Amy Skinner embraces a training philosophy based in Classical Dressage and sound horsemanship practices. Amy keeps 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.
Amy offers a training program for all breeds and disciplines that focuses on promoting softness, balance, and relaxation. She believes 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.
Amy also offers lessons and clinics, with a focus on providing information in a way that best suits each student. Amy believes that good teaching mirrors good training: offering information in a way the student can understand, and without judgement or force. Amy’s philosophy of training through relaxation carries over to students working to gain better balance and feel with their horses. She believes 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, Amy offers riders of all ages and disciplines the ability to gain confidence, improve their riding, and strengthen their relationships with their horses.”
BALANCE
A happy horse is balanced mentally, physically, and emotionally, and the same goes for a happy rider. Balance comes into play in many areas: between work and play, friendship and leadership, and many other areas.
TRUST
Everything is built on trust. We must be aware of our horses’ thoughts, needs, and more – building trust with every interaction.
RESPECT
Respect is not gained through intimidation or mistreatment. Respect is earned. Learn to be a real leader for your horse.
BALANCE
A happy horse is balanced mentally, physically, and emotionally, and the same goes for a happy rider. Balance comes into play in many areas: between work and play, friendship and leadership, and many other areas.
TRUST
Everything is built on trust. We develop trust by being aware of our horses’ thoughts and needs, and supplying them with what they need to thrive.
RESPECT
Every aspect of good horsemanship takes respect for the horse into account. Respect for their body and mind, and developing the discipline to handle the horse with feel.
Halter Starting
Give your horse a correct foundation and set him up for success in life. Don’t skip this critical phase.
Colt Starting
This is the foundation of your horse’s riding career. Let’s talk about making that happen for you and your horse.
Lessons
Get balanced and create solid partnerships, no matter what saddle you’re riding in.
Clinics
I offer private or group sessions for all disciplines and breeds.
Problem Solving
Correcting or rebuilding a shaky foundation to helps create understanding and mental balance in both you and your horse.
Physical/Mental Rehab
Mental and physical rehab are often closely connected, learn how we can help your horse.
Lessons
Problem Solving
Get balanced and create solid partnerships, no matter what saddle you’re riding in.
Correcting or rebuilding a shaky foundation to helps create understanding and mental balance in both you and your horse.
Clinics
Physical/Mental Rehab
I offer private or group sessions for all disciplines and breeds.
Mental and physical rehab are often closely connected, learn how we can help your horse.
"It’s real natural fo the horse to feel like you are his way when you are actually in his way."
Bill Dorrance
"Your horse doesn’t care who you’ve ridden with, what you know or what your philosophies are…until you prove to him that it benefits him and has meaning for him."
Amy Skinner
"When the horse is a tool to a person that has no interest in understanding their horse or in becoming a better horseperson, it may make sense to bring the horse to the level of the person. But if the person is interested in the horse, the person should be helped and encouraged to rise to the level of the horse."
Martin Black
"It’s real natural fo the horse to feel like you are his way when you are actually in his way."
Bill Dorrance
"Your horse doesn’t care who you’ve ridden with, what you know or what your philosophies are…until you prove to him that it benefits him and has meaning for him."
Amy Skinner
"When the horse is a tool to a person that has no interest in understanding their horse or in becoming a better horseperson, it may make sense to bring the horse to the level of the person. But if the person is interested in the horse, the person should be helped and encouraged to rise to the level of the horse."
Martin Black
64799
CUPS OF COFFEE
374
HORSES STARTED
374
SUCCESSFUL CLIENTS
10000
HOURS INVESTED
GIVE YOU AND YOUR HORSE A PATH FOR DEVELOPING QUALITY HORSEMANSHIP.