Horses have been a part of Kim's life all throughout childhood on into young adulthood.  For the past 13 years Kim began riding and training full time.  Kim is a graduate of the John & Josh Lyon's Certification Program. As a Trainer and instructor Kim now offers clinics, lectures,  supervised trail ride lessons, horse & rider compatibility pre-purchase evaluations, and personalized training at our facility in Port Orchard, WA for both the horse and rider. For additional services please click on the "Services" link.

Emphasizing safety on the trail as well as in the arena, Kim believes in the concept of training the Whole Horse, rather than concentrating on just one problem.  Most riders want to have an objectionable problem fixed, the horse however thinks in their own language and with different instincts than humans.  Horses do not "love" their owners just because they are housed and fed.  In this way, they are fundamentally different than people, but horses are quick learners. There really is no such thing as a "stupid" horse. People can treat horses in a manner that makes them respond in an unfamiliar, uncoopreative, or seemingly aggressive manner, which in turn causes "we" the horses human partners to become frustrated or give up on them because people do not understand how to get their horses to respond favorably in a manner we want from them.  Horses do not want to harm their human friends, but they will seek any refuge from pain, suffering, starvation, or misuse. We humans are really no different in this regard, but the horse is much larger and can harm those around them if they are called upon to defend themselves.

Horses experience fear much like people, they are genetically programmed to respond to predators, and their instinctual response is to run away rather than fight.  They express fear in a manner that is typically equine.   Once you learn how a horse expresses fear and how to deal with what causes their fear, then you can communicate to your horse in a non-threatening way.   This will win the horse's confidence that your are a leader, but not a danger to them.

The methods Kim uses to gain the horses trust are clear cues, followed by repetition then release when the horses gives the desired response.   If done consistently, the horse quickly learns what is asked of them.    Horses are naturally curious and want to do something else besides standing in their stalls or paddocks all day.   They look forward to leaving their confines to see what the world is like outside.  They might be fearful leaving the herd (buddy or barn sour), but they still enjoy the newness of being away from their confines.    They become interested in the ride, and doing something different.   You can use this natural curiosity to get the horse to move their feet, and once you get them in motion, you can direct them and finally secure a communication system through your body's actions that the horse memorizes and responds to....

Kim is an examiner for The Rocky Mountain Horse Association