People we LOVE

In no particular order, these fantastic people are making a difference horse welfare… I salute you!

Horses for Life – Nadja King

A wonderful online magazine called Horses for Life is edited by Nadja King. Containing both paid and subscription content, a must read for thinking horsemen and women.

Mark Russell

Western and English horseman, Mark Russell has written a book that de-mystifies the principles behind riding in lightness that was first uncovered by de la Gueriniere and Baucher, and later confirmed by the great Portuguese master, Nuno Oliviera.

Philippe Karl

Philippe Karl of Ecole de Legerte

Philippe Karl and the  School of Légèreté (School of Lightness). Mr Karl is an Ecuyer, previously with the French Cadre Noir de Saumur, who has strong welfare-based and well-considered views on horse training, has produced a series of brilliant videos that illustrate brilliantly what can and should be able to be achieved with ‘common’ (not highly bred) horses.

Dr Gerd Heuschmann

Dr Gerd Heuschmann

Dr Gerd Heuschmann – the German Bereiter and veterinarian turning the horse-world on its head with his education on the anatomy and biomechanics of the horse and participant in honest discussion. Well-known for his book  Tug of War – Classical versus ‘Modern’ Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses’ Health

Dr Andrew McLean, Manuela McLean & Warwick McLean

Andrew McLean teaching

Dr Andrew McLean, Manuela McLean & Warwick McLean - at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, teaching riding and handling at all levels through the application of academic learning theory. From ’starting’, in-hand training, retraining behavioural problems, through to dressage, show jumping and cross country, the McLeans see all horses as equally as valuable – wether a small child’s pony, or a finely bred performance animal. They recognise that the same principles apply!

Anja Beran

Anja Beran – what can one say?  Pictures of Anja riding say it all really, and you can see plenty in her book  Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind.

Ray Hunt

Ray Hunt, Master of horsemanship

The late Ray Hunt, who sadly died 12 March 2009. If you can get hold of his book Think Harmony with Horses, I am sure you will find it interesting.

Associate Professor Paul McGreevy

Renowned equine scientist, Australian Associate Professor Paul McGreevy wrote Equine Behaviour: a guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientists, not a cheap addition to your library, but an excellent scientifically substantiated guide to horse behaviour that helps settle some common horse misconceptions.

Manolo Mendez

Manolo Mendez, classical dressage trainer who was second in charge of Royal School of Equestrian Art, Jerez Spain, now based in Australia.

Theresa Sandin

Theresa Sandin

Theresa Sandin, over at Sustainable Dressage. Thought-provoking content concerning commonly used tack, training methods and their possible impacts on the horse’s welfare.