ABOUT
Wilderer Equestrian

Since the age of five, there was never any doubt that I would pursue a career in the horse industry. It quickly became apparent that I had an affinity for breaking, starting, and re-training horses of many breeds. In addition to my degree in equine studies, my education has come from working alongside industry professionals and trainers of many disciplines in varied settings: rehabilitation facilities, nonprofit rescues, and massage therapy. My experience with exercising racehorses, polo ponies, and competing in the dressage, hunter, and show jumping arenas has given me insight into the mentality of each sport.

 

Each equine discipline holds a unique perspective on performance expectations. I have combined the many facets of these sports into one training philosophy. In doing so, I have cultivated an innovative approach to the training of young horses. Young horses are the foundation of our sport and industry. Taking note from a variety of influential experiences, my program is unique in my ability to access the horse through several different techniques, including biomechanically and behaviorally. Understanding how the horse’s body and behavior answer to training stimuli, my programs are tailored to each horse depending on its specified needs.

To better serve both horse and rider, my training programs cater to the horse as an individual, no matter breeding or circumstance. In my experience, many of the horses that come into my training programs have difficulty coping in their show environments or training atmosphere. It is in everyone’s best interest to rehabilitate these types of horses, instilling confidence and proper basic riding principles for them to continue further in their respective discipline. Sometimes they may be best served by changing disciplines altogether.

I begin my program with an assessment of each horse. I  pinpoint their learning style and to which approach they respond best, in order to formulate a program. Most of my methods stem from operant and classical conditioning, so the psychological aspects complement the physical aspects of competition. These building blocks enhance performance enhance competition, initially and in the long-term. I find great satisfaction in seeing these horses still successfully using their abilities to advance the sport many years after I have worked with them.

It is essential to begin starting and breaking horses in such a way that does not diminish their personality and natural instinct, but improves upon it. Too many times I’ve watched horses come back from “30 days broke” completely indifferent, scared, and more than a little unsure of themselves. The foundation that was created was rushed and sloppy. Horses are fight or flight animals, which makes their actions unpredictable. To instill unnecessary fear causes further uncertainty, stoking their instinct to flee. In comparison, When questions arise, I don't expect horses to respond with blind faith. I applaud their raw feedback. Later on, I know the questions will cease in frequency because the horse has placed trust and understanding in its duties. And with better understanding, comes better and cleaner performance.

 

From pasture to show ring, my goal is to become a competitive leader in young horse development and performance in the United States. Horses look to the human for basic social cues and guidance from simple leading on the ground to working as a team under saddle. The more effective the communication in these early stages, the better overall training becomes in the short and long term. And in this industry, the quicker the horse learns, the faster it gets you to where you ultimately want to be. When I ride a young horse, I want them to be able to think for themselves, but also look to me, as the rider.

Taking a page out of the book from our European colleagues, I have united their long-standing tradition with a modern twist. Europe is a well-founded empire steeped in young horse tradition. After seeking out internships and further education in England and France with professionals of several disciplines, I researched into the basis for their success. My intention is to improve on these principles in the domestic equine industry and in doing so, passing on a newfound legacy for young horses in the equestrian sport in the United States.