What is Alternative Horsemanship™?

What is Alternative Horsemanship™ with Samantha Harvey? 

 Testimonial:

"Thought I should tell you, though, how often I use the tools you give us.  Feeding, leading, loading, riding, it doesn't matter what I'm doing, I'm far more aware of what my horses are feeling and thinking, which (as you obviously know!) leads to better communication and a positive outcome.  I think the loading moments are my favorites...where is the brain?...come back to me!...oh, hello, you wanted what?  Thanks for expanding the horizons of both me and my horse." Marilyn, WA 2022

At Alternative Horsemanship, we offer a distinct and effective approach to horse and rider training. Our approach is designed to equip equine enthusiasts with the skills they need to understand and communicate with their horses, fostering a willing and cooperative partnership. Developed by Samantha Harvey over three decades, our method prioritizes introspection and personalized communication instead of relying on generalized, quick-fix training programs.

 

Our students gain the ability to identify the root causes of unwanted behavior in their horses and develop the horsemanship skills necessary to address these issues confidently. By acknowledging their own behavioral patterns and emotional triggers, riders can replace reactive critical thinking with positive alternatives, enabling proactive decision-making and realistic expectations of their equine partner.

 

We firmly believe in treating horses with respect and understanding. By recognizing their body language and responses, we can help them participate reasonably and diminish worried, fearful, or dangerous behavior. Our ultimate goal is to build a quality equine partnership founded on mutual respect and trust, creating mentally available, physically willing, and reasonable equine partners.

 

Our approach combines horse behavior and biomechanical riding concepts, while also addressing the rider's mental focus to develop supportive riders. With our guidance, students can confidently apply their newfound skills to work with their horses in the "real world," regardless of their chosen discipline.

Enjoy this six-minute video clip sharing some of Sam's philosophies.

Sand Dunes & Safer Horses