Educating young horses takes patience, consistency, and time. Every youngster learns at their own pace, but all of them need encouragement and repetition to understand what we’re asking. It’s just as much about us learning to communicate with them as it is about them learning from us. If things don’t go right at first, slow down, reset, and try again. Horses feel our energy—frustration only makes the learning harder. Meet Freya, a 3-year-old Warlander mare. This was the day she learned to lunge. She’s a smart girl and picked it up quickly, but it still took a few tries to clearly communicate what I wanted. With consistency and positive reinforcement, she was lunging like a pro in under 20 minutes. Small steps, clear communication, and calm energy go a long way. 🐴✨ #YoungHorseTraining #HorseDevelopment #LungingTraining #HorsemanshipJourney #PositiveReinforcement #Warlander #HorseTrainerLife #PatienceAndConsistency #GroundworkGoals #EquestrianEducation

Hi everyone! After taking a short break to step into my new role as Full-Time Trainer at Rustic Ranch – Rescue • Rehabilitation • Rehome, I’m excited to share that I’m back and looking forward to reconnecting with our amazing school community. Rustic Ranch – Rescue Rehabilitation Rehome is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit horse rescue dedicated to providing sanctuary, rehabilitation, and forever homes for horses in need. Working hands-on in rescue every day — helping horses heal, rebuild trust, and find their footing again — has been incredibly meaningful. It has deepened my perspective as a trainer and strengthened my commitment to thoughtful, compassionate horsemanship. I’m also excited to share that I launched Galloping Hearts Coffee, a coffee brand created to help raise funds and support the ongoing care of our rescue horses. It’s been a passion project close to my heart, and I’m grateful for the support from this community. I’m so thankful to bring this experience, growth, and renewed energy back with me. I’ve truly missed being part of this group and can’t wait to catch up with everyone! 🐴✨

This week at the rescue, I witnessed something I’ll never forget. One of our most challenging abuse cases chose her person. Meet Cortana. Cortana came from the Mike’s Livestock auction here in Southern California. She endured extensive trauma in an attempt to train her for the Charro style of riding. When she couldn’t perform the way she was expected to, she was beaten — until her mind broke and her only response became escape. For months, getting anywhere near her legs was impossible without sedation. Touching her hooves meant panic. Fear. Survival mode. She is a living example of what happens when humans try to force the impossible instead of listening. Six months ago, I began working with her to rebuild what had been shattered — trust. Slowly. Quietly. Patiently. Three weeks ago, we had a breakthrough. For the first time, I was able to safely pick up all four hooves and handle her legs without fear. That moment opened the door to something bigger — the possibility of adoption. And then something incredible happened. She chose her person. Not forced. Not pressured. Chosen. This is why we do this work.This is why rescue matters.This is why patience always wins over force. Horses don’t need dominance.They need leadership, safety, and time. Stories like Cortana’s are what give me purpose. And they’re the reason this community exists. 🐴 If you’re here to learn how to build trust the right way — you’re in the right place.

Meet Westley and Buttercup! I am luck enough to be part of the care and development team for these two BLM mustangs. This will be an amazing journey of trust and connection as I build a relationship with these two traumatized mustangs.