Our Story
We share a strong respect & moral
responsibility for the horses
Our journey together began over a decade ago, fueled by a shared passion for horses and a commitment to excellence in equestrian sports.
Over the years, we have cultivated both expertise and a fuller understanding of our horses through countless hours of training, competitions, and shared experiences. We have refined our approach and identified teaching methods that resonate with us, while consciously leaving behind those that do not align with our values. We are committed to fostering a respectful and compassionate relationship between riders and horses, and in our equestrian community as a whole.
Over the past decade, we have collaboratively developed and refined a system that prioritizes the well-being of our horses while promoting riders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their horses and the sport.
Our approach emphasizes biomechanically correct exercises that promote balanced movement and enhance mobility. We understand that for horses to perform at their best, they must be comfortable both physically and mentally. This involves not only addressing their biomechanics but also understanding their digestive system and individual mannerisms. We recognize each horse as a unique individual, taking the time to learn what motivates them and how to communicate effectively.
We currently care for and train over 40 horses. Our responsibilities encompass every aspect of their lives, from nutrition and training schedules to accommodating their individual quirks.
We have cultivated a diverse show team that competes in A and AA-rated USEF competitions, including FEI 3* events. Our team spans various levels, from short stirrup to International Derbies and Grand Prix. Our team trains quarterly with Jan Symons from Belgium. We strive to emulate his philosophy of enhancing natural movement. Unlike many conventional stables, we encourage our students to be hands-on with their horses. We teach them proper care techniques and involve them in groundwork, fostering a more complete understanding and connection with their horses.
Building our future
Over the past 15 years, we have refined our equestrian training system through diverse experiences with coaches and professionals, as well as extensive research into riding theory from renowned experts. This journey has allowed us to tailor our approach based on values and techniques that resonate deeply with our philosophy. We are committed to continuous improvement and development, with the goal of making our wealth of knowledge and educational resources more accessible to riders of all levels.
Our vision is to bridge the gap between aspiring equestrians and comprehensive training by creating innovative avenues for both riders and horses to develop their skills. Our focus is on fostering strong, respectful relationships between horse and rider.
The horse industry stands at a critical juncture, where the future of our sport depends on our commitment to education and mentorship. It is imperative that we create dedicated opportunities to nurture the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen, ensuring the longevity and integrity of equestrian disciplines.
By prioritizing education and accessible training, we not only strengthen our sport but also cultivate a lasting bond between horses and humans for generations to come. At Speak Kindly LLC, we are committed to igniting a new era of learning, respect, and excellence within our equestrian community.
Together, we can help shape the future of the horse industry, making it more inclusive, educational, and focused on the well-being of both horses and riders. Join us in our mission to create a brighter, more knowledgeable future for equestrians.
The Story behind the name
Throughout life, you meet people who change your path and influence your life in ways you’ll never forget. These people leave indelible marks that shape not only our journeys, but who we become. They may be mentors, friends, or even brief acquaintances whose kindness, wisdom, or support alters our course, often in ways we don’t fully understand at the time.
For me, the name of our company, Speak Kindly, is a powerful representation of such influences. It’s a tribute to the bonds I’ve forged, the lessons imparted, and the profound impact that these experiences have had on my life.
When I embarked on my career as a professional trainer and rider, I had a small group of clients and a handful of horses. Our beginnings were humble, limited to local shows where we celebrated little victories and cultivated budding hopes. Each experience was a stepping stone. As time when on, we moved onto the rated circuit and continued our journey in the horse world.
It was during this pivotal time in my early twenties that I met Dave Waimon, one of my first clients and mentors. With his deep understanding of the sport and unwavering support, he saw potential and helped me develop my riding further. To help me reach my goals, Dave made a bold decision: he purchased a horse that was far beyond his own competitive level, saying, “If it will help you get where you need to go, then it’s worth it.” That horse was Speak Kindly.
Speak Kindly or Smudge as he was known around the barn was a top level hunter, with a good brain and kind heart. Throughout our career together, we went to Nationals for three consecutive years and took State and Zone Year-End Championships two years in a row. He was the horse that opened doors for me, to top hunter classes and International Derbies. He was my horse of a lifetime. And I will forever be thankful that Dave shared him with me.
Sadly, during the last few years of his life, Dave battled cancer. Despite his illness, he maintained an incredible spirit and a deep love for horses. Every chance he could get, you could find him at the barn, riding and soaking up the joy that horses brought him. I can still picture him riding down the trail, the image so vivid that I often look out my window expecting to see him there, as if he’s just around the corner.
Dave was a constant source of wisdom and had an unmatched ability to keep things in perspective. He always seemed to know exactly what to say to people. Whether it was a simple piece of advice or a life lesson, I find myself thinking about what he would do in various situations all the time.
On Easter Sunday 4 years ago, Dave passed away. His loss echoed through my life, creating an unfillable void. Yet, amidst the sorrow, a miracle unfolded when my old retired mare, Zuzu, gave birth to a foal six weeks premature. The vet was astonished; she should not have survived. In the quiet of the stall, Rachel (Dave’s wife), Stephen, and I sat together, nurturing the fragile foal as she fought for life. Over those first few days, we witnessed resilience in action, and we all felt an inexplicable connection to Dave, as if he was guiding us through this fragile moment.
We named her Bug, and as she grew stronger, the resemblance became more apparent. Her facial markings were strikingly similar to those of Speak Kindly. In that beautiful coincidence, I found a profound reminder of Dave’s kindness and the way he had enriched my life, both as a mentor and a friend.
As Bug now blossoms into a spirited four-year-old, so does the essence of Speak Kindly continue to resonate with me. The horse that had once been a pivotal part of my career not only shaped my path in the sport but also encapsulated the values I hold dear—compassion, patience, and the importance of kindness in training and relationships with horses.
In honoring Dave and celebrating the spirit of Speak Kindly, we chose this name for our company because it embodies everything that we believe in. It’s a reminder that our interactions with horses—and with one another—should be rooted in kindness and understanding. As we continue to train the next generation of equestrians, we carry the legacy of Speak Kindly with us, forever grateful for the journey that led us here and hopeful for the paths yet to be traveled.
And so the story of Speak Kindly is not just a tale of a name; it is a tribute to the relationships, lessons, and miracles that have shaped our lives and our passion for horses. It reminds us that in the arena of life, just as in the equestrian sport, kindness can pave the way for remarkable journeys.
