Welcome…

After many years of moving and traveling, meeting horses and horse people all over the world, I thought the best place to set up a "training center" would be on the internet.

So, welcome to Wexford Farm! Please have a look around and make yourself at home.

Please allow me to introduce myself…

My name is Kirsten Nelsen and Wexford Training is my business. Why Wexford? Mostly because I wanted a business name that was not just me! As Kirsten Nelsen, the business, it would seem to convey that these are my discoveries and inventions. They are not. As a teacher, I am simply passing along what I have been able to glean from brilliant teachers and horsemen as an obsessive student. Although teaching is an intensely personal process, the art of horsemanship is universal. We all share the same basic human body riding the same basic equine body. And finding what is in common among riders of all disciplines and horses of all breeds is the essence of foundation training. I consider myself to be an old-fashioned trainer, rooted in solid horsemanship fundamentals that have stood the test of time. This type of work with horses is not my invention, but my fortune to have learned and be able to share with others.

It has been only great luck that put me in the path of such horsemen as John Strong, Buck Brannaman, Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance, Deb Cooper, Pat Parelli, Linda Parelli and Ronnie Willis. All of whom introduced me to what is now called Natural Horsemanship. From them I learned a great deal about solving problems and understanding a horse's emotional nature as well as how horse's think.

Having coaches such as Carol Brett and Terry Wright who previously studied under Robert Hall, a direct student of Alois Podhajsky, helped me understand the purity of classical dressage and the physical aspects of great movement. Lesley Ann Taylor, who is brilliant at using her body effectively, helped me understand just how much our bodies do influence a horse's movement. Gavin Scofield, D.O. explained the science and mechanics behind beautiful balanced movement in horses and humans while his wife Annabelle helped me become a much more positive rider. While I won't be able to thank each person who has influenced my development because there are way too many, these are the people who have helped me the most along the way.

What I teach today is an interesting blend of what we might modernly call a combination of "Natural Horsemanship" and "Classical" riding. However, it is just so old fashioned, so forgotten, and so elemental that it appears cutting edge. 

The philosophy of Wexford Training…

I believe my responsibility is to pass along accurate, timeless information to those that are interested for the well being of the horses. By looking at a horse as an individual and not just as a possession, you will begin an amazing journey with success as a byproduct. 

My aim is to help both horses and riders develop balance, whether that means emotionally, mentally or physically. The process is especially important when you plan to arrive at results without sacrificing the spirit of the individual. This means that the horse is safe, dependable, flexible, mentally agile and moving in bio-mechanically correct balance. The human can learn how to understand and re-direct behavioral issues, develop balance and mobility in the saddle and hone those intangible skills of feel, timing and leadership.  

As every good coach will tell you, good fundamentals are everything. I quote from Dan Millman, "What is often called 'talent' can be developed simply and methodically by improving the basics that all athletic endeavors require - relaxation, mental focus, strength, suppleness, stamina, coordination, balance, rhythm, timing and quick reflexes." This goes for both the horse and the human!

Thank you for visiting Wexford Farm!!

Kirsten