My name is Kirsten Willey. My parents bought me my first horse when I was 10. I now own five horses who I do natural horsemanship with. I started teaching and putting on vaulting/gymkhana shows with my students when I was 11, my barn picked up the name ‘Mudd Riders’ and we stick true to the name. I now work training several green horses at other barns and teaching riding to about 30 students, I also volunteer at a therapeutic riding barn and create equestrian art.
Ned and I at the wagon train
I follow and experiment with a lot of different styles of riding, I think I’ve gotten the most inspieration form; Pat Parelli, Gawani Pony Boy, Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, Sally Swift, Tom Durance, and Linda Tellington Jones. I am a jumble of trainers rolled into one. I don’t agree with one any more than I disagree with another. Everyone has their points, everyone has a method that works for them. I must say that I have the most respect for Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, my goal is to figure horses out at least half as well as he has.
Currently I am working on getting my ducks in a row so I can leave to across the bay and get a job/internship or working student position at an eventing or dressage barn.
I like your approach. I agree we should keep an open mind in regards to the natural approach. I currently work with a Parelli instructor but have read Gawani’s book and spoken with Karen Schol and another woman in VA who’s name escapes me right now. There is so much information out there but weeding out what is hype to sell and what is useful is best.
I volunteered at a rescue and a theraputic riding center. I became certified in equine massage and fell in love with the anatomy of the horse. I believe it would take a lifetime to learn every aspect of the horse.
Sounds like you are well on your way to knowing the horse well. Be patient – they all have something to teach us.