Freddy's life with horses started in the most traditional way–at a pony club. But his path quickly diverged, fueled by a relentless curiosity about horse psychology and behavior. By age 16, he was deep into the world of natural horsemanship, blending it seamlessly with classical methods. This unique approach paved the way for his venture into trick riding and horseback archery.
A World-Class Competitor with a Trainer's Heart
Freddy's accolades are impressive, peaking with a 9th world ranking in Dzhigitovka at the 2019 World Championships in Moscow. But beyond the competition, his work as a trainer truly defines him. He's dedicated to helping horses and their owners achieve their dreams, with a special focus on behavioral training and rehabilitation. His courses, designed to build confidence on the ground and in the saddle, reflect a deep understanding of the horse-human relationship.
The Pursuit of Perfection
Freddy's approach to horsemanship is defined by a ceaseless quest for what he describes as the 'perfect harmony'—a state where horse and rider are so in tune that their communication becomes a subtle, almost imperceptible language of its own. His drive stems from a deep-seated passion for understanding the nuances of horse psychology and behavior and the belief that true mastery lies in the finesse of this silent dialogue.
For Freddy, this pursuit is not just about technical skill; it's about developing a profound connection that allows both horse and rider to express themselves in unison. This philosophy is grounded in his commitment to physical and mental agility for himself and the horses he works with. His diverse background in disciplines like trick riding and horseback archery has taught him the value of precision and control and the importance of a shared mindset between horse and rider.
His holistic approach focuses on building confidence and trust on the ground and while mounted. Freddy's training is about guiding a horse and allowing the horse to showcase its talents and abilities. This respect for the horse's individuality and capability is what makes his training style unique and effective.
Our partnership with Freddy is special because of his relentless pursuit of excellence and understanding. At The Horse Education Company, we share his vision of a harmonious relationship between horse and rider, facilitated by understanding, empathy, and the right training tools.
A Global Perspective
Freddy's horsemanship is shaped by his skills and experiences and significantly influenced by his global travels and encounters with various cultures. His philosophy, cultivated from diverse riding styles around the world, underscores a fundamental truth: there's more than one way to understand and work with horses.
Freddy's journey has taken him far and wide, immersing him in the horsemanship traditions of different cultures. From the agility required in trick riding to the precision and focus in horseback archery, his international competitions have been learning experiences.
This exposure to the world's techniques on horsemanship has been a driving force in shaping his approach. Freddy firmly believes in a versatile and adaptive training style. He champions the idea of building a diverse 'toolbox' of techniques, picking and choosing from different trainers and styles to find what works best for each horse and situation. It's about being flexible, open-minded, and always ready to learn something new. In Freddy's words, every culture, every trainer, and every horse has something to teach us.
A Horse that Challenges and Inspires
In Freddy's years of experience, one horse stands out: a mare with a formidable personality and unique challenges. This mare, the only one in their yard, embodies the spirit of what Freddy's approach to horsemanship is all about. She isn't the most athletic horse, yet she thrives in her own special way, teaching Freddy as much as he teaches her.
Freddy describes working with her as a delicate balance of timing and energy. She's a horse that doesn't respond well to pressure applied incorrectly or at the wrong time. This has taught Freddy the importance of being mindful and precise in his approach. When he gets it right, the mare gives her all.
This mare challenges Freddy to think differently and to be innovative in strengthening her weaknesses while respecting her individuality. She's not a horse that offers easy answers, making the moments of breakthrough even more rewarding. This relationship highlights the essence of true horsemanship–it’s not just about training a horse but engaging in a two-way conversation where both horse and human learn and grow together.
Freddy’s experience with this mare is a prime example of the complexities of horse training. It's about understanding each horse as an individual, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and personality.
In Search of 'The One'
Interestingly, Freddy admits he hasn't yet found his 'heart' horse, the one that touches the soul in a unique way. This candid admission speaks volumes about his story as a horseman. It's not just about the skills and achievements; it's about the profound connection that, occasionally, a horse and rider might be lucky enough to find.
Resonating with The Horse Education Company
Freddy's favorite aspect of The Horse Education Company is our shared ethos–understanding and caring for horses at a deep level. Our products, crafted with an understanding of horse behavior and psychology, align perfectly with his approach. Freddy appreciates that our products are designed with the horse's perspective in mind, eliminating the need to adapt or compromise.
Photo credit: Atmospheric Imagery
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