Horse Sense Education
Horse School
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning
We know from experience that horses understand situations on a higher level of awareness than most people.
Scientific research tells us they have excellent memories. From seeing a photograph, horses can recognize the person--and their mood.
Even if apart for a long time, they sense--and remember human emotions and interactions; reading
We know from experience that horses understand situations on a higher level of awareness than most people.
Scientific research tells us they have excellent memories. From seeing a photograph, horses can recognize the person--and their mood.
Even if apart for a long time, they sense--and remember human emotions and interactions; reading facial expressions, body language, voice, or just the general vibe you give off.
Horse Sense offers positive assurance, empathy, and superior communication. Horse Sense methods strengthen bonds, bringing out the best in a horse's natural talents.
- All breeds
- Hunter Jumpers
- Dressage
- Trail Riding
- Groundwork
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning
Teaching hunt-seat riding and horse management began in the 5th grade for Gwen Abbott when her school teacher approached her for lessons.
Gwen and Aladdin's wins in the show ring (equitation, jumping, and pleasure), turned spectators into students.
With her versatile Arabian, the two soon had a modest little riding academy.
An Equine Spe
Teaching hunt-seat riding and horse management began in the 5th grade for Gwen Abbott when her school teacher approached her for lessons.
Gwen and Aladdin's wins in the show ring (equitation, jumping, and pleasure), turned spectators into students.
With her versatile Arabian, the two soon had a modest little riding academy.
An Equine Specialist in equine-assisted psychotherapy since 2016, Gwen has served clients from veterans groups, drug rehab, and women’s shelters.
In 2023, Gwen earned her certification in Equine-Assisted Learning to combat the problem of Illiteracy in America.
Our Horses - Our Mentors
The Black Stallion
Wildly popular with young readers and horse lovers around the world, the book series by Walter Farley is about a spirited Arabian Horse that no one could tame until a shipwreck left them stranded on an island--and a boy found the way to his heart.
The year the block-buster movie hit theaters, Aladdin made something happen that only a remarkable horse could; he facilitated a lifelong friendship and mentorship.
"Walter Farley had a profound influence on my life as a horsewoman and throughout my career as a broadcast journalist.
Over the years, he would always ask these two questions. 'Are you riding? And, 'Are you writing?'"
The Black Stallion movie, starring Teri Garr and Mickey Rooney had theater-goers everywhere leaping from their seats and cheering.
The Black Stallion (1979) ORIGINAL TRAILER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGp9u56FJKs
Cass Ole became a celebrity, showing up to be admired at fundraisers and special events. In 1980 he won the Humane Society Award for The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals at the International Horse Show in Washington, D.C. He visited the White House and was present at the inauguration of United States president Ronald Reagan.
Including The Black Stallion series, Walter Farley authored some 34 books in his lifetime. Farley and his wife were very active in children's reading programs. A literary landmark in his honor stands at the library in Venice Florida.
Our Mentors
Under Walter Farley's mentorship in Venice, Florida, Gwen further developed her riding skills with lessons from international dressage legend, Dorita Konyot. http://usdf2012olympics.blogspot.com/2012/07/different-kind-of-dressage-royalty.html
Gwen spent many happy moments riding
Farley's beloved Arabian mare,
Almarah Athena (Tina)
Aladdin & Gwen
In the Show Ring
Our Riding Academy
Generations of Horsewomen
Don Henley's Walden Woods Project: Our "Thoreau-bred" Story
Answering The Call - For Walden Woods: Gwen's radio interview & Promotion with Don Henley
“After all, the man whose horse trots a mile in a minute does not carry the most important messages. -- Henry David Thoreau (Walden, 1854)
Mom found Judge through her veterinarian who also treated racehorses at New Hampshire’s legendary Rockingham Park (nicknamed, The Rock) in 1990." I don’t think she ever won a race there but she sure won Mom’s heart. As a filly, she galloped on the same turf as other greats before her. Seabiscuit in 1935 and 1936, and Mom's Command ran her first race—and gained her first victory in 1984…
I have yet to know another human being who could sense a horse’s purpose like my mother.
Not all horses like running around a track. Many show a higher interest in jumping, which is what Mom had in mind when this mare joined our family at Skyview Farm. However, in the long run, that wasn’t her calling either…
I met Judge for the first time during my next visit to New Hampshire in 1992. In this video, Mom’s taking pictures and Dad’s rolling the video from the riding ring while my sister rides her Arabian, Count.
We all got a kick out of it.
From Skyview Farm to Walden Woods
It's no coincidence. Judge went on to serve and protect the literary landmark made possible by Don Henley who established the Walden Woods Project in 1990--the same year Mom brought Judge home from Rockingham Park.
Judge lived out her days with the Massachusetts Mounted Police along the trails of Walden Pond.
Feature Client Testimonial
Gwen Abbott assisted me with the exercise, care, and schooling of my Quarter Horses in 2023-2024. Her experience with horses coupled with her incredible character makes her an exceptional person to work with.
Every time Gwen rode and worked with them, my horses advanced. She has an extensive background working with horses and is highly skilled in handling them. Her ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with these gentle giants sets her apart from many other individuals in this field.
Gwen's passion for horses is infectious. Her knowledge of them is vast.
What makes Gwen a standout individual is her character. She is a well-spoken, smart, and patient person. Her calming demeanor makes those around her feel at ease. Her athleticism and ability to adapt to any situation make her an asset in any scenario.
-D. P.
