Horsemanship
presence. patience. precision. partnership.
Horsemanship here at Loveland is simple. Not easy, but simple.
It’s about learning how to see, how to listen, and how to show up for the horse that’s in front of you.
It’s about slowing down enough to feel the small things, because the small things are everything.
Pressure and release. Timing and clarity. Stillness and softness.
These aren’t training exercises, they’re habits of awareness.
And when you learn to carry that awareness into your work…
Your horse starts to understand you.
Not because you overcorrected or overcued…
But because you made sense.
This is not a program built on domination or gimmicks. It’s built on communication, patience, and presence; three things that make better horses, and better people. The work we do here isn’t flashy, but it’s deep.
It creates horses that are safe, soft, and reliable, and riders who know how to hold up their end of the conversation. The methods transfer because they’re rooted in something real - feel, timing, and trust. That’s what I teach. That’s what I practice. And it’s what I’ll help you find for yourself.
all your questions answered… ♡
What is Horsemanship at the Grove really about?
It’s about more than just training techniques… It’s about learning a whole new language. Horses communicate through movement, subtle cues, and energy. Here, you’ll discover how to listen, respond, and meet the horse on their level - understanding the world as they do and staying attuned to their constant signals. Because they are communicating with us at all times.
Why is communication important in horsemanship?
Communication is the bridge between horse and human. Horses do not speak our language, so clarity of cues, timing, and consistency allow them to understand what we’re asking. Without communication, there is only confusion, and confusion leads to fear, resistance, or shutdown. Clear, ethical communication replaces force with understanding, turning training into a dialogue instead of a struggle. It builds trust, confidence, and a willingness in the horse to respond freely. At its core, horsemanship is not about control but about conversation… and communication is what makes that partnership possible.
What experience & principles guide my horsemanship as a horseman?
With over a decade of hands-on experience as a Professional Horseman, I’ve worked with horses of all breeds, temperaments, and backgrounds. My approach centers around three guiding principles: precision, patience, and presence. These principles shape how I teach both horses and humans; showing not just what to do, but how and why it matters.
What is the goal of these sessions?
These sessions aim to create a horse that is light in the hand, steady in the mind, and attentive to the quietest ask. By cultivating timing, balance, and refined signals, you’ll establish a safe, reliable partner capable of true athletic expression. The goal is to build a foundation of skills that transfer across any discipline or breed, on the ground, on the trail, in the arena, or on the range or in performance, giving your horse the clarity and confidence to succeed in any path.
How will these sessions help your horsemanship?
These sessions go beyond technique, teaching sensitivity, timing, and authentic partnership. You’ll gain practical tools to foster a supple, responsive, and safe partner, while developing the deeper communication that transforms horsemanship into an art. Every interaction - with horse or human, becomes an opportunity to practice connection, trust, and subtlety.
What will a session feel like?
Each session is calm, present, and intentional. You won’t be rushed or over-directed. We move with the horse, not on top of them. Depending on your focus, we might begin with breath-work, body awareness, or observation. Then we move into groundwork or saddle work, where the emphasis is on feel, timing, and communication. You’ll receive guidance that helps you build trust, release tension, and move with clarity. Belle may ask you to slow down. Your own horse may ask you to let go. The goal is to notice, respond, and begin again - moment by moment, ask by ask. You’ll leave with more than technique. You’ll leave with awareness, insight, and a more responsive, connected partner.
What are the training facilities like on Loveland?
We have a state-of-the-art 60’ round pen with premium footing that supports any kind of training from groundwork to riding, it offers a feel that keeps both horse and human balanced and comfortable. There are defined woodland trails throughout the property, great for riding or working on the ground, and especially good for getting your horse used to being in the woods with clarity and confidence. We also have a natural woodland obstacle course, with built-in features like ditches, stairs, tarps, and tight spaces; an exposure course that helps horses learn to navigate challenges in a thoughtful, pressure-free way.
What types of training opportunities are available at Loveland Grove?
One-on-One with Belle: Work with a seasoned, intuitive horse to refine feel, timing, and confidence. Experience the subtle dialogue that builds trust and responsiveness.
Bring Your Own Horse: Apply techniques directly with your own horse to enhance suppleness, responsiveness, and safety, creating harmony you can carry forward.
Weekend Intensive: Immerse yourself in a full experience with your horse, deepening connection, gaining practical skills, and strengthening a partnership that goes beyond technique.
Ready to take your horse’s training to the next level? Enroll your horse in our 8-week private training program to develop a calm, confident, and responsive partner through structured groundwork, riding, trail exposure, and obstacle work. Spots are limited.
Booking now! Winter and Spring 2026
Spring 2026 Note: All multi-day offerings are all-inclusive for you and your horse, with our guest cottages onsite.
90-Minute Session
A hands-on session focused on groundwork, teaching the foundational skills every horse needs. You’ll practice exercises that build clarity, timing, and communication, helping your horse become soft, supple, and responsive. Work step-by-step with Belle or your own horse, strengthening connection and confidence while gaining tools you can continue at home. Open to all experience levels.
Half-Day Intensive (3.5 hours)
A hands-on, immersive session in groundwork and riding, designed to deepen connection and build confidence. You’ll practice foundational exercises that develop clarity, timing, and responsiveness, and if you have a specific challenge - like trailering, farrier work, or behavior issues - we can focus on that. Work step-by-step with Belle or your own horse, strengthening your partnership and leaving with practical tools you can continue at home.
Full-Day Intensive (7 hours)
A full-day immersion designed for transformation in feel, clarity, and leadership. Morning and afternoon sessions include hands-on practice, reflective breaks, and lunch. Work with Belle or your own horse to develop a calm, responsive, and reliable partner both in the arena and out on the land.
Multi-Day Intensive (2 & 3 days)
An extended, immersive experience focused on building lasting partnership and consistency. Each day blends groundwork, riding, and hands-on practice with guided reflection. You may bring your own horse or work with Belle. Horses stay onsite; participants can stay in our guest cottages beginning Spring 2026, or arrange local lodging until then. This multi-day format allows time to focus on specific challenges, strengthen communication, and fully develop a calm, responsive, and reliable partnership.
8 WEEK TRAINING HORSE PROGRAM
Give your horse the confidence, responsiveness, and strong foundation to excel in the arena, on trails and roads, and over all kinds of obstacles. Over 8 weeks on our private property - with a 60’ round pen, woodland obstacle course, and varied-terrain trails - your horse progresses through structured exercises that strengthen suppleness, balance, and responsiveness, learning to move confidently at walk, trot, and canter both in the arena and on trails.
This is a transformation program. Horses of all disciplines, temperaments, and experience levels benefit, leaving soft, supple, and attentive, ready for any environment or challenge.
Dedicated training environment: A private facility with a 60’ round pen, woodland obstacle course, and varied-terrain trails that build reliability in real-world conditions.
• Structured skill progression: A proven curriculum of 30+ exercises that create a horse who understands pressure, release, and direction through clear communication.
• Confidence that transfers home: Exposure to new places, obstacles, and challenges so your horse learns to stay focused, adaptable, and willing anywhere you ride.
• Support that continues: Lifetime access to coaching and guidance as your partnership grows and new goals emerge.
• Annual tune-ups included: Two complimentary refresher sessions each year to strengthen skills and reinforce the foundation long-term, for both you and your horse.
Program Structure:
8 Weeks | 6 days a week | 2.5 hours a day (two sessions a day if necessary)
Week 1 – Groundwork
Horses learn to respond calmly and consistently to basic cues: stopping, turning, yielding, and flexing on the line.
Core groundwork develops balance, straightness, and engagement of the hindquarters, laying the foundation for impulsion; the horse’s controlled, forward energy.
Exercises focus on clear communication, attention, and willingness, so the horse begins to understand the language of learning.
Week 2 – Under Saddle
Riding begins in the round pen, applying groundwork skills under saddle.
Horses practice soft, supple, and responsive movement, maintaining balance while generating impulsion from the hindquarters.
Emphasis on smooth transitions, gentle turning, and yielding to aids, strengthening the connection and partnership between horse and rider.
Weeks 3–4: Woodland Obstacle Course
Horses navigate logs, bridges, tarps, gates, and uneven surfaces to develop problem-solving skills and confidence.
Horses begin trail exposure under-saddle, practicing bending and turning around trees at all gaits - walk, trot, and canter - learning to ride straight lines while maintaining smooth, balanced turns.
Horses learn to make independent decisions safely while maintaining attentiveness to cues.
Weeks 5–8: Trail & Environmental Exposure
Horses navigate trails with varied terrain, inclines, and natural obstacles, including country roads, cars, tractors, mailboxes, dogs, and more.
Riding focuses on maintaining balance, suppleness, and responsiveness while handling bends, turns, and transitions at all gaits, reinforcing control and smooth movement outside the arena.
Each horse works on specific challenges they encounter naturally on trails—such as stepping over logs, approaching unfamiliar objects, or confidently navigating tight turns, building trust, confidence, and reliability in every environment.
Your horse will be able to confidently trailer and stand for farrier at the end of this program as well.
Week 8: Full-Day Review Intensive
• Practical demonstration of every skill your horse has learned including groundwork, arena work, obstacles, and trail readiness.
• Thorough evaluation of your horse’s strengths, progress, and any areas that still need support.
• You’ll receive a fully comprehensive digital training guide that includes every exercise taught in the program, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and benchmarks for ongoing progress at home.
• Horses complete the program confident, calm, soft, and supple, fully prepared for trails, obstacles, and arena work without stress or hesitation
By the end of 8 weeks, your horse will be soft, supple, and attentive, moving with impulsion at all gaits - walk, trot, and canter - both in the arena and on the trail. They will have the confidence and clarity to handle any situation, knowing how to respond calmly and correctly rather than reacting, giving you a horse you can trust anywhere, under any circumstance.
January 2026 Slots Booking Now!
Limited openings.
Who is Belle? why is she so special to work with?
Belle is more than just a horse - she is my lifetime partner. Nearly 20 years together. We didn’t just grow up together - we became together. I taught Belle how to be a horse; she taught me how to be a horseman.
Hot days. Rough ground. Dirt, dust, sweat, blood, and a whole lot of tears. We figured it out together; how to handle pressure, how to stay soft in hard situations, how to trust each other when it would’ve been easier not to. When I have no one else in this world, I have Belle. I always have her.
The work it took to get here has made her more than a highly trained ranch, trail, and liberty horse. She’s attuned. She feels everything: your timing, your energy, your intention. If what you think you’re asking doesn’t actually match what your body is saying, she’ll tell you. She won’t fake it. She won’t carry you. But if you show up right, she’ll meet you there; present, soft, ready.
This bond is what makes her so extraordinary to work with. She is not a “lesson horse” - she is the soul of this program. A living, breathing example of partnership built over decades. Working with Belle isn’t just about horsemanship - it’s about relationship. Trust, patience, presence. She’s a mirror. And if you let her, she will shift you, too.