About Amy

Riding “Emperador” in a show for Circulo Militar Carabobo at 7 years old.

I began riding at the age of six

I can remember being absolutely bonkers about horses since I was learning to walk and talk, but I began riding at the age of six. My riding career began at a Military Riding School in Caracas, Venezuela in show jumping.

For me being around these amazing animals in a major metropolitan city was a dream come true, and I cherished every second of it, trying any discipline that was offered. Growing up as a military kid, we bounced from place to place through my childhood until I was grown. Horses were an expensive luxury, so I eagerly looked forward to irregular lessons whenever I could, relying on my very patient and supportive parents to drive me miles and miles out of the city to the nearest barn.

I quickly became an avid student of horsemanship

I am an avid student of the horse and have spent my whole life looking for and developing quality horsemanship. I have ridden with many incredible horsemen and women, hoping for a little bit of their knowledge and feel to rub off on me!

Riding with instructor Pepe Gutierrez at Real Escuela Andalusa del Arte Ecuestre in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

Riding with Brent Graef

I offer riders of all ages and disciplines the ability to gain confidence, improve their riding, and strengthen their relationships with their horses.”

Today, working with horses and clients

I work to embrace a training philosophy based in Classical Dressage and sound horsemanship practices. I always try to keep the best interest of horse and rider in mind, choosing to avoid fads and quick fixes, but to seek continual learning from the best teacher: the horse.

My training program works for all breeds and disciplines and focuses on promoting softness, balance, and relaxation. I believe that any horse can improve given enough time and understanding, and that force and dominance play no part in building a strong relationship. Working with the horse’s mind develops confidence, and an understanding of biomechanics develops correct and sound movement.

I have spent the last several years offering lessons and clinics, with a focus on providing information in a way that best suits each student. I believes that good teaching mirrors good training: offering information in a way the student can understand, and without judgement or force.

My philosophy of training through relaxation carries over to students working to gain better balance and feel with their horses. I believe that learning should be fun and not intimidating, and she provides a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for riders to improve their abilities. With years of training experience under the tutelage of fine horsemen and women like Theresa Doherty, Maryal Barnett, Brent Graef, and others.

Testimonials

Amy is experienced and wise beyond her years. She can combine horsemanship, dressage and feel to provide you with the best approach to understand and improve your relationship with your horse. We’ve worked with her in various capacities; riding lessons, participated in her horsemanship clinics, sent our Lusitano to her for a month of summer boot camp (she also provided riding lessons) and I can’t say enough how wonderful every interaction has been. She has a great affinity for teaching and explanation and does so with kindness and softness, using both evidence based methods and her vast experience with horses of all backgrounds. All of that and she is an amazing writer and so fun to work with. We miss her in Michigan. My horse probably misses her most of all.

KAREN LINDBERG

I can’t say enough about Amy and her horsemanship. She is extremely hardworking but also very gentle, highly skilled but humble, and is always striving to further her knowledge and experience. She cares deeply for horses and their owners and will go above and beyond to meet you and your horses needs. Thanks for all you’ve done! Tony

TONY STRICKLAND

Amy Skinner is a rare being. She understands and reads horses and always gives them the benefit of the doubt. People talk about softness to the point that it has almost become a cliche without meaning. Amy's whole approach in everything she does with horses involves a softness and critique of her communication. Amy is an inexhaustible learner and has reached a point in her career where she has accumulated her knowledge from numerous sources and reached her own high level of horsemanship. I would never hesitate to ask her opinion or for help with a horse and I often have. I have not even mentioned her unique ability to teach and to articulate complicated concepts to people. She is also caring and very respectful, Unfortunately not something you always see in the world of horse trainers. I consider her to be one of the best and although she may still be under the radar, with talent like hers, I don't expect her to be there for long.

STEVE PETERS

Amy is a joy to work with. She is peaceful and kind, and committed to always putting the horse first. Without patronizing, Amy is able to help the rider understand feel and learn to respond to the horse with kindness and softness. Amy is always respectful and knows how to focus on the positive to move the horse and rider towards success and harmony.

MARY CONSTANTINO

Amy is a thoughtful and skillful trainer. I had the opportunity to take a lesson from Amy in Maine recently. After asking me what I hoped to work on with my horse and her careful observations, she was able to pinpoint exactly what was going on with my horse. His hind end doesn't track behind his front, in other words, he has too much disengagement of the hind. This made it difficult to get a balanced lope without him cross-firing. Amy has given me exercises to help my horse balance and for me to alter my weight and cues at our turns. Thanks so much, Amy, for your dedication to horses and riders having a better relationship!

JULIE KENNEY

Amy is so intuitive to each horse she is introduced to! Amazingly talented and patient. She goes the extra mile it takes to help you and your horse understand and learn. She knows that you can only learn without pressure and she examples of what she is explaining make things crystal clear!

TAMMY HANNAH LAMPHERE

GIVE YOU AND YOUR HORSE A PATH FOR DEVELOPING QUALITY HORSEMANSHIP.