In the vast world of equestrian sports, countless training philosophies exist, each promising success. However, a truly special approach is found nestled in the Hawkesbury valley of Australia, where Kea Horse Training is redefining the relationship between horse and rider. This isn’t just another training stable; it’s a center for a philosophy built on a singular, powerful objective: to achieve perfect harmony between horse and human. This unique method is the brainchild of two of Australia’s leading trainers, Rochelle King-Andrews and Greg Andrews, who have combined their distinct yet complementary skills under one banner.
At its core, Kea horse training is a dual-faceted system that balances competitive ambition with intuitive horsemanship. It moves beyond simple mechanics and commands, focusing instead on creating a willing and happy partnership that forms the foundation for success, whether in the show ring or on a quiet trail. Many aspiring equestrians who think, I want to be a horse trainer, can learn a great deal from this balanced and holistic model of coaching. It’s a comprehensive approach that nurtures both the horse’s spirit and the rider’s confidence.
The Two Pillars of KEA: Who Are the Trainers?
The magic behind the Kea horse training system lies in the partnership of its founders. Rochelle King-Andrews and Greg Andrews bring two different lifetimes of equestrian knowledge, creating a program that is both technically precise and deeply empathetic to the horse’s nature.
Rochelle King-Andrews: The Competitive Edge
Rochelle King-Andrews is the driving force behind the competitive success at KEA. As a winning FEI Grand Prix trainer and rider, she has a long and storied career of producing champion horses, often from the time they were foals. Her expertise lies in her proven, easy-to-understand system that guides students and their horses from the earliest stages of training all the way to the highest levels of the sport.
Her approachable and friendly coaching style has helped countless students achieve their goals, from winning at the Grand National to succeeding in three-day events. Rochelle’s passion is for coaching, and her system is designed to create harmony and success in a structured, repeatable way, making high-level equestrian sports accessible and enjoyable.
Greg Andrews: The Horse Whisperer
Greg Andrews is the other half of the KEA equation—the consummate horseman. While Rochelle focuses on the technical aspects of performance, Greg specializes in the language of the horse. His unique skill is teaching students to understand their equine partners on a deeper level, fostering a two-way communication that builds trust and eliminates fear. His methods are particularly effective for nervous riders and green or anxious horses, who flourish under his calm guidance.
Greg possesses an extraordinary ability to see the world from the horse’s perspective. He can identify sources of discomfort, whether it’s improperly fitting gear, a painful bit, or an underlying physical issue. This holistic approach ensures the horse’s mental and physical well-being is always the top priority, creating a safer, more willing, and more harmonious partnership. His expertise is not unlike that of the respected professional rodolphe brisset horse trainer, who is also known for a deep understanding of the equine athlete.
The KEA Philosophy: More Than Just Riding Lessons
The central philosophy of Kea horse training is that true equestrian excellence comes from harmony, not domination. Many training programs focus solely on results, but KEA builds those results on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. It’s about making the enjoyment and success of your dressage or show horse a part of your lifestyle.
This is achieved by blending Rochelle’s structured, goal-oriented system with Greg’s intuitive, horse-first approach. Riders learn not just the “how” of riding but the “why” behind their horse’s behavior. They gain the tools to build a relationship where the horse is a happy and willing participant. This supportive environment extends beyond the arena, creating a community of like-minded individuals who can relax and watch their horses thrive.
What to Expect from Kea Horse Training
Engaging with the KEA system is a holistic experience tailored to the individual needs of both horse and rider. The team offers a comprehensive suite of services that cover every aspect of a horse’s education and well-being. This approach ensures that a solid foundation is laid for any discipline.
The services extend far beyond typical lessons and include specialized work such as:
- In-hand Piaffe and Passage Training: Developing high-level dressage movements from the ground up.
- Long Reining Young Horses: Safely introducing young horses to the concepts of steering and commands.
- Weanling and Foal Training: Establishing good manners and a positive foundation from the very beginning.
- Stallion Behavior Management: Expert guidance for handling and training breeding stallions.
- Float Training: Overcoming one of the most common and stressful issues for horse owners.
This complete toolkit ensures that the horse’s education is thorough, addressing potential issues before they become ingrained problems. This level of detailed, foundational work is a hallmark of top-tier trainers worldwide, including experts like ryan gingerich horse trainer, who understand the importance of a comprehensive approach.
The KEA Difference: A Proven System for Success
Does the harmony-based approach of Kea horse training translate to real-world success? The results speak for themselves. At a single New South Wales State Championships, the KEA team trained the Grand Prix Winner, the Preliminary Champion, and the Novice Champion—all with horses they had started as babies. This demonstrates the system’s effectiveness across all levels of competition.
According to Dr. Alistair Finch, a leading equine behaviorist, “The dual-trainer model used by KEA is incredibly effective. It combines the technical precision required for competitive success with the psychological understanding needed for a horse’s well-being. This prevents burnout and fosters a much more sustainable and ethical partnership.”
This balance is what sets KEA apart. It’s not just about winning ribbons; it’s about creating a journey where the horse and rider can thrive together. Their system is rock solid, ensuring that a horse is developed at the perfect pace for its age and ability, promoting long-term soundness and trainability. This philosophy resonates with the work of other dedicated trainers such as renee wilson horse trainer, who also prioritize the horse’s welfare.
Is Kea Horse Training Right for You?
The KEA approach is designed for any rider who wants more from their relationship with their horse. While they produce champions, their ideal client is anyone seeking a deeper connection and a more joyful equestrian experience. You might be a perfect fit for the KEA philosophy if you are:
- A competitive rider wanting to achieve top results without sacrificing your horse’s well-being.
- A nervous or novice rider looking to build confidence with a safe and supportive system.
- An owner of a “green” or “problem” horse that could benefit from an intuitive, understanding approach.
- A busy professional who needs a trusted team to manage their horse’s training and career.
Ultimately, KEA is for those who believe that the journey to the top should be as rewarding as the destination itself. It’s a commitment to a better way of training, a path that many accomplished horse people, including figures like philip whitmore horse trainer, would undoubtedly appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions about KEA Horse Training
What disciplines does KEA specialize in?
KEA Horse Training specializes primarily in dressage and show horse training. However, their foundational principles of harmony and solid horsemanship are applicable and beneficial to virtually any equestrian discipline.
Do I have to be a competitive rider to train at KEA?
Not at all. The KEA system is designed to help all riders, from beginners and nervous riders to seasoned professionals. Their goal is to help you achieve harmony with your horse, whatever your personal goals may be.
Where is KEA Horse Training located?
KEA is a boutique training facility located in the Hawkesbury Valley, about 45-60 minutes from Sydney, Australia. They also hold clinics in various locations across Australia and New Zealand.
What makes the KEA system different from natural horsemanship?
While the KEA system incorporates a deep understanding of horse behavior similar to natural horsemanship, it also integrates the technical and systematic training required for high-level competitive success. It is a blend of both intuitive connection and proven performance strategies.
Can Greg Andrews help with specific behavioral issues?
Yes. Greg Andrews is a specialist in horse behavior. He can assist with a wide range of issues, including float training, stallion behavior, and helping nervous or difficult horses become more confident and willing partners.
Conclusion
Kea horse training stands out as a beacon of balanced, empathetic, and highly effective equestrian coaching. The partnership of Rochelle King-Andrews and Greg Andrews provides a rare and powerful combination of championship-level technical skill and profound horsemanship intuition. Their shared focus on creating harmony between horse and rider does more than just win competitions; it fosters a deeper, more rewarding bond that is the true prize for any equestrian. By prioritizing the horse’s mental and physical well-being, the Kea horse training system proves that the most successful path is one walked together, in perfect harmony.
