Michaela Hempen

Hi, The programme I developed for Blondie is tailor-made for her. Each next step evolved out of the training as she needed it. It was a very fluid process that I adapted on the spot. However, the principles that I applied, remain valid for other horses not only those with saddle aversions but basically with … Read more

Hi, Blondie was ridden regularly, almost every day, by her previous owner, for at least 3 years (that I witnessed), plus another 6-12 months at her breeder’s. I was told that the breeder didn’t keep her because her sliding stop had no potential. I don’t want to know what they do with a 2-year old … Read more

Hi, There are, of course, many more lessons and details around leading skills that we could look at. The more you work on it, the lighter your horse gets, the more elegant your communication and connection. It will continue to evolve over the (hopefully long) time that you and your horse work together. But instead … Read more

Hi, The opposite exercise to “Backing in a Square” is the “Wall exercise”. In Backing in a Square, you ask your horse to take the head to the off-side and the hindquarters towards you. Whereas in the “Wall exercise”, you request a give or flexion to the inside and the hindquarters move away from you. … Read more