Charlotte Dennis

1. What is your method called? It’s not a method. The teaching/coaching is based on gaining a better understanding of horse behaviour to then apply to whatever competition or recreational goals you and your horse have.

2. How did it start? I have been involved with horses all my life. From pony club to point to pointing, BHS exams onto eventing and then specializing in understanding horse behaviour from a practical point of view to help people to understand why horses do what they do and how to work with them to achieve results.

3. What is the philosophy behind the method? What I try to do is to link what is seen as “alternative” (i.e. understanding the horses behaviour or point of view) to help people to incorporate it into the fabric of horsemanship as a whole.

4. Why is your method better than anyone else’s? My strengths are that I have a broad training and understanding of many aspects of horsemanship having trained with and ridden for competition riders such as Karen and David O’Connor, Richard Walker, and having spent over ten years studying horses and their innate behaviour, particularly the work of teachers Ray Hunt and Pat Parelli.

5. How does it differ from other methods? As an individual with extensive experience and credibility both in the competition world and with a solid foundation in horse behaviour. I can offer a unique and personal perspective, flexible approach to helping people and their horses to understand each other.

6. Is there any science behind it? Yes. This is illustrated by the works of Dr Robert Miller, Dr Andrew McLean and others, they are now explaining in scientific terminology why this approach to horses is fitting and successful.

7. Can anyone do it? Yes, like anything to have a comprehensive grasp takes time and commitment. You don’t need to be an expert to see noticeable changes and improvement in your own horses.

8. What sort of horses is your method good for? All - it’s not a discipline. A better understanding of how horses learn and the way they interact is going to be helpful to everyone involved with horses. Horses are all individual; a horse is made up of innate characteristics, learned behaviour and spirit in varying levels, and they all develop differently. There is no horse in the world that wouldn’t benefit from a better understanding from its handler – including my own.

9. How will it help my horse in general – he’s not a problem horse? Having a solid foundation on which to advance your training is vital. This understanding will give you and your horse the confidence in each other to help avoid negative behaviours occurring as you then specialize in your chosen discipline.

10. Is there any training I could do to help me use your method? All you need is an inquiring, open mind and commitment to yourself and your horse. This will help you to build a strong relationship with your horse and improve your performance; whether that is hacking down the road or high competitive goals.

11. How much training do you need before you’re qualified as a practitioner/instructor? My teaching program does not lead to a formal qualification for participants. I have spent 20 years in the equine industry and have qualified as a BHS AI and a Parelli 3-star instructor. I have attended many training seminars and spent time with other horsemen. I stay abreast of the new changes and development in the UK with regards to Coaching Certificates etc.

12. If I get stuck, how do I find a practitioner in my area to help me? I travel worldwide and am happy to help people in their own area.

13. What is the cost – joining fee, subscription etc? I offer a range of tuition from private and group lessons to courses of 1-5 days and longer term training opportunities countrywide. Other services available are training for young, difficult or problematical horses, and demonstrations nationwide.

14. What equipment do I need and what will it cost? I like to use a soft rope halter, flag and various lengths of lead rope for any groundwork. This equipment is widely available through tack stores and the internet.

15. Will I be able to replicate the techniques at home easily? Yes, people make significant progress when they have input on a regular basis, much like anything when learning a skill.

16. Can I use your method to complement traditional methods or do I have to use your method alone? The teaching I provide creates a strong foundation for understanding your horse's behaviour. Once people have this understanding then they can avoid performance limiting behaviours and enhance their performance. I would recommend you use these techniques to compliment your training – remember it’s not a destination just the journey to achieve your ultimate goal.

17. Can I still ride my horse while I’m training him in your method? Yes. You will learn to read and prepare your horse better to be able to ride more safely and effectively.