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Services (5)

  • PIB - Review Class

    PARTICIPANT SPOTS You can book your participant spots for the review classes here. Medium members > Book your included review class spot Full members > Book your two included review class spots I'm looking very much forward to creating momentum together with you ... ❤ AUDITOR SPOTS You don't need to book your auditor spot here. All of you who booked for 6 months (or are in the Starter or Free Trial month) are allowed to audit all of the review classes, so there is no need for you to choose.

  • PIB Guest Lecture

    In addition to the all the above ingredients, there will also be regular payable guest lectures (not included in the membership) with inspiring colleagues on exciting topics. Participation is of course voluntary.

  • PIB - Theory Snacks & Q&A

    If you can't be there live, no problem at all, you can easily catch-up with the recordings.

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Blog Posts (49)

  • The Magic of Letting the Horse Figure It Out

    There’s a big difference between correcting a horse and making them aware of something. Correction is often fast, mechanical, and goal-driven. Awareness is slow, soft, and connection-driven. One might create obedience. The other creates understanding. In my work, I try to lean into awareness. Instead of rudely correcting “mistakes,” I want to gently shine a light on moments of stickiness, imbalance, or awkward movement—not to punish, but to help the horse feel  what’s going on. Because when a horse feels and understands, they start to think . And when they think, they start to own the process. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “that’s wrong, fix it.” But what if we allowed the horse a moment to explore the options? What if we guided, suggested, framed the situation with clarity and support—and then waited? Waited for them to find it. To feel  it. To offer it. Because when the horse offers a movement from understanding—when the idea becomes his —the change is profound. It becomes soft. Supple. Coordinated. Effortless. And, often, even more beautiful. A badly coordinated step might just mean, “I haven’t figured this out yet.” A sticky yield might whisper, “I’m unsure how to organize myself here.” Instead of overriding these moments, we can make space for them. Mark them with awareness, not frustration. When we do this consistently, the horse begins to move in a thinking frame of mind. They begin to seek harmony, because they’ve felt it. They begin to refine themselves, because they understand what you’re asking and  why it feels good to offer it. And that is what makes the training process not just productive – but harmoniously beautiful. If this resonates with you, and you’re prioritizing awareness, connection, and truly understanding your horse—not just getting things done—I’d love to invite you to my PIB Clinic at Deanna’s place in early June . Maybe you’re in a place where you want to slow things down to find more meaning, clarity, softness, and connection in your work with horses. Or maybe you’re longing for those quiet aha  moments where you and your horse figure things out together . It’s a chance to dive deeper into this way of being with horses—to observe, explore, and experience how small shifts in awareness can create powerful, lasting changes. You’ll see how softness, thinking, and balance emerge when we take the time to truly listen  and allow. There are still spots open—and I’d be so happy to see you there. 📍 The workshop will be held at Deanna Preis Horsemanship / Shade Tree Stables  in Freeburg, Illinois (USA) . 📧 For more info or to sign up, feel free to contact Deanna directly at theshadetreestable@gmail.com

  • The Power of Subtlety: How Small Shifts Shape Big Changes in Horse Training

    Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that create the biggest shifts. In my recent review class, two powerful themes emerged that beautifully illustrate this. The first was the profound impact of subtle changes in our own body language and energy. The second was the importance of recognizing when our horses struggle and showing them we’re there to support them. The Subtle Influence of Body Language It’s easy to underestimate how much our posture, energy, and even our smallest gestures influence our horses. But in this class, we saw just how responsive they are to the tiniest cues. A simple lean back with the upper body can unknowingly invite the horse into our space. A single, seemingly insignificant step to the side can draw the horse with us. Even the position of our whip hand—if held slightly too high or pointed toward the shoulder—can cause a kind of constant energetic pressure that causes the horse to overbend. It’s not just about what we do physically—it’s where we focus our attention. Fixed eyes, the direction where our toes are pointing while walking next to the horse, or even the direction of our belly button can guide or influence the horse without us realizing it. These subtle shifts can either support the horse’s balance and clarity or unintentionally create confusion. It is amazing to see how adjusting these tiny details—softening a gaze, lowering the whip hand slightly, or becoming aware of our posture—could make an immediate difference in our horse’s response and help them become more balanced, more engaged, and clearer in their understanding. Recognizing and Supporting Struggles The second theme that resonated deeply was learning to notice when the horse is struggling and responding in a way that says, “I see you. I’m here to help.” One example was when a horse lost its center of mass forward into the chest. As a result, tension crept into the lower neck and poll area, and the nose began to push slightly forward into the student's space. Instead of pushing through or trying to correct it with a lot of aids, it's best to pause and let the horse know that you notice and are there to support. A good way to do so is, for example, to stop moving, gently touch the chest to make the horse aware, and softly ask the horse to shift its weight back or even take a slight step backward to reset. Wait until you feel that the horse resets as well and is not still caught in his previous thought/feeling and then continue with your original plan. This simple reset helps the horse rebalance, releasing tension and allowing us to start fresh with a better foundation. Moments like these remind us that our role isn’t just to direct, but to observe, feel, and respond. By tuning into our horse’s needs and struggles, we create a space where they feel supported and understood. This fosters trust and encourages them to search for better balance and clarity alongside us. Final Thoughts The beauty of horse training lies in these subtleties—in learning how our smallest shifts can lead to the most profound changes, and in recognizing when our horses need us to step in with gentle support. When we become more aware of our own body language and energy, and when we listen closely to what our horses are telling us, we open the door to deeper connection and more harmonious movement. What subtle shifts have you noticed in your own work with horses? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

  • The Interplay Between Rider's Mental State and Horse's Performance

    In the world of horse training, we often focus on the biomechanics, aids, and exercises that shape our horse's physical development. Yet, one of the most profound influences on a horse's performance is something less tangible: the rider's mental and emotional state. As riders, our thoughts, emotions, and energy radiate through our posture, aids, and overall presence. Horses, being highly sensitive and perceptive creatures, pick up on these subtle cues more than we often realize. When we are calm, clear, and centered, our horses respond with trust and relaxation. Conversely, when we carry tension, frustration, self-doubt, or are in a hurry our horses mirror that unease, leading to stiffness, resistance, or confusion. This brings us to an essential truth in horse training: "The horse is never the problem—it's always us."  This isn't about self-blame but rather embracing the responsibility and opportunity we have to influence the partnership positively. Our mental state acts as a silent aid, either guiding our horse toward balance and harmony or inadvertently creating obstacles. But it's not just our inner state that matters. We must also be acutely aware of our surroundings.  Sometimes, even when we feel centered and calm, the atmosphere in the arena can influence our horse. The presence of stressed horses, tense riders, or even general environmental unease can affect our horse's mental and emotional state. Recognizing this helps us differentiate between our influence and external factors, allowing us to respond with empathy and adjust our approach accordingly. The Mind Leads, the Body Follows In all of this, one principle stands above the rest: the mind should always be our priority.  When we have the horse's mind—its focus, trust, and willingness—the body can follow easily and effortlessly. A horse that is mentally engaged and connected will respond to the lightest cues and subtle aids. Without the horse's mind, even the most refined physical aids will fall short, requiring more than a whisper to achieve the desired response. This is not the relationship we should strive for. Our goal should be to create a partnership where the horse is mentally present and willing, making the physical aspects a natural extension of that connection. Relaxed Activity: The Foundation of Physical Quality This mental connection leads to relaxed activity —a state where the horse is engaged, active, and supple, but free from tension. Relaxed activity creates the foundation for true physical quality: throughness, balance, self-carriage, and a swingy rhythm. But this state is only possible when the horse feels relaxed and trusting in its mind. As Karen Rohlf wisely says, "Everything comes from and goes to relaxation."  Without mental relaxation, we cannot achieve the physical harmony and quality we seek. When the mind is at ease, the body follows with effortless grace. So, how can we ensure our mental and emotional balance supports our horse's development? 1. Cultivate Self-Awareness:  Before every session, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you bringing stress from your day into the arena? Are you focused and present, or distracted and tense? A simple breathing exercise or mindfulness practice can help ground you before you even pick up the reins. 2. Embrace Clarity and Patience:  Clear intentions and realistic expectations are key. When we approach training with patience and curiosity, we create a safe space for our horse to explore, make mistakes, and learn without fear of punishment. 3. Reflect and Adjust:  After a ride, instead of immediately analyzing what the horse "did wrong," reflect on your own role in the session. Was your communication clear? Did your energy support relaxation and focus? Additionally, consider the environment—were there external factors influencing your horse's behavior? This mindset shift can transform both your riding and your relationship with your horse. Ultimately, our horses are our greatest mirrors. By fostering mental clarity and emotional resilience in ourselves and staying attuned to our environment, we pave the way for our horses to thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember, the journey of riding is as much about inner growth as it is about technique. When we find balance within and remain aware of the world around us, our horses will follow. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you noticed how your mental state or the atmosphere in the arena affects your horse?

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Other Pages (24)

  • Welcome | Pferde In Balance

    Welcome Great to have you here! I'm a devoted equine trainer and human coach driven by an unwavering passion for horses, their well-being, and their healthy education. Combining a deep understanding of equine behavior with proven and healthy training techniques, I strive to create harmonious partnerships between horses and riders while building a better body and a healthy athlete through the principles of classical dressage and healthy biomechanics. With a keen eye for individual needs and a patient approach, I strive to find the most suitable approach to develop my students together with their horses further. As a forever student myself I'm continuously educating myself through inspirational horsemen and horsewomen such as Belinda Bolsenbroek, Claudia Wolters, Zaneta Georgiades, Karen Rohlf, and Yvet Blokesch, to name a few, and those that inspire me the most at the moment. You want to stay updated? Join my mailing list here: Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

  • This is a Title 01

    This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

  • Rainforest Action Initiative | Pferde In Balance

    < Back Rainforest Action Initiative This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

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Programs (3)

  • PIB Membership

    LEARN TOGETHER WITH ME IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE ON A REGULAR BASIS TO CREATE MOMENTUM IN YOUR TRAINING WITH YOUR HORSE.

  • Einführung

    Gib Teilnehmern zu Beginn grundlegende Informationen darüber, was sie in dem Programm lernen. Stelle das Thema vor und gib ihnen anhand von Texten, Videos und Bildern einen Überblick.

  • Schritt 1

    Teile deine Inhalte in überschaubare Schritte auf. Verwende Videos, Bilder und Texte, um die wichtigsten Punkte zu erklären und formuliere klare Erwartungen und Ziele. Füge auch Dateien und Audiodateien als zusätzliche Ressourcen hinzu. Finde anhand eines Fragebogens heraus, was sich Teilnehmer vom Programm erhoffen oder teste vorab mit einem Quiz ihr Wissen.

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