Cultivating Joyful
Partnerships

I’m passionate about helping people become better partners to their horses, and experience the relaxed, joyful partnership and skillful lightness that clear, gentle communication can unlock – regardless of discipline, style, or breed.

Whether you’re an experienced horseperson or brand new to horses, I can help you achieve your goals, understand and be understood by your horse, and become more attuned, perceptive, and confident.

Mountain landscape with a dirt path, evergreen trees, and a horse's ears in the foreground.

About Me

I’ve been a horseperson for nearly 30 years. As a teenager and young adult, I apprenticed intensively with a wide range of mentors in a variety of disciplines, then established my own training business. Having realized my dream of becoming a professional trainer, I eventually chose to pursue a career in technology so that I could enjoy horses on my own terms.

With the pressures of professional training lifted, I rediscovered the sense of joy that drew me to horses. I was surprised to find that my horsemanship improved as I connected the technical skills and principles I had learned with a more open, curious, and playful mindset.

I’ve returned to helping others with horses, but through a different lens. While I enjoy helping horses become more balanced, strong, and confident, I now know that I can have more impact by focusing on helping people become wiser, more capable partners to their horses – which coincidentally helps them develop more confidence, presence, and awareness in their lives.

While I have experience in many disciplines, my approach is not specific to any discipline. I aim to help establish a common language, clear communication, and trusting relationship, so that horse and human can apply their partnership to any challenge, in any context. Once this foundation is built, things that used to feel difficult or impossible can become effortless.

If you want to develop a softer, more relaxed, and easier relationship with horses, I’ll be delighted to work with you. Get started by scheduling a free phone consultation.

Services

Introduction to Horsemanship

Designed specifically for people without horse experience, this program begins with the fundamentals of equine behavior, safe handling, and developing confidence around horses – all at your own pace. This program is grounded in mindfulness and highly tailored to your interests, goals, and comfort level.

Horsemanship From the Ground Up

Available for all levels of prior experience. We unpack horsemanship principles through groundwork before applying them under saddle according to your goals. Work with my horses or bring your own. Perfect for beginners building confidence or experienced horsepeople seeking a softer, lighter feel or wanting to work through a problem or toward a specific goal.

Wild to Willing: Advanced Horsemanship Intensive

A unique opportunity for experienced horsepeople to refine their skills while working with previously unhandled mustangs. Gain insight into equine psychology and communication through this hands-on program, without the long-term commitment of adoption.

Mustang Adoption Support

Guidance through selecting, adopting, and gentling BLM mustangs or wild burros. I provide approved facilities and offer a flat rate that includes a guarantee of meeting key milestones.

Professional Training

Very limited availability. Full-time and part-time training. From starting young horses and problem-solving to refining advanced maneuvers, I emphasize clear communication and understanding both in the arena and on trail. Owner participation is highly encouraged.

Boarding

Limited spots available at our small and peaceful Conifer facility, opening in Summer 2025. Contact me to reserve your space!

  • Training a horse is above all feeling and trying, according to what you feel, to help the horse and not to force him.

    Nuno Oliveira

  • This is the work on the rider's part. Think! Feel!

    Ray Hunt

  • I don’t want to have riders who tire themselves out. Work by thinking instead.

    Nuno Oliveira

  • We're working for a feel between rider and horse – less physical and more mental contact all the time.

    Ray Hunt

  • When the horse relaxes the jaw, he speaks to you, he is making conversation.

    Nuno Oliveira

  • All the time, the horse is trying to tell you where he is. Listen to the horse. Try to find out what the horse is trying to tell you.

    Tom Dorrance

  • Ask for much, be content with a little, reward often.

    Nuno Oliveira
    (paraphrasing others)

  • Many of us don't know a horse is trying to do something for us until he's already done it.

    Ray Hunt

  • First a relaxed mind, then a relaxed horse.

    Nuno Oliveira

  • Whatever patterns of relating the horse and rider have worked out in the stables will surely carry into the arena.

    Ray Hunt

  • We need technique, but we must also surpass it [...] by the use of observation, reflection, and by making an effort to understand what is going on inside the horse's head.

    Nuno Oliveira

  • By being consistent, being patient, being aware, there will be fewer problems.

    Ray Hunt

  • There is no absolute in horsemanship. There are certainly some rules. But there is no "standard system." There are only principles.

    Nuno Oliveira

  • If you are going to teach a horse something and have a good relationship, you don't make him learn it – you let him learn it.

    Ray Hunt

  • Equestrian art begins with the perfection of simple things.

    Nuno Oliveira

  • Always gain the horse's attention before trying to direct the horse.

    Ray Hunt

Let’s Talk!

Use the calendar below to book your free 30-minute phone consultation,
or email me directly at aubrey@balance-equine.com.