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A clear understanding of the nature of horses makes Dawn Samuelson a top-notch trainer. She teaches her riding students, including daughter Taylor, the importance of earning an animal’s trust.

Horse Sense

Our cover gal takes life by the reins.

Ask Dawn Samuelson about her rapport with equines, and she’ll gladly share her secret. “I speak fluent horse!

“Horses have a definite body language. By reading it, I can diagnose a problem such as insecurity or dominance,” she explains. “I love teaching people what these messages mean and helping horses understand what humans expect of them. Think of me as a translator.”

The soft-spoken trainer has spent the better part of her life astride a horse, and has a degree in animal science with a specialty in equine behavior. Together with husband Pete, she runs Grandview Farms, a horsemanship academy on their 120-acre homestead near Bemus Point, NY.

“I teach natural horsemanship,” Dawn says. “Instead of breaking the animal’s will, we study his behavior, figure out what he needs and build up trust and clear communication between the horse and rider.”

Spend time beside Dawn’s training ring, and you’ll see wild Mustangs and flighty racehorses transform. “It’s a joy to watch an animal working to please out of love instead of submission or fear,” she notes.

Barnyard to Boardroom

Three years ago, Dawn moved her expertise into a new arena, proving her methods work on humans, too.

Togetherness is as important to the Samuelsons as strong herd instincts are to equines.

A gentle touch works wonders with even her most high-strung charges.

“I teach people life skills through interactions with horses,” she explains. “I offer a coaching program to businesses, families, youth and women’s groups and others. It’s called ‘Through the Horse’s Eyes.’

“I developed the program during a time when our family was dealing with our son Ryan’s serious illness. When I was frustrated or stressed, my emotions were reflected back through the behavior of our horses. They have an uncanny knack for mirroring what’s happening inside a person.

“In my seminars for businesses, we focus on respect, goal setting, leadership and teamwork through various exercises with horses. What we practice in the ring can be used to improve the workplace,” Dawn adds.

“For many in my women’s groups, working with a large, responsive animal can strengthen assertiveness, confidence and self-esteem. And I’ve paired up more than one troubled teen with a cocky, insecure young horse that’s taught them a thing or two about their own behavior.”

Dawn’s training sessions are held both on her farm and off-site. “I’ve put sneakers on my horses’ hooves and brought them into schools,” she chuckles. To share her instruction with a broader audience, she’s also produced a video that’s available coast-to-coast on her Web site.

In her rare spare time, Dawn makes a point of practicing what she teaches. Her favorite place to relax is in the saddle beside horse-crazy Ryan, 7, and her daughter, Taylor, 9, or on long, lazy trail rides that wind around picturesque Chautauqua County.

“Some people like to call me a horse whisperer,” says Dawn, referring to what seems like her almost magical connection with the animals.
“But I think of myself as a good horse listener. They have so much to teach us!”

Editor’s Note: For more on Dawn’s innovative horse training and life skills programs, go to her Web site through our links page.

 

 

The lush countryside of southwestern New York state is home to Dawn's popular horsemanship school.