About us
Capable horses. Confident riders.
Progress that moves you forward.
Teach the mind and body, engage the emotions, and let the behaviour follow.
THE AH APPROACH
We believe horses are individuals, with opinions, motivations, and their own way of learning.
Horses differ in arousal thresholds, motivation, and learning style. Some become more engaged when a task includes novelty or problem-solving. Others regulate better with predictability and repetition. These differences are well documented in learning theory and stress physiology.
The Applied Horsemanship approach is grounded in real-world experience and a simple idea. When a task makes sense to the horse mentally and emotionally, they engage. Seeking replaces tolerance. Real progress follows.
We focus on teaching the horse to think, problem-solve, and participate, not simply comply. The goal is actual understanding.
We also do not believe you need to retreat, avoid goals, or stop asking questions of your horse. It is okay to come to the horse with an idea. To offer direction. To work toward something together. What matters is how that work is presented.
When the work is clear and kind, both horse and rider change.
Riders gain a better understanding of what they are asking and why. Horses become more confident because the information is presented clearly, in a way that allows them to choose to engage. Progress starts to hold up outside the arena, not just in ideal conditions.
What riders tell us they want:
- A horse who feels safe and responsive, not reactive or spooky
- Confidence that holds up on the trail, at shows, or at home
- To know what to do and why it works
- A partnership that actually feels like one
- Athletic horses who engage willingly and move with confidence
How we get there:
- Clear, progressive exercises that teach the horse to think and respond under pressure
- Work that builds reliability you can trust outside the arena, not just in it
- Clear aids, clear intention, and confidence for both horse and rider
Whether you learn online or join us at an in-person clinic, the aim is the same. You and your horse should feel more capable after every session. That is the measure.
The connection between you and your horse is not something we manufacture. It is an outcome of the work.
The horseman behind Applied Horsemanship
Sean Coleman
I grew up riding in England, then spent years working with horses across the US and around the world. Western and English. Young horses, problem horses, and horses people had given up on.
No matter the discipline or setting, I kept seeing the same thing. Horses were not being difficult. They were confused. Riders were trying hard, but missing clarity. What worked beautifully for one horse often fell apart with the next.
I became frustrated with training that only held together in perfect conditions. With advice that sounded good, but broke down in real life. And with approaches that asked riders to set aside their goals instead of helping them reach them.
So I built Applied Horsemanship around a different way of working. One that holds up outside the arena. One that respects the horse’s mind as much as their body. One that gives riders something they can actually use.
My focus is simple. Help riders become more capable with their horses, and help horses feel confident in the work. From that, strong and lasting partnerships grow.