Alternative Horsemanship™
Clinics & Coaching Worldwide
Helping riders understand what horses are actually communicating — and what to do about it
Alternative Horsemanship™
The behavior is a symptom, not the problem
A different way of looking at what's happening between you and your horse
Samantha Harvey has spent over three decades helping riders worldwide learn to translate what their horse is actually communicating — not just manage the behavior on the surface. Her approach, Alternative Horsemanship™, is built on one fundamental principle: unwanted behavior is a symptom. Something is being communicated. The work is learning to hear it.
Sam works with riders of all backgrounds and disciplines — those returning to horses after years away, those who have tried every method and are still stuck, and those who are simply tired of the guesswork. Her in-person clinics travel worldwide; her virtual coaching has reached students on six continents since 2014.
Wherever you are, there's a way to work together.
Learn More About the ApproachDoes any of this sound familiar?
The following situations are the more common scenarios Sam is asked to help with from horse owners in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Chile and beyond.
Irrelevant of one's location, horses all "speak" the same language. Until there is clear communication between human and equine, the grey area leaves equine enthusiasts experiencing things like:
"I stepped away from traditional training, and now I feel completely unclear working with my horse — I'm trying to consider his needs but don't know how."
"I took riding lessons for years. Now that I have my own horse, I feel like I don't know anything."
"Despite years of riding, I'm losing confidence every time my horse gets concerned. I know he needs clear leadership — I just don't know what that looks like."
"My horse has started acting aggressively. I know he has a fearful past. I don't know how to build his trust without making things worse."
"I bought a new horse and realized I've never actually built a horse's confidence from the ground up. Years of riding trained horses — and now I'm at a total loss."
Sam's approach is built around understanding the root cause of the unwanted equine behavior — not containing or masking symptoms of it. If the horse training approaches you've tried so far haven't worked, take a minute to read an article where Sam's discusses this specifically, and what is missing.
Why Your Previous Training May Not Have WorkedThe Horse's Availability to Learn
One of 800+ free videos on the Alternative Horsemanship™ YouTube channel
From riders on six continents
"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. That 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? Thank you for expanding the horizons of both me and my horse."
"I feel like she has opened my eyes to a completely new way of riding my horse. I had been competing for 15 years — and realized I was riding just to compete. After working with Sam, even in a short time, I came to see how much of that was mindless. I was missing the best part of it."
"The way you bring light and awareness to changing one's emotional state, stance, and movement — and how completely that changes how the horse perceives you. Thank you for everything."
"The success I've had is mind-blowing. The guilt I used to feel is gone. I am so happy — a huge THANK YOU."
In person, or from anywhere in the world
Three paths to the same approach
Clinics Worldwide
For those who can travel to a clinic
Sam offers Full Immersion and Private Clinics worldwide, typically 2–5 days. Recent locations include Europe, South Africa, the UK, and the USA. Clinics are available for individual riders and groups; hosting options are also available.
Upcoming: Austria & Switzerland (June 2026) · Italy (July 2026) · USA (Sept–Oct 2026) · Australia (Feb 2027)
Clinic Dates & Details"You are the most amazing horse psychiatrist and trainer. Every person who owns or rides a horse should connect with you. Your insight and instruction at the immersion camp were so helpful — your assessment of a horse's behavior is spot on."
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Year Round In-Person and Virtual Help
Combiation of Individual In-Person & Virtual Instruction
Sam offers year-long private and virutal learning opportunities through her Mentorship program worldwide. Recent participant locations include in Europe and South America.
The long-term learning approach is designed to help those deeply committed in evolving the quality of their skills, communication, and understanding of the horse.
Mentorship Details"I was excited but unsure about how much I could learn virtually and then how much I could retain when Sam came to teach me and my horses in person. Wow. She is the most patient teacher I ever had- and there has been many. Connecting what I had been learning with her in virtual sessions to the time together, helped me 'see' my horse in a way I had never considered. The way she teaches and slowly builds your skills- or develop my 'tools'- changed my whole understanding of how I see and communicate with my horses. So many positive changes, I am so thankful for all the help and look forward to learning more."
The Remote Horse Coach
For those who need to learn remotely
Since 2014, Sam has coached horse owners across North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond — without being in the same country. Sessions by phone, video, or video submission. Not a course. Not a program. A coach who looks at your specific horse and your specific situation.
Options include a 15–60 minute Intro Consult, individual sessions, video evaluations, and long-term mentorship.
Explore Remote Coaching"After working with multiple trainers, I had reached a breaking point. Sam took a completely different approach — with patience and clarity, she helped me understand what my horse was experiencing. Today I have a horse who is learning to trust again. More importantly, when he gets stuck, I know how to help him."
Start with the free content
Two decades of online horse contentn
Explore the Video Catalog — free and paid content covering horse behavior, communication, and skill-building. Follow #AlternativeHorsemanship on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for ongoing short-form content.
The Alternative Horsemanship™ blog has over 1,700 articles — weekly additions covering specific horse behavior topics, rider mindset, and practical horsemanship skills.
"How are you not on every channel, radio station, internet outlet, or horse help website? So many people need to learn from you. I and my horses are truly thankful for you, your insight, and for creating a safe place for the horse and human to learn." — Kitty, Michigan, USA
Are you ready to change the way your horse sees you? Start with an Intro Consult to pinpoint what is contributing to the unwanted, frustrating, and unclear interactions.
Book an Intro Consult