Alternative Horsemanship™
Equine Behavior
Horse Rider Help
Coaching Horse Clinics Worldwide
Common Client Horse Problems
Why Alternative Horsemanship™?
Samantha Harvey has spent over 30 years developing her Alternative Horsemanship™ approach through her experience as an equestrian student, horse instructor, mentor, author, and equine business consultant. She helps riders worldwide "translate" horse communication, learn relevant skills, and build trust with the equine by filling the gaps often missing in traditional training.
Sam offers horsemanship clinics worldwide, groundwork sessions, individual horse education, instruction for all experience levels, backgrounds, and disciplines. Her in-person and virtual teaching approach offers practical insight to help riders learn to understand horse behavior and communication. This allows equine enthusiasts to focus on developing the skills needed to offer clear, specific aids to build their horse's trust, try, and willingness, whether in the competition arena or riding for pleasure. Unsure of where to start? Try an Intro Consult.
Testimonials
"Thought I should tell you, though, how often I use the tools you give us. Feeding, leading, loading, riding, it doesn't matter what I'm doing, I'm far more aware of what my horses are feeling and thinking, which (as you obviously know!) leads to better communication and a positive outcome. I think the loading moments are my favorites...where is the brain?...come back to me!...oh, hello, you wanted what? Thanks for expanding the horizons of both me and my horse."
I feel like she has truly opened my eyes and given me a completely new and exciting way of riding my horse. I’ve been competing for around 15 years and have had some great success, but I realized that I was mostly riding just to compete—if that makes sense.
I told Sam that I didn’t really enjoy riding on my own; it felt more like I was just keeping my horse fit and ready for competitions. But after working with Sam, even in a short time, I’ve come to realize that much of that riding was mindless. I was missing out on the best part of it all.
"You are THE most amazing horse psychiatrist and trainer!! Every person who owns or rides a horse should connect with you and learn from you. Their relationship with their horse will most certainly flourish. Your insight and instruction when I attended an immersion camp with my mare Raven were so helpful and your knowledge and assessment of a horse’s behavior is SPOT ON! Keep doing what you do best."
"The success I’ve had is mind-blowing. Truly. They were always so good for me and I could basically do anything with them but the guilt I used to feel before I talked to you was awful. Now, I let go of the guilt... I am sooo happy! So - a huge THANK YOU!!!!!"
"Thanks to Alternative Horsemanship Coaching I experienced the awakening of a shut down horse."
In-Person Horse Services
Sam is now based in Spain and offers Full Immersion and Private Horsemanship Clinics worldwide. She works across South America, Asia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and continues to bring her Alternative Horsemanship™ clinics to riders globally. Upcoming travels include Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, South Africa, and the UK.
Distance Horse Learning
If you are unable to join Sam in person, she has been the Remote Horse Coach since 2014. She offers online and distance learning opportunities, including video and telephone horse coaching, evaluations, instruction, mentorship, and more.
You can explore her Video Catalog or visit the sister site for full details on distance horse learning. Follow #AlternativeHorsemanship on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest to access over 3,000 videos with insights into horse behavior and training.
Subscribe to the Alternative Horsemanship™ YouTube Channel for free horse training videos in the Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series, and enjoy over 1,700 articles with tips, skills, and insights on equine behavior through Sam's blog.