About me
Hi, I’m Tessa! I can’t wait to help you build an Extraordinary Partnership with your horse or mule.

My journey with horses began in childhood, where I discovered a profound peace in their presence that I rarely found elsewhere. What started as a natural affinity has evolved into a lifelong passion for building genuine partnerships between humans and equines based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect.
As the founder of Cohesive Horsemanship, I blend natural horsemanship principles with elements of French classical dressage and my own philosophy to create a unique approach that honors both horse and human. My method isn't just about techniques... it's about the intention behind everything we do with our equine partners.
My Journey
Growing up horse-crazy, I had the privilege of being the one to put first rides on our young horses. Intuitively, I spent countless hours connecting with them on the ground before ever mounting - building the foundation of trust that would keep us both safe and happy. Years later, a particularly sensitive mare challenged me to formally educate myself in natural horsemanship and French Classical Dressage, forever transforming my approach and opening doors to deeper understanding.
Throughout my professional career, I've completed numerous leadership courses, but the most profound lessons in communication, presence, and empathy have come directly from my equine teachers. They've refined my leadership abilities beyond what any human-centered training could accomplish alone, benefiting both my personal relationships and professional endeavors.
My Philosophy
At the heart of Cohesive Horsemanship lies a simple promise to our equine partners: to communicate with clarity rather than force, to listen before asking, and to approach training as a conversation rather than a command. I believe that true partnership requires participation from both beings, and my greatest joy comes from witnessing the moment when horse and human find that elusive harmony - where communication becomes effortless and boundaries between species seem to dissolve.
I've developed seven core principles that guide everything we do: being an empathetic leader, mastering body language, embracing playfulness and curiosity, maintaining clarity and focus, and continuously studying the art of lightness. These principles aren't just techniques... they're a way of being with horses that transforms both parties.
My Mission
Today, my passion is sharing this journey with others. There's nothing more rewarding than watching a student discover that magical moment of connection with their horse - when resistance transforms into willingness, and true partnership emerges. I take immense pride in helping riders of all levels develop the awareness, timing, and feel necessary to communicate effectively with their equine partners.
My dream extends beyond horsemanship... it's about helping people discover that the lessons horses teach us about presence, authenticity, and clear communication enhance every aspect of our lives. Whether in the arena or the boardroom, these principles create leaders who inspire rather than dominate.
I continue to study with masters across disciplines, always remaining a student first - believing that the journey toward excellence never ends. I invite you to join our community of thoughtful horse people dedicated to evolving together, with our horses as our most profound teachers.
My Core Principles and Promise to my equines
This is my promise to my equines
and my core principles that I structure my training and learning around. In this incredible world with access to so many teachers and trainers, these are the principles that guide me and help me filter the tools and teaching I will keep and use and those that I won't.
My Approach to Horsemanship
At the heart of my work lies a simple truth: horsemanship is not about techniques, but a philosophy that guides every interaction with these magnificent beings. It's never about what we do, but rather why and how we do it.
I believe true horsemanship creates partnerships based on mutual Trust, Confidence, and Respect. This journey requires full participation from both the equine and human, where our equine partners willingly join us in achieving goals together rather than merely submitting to our wishes.
My Promise to Every Equine
In my work with horses and mules, I make these sacred commitments:
I promise to never knowingly cause physical, mental, or emotional pain to my equine partners. I commit to continuous learning about the why and how behind every request I make. I pledge to truly listen to my horses, understanding that their behavior is their clearest form of communication.
With patience and developing skill, I seek responses based on understanding and willingness, never through force or intimidation. I reject competition with others, choosing instead to focus solely on the unique journey I share with each mule and horse. I do enjoy and seek opportunities to demonstrate and test my partnerships at events. I stand ready to support all who share this philosophy, staying true to these principles for the benefit of all equines and their human partners everywhere.
The Seven Core Principles of My Approach
These principles guide everything I do with horses and mules, creating the foundation for our partnership:
- Be a partner and an empathetic leader - Leadership through connection, not dominance
- Become a master of body language - Understanding the subtle language equines speak naturally
- Be playful - Finding joy in our work together creates willing partners
- Be curious - The antidote to fear -Â Approaching each horse and mule as a unique individual and each situation as an opportunity with something to teach us
- Be clear - Providing consistent, understandable communication
- Be focused - Bringing full presence and intention to every interaction
- Be a student of lightness - Always seeking the softest, most refined communication possible
This approach draws inspiration from classical masters while remaining deeply rooted in the horse's natural way of being. Through understanding the six basics and ten foundational exercises of Cohesive Horsemanship, we create horses who participate fully in our partnership - confident, balanced, and willing.
My goal isn't compliance, but true connection... where horse and human move as one, constantly communicating, creating harmony through mutual understanding rather than control.
