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Not a lot of horse trainers start out as zookeepers, but that’s where my story begins…

I have a degree in Animal Science and worked with wildlife in Africa and big cats in the United States as a trainer and veterinary technician.

I utilized only positive reinforcement training and as a lifelong equestrian, I started to wonder why this method wasn’t being used in the horse world. I started experimenting with R+ training at home with my own horses and saw the impact right away!

Fast forward a few years

…and I decided to leave my career as an animal trainer at a big city zoo to help other horse owners learn the power of positive reinforcement to improve their relationship with their horses and achieve their training goals.

I help everyday horse owners achieve a collaborative and joyful relationship with their horse using the science of positive reinforcement training.

I offer professional support to teach you how to train your own horses with:

1:1 sessions (virtual only)

Introductory self-paced online course

Online membership community

>>> Still not sure where to begin? No sweat!

CLICK HERE to schedule a complimentary 1:1 chat to help decide what services are the best fit for you.

Certified in Behavior Science: LLA Professional Graduate

I am proud to be certified through the Living and Learning with Animals (LLA) Professional course, an intensive, science-based program in applied behavior analysis (ABA) taught by Dr. Susan Friedman. This comprehensive 8-week certification provided me with a strong foundation in the principles of behavior science, ensuring that my training practices are both effective and ethical across species.

What My Certification Means for You and Your Horse:

  • Scientifically Grounded Methods: My approach is based on decades of behavior analysis research, emphasizing positive reinforcement and the least intrusive, most effective training strategies.

  • A Systematic Approach: I use the ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) model to assess behavior and environmental conditions, allowing me to develop clear, step-by-step plans for lasting behavior change.

  • Ethical Commitment: I adhere to a procedural hierarchy focused on empowering the learner while avoiding unnecessary stress or coercion in the training process.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education:
Completing the LLA Professional course is just one part of my ongoing commitment to professional growth. I've dedicated hundreds of hours to expanding my expertise, including:

  • Taking advanced courses in positive reinforcement and learning theory.

  • Reading scientific literature and leading books in the field of behavior science.

  • Listening to podcasts, watching expert-led seminars, and staying current with the latest research.

  • Working with mentors and behavior experts for guidance and collaboration when facing complex cases.

Why This Matters:
My education ensures that I bring the most up-to-date, effective, and humane strategies to every training session. Whether you're working on foundational behaviors, cooperative care, or complex training challenges, my methods prioritize clarity, consent, and positive reinforcement every step of the way.

If you're ready to create a compassionate, collaborative partnership with your horse, you're in the right place. Let’s work together!

"Abigail’s innate training instincts are amazing.

Her gentle patience and exquisite timing enable her to build trust quickly and allow for clear communication to the animal that helps the whole process move forward smoothly and efficiently for all involved. She is hard working and relentless in her pursuit of improving the lives of animals and their people everywhere."

— Anna Cheney