True Connection Horse Training - Lucie Klaassen

25/12/2024

👉UNEDITED BLOOPER😆

I wanted to record a Christmas message for you with both my horses. Of course, there is nobody to film at Christmas Day, so my Pivo did the trick (and doesn't hide anything...).

Liberty is NOT that your horse needs to stay with you😂😂

Happy Holidays ✨🎄

24/12/2024

🎄✨ Happy Holidays from My Heart to Yours ✨🎄

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for yet another year. Standing here with my two amazing horses, surrounded by a touch of Christmas magic, I can’t help but feel how truly blessed I am to be part of your life—and your horse’s life.

To those of you who bought my book, joined one of my courses, or simply found a moment to send me a heartfelt message about how my work has touched you—thank you. Hearing that my book, courses, or free videos have helped you transform your training, deepen your connection with your horse, or even shifted your perspective on life itself… it’s a gift I’ll never take for granted.

You’ve let me into your world, and together we’re creating something so much bigger than ourselves. A ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and understanding for horses everywhere. When we show up with open hearts and open minds, we can change the world one hoofbeat at a time. 🐴💞

As we step into 2025, I'm wishing you a year filled with joy, discovery, and moments of pure connection—both with your horses and with yourself. May your dreams be bold, your rides be magical, and your heart be light.

Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable. Here’s to another year of growing, learning, and riding towards a kinder future together.

With love and gratitude,
Lucie, Seni and Jajão

🌟 Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of carrots! 🥕❤️ 🌟

10/12/2024

What do people want to see?

I sometimes create these amazing videos with great tips and they are seen and appreciated by people who already follow me.

But when I post THIS video on Instagram, it goes to 400.000 people who DON'T know me within a day😂. I'll post it here and give you a laugh as well😊

Update: More thank 3 million views on Instagram...🥹

02/10/2024

A strong bond with your horse starts with groundwork! I’m sharing 5 simple steps to help you build trust and communication with your horse. Whether you're new or want a deeper bond, these steps will help you get there. Ready to connect? Swipe to learn more!



23/09/2024

Have you read Wired 4 Connection yet? I’d love to hear what part of the book has helped you and your horse the most! Share your favorite lesson in the comments, and leave a review to help others start their journey of connection. Let’s create a ripple of trust and understanding together!

20/09/2024

I was invited for another chat on the Whole Horse Podcast again, and it was amazing to catch up since my first time interview with Alexa Linton! We have been exploring similar paths, diving deep into the nervous system and the effects of trauma, both on ourselves and on our interaction with horses.

It was great to talk with Alexa again about all the ways our work has evolved since that first conversation. We discussed how invaluable it is to practice horsemanship through the lens of the nervous system, and when I start talking about this, it can be hard to stop me😊.

We also talked about my new book, Wired 4 Connection: Transform Your Horse Training with the Polyvagal Principles. I shared how this book came to life and why understanding the nervous system is such a big part of building a deeper bond with your horse.

I also talked about how my horse Jajão has been my greatest teacher when it comes to healing trauma and patience. Writing this book is my way of spreading the lessons I’ve learned, and my wish is to help create a kinder, more compassionate world for horses.

If you're curious about how the nervous system impacts your relationship with your horse, you’ll want to sit back for an hour and listen to this podcast! Let me know your thoughts on how your anxiety affects your horse training.

Listen to the full episode here https://wholehorse.ca/episode-128/ and visit my website for more details on my book.

15/09/2024

A new podcast has been released by Alexa Linton in the Whole Horse series, and I'm the one being interviewed😄 https://wholehorse.ca/episode-128/

I had the pleasure of talking with Alexa before in the first season of her podcast, I believe in 2016 or 2017. We also accidentally ran into each other in Australia when we were both on a clinic tour out there. Imagine, Alexa from Canada and me from the Netherlands running into each other in Australia. Talking about synchronisity.

We have been exploring similar paths, diving deep into the nervous system and the effects of trauma, both on ourselves and on our interaction with horses. It was great to talk with Alexa again on all the ways our work has evolved since that first conversation. We discussed how invaluable it is to practice horsemanship through the lens of the nervous system, and when I start talking about my favorite subject, it's hard to stop me😆

Listen to it here:
https://wholehorse.ca/episode-128/

14/09/2024

My book Wired 4 Connection has been launched exactly 2 weeks ago. It has been a bestseller in several countries, and is still #1 in The Netherlands in various categories.

I was lucky enough to meet 2 people in person this year whom I learned a lot from regarding the concepts that I describe in this book. I could personally hand them a draft of my book this April and both were kind enough to read this early copy and give me feedback.

Thank you Jim Masterson for writing the foreword and your supportive words. When I learned the Masterson Method more than a decade ago, I was fascinated by the power of soft touch and gentle movement. That's when my journey into understanding the nervous system started and it completely changed my way of training.

Thank you Steve Peters for reading the early copy of my book and for your endorsement. I learned so much from you, both during the online Equuscience course in 2021 and from your 3-day seminar earlier this year. You explain the science behind connection and I'm honored by your review. Your words are validating my intention for this book.

Thank you Rozenn Grosjean for the 50+ amazing illustrations in the book. They give so much additional value to the words in this book. You are able to draw the essence in simplicity and I look forward to working with you again on my next book 🥰

Thank you Anne Mette Graumann for the picture on the front cover. You were able to capture a beautiful moment of connection between Jajao and me. This photo says more than I can explain in a 1000 words what this horse means to me❤

I want to contribute to making this a more compassionate world for horses. I see so much fear and frustration in the horse world and I believe that understanding the nervous system, insight in the polyvagal theory and working within the window of tolerance will help make everything you do with your horse easier and more joyful.

This is what is covered in the book:

- How polyvagal principles will make your training sessions effective and long lasting

- How to feel calm, relaxed and in your own confident power every time you’re with your horse–especially in challenging situations that normally stress you out and make you want to give up

- How YOUR energy can help your horse feel totally at ease in your presence

- Ways to transform trauma into trust for both you and your horse

Thank you if you already bought the book for your time and interest in this topic. Thank you for your kind feedback and heartwarming reviews. I believe that together we are creating a ripple effect of kindness and understanding that will help make this a better world for horses😍.

11/09/2024

The way you breathe is the way you live. Full, free breathing is one of the most powerful keys to improve your physical and emotional well-being. Many of us unconsciously tighten our muscles and restrict our breathing. We learn that the less we breathe, the less we feel, and the easier it is to get through the challenges of life. Over time, this process develops habitual unconscious reactions that lock up the body. It helps prevent us from feeling stressed or hurt again. However, it also prevents our life energy from flowing freely and us from living fully.

Through full breathing, it’s possible to feel connected again, with yourself and with all living beings around us. Through full and conscious breathing, we can ask our horse to connect to us so we can be in the same energy bubble. From this place, the magic of true and playful togetherness can happen!!

This is just one of the many simple techniques I share in 'Wired 4 Connection.' Want to learn more? Get your copy today AND join the Wired 4 Connection online course with a 50% discount in the month of September where I will guide you through all the powerful strategies and simple yet effective exercises. Link in my bio or go to www.lucieklaassen.com

08/09/2024

Marvel - part 3

Do you remember Marvel? He is a beautiful and friendly 3-year old 'Gelders' horse. The owner had this horse since foal and she was now ready to start some foundation groundwork education with Marvel. She asked me if I could help with a few challenges that she was facing.

1️⃣Marvel would turn around and face her when she asked him to stop
2️⃣Marvel was spooky when something touched his body
3️⃣Marvel would come into her space, especially when going to the right
4️⃣Marvel would kick out when trying to pick up the hind legs

You can find how I worked with the first 3 items in previous reels (Meet Marvel part 1 and 2). In this last video I will share how I started to make Marvel more comfortable with picking up the hind leg.

The owner mentioned that when she wanted to pick up the hind foot, Marvel would kick out and raise his head and then walk backwards. This gave me a few possible clues.

👉 Maybe Marvel could not balance himself comfortably on 3 legs (physically)
👉 Maybe Marvel did not want to stand on 3 legs (emotionally not feeling safe)
👉 Marvel may have tension in his hind end
👉 Marvel may have tension in his poll (related to hind end).

I believe in the combination of bodywork and training and learning the Masterson Method has given me so many tools to just find out where Marvel may have tension and then use soft touch and gently movement to help him release this tension.

You can see how he lifts his head when I just gently put my hand on the poll. It's air gap, hardly touching the horse. When my soft touch sends signals (through the sensory nerves) to the brain that it is safe, he can release tension in the poll.

Next I find the hind end points to release tension in the hind end and after some lateral rocking (and some scratching😆) I could pick up the leg. For this first session I put it down immediately again, just slightly behind the other hind leg. The gentle wiggles released more tension in the hind end.

The Masterson Method started my fascination about the nervous system more than a decade ago. Now I wrote a book about it: Wired 4 Connection. I placed a link in the first comment if you want to find out more about the book😃!

Let me know in the comments if this is helpful! What daily routine do you have a challenge with? Share in the comments and I may create a video about it😊

Send a message to learn more

07/09/2024

🎉 BIG NEWS🥳!

My book "Wired 4 Connection" just hit #1 in Horse Showing & Training (Books), #2 in Equine Medicine (Books) and #3 in Equestrian Sports (Books)!

Have you grabbed your copy yet? Don’t miss out on learning how to deepen your connection (with yourself and with your horse) and bring joy and ease into everything you do with your equine partner🥰

Here’s how you can get the book:
1️⃣ Click the link in my bio or go to www.lucieklaassen.com
2️⃣ Head to Amazon
3️⃣ Choose your preferred format (Kindle or Paperback)
4️⃣ Start your journey towards a stronger bond with your horse

It's easy, and you’ll get FREE access to a LIVE Masterclass if you get the book this September! Ready to learn how to work WITH the nervous system instead of against it? From fear & frustration to calm & connected. Let’s do this together!

05/09/2024

Real stories, real connections! I feel so happy when I read this feedback🥰

💬 Hear what others are saying about 'Wired 4 Connection.' From deepening their bond with their horse to finding peace in the process, these testimonials show the true impact of this book. Swipe through to read their words!

#

03/09/2024

Swipe through to explore powerful quotes and beautiful illustrations that will make you rethink your relationship with your horse.

30/08/2024

Tommy is excited to hear more about my book Wired 4 Connection so he already got a sneak peek🤣.

Learn how the polyvagal principles will transform your horse training!
It will be available on MONDAY!

28/08/2024

Poly...what? 🤔 The Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system affects how we connect, learn and communicate. Learning about the polyvagal principles and how to include these into your horse training will elevate your training to the next level based on a connected partnership with your horse.

All this, and so much more, will be explained in my book Wired 4 Connection, with many practical techniques and simple exercises that you can start immediately.

Coming SOOOON, as in.... AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK!

20/08/2024

In the canter, there is only 1 moment that gives you the 'nice' canter picture😊.

Canter is a 3-beat gait:
1st beat: Canter departure on the outside hind leg
2nd beat: Inside hind leg + outside front leg
3rd beat: All the weight is landing on the inside front

The challenge for me was always to not lean forward the moment of the canter departure. I now found a way to stay vertically aligned so that Seni can keep his balance and get a better lift in the 1st beat. That's why it's soo good to have yourself filmed regularly.

We have not been able to really ride for a while due to an old injury in his left knee. Our regular groundwork sessions kept him strong and fit and he seems to be all good now. In fact, he is looking pretty amazing for 18+😍.

Do you film yourself regularly to analyze your own posture? What was your biggest 'discovery'?

14/08/2024

Trust is the foundation of any deep relationship, especially with our horses. But building trust can be challenging. What do you find most difficult when it comes to creating a bond of trust with your horse?

And what is your number 1 tip for becoming a trustworthy human for your horse?

Let's share our experiences and learn from each other!

09/08/2024

Struggling to stay calm with your horse? Try these simple self-regulation techniques!

1. Breathe out longer than you breathe in.
2. Get into a heart-coherent state.
3. Make a soothing sound.

These are just 3 of the 10 strategies from my book! What techniques do you use to stay calm and connected with your horse? Share below!

Note: My book Wired 4 Connection will be available first week of September! Do you want to be notified? Sign up for waitlist, link in bio😀