Forks in the Road
Me and Tourniquet!
When people ask me what Borderless Horsemanship is, I usually pause…not because I don’t know! But because it’s hard to capture it into one sentence. We touch on so much sometimes in one lesson: behaviorism, equine biomechanics, and even how Somatic Experiencing principles apply to horsemanship (creating a deeper, richer, more nuanced experience)
We live in a shifting paradigm: while horses are still considered livestock in some parts of the world, it’s not as black and white as it used to be..but they aren’t pets either. I feel that riders (and myself included at one point!) feel pulled between two worlds: competitive sport or casual trail riding. While both can be fulfilling, they are both missing something. We are interacting with a living, breathing organism. They deserve a blend of achievement and comfort too. That’s where Borderless comes in, for those who want both meaning and movement.
Student Charlie with her horse, Astria
When I first started teaching lessons, I noticed when the horse wouldn’t respond to the student, and the student would lose confidence due to this. But was it the horses fault? Was it the students fault? In trying to find the blame, I found some people pleasing tendencies bubble up in the moment. Although the intention was good, it usually wasn’t well received by the student, the horse or both.
That’s when I realized: horsemanship breaks down when we start searching for fault instead of feedback. So I stopped trying to fix it, and started helping both horse and human learn to listen to each other.
My goal isn’t to create a dependency on me, I don’t want to be your guru. I want to be your guide and mentor, and the work that is done should speak for itself: through yourself and the horse. By embracing creativity, we create thinking horsemen and horsewomen. Borderless isn’t meant to give you formulas and methods. Frameworks are given in a variety of areas: biomechanics, nervous system regulation and relational safety.
My philosophy is that any form of horse interaction is great. I’m not against show barns or recreational riding. Both have their place. I simply believe in offering a third option: one built on curiosity instead of conformity. When people are allowed to explore without pressure, they tend to discover balance on their own!
Student Peyton riding Leo
In the moments of a lessons, there are times where I will tell the student that the horse is the better teacher in this moment than I am. Although a lesson seems like an exchange between me as a human and the client, there are 3 organisms in the equation, and that’s a lot to track!
Proof is in the pudding, I get it. So why not dive a little more into my philosophy in practicality!
When students want to take an open spot in my program, every trial lesson is the same. No riding, just orienting! Then, a groundwork session with one of our horses. While I may not outwardly give out all the information during the lesson, I focus on helping students notice when the horse (or human) leaves their window of tolerance (that zone where learning and calm coexist!) This is crafted with a blend of nervous system literacy as well as embodying Somatic Experiencing Principles.
Most students (no matter their knowledge) leave after their trial lesson surprised by how grounding simple groundwork can be. It’s felt, moment by moment.
Student Juno with Tourniquet
When I first started finding different methods, and dissecting where I want to exist as a horse trainer, I was told to advocate for non-guru culture. I want to continue that. I want my students to show the worth in the work by feeling it, and executing it. My job isn’t to hand you a map, it’s to hold the flashlight while you find your own way, and that it allows for collaboration, not hierarchy. Like any “industry”, this field is full of strong opinions and competing methods. That’s what makes dialogue, not dogma, so important.
While there are many guru’s out there, and there is nothing wrong with that, I want to build a community. Each student reflects Borderless. Borderless would not be able to hold the slogan of “There are no limits” if I didn’t have different students (Horse or Human!) at different stages of life ask me to align their lessons with where they are at.
Who is Borderless’s Ideal Client?
Borderless is for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with the horse, whether that means showing up more present, rebuilding after fear or simply learning to be more aware. This can apply to both horse and human client!
It’s for parents seeking hands-on, nervous system aware learning experience for homeschoolers, and a lifelong horse lover returning after time away.
Me and “Shining Lazy K” - Dressage Lesson 2018
If you’ve ever felt too thoughtful for competitive barns or too driven for laid back ones, this space is yours. Cultivating progress should feel good for both nervous systems. (All while getting to dabble in western and english riding!)
When I was a teenager, exploring horses without the structure of lessons, I found there was no limits to the amount of things I touched on with the horse in front of me. It embraced the motto of having “No Limits”. Borderless isn’t just about riding, it’s about rediscovery, communication and empowerment. It’s a space where horses become accessible again, and people become curious.
So I’ll leave you with a question: what does horsemanship look like for you? Come observe, converse and find your own version. Let’s discover what Borderless means, together.
Me and Buckshot - 2018
