Welcome to Connected Horsemanship

(LIMA)

Imagine Your Dream Partnership

Imagine that when you're with your horse there is no fear, brace, or opposition – no frustration. There's an undeniable connection between you. You and your horse find safety and peace together, and riding is pure joy! Your horse looks forward to your times together, just as you look forward to your times with him or her. When you go to the pasture, your horse nickers to you, and when you call, he or she comes to greet you.

This dream can come true!

It's Not Tricks; It's True Partnership

This transformation isn't about tricks or quick fixes. It's about connecting with your horse – having a genuine relationship, understanding your horse as an individual, communicating with clarity, and earning your horse's trust.

I call this approach the 4 C's: Connection, Confidence, Communication, and Coaching.

The Power of LIMA Training

You can achieve this beautiful partnership through LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training – a science-based approach that uses the gentlest effective methods for each individual horse. LIMA training starts with positive reinforcement and environmental management, but recognizes that different horses need different approaches to thrive.

With LIMA, I meet each horse where they are. Some horses, like Sir Francis, flourish with purely positive methods after experiencing trauma. Others, like my confident Khaleil, need the clear communication and boundaries that comes from appropriate pressure and release. LIMA allows me to give each horse exactly what they need to build confidence, understanding, and partnership.

My Journey to LIMA

For over 20 years, I taught Natural Horsemanship and believed in building relationships through understanding and clear communication. When I adopted Francis, an extreme horse, I discovered the power of positive reinforcement training. His transformation was remarkable – from explosive and aggressive to a gentle, willing partner.

But, when I tried exclusive R+ training with Khaleil, my confident 15-year-old partner, it didn't work the same way. Instead of thriving, he became confused and regressed. This taught me something profound: one training method isn’t going to work for each individual horse with unique needs.

LIMA training gives me the framework to honor every horses' needs. It's not about being "purely positive" or "purely traditional" – it's about being purely effective and ethical, using the least intrusive method that works for each horse in each situation while maintaining, preserving, and building relationship and trust.

I'm excited about this evolved approach and invite you to join me on this journey of individualized, science-based horsemanship.

Ethical Training for Every Horse

LIMA training principles guide every interaction:

Start with the least intrusive method that will be effective
Use positive reinforcement whenever possible to build confidence and willingness
Apply ethical pressure when needed for clear communication, always with immediate release
Read each horse's needs and adjust methods accordingly
Maintain safety, respect, and boundaries for both horse and human
Build genuine partnership based on trust and understanding

Whether your horse needs the gentle trust-building of positive reinforcement or the clear boundaries that come from fair, ethical pressure and release, LIMA training provides the framework for success.

The Most Treasured Moments

Although it's rewarding to receive recognition from others, the most treasured moments with your horse can't be measured by blue ribbons, awards, or levels earned. Those moments usually happen when you're alone with your horse because they're about the relationship, trust, understanding, and lightness you share together. They're about the connection, the bond, and partnership you've created.

Those are the most meaningful moments.

Ready to start your journey toward connected horsemanship? Contact me to learn how LIMA training can transform your relationship with your horse – using exactly the approach your horse needs to thrive.

"A true horseman does not look at the horse with his eyes; he looks at his horse with his heart." -unkown

I love helping people reach their horsemanship goals and create partnerships with their horses. After 20+ years of teaching and training, I've learned that the best approach is the one that honors each horse as an individual. I look forward to helping you along your horsemanship journey.

I love helping people reach their horsemanship goals and create partnerships with their horses. I look forward to helping you along your horsemanship journey.

"A true horseman does not look at the horse with his eyes; he looks at his horse with his heart." -unknown

Visit Connected Horsemanship’s facebook page listed under “Connected Natural Horsemanship”