Cutting Edge Training
Based on science.
Refined by the horse.
. . . by Donna Hawkins
About This Site
This site is mainly, but not totally, educational. It has a "heart." So, if you're interested in learning how to balance your horse by tactfully stimulating its brain instead of using your brawn, you're in the right place. [The photo on your left shows me as the trainer, "relaxing my horse's jaw" in preparation for a ride.]
About Us
I live on a farm in Aldergrove, British Columbia with my horses, dogs, and husband. Horses are my passion. Learners dedicated to improving the horse's well-being augment that passion. My ultimate goal in presenting this website is to maximize the safety of both you and your horse.
Balance is the barometer of effective training. When a horse is balanced, its attention span can be lengthened, its respect for boundaries improved, and its performance enhanced. Balance is both physical and mental, two qualities that work hand-in-hand. It is optimized when the horse is calm and relaxed. The best way to calm and relax the horse is to stimulate its brain to release the desired neurosecretion(s). The science behind this process is a relatively recent discovery. It is explained in the second section of this website.
I have served the horse industry in several roles: EC Certified High-Performance Coach, Master Course Conductor, Learning Facilitator, General Performance Judge, and equine alignment practitioner. I have trained horses for competition and recreational riding while competing successfully in a variety of disciplines in both Canada and the USA. A more complete autobiography of my history is found in "My Origin Story."
I have served the horse industry in several roles: EC Certified High-Performance Coach, Master Course Conductor, Learning Facilitator, General Performance Judge, and equine alignment practitioner. I have trained horses for competition and recreational riding while competing successfully in a variety of disciplines in both Canada and the USA. A more complete autobiography of my history is found in "My Origin Story."
Balance is the barometer of effective training. When a horse is balanced, its attention span can be lengthened, its respect for boundaries improved, and its performance enhanced. Balance is both physical and mental, two qualities that work hand-in-hand. It is optimized when the horse is calm and relaxed. The best way to calm and relax the horse is to stimulate its brain to release the desired neurosecretion(s). The science behind this process is a relatively recent discovery. It is explained in the second section of this website.
I have served the horse industry in several roles: EC Certified High-Performance Coach, Master Course Conductor, Learning Facilitator, General Performance Judge, and equine alignment practitioner. I have trained horses for competition and recreational riding while competing successfully in a variety of disciplines in both Canada and the USA. A more complete autobiography of my history is found in "My Origin Story."
Balance is the barometer of effective training. When a horse is balanced, its attention span can be lengthened, its respect for boundaries improved, and its performance enhanced. Balance is both physical and mental, two qualities that work hand-in-hand. It is optimized when the horse is calm and relaxed. The best way to calm and relax the horse is to stimulate its brain to release the desired neurosecretion(s). The science behind this process is a relatively recent discovery. It is explained in the second section of this website.
Balance is the barometer of effective training. When a horse is balanced, its attention span can be lengthened, its respect for boundaries improved, and its performance enhanced. Balance is both physical and mental, two qualities that work hand-in-hand. It is optimized when the horse is calm and relaxed. The best way to calm and relax the horse is to stimulate its brain to release the desired neurosecretion(s). The science behind this process is a relatively recent discovery. It is explained in the second section of this website.
Balance is the barometer of effective training. When a horse is balanced, its attention span can be lengthened, its respect for boundaries improved, and its performance enhanced. Balance is both physical and mental, two qualities that work hand-in-hand. It is optimized when the horse is calm and relaxed. The best way to calm and relax the horse is to stimulate its brain to release the desired neurosecretion(s). The science behind this process is a relatively recent discovery. It is explained in the second section of this website.
A personal note from Donna:
My mission is to help you enhance your horse's welfare,
optimize its performance, and maximize its productive longevity.
Dear Reader,
I am both a learner and a teacher. I've often been described as an "ever-ready bunny" who never stops learning and teaching. I believe that knowledge containing science-based information should be shared, especially when the horse's welfare is at stake.
This website is simply a springboard of knowledge from which I can help you to help me fulfill my mission statement. (See above.) The first section documents some of the challenges I embraced to broaden my background. You may think I am a braggart when you read some of my examples. I'm not bragging. I'm simply sharing my passion for learning, applying knowledge, and helping you believe "You can, and you will . . ." That's what cutting-edge training is all about!
Look through the website. Take what you want. If it's too much, leave it or skip it. Perhaps you'll come back to it another time. You're always welcome!
"We're on a mission."