Connecting Hearts 1 Hoofbeat at a Time

Meet the Team

If you believe horsemanship is about heartfelt connections — not just riding — you're in the right place.

Show the horse who’s boss? This thing is 1000 pounds!

You ever notice that show the horse whose boss techniques require domination and a fair degree of strength? How is it even possible for a tiny human to boss around a 1000 pound animal?


It’s not.

You end up with one of two scenarios that result in long-term problems.

A frustrated, scared prey animal that’s unpredictable, unpleasant to handle, and often dangerous.


Or a shut-down animal that isn’t connected to its rider. Might be safe in the short-term, but becomes dangerous in the long-run.


Plus, it's no fun to hang out with a robot!

A black and white silhouette of a hand on a white background.

Hey there! I’m Antoinette, the heart behind Hearts N Hooves.

I’ve been riding horses for most of my life, but I’m not going to tell you I was “born on the back of one” because that’s just silly. Every horse is a unique individual and they’re always teaching me something. 


For years, I rode other people's horses before I bought my own. But something seemed to be missing — a genuine connection that transcended traditional horsemanship methods. Many of the techniques I was exposed to for handling horses often made situations worse. 


This led me to explore deeper, more compassionate and science-backed ways of interacting with these animals. 

Qualifications & Experience

Fast forward to now, and I’m certified in trauma-informed equine assisted services. This approach to horsemanship promotes your personal growth and leads to a safer, more cooperative horse.

Trained in trauma-informed, science-based methods of Natural Lifemanship, I blend new research with compassionate methods to increase trust, and growth in the horse-human relationship. I'm committed to ongoing learning and professional development. Every client and horse receives the highest standard of care.

Years of Experience

Years spent riding many horses and training with experts from diverse disciplines have given me a well-rounded, ever-evolving approach to horsemanship. Rooted in compassion and respect, my hands-on experience provides my clients — human or horse —learning and growth that honors them as unique individuals.

The Team

A close up of a horse 's head in a field.

Bentley


Bentley is a draft cross and used to belong to an Amish community. He's a great partner for clients who want to learn the basics of connection on the ground and under saddle. 


Learn more
A brown and white horse is standing in a field looking at the camera.

Lucky


Lucky is 22 years old (we think). A rescue horse, Lucky is an excellent partner for clients with trauma. Loves kids and the trails. 


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A woman in a green skirt is standing next to a brown horse.

Johnny Cash


At just 4 years old, little JC is in training to be confident on the trails and a safe horse for my clients. 


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A woman is standing next to a brown and white horse in a field.

Heartsong EAC


A partner of HeartSong EAC equine-assisted coaching business, I train and supply the program's horses, and offer my assistance as a certified equine professional. 

Learn more

General Questions

  • Do you offer traditional riding lessons or train for competitions?

    While mounted work can be a part of our sessions, I don't offer traditional riding lessons focused on competitive training. My emphasis is on the relationship between you and the horse. 


    If you're looking for a compassionate, connection-focused approach rather than competitive preparation, my program is a great fit.

  • How does your trauma-informed approach benefit me and the horse?

    A trauma-informed approach ensures that both you and the horse feel safe, respected, and understood. By recognizing and addressing past traumas or stressors, we create a supportive environment that promotes healing and growth. This leads to a more cooperative and trusting relationship between you and the horse.

  • How do I know if your program is right for me?

    If you're disillusioned with traditional horsemanship methods and looking for a more compassionate, effective way to connect with horses, my program is likely a great match. I recommend reading through my Approach and Why Horses pages to get a deeper understanding. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to discuss your specific needs.

  • Where are you located, and do you travel to other locations?

    I'm based in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh. I offer sessions at my barn or can travel to your location within a certain driving distance. Exact location details are provided after our initial conversation to ensure we're a good fit for each other.

  • What's the time commitment for your program?

    The time commitment is flexible and tailored to your needs and goals. We can discuss scheduling options that work best for you, whether that's weekly sessions or a customized plan.

  • How do I get started scheduling a session?

    You can start by visiting my Contact page and filling out the inquiry form. I'll review your submission and reach out to schedule an initial conversation. This helps us ensure that our goals and values align before moving forward.

Ready for the Hearts N Hooves Difference?