Teaching riders to communicate with horses through movement, energy, and presence—creating natural partnership that leads to classical excellence.

CHRIS'S JOURNEY

Early Years: Communication Through Movement

From childhood, Chris found her clearest form of expression through communicating with horses and through movement. This natural ability to communicate nonverbally became the foundation for both her professional dance career and her revolutionary approach to horse training.

Professional Dance: Understanding Biomechanics

As a professional dancer, Chris developed a deep understanding of how quality movement communicates emotion, intention, and connection between beings. This training revealed the subtle details of how bodies move together in harmony—knowledge she would later bring to the horse world.

Classical Dressage & Horsemanship: Seeking the Missing Piece

Over four decades, Chris studied extensively:

• Classical dressage with masters of the European tradition
• Horsemanship methods
• Liberty work and in-hand training
• Biomechanics and equitation
• Various training approaches and philosophies

Yet despite professional certifications and achievements in all these methods, Chris recognized something fundamental was missing from every established approach to horse training.

The Gap She Discovered

All training methods, no matter how refined, lacked the foundational elements necessary for pure horse-human connection through movement. And some focused on techniques and a puppet/master hierarchy rather than genuine, reciprocal communication.

This realization led Chris to develop what would become Movement Language and the Patterns of Reciprocity™.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Academic Background

Bachelor of Kinesiology University of Calgary (ranked #1 in North America for Kinesiology)

• Specialization: Biomechanics, motor control, human performance, psychology
• Scientific foundation for understanding movement and body mechanics

Professional Training & Certifications

• Professional dancer with extensive movement education training
• Multiple instructor certifications across diverse horsemanship methods
• Classical dressage training with European masters
• Horsemanship certifications and advanced studies
• Liberty work and In-hand training specializations

Master Teachers & Mentors

Chris has studied with renowned horse men and women and movement educators including:

• Ray Hunt (horsemanship pioneer)
• Philippe Karl (classical dressage master)
• Peggy Cummings (biomechanics and movement)
• Roy Yates, Margrit Coates, George Malleroni, Davide Earle, Patricia Beatty, Lee Smith, Pat Parelli
• And many other pioneers and masters in their field

Recognition & Awards

Shining World Compassion Award International recognition for outstanding efforts in horse rescue, rehabilitation, and ensuring horse safety and well-being through the work at For The Horse sanctuary.

The Patterns of Reciprocity™

Rather than one-directional commands, Chris teaches reciprocal communication where:

• Both horse and human actively participate
• Both beings engage and contribute to the conversation
• Both benefit from the interaction
• Connection is mutual, not forced

This framework appears throughout her book Going Beyond: Mastering Unspoken Connections and forms the foundation of all her teaching.

Beyond Technique to Presence

While Chris can teach advanced technical skills in classical dressage, biomechanics, and riding, her core focus is helping riders develop:

• Body awareness and integrity
• Nervous system regulation and clarity
• Present moment awareness with horses
• The ability to communicate through quality movement
• What she calls "Hum"—the felt sense of true connection

This creates the foundation that makes all technique more effective and all riding more harmonious.

WHAT CHRIS TEACHES

Movement Language with Horses (Foundational Course)

A 7-module course teaching the basics of Movement Language using the Patterns of Reciprocity™ framework. Perfect for riders of all levels and disciplines who want to learn horse communication through movement.

For The Horse Harmony, Insight & Sage (Intensive Program)

Personalized intensives combining Movement Language, the Patterns of Reciprocity™ nervous system work, mindset, and classical dressage principles for equestrians ready for deep transformation with their horses.

For The Horse Community

Ongoing support, practice, and connection with fellow riders learning Movement Language and the Patterns of Reciprocity™.

Going Beyond (Book & Audiobook)

Chris's book explores the philosophy and principles behind Movement Language, offering insights into mastering unspoken connections with horses and understanding their natural communication.

International Clinics & Private Coaching

Chris teaches internationally, working with riders and horses across all disciplines to develop clear communication, confidence, and classical excellence.

WHO CHRIS WORKS WITH

All Disciplines Welcome

Chris's Movement Language and the Patterns of Reciprocity™ apply universally:

• Classical dressage riders seeking refinement
• Western riders wanting better communication
• Trail riders building confidence
• Horsemanship practitioners going deeper
• Recreational riders seeking connection
• Competitive riders at any level

All Experience Levels

• Beginners: Build confidence and foundational communication from the start
• Intermediate: Develop body awareness and refine your feel
• Advanced: Go deeper into subtlety, classical excellence, and artistry

The Ideal Student

Chris works best with riders who:

• Value their horse's well-being above all else
• Want partnership, not just obedience
• Are willing to work on themselves, not just "fix" their horse
• Seek understanding over quick fixes
• Are committed to lifelong learning
• Appreciate both science and art in horsemanship

FOR THE HORSE SANCTUARY

As founder of For The Horse, Chris created what visitors affectionately call "horse heaven"—a sanctuary where rescued and rehabilitated horses receive:

• Holistic care and organic land stewardship
• Barefoot principles and natural management
• Movement education and bodywork
• Return to health and soundness

The sanctuary serves as both a healing space for horses and a learning environment for students worldwide who come to study:

• Movement Language principles in action
• Holistic horse management
• Barefoot care and natural horsemanship
• Biomechanics and bodywork
• Organic land stewardship

Chris's dedication to horse welfare earned her the internationally recognized Shining World Compassion Award.

CHRIS'S PHILOSOPHY

Natural Partnership to Classical Excellence

Chris believes the path to classical excellence begins with natural partnership—learning to communicate in your horse's language first, then building sophistication from that foundation of mutual understanding.

Communication Over Control

"Riding is not about control, but about creating relational flow—what I call 'Hum.' It's a living, evolving conversation of energy and intention."

Movement as Language

Horses don't respond to our words or even our intentions alone. They respond to the quality of our movement, the clarity of our energy, and the congruence of our presence. When we learn to move with them rather than at them, everything changes.

Both Horse and Human Benefit

True connection means both beings grow, develop, and benefit. Chris teaches riders to serve their horses with presence and generosity while also developing their own confidence, skill, and self-belief.