Discover a fresh new perspective on riding and what it means to find connection.

Jacob utilizes the art and tools of yoga & mindfulness to better communicate the deeper concepts of classical equitation.

He draws on his extensive experience as a yoga practitioner and teacher to help his students find deeper awareness, and embody the philosophy of lightness in their riding.

Jacob began working with horses at the age of 12, gaining his foundation in both working western as well as dressage. Years later he would go on to be inspired and study under the French Classical Dressage master, Dominique Barbier (and by succession, Dominique’s teacher, Nuno Oliveira). He now brings that experience and exposure of the Haute École back to the Pacific North West as part of his core teachings. He continues to learn and study under the Barbier network & philosophy, and strives to carry on the lineage of enlightened horsemanship from the French Classical Tradition.

Jacob believes that

“The mind and the body will habituate anything, practice good habits, think good thoughts…The mind and the body are intimately connected.  How you feel in your mind will come through in your body, and the horse will feel it.”

The results of his methods aim to create more openness, improve function, and to help the rider find an easier access to connection with their equine companion… to name just a few of the benefits. His tactics for helping people to “get out of their own way” are rooted in his philosophy of establishing a strong foundation. Most of the time that involves de-programming a lot of things we grew up doing, and literally working from the ground up. His methods and approach begin with hitting the re-set button, by first establishing a connection on the ground with a combination of lunging and work-in-hand techniques. From there, a new relationship can be re-built in a more holistic way.

“Horsemanship is a practice of embodiment. Whatever it is we want from the horse, we have to be willing to find within ourselves. If we can do this the horse will meet us there.”

Jacob is not re-inventing the wheel, or claiming to be the first one to come up with the idea of a more holistic approach. However, there is a new wave, a revival happening of the old ways… but we need new tools and techniques to make it relevant in a modern world. Jacob is part of pioneering a larger movement toward helping people make that shift. What makes him unique in his teaching and training is how he uses his background in yoga & meditation to make these larger concepts more accessible to everyone willing to think outside the box and take a different approach to how they ride.

We encourage anyone interested in taking a deeper dive into this philosophy to check out the collection of books written by Dominique Barbier, which can be found by following the link below to his website.