Welcome to Equine Excellence. My name is John Hassett, and for my entire career as a horse trainer, I’ve been guided by a simple yet profound belief: the relationship between a horse and human should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. We are not here to “break” a horse’s spirit, but to build a shared language based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. If you’re here, you likely feel the same way. You know there is a deeper, more intuitive connection waiting to be discovered with your equine partner, and I’m here to help you find it.
For too long, traditional training methods have focused on dominance and control. While those techniques can produce an obedient horse, they rarely create a willing one. A horse that performs out of fear is not a partner; it’s a servant. My approach is different. I believe that by understanding the horse’s mind—how they perceive the world, what motivates them, and how they communicate—we can unlock a level of cooperation and athleticism that force can never achieve. This philosophy is the cornerstone of everything we do, transforming riders into true horsemen and women.
The Philosophy: Moving Beyond Command and Control
At the heart of my training method is a deep respect for the horse as a sentient being. Horses are not unfeeling machines; they are intelligent, sensitive animals with complex social structures and emotions. When we ignore this, we create conflict, resistance, and misunderstanding. My goal is to bridge that gap.
This philosophy isn’t about secret techniques or complicated gadgets. It’s about changing your perspective. It’s about learning to listen as much as you ask, to be patient, and to celebrate the small steps that build a foundation of unbreakable trust. We work with the horse’s nature, not against it.
The Three Pillars of a True Partnership
My approach is built on three core principles that apply to every interaction you have with your horse, whether you’re on the ground or in the saddle.
- Communication: We must first learn to speak the horse’s language, which is primarily body language. Understanding how a horse uses its ears, eyes, and posture to express itself is the first step. In turn, we learn to control our own energy and body language to send clear, quiet signals.
- Trust: Trust is the currency of our relationship. It is earned in moments of quiet consistency. It’s earned when you provide clear leadership, remain fair in your requests, and never put the horse in a situation it cannot handle. A horse that trusts you will offer you everything it has.
- Respect: This is a two-way street. We must respect the horse’s physical and mental boundaries, its fears, and its learning process. In return, the horse learns to respect our space and our leadership. Respect ensures that the partnership is safe, willing, and joyful for both parties.
What is Liberty Training?
One of the most powerful ways to build this partnership is through Liberty training. The term “Liberty” simply means working with a horse without any ropes, tack, or equipment—the horse is free to leave at any time. So why do they stay? Because they choose to.
Liberty work is the ultimate test of your connection. When a 1,200-pound animal chooses to connect with you, mirror your movements, and respond to your quietest cues, you know you have built something special. It is not a trick; it is the physical manifestation of trust.
“Liberty training is a dialogue with your horse in its purest form. When the horse is free to walk away but chooses to stay with you, to engage with you, and to learn from you, you have achieved a true connection. It’s a profound experience that redefines the very essence of horsemanship.”
— Dr. Sarah Miller, Equine Behavior Specialist
This type of training isn’t just for advanced horsemen. The foundational exercises are simple and can be practiced by anyone. It starts with simple things, like asking the horse to yield its space, to follow you, or to come to you from a distance. Each successful request builds the horse’s confidence in your leadership and deepens your bond.
How a Partnership Approach Benefits You and Your Horse
Adopting a training method centered on partnership has profound benefits that extend far beyond the training arena. It fundamentally changes the dynamic of your entire equestrian journey.
For the horse, this approach creates a calmer, more confident, and less stressed animal. When a horse understands what is being asked of it and trusts its handler, anxiety and resistance fade away. This leads to a safer, more reliable partner in any discipline.
For the rider, it develops incredible feel, timing, and an intuitive understanding of equine behavior. You learn to solve problems creatively instead of resorting to force. This not only makes you a better rider but also a more compassionate and observant individual. Ultimately, it makes your time with your horse more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Who Can Benefit from This Training Method?
This philosophy is not limited to a specific discipline or skill level. Every horse owner can benefit from building a stronger partnership.
- Beginner Riders: Learn a solid foundation of communication and safety from the very start.
- Competitive Riders: Gain a willing partner who performs with heart, improving scores and overall performance.
- Recreational Riders: Enjoy safer, more relaxing trail rides with a horse that is confident and connected to you.
- Owners of “Problem” Horses: Many behavioral issues stem from fear and misunderstanding. This method addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms, helping to rehabilitate horses that others have given up on.
Frequently Asked Questions about John Hassett Horse Trainer
How is this different from traditional “natural horsemanship”?
While I draw inspiration from many great horsemen, my approach is a modern evolution that places a greater emphasis on the cognitive and emotional well-being of the horse. It’s less about a set of prescribed exercises and more about teaching you, the owner, how to think critically and creatively to solve problems and build a unique relationship with your specific horse.
What kind of horse is this training for?
This philosophy is for every horse, regardless of age, breed, or discipline. From a young foal learning its first lessons to a seasoned performance horse needing a renewed sense of purpose, the principles of communication, trust, and respect are universal.
Do I need special equipment?
No. In fact, my method encourages the use of minimal equipment. The most important tools you have are your knowledge, your body language, and your patience. We focus on developing your feel and timing, not relying on a particular gadget or brand of tack.
How long does it take to see results?
You will see changes in your horse’s demeanor and responsiveness from the very first session. Small shifts—a softer eye, a relaxed posture, a greater willingness to be near you—are the first signs of progress. Building a deep, lasting partnership is a lifelong journey, but the positive results begin immediately.
Can these methods help with specific problems like spooking or trailer loading?
Absolutely. Issues like spooking, bucking, biting, or refusing to load are symptoms of a deeper issue, which is usually a lack of trust or a communication breakdown. By addressing the root cause and rebuilding the horse’s confidence in your leadership, we can resolve these problems in a lasting way without conflict.
Your Journey to a Deeper Connection Starts Now
Moving away from force and embracing partnership is not just a training choice; it’s a commitment to becoming the leader your horse deserves. It’s a path that leads to a richer, safer, and more rewarding relationship than you ever thought possible. The bond you build will be your greatest achievement in the equestrian world.
I invite you to explore this journey further and discover the incredible potential that lies within your partnership. Understanding the principles of this approach is the first step toward transforming your relationship with your horse. Remember, the goal of a great John Hassett Horse Trainer is not just to create a well-trained horse, but to foster a truly unbreakable bond.
