As a multi discipline formal riding student, equine trainer, and certified coach, it's my pleasure to provide a new and enriching classroom experience. I have personally been screamed at by riding instructors and felt discouraged. I have also had the traumatizing experiences with angry lesson horses & felt the sting of feeling "unwelcome" by the barn cliques and competitive obligations. My 25+ year career has been filled with 1000's of breeds and covered a wide variety of trainers, coaches, and disciplines. The W.A Riding Academy curriculum is built on the common training techniques shared between those disciplines and influenced by today's science that supports a less aggressive approach at handling the equine brain keeping the recreational rider in mind. This sport is meant to be enjoyable, and I'd argue it should be enjoyable for more than just the rider.  I also firmly believe that to build a relationship on trust and mutual respect, a rider must know how to read their horse's subtle language and redefine the predator/prey dynamic. Human nature and Equine nature often conflict (despite our similarities), and it can lead to scary and dangerous experiences for both horse and rider. My personal riding goals put my horses at the center of all things and promote their comfort and confidence. These concepts are not typically acknowledged in a traditional lesson setting and because of that, feel unfamiliar and all too often conflict with previous training. That's because the equine training concepts do often challenge rider personal goals and expectations. This is something I like to embrace and teach others how to negotiate during my classes.  With years of experience, multiple trainers, multiple riding coaches, & formal certifications at my back, I'm pleased to offer a classroom that reconstructs what we think we know into something far beyond the typical heels-down-toes-up routine.