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About Barb Apple
Horsemanship Overview | Instruction & Training | Further Education
Horsemanship Instructor for all Disciplines
It has been my privilege over the past 16 years to teach folks in the USA and Europe how to have a better Relationship, FUN and Excellence with their horses while minimizing the risk to horse and rider. I believe if you understand and communicate through consideration, you will achieve your goals, be they work, competition, fun, English, or Western. The horse does not know what hat you wear or how you dress. He only knows if he is experiencing comfort or discomfort, threat or security ... and reacts accordingly.
In 1992 my teaching journey began with Parelli Natural Horsemanship. I found a renewed inspiration to teach and share my divine gift of communication with horses as well as people. I have experienced a LIFE TIME of learning the HARD WAY through Trial and Error. Now I get great satisfaction in teaching others how to avoid this unnecessary path.
My Horses have been my Best Teachers
I have had Tennessee Walkers, many Quarter horses and several other breeds since I was 13. I have worked cattle, packed, trail ridden, given demos at horse Expos & played with dressage, cutting and reining. I enjoy having horses that are willing, versatile, sensitive and are happy to be with me - whatever the task.
"...It became absolutely clear to me that your approach had touched me in a profound way. It has a lot to do with your communication style and use of words, but also your non-verbals, which are very direct and effective.
In my opinion, you are a shining example of how to communicate - both with horses and people."
- Laurie, Idaho 2006
My Teaching Philosophy
My emphasis when teaching will be to advance the thought of: "Communication through Consideration". Have you ever felt you needed a larger vocabulary when you were having a conversation with your horse? I'd like to help enlarge your vocabulary, so you can have more meaningful "CONVERSATIONS" with your horse and "WORDS" for all occasions. Also "Consider" ...How are you wording your request? Does it sound like: "Would you PLEASE do this"? Or is it... "DO that NOW!"
It has been stated "Horses are the Nature of God in its finest form". This statement is certainly true for me. I have worked and played with horses most of my life and they still amaze, fascinate, thrill and chill me. Their capacity for the gentlest touch or thundering power never ceases to fill me with the utmost respect.
When truly "considering" the horse, we find a treasure of knowledge that will forever stay hidden with only a cursory observation. With closer consideration the possibilities are endless when we understand and tap into the communication lines of this noble animal.
Natural Horsemanship presents us with opportunities to achieve extraordinary results. If we learn to consider their natural fear, consider their natural way of moving, consider their natural way of expression, and BE considerate of their pain or pleasure, then and only then, their world will open up to us.