What We Do

Horses aren't fuzzy dirt bikes.


Treat a horse like a machine, and he becomes distant and unpredictable. His handler becomes frustrated and scared. If you've been told to "show the horse who's boss" and it doesn't seem right, there's a better way.

Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Centered, Science-Based

Learn Compassionate Horsemanship & Authentic Connection Skills

Do traditional training methods feel misaligned with your values? Are you searching for a kinder, yet effective way to understand and bond with your horse? We get it.


At Hearts N Hooves, we reject forceful techniques in favor of trauma-informed practices that build trust and cooperation. If you're eager to explore horsemanship that prioritizes connection over control, let's talk!

Who Do We Work With?

We offer flexible options for where our program can take place.

  • Our Barn with Our Horses

    Located in Zelienople, PA, our barn provides a peaceful setting ideal for learning and growth.


    Work with our carefully selected horses who are attuned to our relationship-centered approach.


    Suitable for beginners to advanced riders seeking deeper connection. 


  • At Your Barn with Your Horse

    We come to your location within a certain driving distance to work with you and your own horse or leased horse.


    Enhance the relationship with your horse in the environment where you're both most comfortable.


    Tailored to address specific goals and challenges you may have with your horse.


  • With Like-Minded Barns

    We partner with other barns to offer our integrated horsemanship program to their lesson students, provided there's alignment with our values.


    If you're interested in offering a compassionate, relationship-centered program to your students, we can collaborate to make it happen.


    Enrich your existing programs, and your students' experiences when you integrate our program. 



  • Virtual Consultations

    Too far for a drive? I offer virtual consultations.


    Take a video of you working with your horse, and I'll offer you some pointers, insights, and techniques for how to improve the relationship and get closer to reaching your goals. 

Our Program

Connected Horsemanship

Integrates relationship building, understanding equine behavior, and mounted work.

Relationship Building

Develop a deep bond with your horse based on mutual respect.

Learn to communicate effectively through understanding equine behavior.

Personal Growth

Enhance self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Overcome personal challenges and build confidence.

Mounted Work

Apply relationship principles in the saddle. Experience harmonious riding rooted in connection rather than control.

General Questions

  • What is your background and experience with horses?

    Before owning my own horse, I spent years riding and learning from various horses.  I'm a NL Certified Level 1 Equine Professional, trained in trauma-informed, science-based approaches to horsemanship. My focus is on building genuine relationships between humans and horses.

  • What makes your approach different from traditional horsemanship instructors?


    The Hearts N Hooves approach is based on meeting the individual participants, horse and human, exactly where they are in that moment. It's not a set of steps or rules, but is principle-based. 


    Unlike traditional methods that often prioritize control and compliance, my approach emphasizes connection over control. I focus on fostering mutual trust and respect between you and your horse through compassionate, trauma-informed practices. 



  • Is this program right for me?

    Yes, if you: 


    • Believe in treating horses with kindness and respect, rejecting forceful or coercive techniques.
    • Are interested in personal development and understand that working with horses can be a transformative experience. 
    • Want to build a genuine, trusting relationship with your horse, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider. 
    • You're ready to explore new approaches that challenge traditional and natural horsemanship norms.

  • Who isn't a good fit for this program?

    Our program may not be suitable for those who:

    • Prefer Traditional, Control-Based Methods: If you're seeking techniques that prioritize control and compliance over connection, our approach may not align with your goals.
    • Are Focused Solely on Competitive Success: While our methods can enhance performance, they are not designed for those whose primary aim is competition at the expense of the relationship.
    • Are Unwilling to Reflect on Personal Growth: Since personal development is a key component of our program, a willingness to engage in self-reflection is important.

  • How do you ensure activity follow-through from the horse?

    We don't. What underpins our entire methodology is the relationship. 


    Relationships are not perfect. They require communication, respect, and understanding. We listen to the horse and use our judgement to determine if what we're asking of the horse is good for the relationship. 


    In many cases, it is, and in those instances, we can ensure activity follow-through. But this is a delicate, detail-oriented, and nuanced approach to working with horses. Ensuring activity follow through is a process, not an event. 

  • How much does the program cost?

    Single Sessions At Our Barn:


    Price: $55 per 90-minute session

    Payment: Full amount due at booking


    At Your Location:


    Price: $80 per 90-minute session (includes travel fee)

    Payment: Full amount due at booking


    Virtual Consultations:


    $40 per hour-long consultation


    Package Deals


    4-Session Package (10% Discount):


    At Our Barn: $198 (save $22)

    At Your Location: $288 (save $32)


    8-Session Package (15% Discount):


    At Our Barn: $374 (save $66)

    At Your Location: $544 (save $96)

    Payment: Full amount due upfront

Ready for the Hearts N Hooves Difference?