Kindred Souls Equestrian - Equine Trainer and Author | Kindred Souls Equestrian

Improving communication and strengthening bonds between horses and humans

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At Kindred Souls Equestrian, I utilize objective, evidence based practices based in equitation science to improve horse-rider and horse-handler relationships while emphasizing animal welfare.

This may look like going back to basics to make sure horse and handler understand each other. It may be incorporating more positive reinforcement techniques to improve the motivation of the horse. It may look like incorporating play and bonding exercises for better harmony.

I use the scientifically grounded training methodologies promulgated by the International Society of Equitation Science, and a Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to teach horses how to learn, building their confidence and self carriage. The result is a stronger, more relaxed and happier equine partner for any activity you wish to pursue.

About me

I'm a lifelong equestrian, probably a lot like you. I grew up riding in Pony Club and after taking a break from riding and horses to get my career started, I switched to dressage. My first horse and I competed locally in low level classes, but he was always kind of shut down, and not really motivated or excited for our work together. Over and over clinicians would say I had to get him going forward and the only way to do that was to kick him, more and more. But it wasn't working. I started to question everything about what we were doing together. My search for answers led me on a transformational journey into rider biomechanics, natural horsemanship, meditation, self awareness and positive reinforcement. Here is an abbreviated list of my most significant influencers and teachers:

Emily Petrichor at Heart of Riding, my current R+ and Biomechanics coach.
Mary Wanless Ride With Your Mind Rider Biomechanics techniques
Cooperative Horsemanship with Bob Ciri
Empowered Equines Rescue, my accidental introduction to positive reinforcement training
Positive reinforcement gurus: Alexandra Kurland of the Clicker Center, Shawna Karrasch, and Karen Pryor
Patrick King and Marijke DeJong for equine balance in groundwork
Warrick Schiller and Headspace for lifelong personal discovery and building the Horse - Human Connection
Daisy Bicking and the Humble Hoof were my jumping off point for learning how to build pain free movement from the feet up
Equilearn Institute of equine bodywork
Learning energy patterns and healing at the Maryland Center for Reiki Training

By far the most influential change to my horsemanship occurred when I encountered positive reinforcement training techniques. Once I tried this with my horse, he came alive and we never looked back.

Since then I have employed positive reinforcement at liberty and with traditional tack with multiple horses to teach them emotional regulation, develop their motivation to learn, build their balance and fine muscle control, and most recently, teaching long reining and long lining. I am working on learning how to effectively utilize and teach combined reinforcement to share the benefits of positive reinforcement with those more comfortable with traditional training practices.

I am enrolled in a Purdue University Certificate in Equitation Science in partnership with the International Society of Equitation Science, which I will complete in November 2026.

Contact me to see if I can share what I know to benefit you and your equine partner.