|
|
|
|
Louis Wood, a native Virginian, lives at Mountainview Ranch, the remainder of an original land grant to his family in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. His love of the horse began at an early age as he tagged along with his grandfather, a talented horseman. As soon as he was able, Louis began to assist with the horse breaking, and soon began to realize that there must be a better way than trying to break the horse's spirit into submission.
Since those early days, his quest for better ways to communicate with the horse has led him to many experiences, from cowboying and packing into the Canadian Rockies, to working with show riders in virtually every discipline. Throughout this life-long search, Louis has gained tremendous insight into the relationship between horse and rider. His unique approach to horsemanship helps to provide a proper foundation for learning, based on trust and understanding, creating a partnership between horse and human that can be carried into any level, no matter the riding discipline. In 1997, at the urging of clients, Louis began holding horsemanship clinics at the ranch. These have expanded to many parts of the U.S., including opportunities to spend the winter season working with show-hunters, jumpers and dressage riders in Wellington, FL. at the prestigious "A" circuit finals. In June of 2003, Louis first took his horsemanship to Europe, where he worked at the Reitbrock Stables in Germany. In 2004 he returned for a second trip to Germany and in 2006 he had the opportunity to travel to Vienna, Austria where he worked with the fabled Arthur Kottas and his daughter Caroline. Louis' communication skills with the horse so impressed the University of Virginia, that in 1999 its Leadership Development Center began offering professional development programs based on Louis' clinic model. Workshops reflecting his principles and practices are now extended to the public and private sectors as well.
It's All About Communication!
|
|
