s emotional state, my aim is to find a training plan which fits to both of you.
Megan Hines
Ireland
Specialising in helping leisure and rescue horses, from problem-solving to starting youngsters.
Megan Hines
Location: Carbury, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Lessons and Clinics: I teach throughout Ireland and can travel to the UK. I offer private coaching as well as courses, clinics and demonstrations for groups.
Online: I offer online coaching (GMT)
Working Students: Our rescue farm offers horse care and training placements
Languages: I teach in English (South African)
Megan Hines
Gesine Jimenez Martinez
Norway
Passionate about healthy movement and groundwork.
Gesine Jimenez Martinez
Location: Moss, Norway
I love to give presentations and demonstrations
I teach freelance lessons and clinics
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Languages: I teach in German, Norwegian or English
I teach mostly in South-Eastern Norway, but I love to travel anywhere in the world!
Gesine Jimenez Martinez
For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the movement of horses. I can watch them in the pasture roaming, playing and running for hours without getting bored. As I got older and more engaged in the equestrian world, I realised how many horses lose their ease, flexibility and joy of movement after being put into training – or “work.”
Since then my goal has always been to find a way of training horses that wouldn’t take anything away from their worriless days as youngsters in the field, but to add something positive to their everyday life so they could grow into strong, healthy bodies and personalities. In my opinion, Connection Training gives us all the tools to achieve this goal, and that’s why I am over the moon to be able to pass on and gain new experiences and knowledge with such a great partner at my side.
I have always been a big fan of ground-work for the simple reason that I can see the horse in his or her entirety and enjoy the movement. And with the help of some great trainers, I found ground-work to be the most useful tool for me to help a horse recover his balance, strength and joy in movement.
Over the years, and especially with the help of Connection Training, I learned about the importance of a happy and relaxed state of mind to make progress in physical rehabilitation and vice versa, that stressed, anxious horses turned into calm, reliable rides after their physical issues were addressed. I try to look at every problem in a holistic way; so, even when I work with a physical issue, I try to make training as mentally stimulating as possible and look for potential improvement in management, nutrition, enrichment etc.
My dream for the future of horses and humans is that humans start to see their horses with different eyes – not looking for what the horse can do for them but what they can enjoy together based on a mutually beneficial connection. I believe, many of the Connection Trainers are already there and I am gratefully looking forward to working and growing together with you on our equine journey!
Laura Venema
The Netherlands
Equine behaviourist, specialising in fear related behaviour and problem-solving.
Laura Venema
Location: Holland
Lessons: I offer private coaching as well as courses, clinics and demonstrations for groups throughout Holland.
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Languages Spoken: English, Dutch
Laura Venema
I am a horse behaviour therapist, trainer and coach, specialised in fear-related behaviour. I run a small rescue with 8 horses and am passionate about helping horses, especially rescues, to enrich their lives and to empower them through the application of positive reinforcement training and by providing choice. For me there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a horse open up, blossom and build trust. Witnessing that first spark in their eyes is what really makes my day!
I have a special interest in learned helplessness and depression in horses. I have graduated on the subject and I am currently looking for a PhD position to study it further.
Being a CT Coach is a perfect complement to my background, skills and interests. I have been working with positive reinforcement for many years but everything falls into place with CT. It combines my love of horses, science, and the fun of training into one. I have been using CT with all of my horses in training and behavioural clients because of its broad applicability to all kinds of horses and behavioural issues. And now I feel so privileged to call myself a certified CT coach.
My vision is to help even more horses and their humans to better understand each other. It is so wonderful working with people who love their horses, who are proud of their horses and who want to learn. I love going into detail, setting clear goals, building fun into the training, and searching for creative ways to accomplish the goals of each individual horse-human partnership.
Miki Hara
Canada
CT Coach specialising in fostering meaningful connections through empathetic and science-based approaches
Miki Hara
Location: Vancouver Island and the South Coast of British Columbia, Canada
Lessons: I teach in person throughout the above location
Online: I offer online Coaching Calls and Video Reviews
Miki Hara
Hello, I’m Miki, a dedicated positive reinforcement trainer and coach based on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.
I have been riding, competing, and horse keeping since I was kid and my journey into the world of R+ horse training a decade ago began with a simple goal: to learn how to communicate and train in a way that brings as much joy to horses as it brings to us.
Whether you are new to positive reinforcement or looking to refine your skills, I am here to support you and your horse on this rewarding journey.
Together, we can create a partnership built on trust, fun, and mutual understanding.
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