Heidi Potter Holistic Horsemanship

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Guilford, VT
Heidi Potter Holistic Horsemanship

Heidi Potter is an internationally known and respected Trainer, Clinician, Instructor and Author, sharing over 50 years of horse experience. Sally Swift.
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Her teaching and training is strongly influenced by her practice in traditional Eastern Martial Arts. She is a Centered Riding© Clinician, Holistic Horsemanship Trainer, CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) Master Instructor/Certifier, and a Senior Horse Speak® Instructor. Heidi feels blessed to have learned directly from her neighboring friend, mentor and the founder of Centered Riding, Ms. S

ally’s work beautifully and effectively blends Heidi’s experience with Eastern philosophies into her horsemanship practice. The Centered Riding basics of Soft Eyes, Breathing, Centering and Balance, along with Grounding and Awareness, lead to amazing results both, on the ground and in the saddle. Heidi has assisted riders of all levels and disciplines improve comfort, communication, confidence & competence in the saddle. She has experience working with a variety of horses including gaited breeds. Heidi’s Holistic Horsemanship approach to training evolved from her education in Natural Horsemanship and her subsequent search for a calmer, softer, more empathetic approach to creating lasting relationships. She was driven by her desire to improve behaviors, safely create boundaries, earn mutual respect and establish connection, all while focusing on enrichment, for both horses and humans. Students across the globe have benefitted by her teachings and have been successful in building safer, more trusting, respectful and enjoyable partnerships with their equine friends. In March of 2017 she began working with Sharon Wilsie, founder and author of the book, Horse Speak, The Equine-Human Translation Guide and Horses In Translation. Sharon’s step-by-step equine translation program has opened new doors for horse owners, trainers, instructors, rescue horse operations and those in the equine therapy profession. In late 2018 Heidi had became a Senior Horse Speak Instructor/Clinician and joined Sharon and Laura Wilsie to form the Horse Speak Educational and Certification Program. Visit SharonWilsie.com. Heidi and her Cheval Canadian Riley enjoy pleasure riding, trails, liberty play and competing in Western Dressage. Their training in Western Dressage helps them both focus on improving fitness and mindfully working up the dressage training scale. Since they began in late 2016 they have enjoyed rewards:

NAWDA 2016 High Point Trax Live Competition-Open Division-Intro Level

WNEPHA 2017 Reserve Champion-High Point Professional Division-Intro Level

WNEPHA 2018 Reserve Champion Professional Division & High Point-Intro Level

Northeast Western Dressage Champion 2018-Intro Level

Northeast Western Dressage Reserve Champion 2019-Basic Level

WNEPHA 2019 Champion Professional Division & High Point Professional Overall-Basic Level

WMADA 2019 Division Champion-Basic Level

08/20/2024

Wonder what Horse Speak is? Here's your chance! These three days will change how you interact with every horse. You'll learn skills to deepen understanding and rapport, improve trust, and create safer, more enjoyable partnerships with every horse you meet.

September 20-22, 2024 Deepening The Bond Clinic with Horse Speak and Horse Agility, in-hand, stress-free obstacle play. The New England Center for Horsemanship-Guilford, VT

**3 Spots Left***

Horses are provided. Limited to 6 hands-on participants and auditors. Details: https://heidipotter.com/event/deepening-the-bond-with-horse-speak-horse-agility/

Early Bird Discount Rate ends 8-25-24

Horse Speak and Horse Agility combine to create this refreshing, fun and unique clinic opportunity. Join Senior Horse Speak Clinician and Horse Agility Accredited Trainer Heidi Potter as she shares the “Truly Authentic Language of Horses” and deepens your understanding of how to address what the...

08/14/2024

08/13/2024

Can't wait to be back. Wonderful host and hostsite. Horses provided.

08/12/2024

"Good afternoon, Heidi, I just had to share this with you. I just came back from a five-day camping trip and a friend of mine had a new horse that she’s had for three weeks. She came to my camp to see me and I introduced myself to her horse using Horse Speak. We talked for a bit and then she went up on the trail. 10 or 15 minutes later her horse came back without her. She was not hurt. The horse ran from one woman. I stood in the middle of the trail quietly with my fist out to greet him (a Horse Speak greeting for those of you who are unfamiliar), he slowed down and then came to me. I had goosebumps and I wanted to share this with you. Initially, when he was running, I wanted to do the big X and then I decided no because it might scare him more and he might just swerve around me, so I just chose to stand quiet 🥰"

Horse Speak to the rescue.......again. So simple and yet so deeply meaningful to the horse. It gives us the way "in" to his language system, and there is nothing more powerful.

One last chance to learn Horse Speak from my herd here at The New England Center for Horsemanship in Guilford, VT. September 20-22, 2024. Horses are provided and Horse Agility (Stress-Free In-Hand Obstacle Play) is part of this "Deepening The Bond" Clinic. https://heidipotter.com/event/deepening-the-bond-with-horse-speak-horse-agility/

Limited to 6 "Hands-on" Participants. 4 Spots Left. Auditors Welcome!

08/09/2024

“Increased body awareness gives you a greater awareness of your inner self as well as your surroundings. Changing your habits will cultivate an ability to make clearer choices: A balanced body permits a balanced state of mind.“ Sally Swift

08/01/2024

Taking the Lessons Home - 3 Days of Learning Changes a Two Year Old Issue. Let's begin our work on the INSIDE of the horse first........

"I thought I'd update you on the progress I've had since I was at your place in April for the Horse Speak Clinic. Before I came I told you that my reason for coming was that after things went way south on a walk 2 years ago with my (now 3 yr old) c**t, neither of us felt safe going for walks together any longer, even though we had started out having fabulous walks. I've been trying for two (!!) years to figure out how to get our confidence back.

Since April I've been applying my Horse Speak skills with him around the barn area and adjoining paddocks. Yesterday we went out for a long walk around scary things, just the two of us, and it was perfect! If he started to get scared, I knew just how to help him feel safe. He always calmed right down and we had the most lovely time. I credit this fabulous transformation to the wonders of Horse Speak and your excellent teaching. Thank you so much!!" Leah

08/01/2024

Horse's whiskers (vibrissae) are strategically placed sensory feedback hairs that send messages to the brain about their surroundings, thus protecting their mouths, muzzles, and eyes. With their own nerves and blood supply they play an important role in safety and navigation. While some countries and organizations have banned the practice, many horse people still trim for aesthetic reasons, not realizing the actual function and importance of horse whiskers. It's best to take nature's guidance and let them be. When we know better we do better. Please help out horses and spread the word. Thanks!

07/31/2024

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Happy Summer Everyone! View as Webpage I hope this note finds you all safe, well and enjoying summer. Folks have asking me about upcoming clinics here with my herd of horses. Well, the opportunity jus

07/28/2024

When you know better, you do better....

Discover the way "in" with horses. Learn the Precise Equine Body Language Skills of Horse Speak. Experience how Positive Reinforcement Training can calmly change a horse's perspective and association with something he previously feared. Enjoy Horse Agility's in-hand obstacle play to improve confidence and connection. Choose from several clinics and experience how in just 3 days your relationships with horses will be forever changed.

Many host sites have horses available to learn from.
https://heidipotter.com/events/

07/27/2024

If you love horses and are interested in learning more about their language, engaging with them using positive reinforcement and doing obstacle play in hand then this clinic is for you. Learn from the Mountain Horse Farm horses or bring your own. A few spots left! Contact host Suzanne Vullers for more details: 585-775-9164 or [email protected]

07/12/2024

If you are looking to enhance your interactions with all horses then I have an exciting opportunity for you! Join me at the upcoming Connection Clinic from August 1-4 at Ed Dabney's Gentle Horsemanship facility in Mansfield, Georgia. This clinic guarantees a paradigm shift that cannot be ignored!

Delve into the world of learning the "Precise Equine Body Language Skills", of Horse Speak. Imagine the profound connection that comes from understanding the natural language of horses. Once you grasp their kinesthetic communication, you'll be equipped to address their most pressing questions, typically centered around safety and security, fostering limitless potential for both you and your horse. Explore how the fusion of Natural Horsemanship and Horse Speak can elevate your bond with horses, leading to safer and more enjoyable partnerships for both equines and humans.

Experience how Natural Horsemanship and Horse Speak combine to bring your relationship, leading and mounting skills to the next level! Add to that a day of Centered Riding and discover how the basics help to release tension and improve balance, communication, stability and connection in the saddle.

Horses are provided for Days 1 and 2, with lease horses available for Centered Riding on Day 3 & the Optional Day 4. For more details or to register visit: https://eddabney.com/clinic.asp

Choosing either the 2.5 Day Horse Speak or the 1-Day Centered Riding days may be an option if participation limits allow.

07/09/2024

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Happy Summer Everyone! View as Webpage 2024 has been full of learning and sharing, and there's more to come! Last month's Horse Speak® Bitterroot Ranch Retreat proved to be another week full of enrich

06/15/2024

A special moment up on the Bitterroot Ranch "bench" where the big herd spends their night. I was there with a retreat guest Stephanie Talia and we noticed a horse by herself who was standing looking at the water trough from quite a distance away. I knew she was wanting to get a drink but didn't feel secure leaving the big herd far in the distance behind her. I coached Stephanie using Horse Speak to "secure the environment" on her way to offering a greeting. She scanned the vast horizon, (full of possible predators) and gave her the "everything is safe" gesture. This showed the mare that everything was safe and that she could protect her. She then pointed to the water trough and suggested that the mare follow her "target/muzzle" hand. The mare began to follow, stopping a few times along the way. I told Steph to return to the mare, offer a knuckle touch "check in" to reassure her that she was safe and then invite her to again follow along. The success of speaking to her in her own language (Horse Speak PEBLS - Precise Equine Body Language Skills) was enough to convince her that we were her protectors and she could trust what we were telling her. Lastly, we both offered a "hold hand" towards her Hip Button which means that we "had her back and could kick the coyotes". This gave her the confidence to lower her head and drink which puts the horse in a vulnerable state. You just can't make this stuff up! Well, you could, but I didn't. Visit https://heidipotter.com/horse-speak/ to learn more about learning Horse Speak. I promise you that it will enhance and enrich every interaction with every horse you meet.

06/05/2024

I can't wait to be back!

06/01/2024

Such fun to have our little farm helper here last weekend. He even had his first experience as a farrier's apprentice. Thank you Claudine for including him and gloving him up for the job 😊🥰

05/14/2024

Experience "Being" with The Land, The Horses, and Yourself during this year's only All-Inclusive Horse Speak Retreat at Bitterroot Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming this June 9-16. Senior Instructor/Clinician Heidi Potter invites everyone from HORSE LOVERS WITH NO EXPERIENCE, TO SEASONED HORSEMEN AND WOMEN to join her and the ranch's over 200 horses for one of the most unique, enriching, educational experiences ever offered. Learning Horse Speak teaches you how to "see" what horses are saying and how to respond to them using their precise language system of gestures, postures, signals and breath messages. The results will amaze you! But wait.......that's only a piece of it! Participants will also enjoy the serene, beautiful landscape as they discover how to tap into the inner peace and presence needed to commune with horses. Options include a Centered Riding lesson, 2 guided trail rides, yoga, and hiking.

"Horse Speak has enriched my life with my horses in so many ways, but the most significant difference is how much more we trust each other, because we understand each other better. Thank you Heidi for guiding me to understand my horse and myself, and for giving me the gift of a phenomenal relationship with my horses."

This intimate retreat is only open to 6 participants. To learn more visit: https://heidipotter.com/.../horse-speak-all-inclusive.../

05/06/2024

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Open your heart to new experiences, and let Wyoming work its enchanting charm on you. Happy May Everyone! View as Webpage May you embrace the vibrant energy of Spring as you engage with all living bei

04/12/2024

"Life is a collection of new beginnings." This quote from a book I listened to on my morning walk. A timely quote as my arrival tonight at Stepping Stones Farm & Retreat Center in Temple NH kicks off my clinic season with a 3-day Deepening the Bond Retreat.

Our welcome dinner was a home cooked Thanksgiving meal complete with all the fixings and pies for desert. Stepping Stones offers a rare opportunity to horse lovers. Housing for your horse and yourself, clinic lease horses available, healthy meals, beautiful grounds, restored vintage barn, indoor arena and outdoor arena.

Drop in. Auditors are welcome for this first of three 2024 events! Visit: https://heidipotter.com/events/ https://www.steppingstonesfarm.com/upcoming-events

04/06/2024

Now's the time........Why wait?...........Life is short.........And these memories will last forever. Retreats for riders, non-riders, newbies and life long horse lovers.

Join me and meet the Bitterroot Ranch equine teachers in Wyoming this summer for an unforgettable journey into learning and ranch life.

June 9-15: Horse Speak-(PEBLS - Precise Equine Body Language Skills) Riding is optional in this retreat. **3 Spots Left https://heidipotter.com/.../horse-speak-all-inclusive.../

July 14-20: Centered Riding/Horse Speak/Holistic Horsemanship. Daily riding mixed with liberty interactions and in-hand practice. **2 Spots Left: https://heidipotter.com/.../centered-riding-holistic.../

These All-Inclusive Retreats offer you an experience like no other. Beautiful, peaceful mountains surround the ranch. Interactions with over 200 horses of all ages, from newborn foals to the wise, mature matriarchs, stallions, ponies and everything in between. Cozy cabins, healthful meals, guided trail rides (optional), Yoga and opportunities to rest and restore.
https://www.bitterrootranch.com/

Address

761 Weatherhead Hollow Road
Guilford, VT
05301

Telephone

+18023803268

Website

http://www.heidipotter.com/

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Videos

2024 Bitterroot Ranch Retreats www.HeidiPotter.com

Special moments of horses and humans mindfully sharing space at our May Horse Speak Intro Clinic <3 http://heidipotter.com/

When you just have to say "Hello" to each horse <3

Mother Nature shines brightly this time of year. The horses love it and so do I <3

On a 90 degree day last month I took Riley and Daisy for a hike because it was to hot to ride. To offer Riley a little extra enrichment I decided to turn him free for the walk home. On the way he pointed out a "shortcut" down a ravine and into a swampy area that I had to discourage in favor of sticking to the trails. It was fun to watch him pick his path, stop to rub on a tree, forage, forage and forage some more, as we made our way home. Like the kid in the store when you tell them you really are going to leave..........he finally decided he'd better join me, or more accurately, run past me, down the trail, over the brook and to the gate. He won! :)