Doug Walsh first caught my attention a few years ago with his natural balance and empathy as a rider. Soon after, I became even more impressed when I contracted him to help with a couple of difficult horses belonging to a client. He had an incredible read on what each horse needed to gain confidence with the rider, to thrive in their career, and to get them mentally on track. I don’t see many trainers who specialize in the mental aspect of the horse like Doug does—and even fewer who can teach others to do the same. That’s what makes him truly rare.

Even with my background in the psychology of horse mirroring, I was flabbergasted watching Doug Walsh work. The way he earns a horse’s trust releases deep tension, and you can literally see their mental state shift as the struggle dissolves. As a result, horses choose to follow Doug. I’ve seen upper-level riders send him horses they’d completely written off—and with a bit of time— Doug is standing on that same horse’s back, smiling. He shows us how relationship and connection are the foundation of true horsemanship. Watching him work is transformational.

When I first got my new mare, I was a bit overwhelmed with the idea of having such a quality horse. I put so much pressure on myself to be the best rider I could be for her and I wanted it to be instantly perfect. We all know with any horse instant gratification is way out of reach, even though we would like it to be. And Coco, a very sensitive and hot horse, could feel that. We both wanted to please each other so much that we were feeding off of each other’s energy. Doug helped Coco figure out her body and how to channel her energy, while helping me take a big deep breathe and realize how my perfectionism was creating a tense seat and a tense horse. We both learned really quickly how to relax and enjoy the process! Natural horsemanship can help any horse, whether it’s to work out issues under saddle or on the ground, to develop a relationship even better, or to help a new horse and rider combo become better in sync - the goal is still the same. Create trust, stay patient, and have mutual respect for one another.

A friend recommended Doug Walsh, when my new horse turned out to be the opposite of what I expected. Doug used bodywork to get to know my horse at first and then he got to the bottom of all of his trust issues and anxiety. My horse loved Doug instantly. And I really appreciate the way Doug shares his knowledge. Doug’s explanations feel so logical, always something he knows I can relate to, and delivered with kindness and patience. He’s taught me so much, so many basic, square-one lessons that I’m grateful to have a foundation. Now I’m seeing a true version of my horse for the first time and he’s wonderful.

With his extensive knowledge and understanding of horses, Doug was able to break through and give both my horse and I confidence and excitement to work together again. He calmly and precisely taught us both some basic concepts so important in dressage....release pressure when the horse responds, separate the front and back of the horse, and allow the horse to think and figure stuff out for themselves.

Doug has not only helped me tremendously, but he has helped many people and their horses develop incredible partnerships that they never thought were possible. Nothing he does with people or horses involves his ego, and everything he does comes from his heart. He is a true horseman and a true professional.