My goal  is to preserve the natural energy and movements of the horse while putting them to work  for the rider.  I accomplish this through communication and  feel rather than intimidation.  I want to teach the horse how to  perform, then refine that  performance through practice and  development of the horse's confidence.  This development comes  by using the horse's natural gait, through their natural tendencies  and  by natural means, in order to encourage their natural  talents.

Horses, as herd animals, want to get along.  My  objective is to teach riders to interact with their horses so that   they are able to understand and perform in a relaxed and confident  manner.  I view horsemanship as a journey; rather than just  focusing on one specific result, I feel the road getting there is just as important.  It should be enjoyable and meaningful to  the horse  as well as the rider.  Challenges are important to  both horse and rider, but should not be overwhelming to  either.  - Clint Surplus