Since I can remember, I've been passionate about horses.   Growing up on a farm, I had horses around all of the time and I thrived on a special connection with them.  I lived and breathed for horses spending every possible moment with them. However, my life path took me to college.  For over 20 years, I was a successful Commercial Interior Designer and this is what brought me to Texas.  I managed to keep horses in my life during most of this time.  At one point, an opportunity arose and I spent five months during breeding season working with mares and foals at the prestigious Phillips Ranch, home of Dash for Cash.

In 1998, a neighbor handed me a brochure promoting Parelli Natural Horsemanship.  This was the first time I had heard a professional talk about the horse in terms of a 'relationship' and explain how to develop a 'language' with the horse based on understanding his behavior.  It was what I had been searching for.  I became an avid student devoting most of the next four years to studying these concepts.

I have ridden with Pat Parelli at his International Study Center, as well as participating in weekend clinics with him.  I have also studied extensively with many of Pat's top Instructors, including; Dave Ellis, Karen Rohlf, David Lichman, Barb Apple, Larry Stewart, and Christi Rains.  In February of 2002, I officially received my Parelli Level 3 certification.

Continuing to be an active student is something I am committed too.  Other Natural Horseman I have personally studied with include: Jack Brainard, Lee Smith and Aaron England.  The works of Frederic Pignon, Phil Nye, Tom Dorrance, Sally Swift, and Peggy Cummings, have also influenced me.  However, my best teachers have been the challenging horses that have come into my life.  I am most grateful to KF Nakhimov (Russian Arabian).

My education includes work in the related areas of Self Improvement and Energy Awareness with participation in workshops by leading international speakers/authors such as Carolyn Myss (Anatomy of the Spirit), Louis Tice (New Age Thinking), The school for Innovators (Just Think!), Frank Arjava Petter (Reiki Fire), and Doris Halstead (Equine Myofascial Release).   In 1999, I became a Reiki Master.

Promoting excellence, I have organized many clinics for top professionals in the horse industry.  In 2000, by request, I began providing support to other Natural Horsemanship students through lessons and small group instruction.  This grew extensively and in 2002, I left the design profession and began teaching Natural Horsemanship on a full time basis.  My reputation has been built on listening to my students and creating individual lesson opportunities that develop confidence in the student and the horse.  The fact that I had to overcome a lot of challenges in my own horse relationships allows me to understand the student’s perspective. I build on success and having fun is part of the process.

It is a journey.  Savor each step.  Encourage your horse to think and be part of the conversation.  In this process, your horse ends up wanting to be with you!

I offer an educated, personal, supportive environment to enrich your horse relationship.  Semi-private and small group lessons are my specialty.  In addition, I also teach occasional weekend workshops for my active students.  The Parelli Program is the guideline I use to teach foundation horsemanship.  The emphasis in my teaching is on developing awareness and learning about the horse's way of thinking.  It is about the relationship.  It is about trust and mutual respect.  It is about understanding how to communicate with the horse and achieve a 'dance of two'.

Please contact me at Cindy@CindyDeaton.com to discuss your needs.