Kindred Souls Equestrian - Equine Trainer and Author | Kindred Souls Equestrian

Strengthening bonds between horses and humans

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At Kindred Souls Equestrian, we utilize objective, evidence based practices based in equitation science to improve horse-rider and horse-handler relationships while emphasizing animal welfare. We use the principles of learning theory to teach horses how to learn, building their confidence and self carriage. The result is stronger, more relaxed and happier horses for any activities you wish to pursue with your equine partner.

We carry this approach to volunteer work supporting families in our communities who are facing a crisis. We provide by providing resources, temporary support, and coordinated rehoming assistance. We recognize that animals are integral members of the family and that their protection promotes healing and stability for the humans who love them. Through compassionate intervention and community partnerships, we prevent animals from entering shelters or slaughter pipelines, reduce the burden on already taxed animal shelters and rescues, and help families navigate the best possible outcomes for all involved.

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About me

I'm a lifelong equestrian, probably a lot like you. I grew up riding in Pony Club and after taking a break from riding and horses to get my career started, I switched to dressage. My first horse and I competed locally in low level classes, but he was always kind of shut down, and not really motivated or excited for our work together. Over and over clinicians would say I had to get him going forward and the only way to do that was to kick him, more and more. But it wasn't working. I started to question everything about what we were doing together. My search for answers led me on a transformational journey into rider biomechanics, natural horsemanship, meditation, self awareness and positive reinforcement. Here is an abbreviated list of my most significant influencers and teachers:

Emily Petrichor at Heart of Riding, my current R+ and Biomechanics coach.
Mary Wanless Ride With Your Mind Rider Biomechanics techniques
Cooperative Horsemanship with Bob Ciri
Empowered Equines Rescue, my accidental introduction to positive reinforcement training
Alexandra Kurland of the Clicker Center, Shawna Karrasch, and Karen Pryor
Patrick King and Marijke DeJong for equine balance in groundwork
Warrick Schiller and Headspace for lifelong personal discovery and building the Horse - Human Connection
Daisy Bicking and the Humble Hoof were my jumping off point for learning how to build pain free movement from the feet up
Equilearn Institute of equine bodywork
Learning energy patterns and healing at the Maryland Center for Reiki Training

By far the most influential change to my horsemanship occurred when I encountered positive reinforcement training techniques. Once I tried this with my horse, he came alive and we never looked back.

Since then I have employed positive reinforcement at liberty and with traditional tack with multiple horses to teach them emotional regulation, develop their motivation to learn, build their balance and fine muscle control, and most recently, teaching long reining and long lining. I am working on learning how to effectively utilize and teach combined reinforcement to share the benefits of positive reinforcement with those more comfortable with traditional training practices.

I am enrolled in a Purdue University Certificate in Equitation Science in partnership with the International Society of Equitation Science, which I will complete in September 2026.

Contact me to see if I can share what I know to benefit you and your equine partner.