The Story Behind Our Name

"Connected Horsemanship (LIMA)"

Every business name tells a story, and ours is deeply rooted in a 20-year journey of discovery, evolution, and the profound lessons two very different horses taught me about what it truly means to connect with equines.

For over two decades, I taught Natural Horsemanship as Connected Natural Horsemanship, believing in relationship-based training built on understanding and clear communication. Then Francis arrived – an extreme horse who needed to relearn trust and gentling and who did not respond well to pressure. He forced me to explore positive reinforcement (R+) training, and his transformation was miraculous. From aggressive and unpredictable to gentle and willing, Francis showed me the incredible power of trust-building through purely positive methods.

Inspired by this success, I planned to transition completely to R+ training and was ready to rebrand as "Connected Horsemanship: Clicking Forward." But then my confident, well-adjusted horse Khaleil taught me something equally important: not every horse thrives with the same approach.

Our Philosophy in Three Letters: L.I.M.A.

Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive

This science-based approach gave me the framework to honor what both Francis and Khaleil taught me.

Breaking Down the Name

Connected Horsemanship (LIMA)

True horsemanship isn't about following a single methodology – it's about building a genuine connection based on understanding each horse as an individual. LIMA training allows us to meet every horse exactly where they are, using the gentlest effective methods for their unique needs and learning style.

Some horses, like Francis, need the patient trust-building that comes from positive reinforcement. Others, like Khaleil with his confident personality, actually thrive with the clear communication that ethical pressure and release provide. LIMA gives us the tools to read each horse and respond with exactly what they need.

With any horse, relationship, trust, and connection matter.

What "Connected" Still Means

Connection goes beyond physical presence in the arena. It's about truly listening to what your horse is telling you through their body language, energy, and responses. It's about creating a safe space where both horse and human can learn and grow together.

When we're truly connected with our horses, training becomes a conversation rather than a confrontation. We see their individual personalities shine through, we understand their fears and motivations, and we can tailor our approach to what works best for each unique partnership.

But here's what I've learned: sometimes the kindest thing we can do is provide clear boundaries through ethical pressure, and sometimes the most loving approach is gentle positive reinforcement. Connection means having the wisdom to know which your horse needs in any moment.

The Evolution to LIMA

LIMA training represents the evolution of my understanding. It's not about being "purely positive" or "purely traditional" – it's about being purely effective and ethical.

LIMA means:

Starting with the least intrusive method that will work for this horse in this situation
Using positive reinforcement to build confidence and enthusiasm whenever possible
Applying appropriate, ethical pressure when needed for clear communication – always with immediate release
Reading each horse's emotional and learning needs and adjusting accordingly
Maintaining safety and respect for both horse and human
Building genuine partnerships based on trust and understanding

Why the Name Change Matters

When Francis taught me about R+, I thought I'd found the "one right way." When Khaleil showed me that exclusive R+ wasn't working for him, I could have seen it as a failure. Instead, I learned that the horses are always teaching us – we just have to listen.

"Connected Horsemanship (LIMA)" represents this deeper understanding. It honors both Francis's need for gentle trust-building and Khaleil's need for clear, fair communication. It acknowledges that true connection means meeting each horse as the individual they are, not forcing them into a predetermined training box.

More Than Just a Name

When you see "Connected Horsemanship (LIMA)" you're working with an instructor who has learned from decades of experience that the best training is individualized training. I've learned that reading horses is more important than following rigid methodologies, and that flexibility in approach often leads to stronger connections.

Our name is our promise: that we'll meet your horse exactly where they are, use the gentlest effective methods for their individual needs, and help you build a partnership based on clear communication, mutual respect, and genuine understanding of each other.

The best training doesn't just change behavior – it honors the relationship and transforms both horse and human.

Ready to Start Your Connected Journey?

Whether your horse needs the gentle confidence-building of positive methods, the clear communication of pressure and release, or a thoughtful combination of both, I'm here to help you discover what works best for your unique partnership.

Contact us to get started today!