The Forsmanship Method (2025)

23/04/2025

"The Digital Inquisition: When Social Media Becomes a Weapon"

In light of a recent tragedy in the U.S.; a veterinarian accused of animal abuse who ultimately took his own life after a storm of online outrage; I felt compelled to speak out.
I don’t condone what was shown in the video, and I’m not here to defend or judge. That’s the job of the justice system.
But before any verdict could be reached, the court of public opinion had already passed judgment, and the damage was done.

Today, more than ever, we turn to the internet and social media for advice, knowledge, and what we think is the truth.
But behind screens, we’re anonymous.
We don’t look people in the eyes.
We don’t face consequences.
And yet, with a few clicks, we can ruin reputations, destroy businesses, and even push someone to end their life.

Since when have human and animal lives been reduced to a still image or a few minutes clip?
A picture of a car tells you everything; it’s just a machine.
But a single frame of a living being says almost nothing about who they are, what they feel, or what led to that moment.
Even videos, though more informative, rarely show the full story. We often see the reaction, but not what caused it.
We judge fragments as if they were the whole truth.

In a courtroom, guilt is established through facts, evidence, and context. The court is held accountable for its decisions.
But online, there is no due process.

We’ve become a digital inquisition; quick to attack, slow to understand. And the consequences are real.
We see it in the headlines every day: people crushed under the weight of public shaming.

I know this too well.
In the horse world, my work often spoke for itself.
I succeeded where others had failed; especially with difficult horses. That didn’t earn me admiration.
It earned me enemies.
I became a controversial figure, not because I wanted to be, but because I believed that the horse’s welfare should come before pride and ego.
We professionals all bring different strengths to the table; we should be collaborating, not competing.

Those who’ve followed me since the ’90s know the cruelty I’ve endured: public humiliation, psychological abuse, and a level of harassment that left lasting scars.
It wasn’t just me.
Some of my students received death threats.
Their property was vandalized. Even their horses were harmed; just to frame us as abusers.
Some walked away from the horse world altogether.
Others were left with psychological damage that ended their careers and upended their lives.

And yet, I’m still here.
Still fighting.
Because I believe there is a better way; a more humane, respectful way to train and work with horses.

A way where fear, stress, gimmicks, and performance tricks have no place.

Am I stronger than those who gave up; or those who ended their lives under the weight of similar attacks? No.
Maybe I’m just more stubborn.
Or maybe I’ve simply refused to be silenced.

Of course I carry damage.
Only a fool would say this kind of abuse doesn’t leave its mark.

My mind tells me I shouldn’t publish this; that I’ll only reopen old wounds and draw new attacks.
But my heart says I have to speak.
Because I too was a victim of the media’s modern-day witch hunt. Judged without evidence.
Condemned without trial.

If I stay silent, I become part of the problem.
I validate the same mob mentality that continues to plague our industry; especially under the banner of "horse welfare."
And while some voices online are doing real good; raising awareness, pushing for change; we must draw a line between justice and vengeance. Between accountability and abuse.
We cannot weaponize public opinion to serve personal agendas.

We must stop using social media to destroy lives for likes, shares, or ego.
If we truly care about the welfare of horses; or people; we must act with empathy, responsibility, and integrity.

In conclusion, if trough this writing, I’ve caused even one of you to pause, reflect, and recognize what’s truly happening; then it was worth all the trouble, controversy, and difficult conversations it may have sparked.

By Stefan Forsman - Horseman Forsman

21/04/2025

When Good Intentions Become Roadblocks!
In today’s horse world, empathy is everywhere. And that’s a good thing—until it gets in the way of real progress.
Take, for example, a scenario we’ve seen all too often. An owner reaches out about a horse who has become unmanageable—dangerous to handle, impossible to load, and triggering fear in both the vet and farrier.
They’ve tried everything. I’m called in as the last resort.
But once I arrive and start to work with the horse, I’m met with immediate restrictions placed by the owner:
– No pressure, not even the subtle kind of pressure and release.
– Can’t say no to the horse.
– No discomfort.
– No presence of the arm extension.
Basically, no use of the very tools and principles that could help.
Why? Because of how those tools are perceived—not how they actually work.

⚜️The Arm Extension Isn’t the Problem—Misunderstanding Is!
The arm extension (a lunge whip) has become a loaded symbol in horse culture. Many people see it as a weapon. But in the hands of a skilled horseman, the arm extension is a neutral tool—a gentle extension of the body that allows us to guide, not punish.
I choose the lunge whip as my arm extension over other tools like the flag, which may look friendlier but often raise the horse’s energy far more. The flag flaps and flutters and can startle a reactive horse. A lunge whip, when handled correctly, (because of its length and flexibility), is quiet and still. It delivers information with zero added energy, and just as importantly, it allows the handler to maintain a safe distance—critical when working with dangerous or unpredictable horses.
Tools are not inherently good or bad. It’s all about the intention, timing, and energy behind their use.

⚜️Pressure and Release Is a Language, Not a Threat!
Modern training trends often emphasize “no pressure,” focusing entirely on connection, treats, and praise. While those methods have their place, they leave out one of the most powerful and natural ways horses learn: pressure and release.
This isn’t a punishment-based system—it’s the language of the herd. One horse moves into another’s space (pressure). The other yields (release). That’s how they set boundaries and maintain harmony.
When done well, pressure and release creates a thinking horse:
A handler asks a horse to take a step forward with gentle feel. The moment the horse thinks about moving, the pressure goes away. The horse licks, exhales, and learns: “That was the right answer.”
When done poorly, pressure becomes chaos:
A person pulls on the lead rope, hard and steadily, waiting for the horse to come forward. The horse plants its feet, confused. The person pulls harder. The horse jerks its head, swings sideways, or even rears. Only then does the person let go—but now the horse has learned nothing useful. The release came after panic, not after a thoughtful try. This builds resistance, not connection. That’s not learning—that’s a fear-based reaction.
Without education around feel, timing, and energy, pressure and release gets misrepresented. Social media, cookie-cutter programs, and feel-good narratives tell people it’s abusive. But that’s only true when it’s done without understanding. When applied with skill, it’s one of the kindest ways to communicate with a horse.

⚜️When We’re Asked to Help—but Not Allowed to Work!
Imagine this: I’m called in to work with a horse who’s been labeled dangerous, the one that no one wants to touch anymore. When I arrive, I see immediately that the horse is braced, reactive, and ready to say “no.” But before I can begin, I’m told by the owner, what not to do. No arm extension, no pressure, no release, no stepping into his space—even when safety demands it. I even get told what and how much food I should give the horse once home.
The emotional energy is high. The humans are nervous. They want change—but only if it looks like comfort.
Here’s the problem: You can’t bring in professionals and then ask them to repeat what’s already failed. You can’t expect transformation while refusing the very process that makes it possible. And you definitely can’t ask for results while denying access to the tools we know work.
When we aren’t allowed to do our job, it’s not just a wasted opportunity—it’s a setup for more frustration. And too often, when progress doesn’t happen, the blame lands back on the trainer.

⚜️I’m Not a Magician—I’m a Professional Horse Trainer!
Horses like this don’t show up in my world by accident. I’m the one people call when everyone else has walked away. After 40+ years of working with the most challenging horses, I can say with confidence that very few cases are beyond hope.
But when the people around the horse can’t—or won’t—shift their mindset, it becomes nearly impossible to help.
And that’s the true heartbreak. Not being judged. Not being misunderstood. But watching a horse stay stuck because the humans won’t allow the very change they asked for.
I don’t come in to dominate or intimidate. I come in to translate! To show the horse that there is a different path forward—one that is clear, respectful, and safe. But I need the freedom to work. And I need the trust to do it.

⚜️Trust Means Letting Go—So the Horse Can Move Forward!
Every horse is shaped by human choices. And every breakthrough begins with a decision to trust the process.
That doesn’t mean giving up your values. It means honoring the reason you asked for help in the first place. If a horse is dangerous, and what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked, then it’s time to try something different.
Let me do what I do best.
Let me show you that it’s possible.
Let me be the last resort—for real.
We can be kind and effective. Gentle and structured.
Loving and clear.
That balance is where true transformation happens.
Not just for the horse.
But for the humans, too.

Written by Stefan Forsman
Founder of, Horseman Forsman – The Forsmanship Method
“Helping horses that others gave up on.”

18/04/2025

The End of the Line: How I Save the Horses No One Else Can

When the horse becomes dangerous and everyone else has failed, I’m the one they call. But fixing the horse is only half the work—the other half is healing the human.

When all else fails—when the horse is considered dangerous, unpredictable, or beyond hope—people call me.
I’m not the first name on the list; I’m usually the last.
Over the past 40 years, I’ve worked with some of the most challenging horses around the world, and what I’ve learned goes far beyond technique or trends.
This isn’t a story about gimmicks or magic—it’s about the deep, honest work required to understand horses, heal them, and, most importantly, change the humans who love them.

People often call me because I’m the last resort to try to "fix" their severely troubled horse. And yes, I’m extremely good at it.
I’ve helped thousands of horses and their owners during my 40+ years in this business, all over the world. Many of the testimonials speak for themselves—and yes, they are all real. You can contact the people directly, and they’ll tell you their stories firsthand.
I get contacted by both professionals and recreational horse owners. But they all have one thing in common: the horse is unmanageable, often dangerous, and sometimes considered so dangerous that euthanasia is the next option.

Being the "end of the line," so to speak, comes with two sides. On one hand, I take great pride in being able to help the animal—but even more so, the human. Because when the person gains a new understanding of the horse, they will never again behave in ways that "create" a dangerous horse.

On the other hand, the most frustrating part is that people often come to me only after months, sometimes years, of struggle. They’ve tried every method, trainer, system, YouTube video, online course—even spiritual healers and medication. And nothing has worked.
By the time they call me, they often say: "Well, this probably won’t work either, but at least I can say I tried everything before putting the horse down."
I hear the defeat in their voices, and I don’t blame them. I would probably feel the same way if I’d spent thousands of hours and hard-earned money with no results.
But please understand—this mindset makes my job a hundred times harder. Because in order to fix a horse, I need to work with the owner, too. And if the owner is stuck in disbelief or hopelessness, they’re not ready to listen—and even less ready to change.

Then comes the natural question: "Why should you be any different? Why should I trust you not to just take my money like everyone else?" That’s an extremely fair question.
These days, everyone promises incredible results using some new gimmick, a special exercise, or even a magic carrot stick.
Let’s face it—I’m not great at social media. I’d rather be working with horses than filming video clips. My staff handles the PR and online presence, so you won’t find polished YouTube channels or flashy podcast interviews. But what you will find are thousands of testimonials and a compassionate ear.
Many people will tell you that I personally spent hours listening to them on the phone, helping them through their horse’s problems.

So, why does what I do actually work? It’s simple: I do something completely different from what everyone else does. If their methods had worked, you wouldn’t need to call me.

The issue people contact me for is never the real problem—it’s just the symptom of something deeper. You could say my approach is as different as Western medicine is from Chinese medicine.

Over the years, people have called me weird, different, even autistic because of the way I "see" horses, communicate with them, and get results. But those are just labels. I don’t pay them much attention. Some even make me chuckle.

I’m not always the easiest person to deal with. I can be blunt or even grumpy. But it’s only because I see things so clearly, so logically, that I sometimes forget others don’t. And in doing so—even if unintentionally—they hurt their own horses. Often not physically, but psychologically.
And when they don’t realize it, they unintentionally damage their horse’s mental wellbeing—which is why horses become unmanageable or dangerous.

Horses are wonderful creatures, angels without wings. They will never hurt us on purpose. But they are large, powerful prey animals with strong survival instincts and incredible memory.
They’re not big dogs. They’re not children. They’re not deer or cows or moose. They’re horses—and they must be understood as such.
Truly respecting a horse means seeing him for who he is.
That includes learning to understand his language and his way of perceiving the world.

Think of the frustration you’d feel trying to communicate something simple—like "no ice in my drink"—while in a foreign country with no common language. Now imagine your horse feeling that way every day, trying his best to understand you, getting corrected or reprimanded for "not listening."
Even the most patient and good-willed individual would eventually explode. That’s why horses become "difficult" or even dangerous.

Right now, you may be thinking that you’ve heard all this before. Everybody talks these days about building relationships with your horse, learning his language, and using science-based training. And yes, those are beautiful words—but most of the time, they don’t work for the "end of the line" horses.

Understanding horses is not rocket science. Anyone can do it. But the real question is: how much do you want it? And how much effort are you willing to put in? There is no magic solution. I’ve tried them all. There’s only raw, honest work. But when you do the work, something amazing happens. A whole new world opens up. You create a bond and a partnership with your horse like nothing you’ve ever imagined.
Even after 40+ years, I still get goosebumps just talking about it.

So, what is it that I do that works?
In a few words: energy, boundaries, clarity, and fairness.
But most of all, presence.
The human mind must be calm and present.
Only when the mind is quiet can you truly see the horse for what he is. Only then can you begin to learn.
Because horses are prey animals, they are incredibly sensitive to energy and movement. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference. We, as predators, are not wired that way. We don’t worry if the bush 100 meters away is moving. But for a horse, that could be the difference between life and death.

What I do is read the horse. I feel him. I work with his entire being. I give him clear signals, provide an environment as close as possible to what he understands, and help his mind release the stress of misunderstanding. Once the mind is at peace, the behavior changes. The body relaxes. Partnership becomes possible.
And the horse becomes problem-free—for life. But only if the owner is willing to drop the habits that created the problem in the first place.

And here lies the hardest part: change. Change takes work and dedication. It requires being mindful of our actions at all times. And yes, it often means going against the grain—facing judgment or ridicule from "barn buddies" who don’t understand what you’re doing.

In Conclusion: I wish I could tell you there was a magic formula, a game, or a miracle stick that could fix your horse.
Do you realize how much money I could make selling snake oil?
But I can’t do that. It would be dishonest.
There is no magic fix. And certainly no quick fix.
Horses live on a different timeline. Things take the time they take—no more, no less.

But here’s what I can guarantee: if you let me do my job without interference, and if you are truly willing to learn and change your ways, I can fix your horse.

That is not a promise of perfection. It’s a commitment to a process that works—a process that can give you back the horse you love, and a connection you never thought possible.

by Stefan Forsman - Horseman Forsman

16/04/2025

"Is he leaving me… or just unsure?" 🤔🐴

This might seem like a small moment in the video, but it’s actually huge. These are the basics of good horsemanship—across every equestrian discipline. Whether you're training, trail riding, or just spending time together, understanding this difference is the foundation of building a strong, lasting partnership with your horse.

💡 Horses are incredibly smart, sensitive beings. But let’s not forget—they're prey animals. That means they see and process the world very differently than we do, as natural predators. It’s a big part of why communicating clearly with them can feel so complex.

Before we expect anything from our horse, we owe it to them to learn their language—how they think, how they feel, and how they respond. Because if we don't, we risk misreading them, and doing wrong by them without even realizing it.

👉 So here’s a little exercise. Watch this short video with an open mind. Pay close attention to the horse—not the human. Ask yourself:

Is he reacting because he wants to get away?

Or is he just unsure, a little curious, but still choosing to stay?

This small difference changes everything.

✨ Scenario 1: You get it right. You recognize his uncertainty, you support him. He feels safe, trusts you, and wants to engage with you. That's the beginning of true partnership.

😟 Scenario 2: You misread him. You correct him when he doesn’t need it. He gets confused, stressed, mistrustful. Over time, he either starts fighting… or shuts down completely.

This is the kind of awareness that makes all the difference—not just in your training, but in your relationship with your horse.

Let me know what you see in the video 👇
Let’s grow in this journey together. 💬🐎

16/04/2025

Merkan hälsar att livet som ridhäst går som en dans 😍
Här är första gången med ryttare på ryggen på riktigt. (Dagen innan var det uppsittning, böja halsen och av.) På ett fält, med vind, med ston och andra hingstar i varierande åldrar i hagarna bredvid. Hur gick det? Jorå! Helt enligt förväntan. Han lyssnar på kyss-ljudet som han lärt sig innan i korallen. Förstod väldigt fort att skänkeln hade samma betydelse för rörelse framåt. O de va skoj tyckte han😍

Om grundarbetet i korallen och promenaderna har lagt en stabil botten. Så är det inte svårt för en häst att lära sig resten heller.

Merkans recension: ”En uppsittning var väl ingenting. Att fatta va skänkeln va heller inget svårt. O när gubben till o med pekar vart jag ska, så begrep jag vart han ville jag skulle! 😁👍”

09/04/2025

Ever been here?

You love your horse. You really do. But lately, every trip to the barn ties your stomach in knots. The biting, the pulling, the sheer chaos—it’s exhausting. You’ve tried all the things: the fancy gear, the calming supplements, the “miracle” training tips. Maybe it works for a day… then it’s back to square one.

And let’s be real—the barn gossip doesn’t help. The side-eyes when your horse acts up. The unsolicited advice. The quiet shame of thinking, “I’ve had horses for years… why can’t I fix this?”

Here’s what I’ve learned: Horses don’t act like this because they’re “bad.” They do it because they’re lost. They don’t trust us to lead. They don’t understand what we’re asking. Or worse—they’ve learned that humans are unpredictable, so they brace for a fight.

But here’s the good news: It’s fixable. Not with more gadgets or force, but by rebuilding the conversation.

In this video, you’ll see the moment things start to shift—watch how the horse’s whole demeanor changes. The tension melts. The ears relax. That anxious, defensive energy? Gone. Because when they finally get what we’re asking, everything changes.

And the coolest part? You can learn this, too. No magic, no gimmicks—just a better way to talk to your horse.

If this hits home, come join us at our next clinic (April 25-27).
https://fb.me/e/9wwdjGumZ

We’ll work together to turn that frustration into trust. Because you and your horse deserve that kind of peace.

Ever felt this way? Drop a ♥️ below—you’re not alone.

07/03/2025

Stefan Forsman: A Legacy of Healing Horses and Empowering People

In the world of horse training, few names carry the weight and reverence that Stefan Forsman does. For over three decades, Forsman has been transforming the lives of horses and their owners, with a unique approach that blends empathy, self-awareness, and communication. His method—known as Forsmanship—has made a lasting impact not only in Sweden but around the world, helping both horses and humans find harmony.

At the heart of Forsman’s success is his ability to heal horses that have been labeled “problematic.” These are horses that have suffered trauma, been mishandled, or faced behavioral challenges that seemed insurmountable. Forsman’s approach is rooted in the belief that understanding and communication are key to unlocking a horse's potential and providing the healing they need.

One story that captures the essence of Forsman’s work is that of Beate Kristen Heyn, a Norwegian horse owner who found lasting solutions to her horse problems after studying with Forsman 20 years ago. Beate’s horse, Seducer, was a troubled trotter—a young horse with deep emotional scars. At just four years old, Seducer was highly sensitive, stressed, and even dangerous to handle. He had developed a reputation for being uncontrollable and, at one point, became so depressed that he refused to eat.

It was a heartbreaking situation for Beate, but she refused to give up on her horse. A friend recommended Stefan Forsman, and Beate decided to take Seducer from Norway to Sweden to seek his help. At the time, Forsman was already well-known for his exceptional results with horses that had been mistreated or misunderstood.

Beate’s first encounter with Forsman was transformative. She recalls feeling unsure about his methods at first. Forsman was known to be tough on his students, demanding a level of self-awareness and discipline that was unfamiliar to Beate. But the results spoke for themselves. With Forsman’s guidance, Beate learned to connect with Seducer on a deeper level, to be patient, calm, and aware of her own behavior. Over time, Seducer began to heal, and so did Beate.

“Training with Stefan, I learned how to have peace with my horse,” Beate explains. “To do that, I had to change. I learned how to be connected, and how to provide an open door for him to go through.” She believes that Forsman’s teachings helped her discover a power within herself—one that transcended mere horsemanship and affected her entire life. “It’s like instant karma in practice,” Beate reflects. “It’s beautiful.”

Her experience with Forsman had a lasting impact, and it wasn’t long before her daughter, Ylva, also took an interest in Forsman’s work. At just 14 years old, Ylva decided she wanted to learn from the man who had helped her mother heal her troubled horse. She did her own research and chose to take a foundation course with Forsman, which she attended in April.

Ylva’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, much like her mother’s. “I am really happy that my daughter has found this training,” says Beate, adding that Ylva has shown a deep commitment to her own horse, Roy, a horse she found online and bonded with instantly. “Roy became her big brother on four legs,” Beate says. And much like Beate with Seducer, Ylva has worked to ensure that Roy is safe and well-behaved through careful training and understanding.

Through Forsman’s teachings, Ylva has learned not only to connect with her horse, but also to understand the importance of listening to her heart and following her instincts. Beate proudly notes that her daughter has grown mature beyond her years, especially in her approach to horse handling. “Ylva knows that she must have a spine to own and ride a horse,” says Beate. “It’s about more than just riding—it’s about building a relationship based on trust and respect.”

The connection between mother and daughter, both having benefited from Forsman’s wisdom, is a testament to the lasting impact of Forsmanship. Together, they have shared the joys and challenges of working with horses, building a bond that transcends mere horsemanship and touches on something deeper—healing, personal growth, and the development of a strong, enduring relationship between horse and rider.

Sadly, Beate’s beloved horse Seducer, after a decade of healing, passed away. Yet, the memory of the horse that had been saved from despair will always remain with her. “That horse gave me a lot of healing,” Beate reflects. “I loved him like a human.” The experience of watching Seducer grow from a troubled, dangerous animal to a content and peaceful horse remains one of her most cherished memories.

Stefan Forsman’s legacy is not just about training horses—it’s about fostering a profound connection between humans and animals. Through his work, Forsman has touched the lives of many, including Beate and Ylva, showing them how to heal their horses and themselves. His teachings emphasize that true horsemanship is not just about controlling a horse, but about understanding its spirit and building a relationship based on mutual respect and trust.

For those who seek to heal their horses or deepen their bond with them, Stefan Forsman remains one of the world’s leading experts—a teacher who not only transforms horses but also empowers those who are fortunate enough to learn from him.

04/03/2025

Navigating the Future of Horsemanship: A Personal Reflection

Lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend where trainers are being labeled as horse abusers or even extremists simply because their methods don’t align with certain modern viewpoints. This shift raises important questions about the future of horsemanship and how we can ensure the well-being of horses while preserving effective training practices. I feel compelled to share my thoughts on this direction and its potential impact on our industry.

When Does Training Become "Abuse"?
While it’s imperative to eliminate genuine animal abuse, the definition of abuse seems to be expanding to encompass any form of structure, discipline, or expectation placed on the horse.

A few decades ago:

- Training a horse to be a willing partner was standard practice.

- A well-trained horse was seen as confident and content.

- Addressing dangerous behavior was essential for the safety of both horse and rider.

Today, I often encounter:

- Riding itself being labeled as abusive.

- Any form of correction viewed as cruelty.

- The belief that horses should be left entirely untrained to "just be horses."

This shift concerns me because horses thrive on leadership and clarity. Removing all structure in the name of kindness can lead to more anxiety and confusion for the horse—not less.

The Rise of Extreme Labels
Another alarming trend is the rapid assignment of extreme labels to individuals simply for holding differing perspectives.

- Valuing tradition? Labeled as outdated.

- Questioning prevailing ideologies? Branded as dangerous.

- Not adhering to current trends? Assigned the most severe labels.

This approach isn’t just unfair—it stifles open dialogue. Instead of fostering conversations, it leads to silenced voices, damaged reputations, and the avoidance of meaningful discussions.

A Call for Thoughtfulness and Balance
For Our Horses: They deserve knowledgeable, ethical training—not the elimination of responsible practices due to fear or misunderstanding.

For Our Community: We need open discussions, not hasty labels that silence diverse viewpoints.

For Our Future: Before making judgments, let’s consider: Are we basing our decisions on facts, or are we reacting to shifting trends and emotions?

In my years of working with horses, I’ve seen firsthand how clarity, structure, and compassion can transform a horse’s confidence and well-being. It’s a balance I strive for every day.

I don’t have all the answers, but I believe that if we truly care about horses, we must thoughtfully consider the path we’re on.

What are your thoughts?
Where should we draw the line between essential training and actual abuse?
How can we balance necessary regulations with the practicalities of horsemanship?
Let’s work together to promote ethical horsemanship and thoughtful dialogue. Share your experiences and insights so we can build a stronger, more inclusive community.

The Forsmanship Method

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