About Alicia

Alicia Mitchell first became interested in Natural Horsemanship at the age of 11 while playing “running games” with the families Arab Stallion Vesubio out in the paddock.

“It just seemed normal to me that horses liked to follow me around, little did I realise that I had perfect join -up with many of the horses I met. Ten years later i discoverd that you could learn more about the horses language through Monty Roberts so I completed his course with Kelly Marks in 1998 and went on to travel with Monty and the Join-Up Team during their World Tours of 2000 and 2001 in Europe and the USA."

    "My true guru’s have always been the horses, their presence, grace and ancient wisdom inspire me every time we meet. Like so many others they are my life and give drive and purpose to my work.
    I believe that they are hard wired to run as a herd. When they are allowed to do this basic act they become fit, strong and sound in hoof, mind and body. 
    Unfortunatley the majority of domesticated horses suffer the ill effects of a confined lifestyle and go unnoticed simply because the health problems are so common."

“When living in harmony with your horses the relationship gains a level of mutual respect. Out of this grows trust, subtlety, and calm response and a release from guilt. By understanding the horse as a wild animal first and foremost we set the scene to develop a balanced relationship on firm footing rather than compromise tilted in our favour.
As I see it a major effort needs to be made to incorporate natural horse management into mainstream horse keeping. Modern technology and materials mean that we can virtually inhabit any environment on earth. With a bit of creativity we can do the same for horses too."

    If horses were captured from the wild and kept as zoo animals in this modern age we would not, by law, be able to keep them as they are currently kept in domestication. You wouldn’t dream of shoeing a zebra or separating him from the herd with out expecting to cause the animal stress. The only difference with horses is that they are more tolerant and we are used to seeing them with their heads over a stable door. By starting with simple lifestyle changes based on the wild horse model we can toughen up our weakened stock and improve their overall health, their ability to deal with the elements, their hooves, and their hearts."

But this process involves challenging your comfort zones. The biggest hurdle the NHM movements faces isn't the horses or their ability to cope but it is in the minds of horse owners and the people surrounding them. Being unusual requires mental strength and that requires support. For this reason education and sound information is essential. I am here to help you help your horse!