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(doing business as Animal Behavioral Consultants of Virginia)
Mobile lessons that travel to you! I now also offer beginner riding lessons for children and adults.
If you want to build a stronger, clearer, and more connected relationship with your horse, I can help you reach that goal.
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What Makes My Program Different?
I help horse owners cut through the noise. Whether you're struggling with performance issues, confusing behaviors, or simply feel like you're not clicking with your horse—I work to identify the real root of the disconnect and build solutions that are kind, clear, and effective.
I’ve worked with over 600 horses across a wide spectrum of temperaments, disciplines, and situations—from show rings to pasture rehab cases.
My program is grounded in:
Classical Horsemanship Principles
Biomechanically correct Dressage
Equine Learning Theory
Liberty work
Natural horsemanship (the calm and grounded kind that’s helpful)
Behavioral psychology and relationship-based techniques
And most of all? Compassion, duality, and common sense.
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Why This Approach Works
When we stop trying to “fix” horses and start listening to them—without coddling or dominating—we open the door to real partnership. That means:
Less resistance, more trust
Fewer behavior issues
Stronger performance
A horse that willingly participates!
When you have a horse that volunteers out of genuine enthusiasm it brings your horse's personality into the work and allows them to become truly passionate about working with you.
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Is it easy? Can I just ride on the weekend and accomplish something with my horse?
Actually, yes. It is simple but it is not easy because some of the things you learn may contradict previous truths you have held about horses. Depending on your horse you can work 2-3 days a week and make amazing progress. This method of working with horses is extremely effective, efficient, and conflict-avoidant, using innovative approaches that prevent most backslides and keep horse-and-rider teams from getting stuck on one issue for too long. It is of the utmost importance that your horse's basic needs are met as a part of training and this includes: nutrition, veterinary care, turnout/movement, socialization, and basic safety.
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Who is this for?
Riders who want to go beyond obedience and build a deep connection with their horse, their bodies, and riding.
Owners of sensitive, shut-down, or unpredictable horses
Horsewomen/men burned out by quick fixes and shallow training trends
Anyone seeking to become more grounded, competent, and aware in the saddle and on the ground
Stall-bound horses on rehab that need "something to do" until they can receive turnout
Horses adjusting to a new environment
In short, I have something for everyone. This transcends disciplines because it is the universal language of the horse.
This method is undeniably performance enhancing because it focuses on earning your horse's absolute trust through excellent communication and strengthening their emotional resilience and skill set within that bond.
Do you really want to know what it is like to be one with your horse?
This is it.
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About Me
I’ve worked across Hunter/Jumpers, Eventing, Western, and Dressage through Prix St. Georges. My training lineage includes German, Hungarian, Swedish, and French Classical Cavalry systems. I’ve managed riding schools, cared for FEI horses, ran my own facilities, trained Hunters on the A circuit, trained horses to the upper levels, studied equine biomechanics, nutrition, emotional systems, and behavior. To date I have worked with over 600 equine personalities and archetypes; this has given me the ability to map and recognize behavior origins and personality types.
During 2009 I briefly worked for Barbara Strawson of Turning Point Farms as a groom. While I was there I also got to do groundwork with some horses and hack out real FEI horses in the forest of Hyattsville, MD. I briefly apprenticed with a local cowboy and another Grand Prix trainer before moving to freelance work and partnering up with 5-star event rider Escipion Mendivil as his apprentice and then later Assistant Trainer. I worked with Escipion for 2 years before moving out on my own when he left the country. Since then I have ridden to PSG, shown at 3rd level Dressage, and learned to train Piaffe on the ground on my own. I consider myself "self made" because nobody has ever handed me an easy horse, paid my show fees, or held my hand. In continuing my education I wish to work with Jean Paul Pare and others from the old world of classical Dressage. I have also ridden with Regula Lorenz, Jim Kofford, Jean Paul Pare, Manuel Mendivil, and others.
My experience draws from many places but I am also a graduate of Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center. I rode a massive amount of horses in the 3 years I was there; many of them with severe behavioral issues you do not see in the real world. I am a big reader and I follow the works of General DeCarpentry, Sally Swift, Mary Wanless, Alois Podhasky, Craig Stevens, Dominique Barbier, Racinet, Baucher, Paul Belasik, Xenophon and others. My recent work in the last 10 years has brought me into the world of positive reinforcement and I enjoy training horses this way because it maximizes understanding.
My training style is deeply philosophical, scientific, and rooted in respect for everything horses have graciously provided us with while maintaining a functional, real-world perspective on the horse's role in society, preserving that role, and utilizing minimally aversive compassionate techniques to help horses and humans cope with our ever-changing society.
"Equestrian art is the perfect understanding and harmony between horse and rider"
-Nuno Oliveira
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Rates:
Rates are on the intake form
Fill out the intake form to book your lesson or ask about travel availability in VA, NC, PA, NY, CT, VT, SC, and FL.
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