Training horses and their riders to move better together
Daniel Johnson Horsemanship
Every aspect of my training philosophy is guided by a singular principle – Praus. This greek word is most easily translated as “meek” or “gentle,” but the depth of meaning is more fully expressed in the notion of strength under control. An intentional application of gentleness rather than the absence of power.
I want my riders to learn to gently guide their horse as they each learn to move together with balance in proper alignment rather than simply forcing the horse into frame. By forming a respectful attachment between rider and horse we establish a lifetime of both ease for the owner and good physical health and performance for the horse.
Contact daniel to get started
strength under control
The Praus Approach
My training method blends “feel-based” horsemanship with classical dressage principles. The emphasis on healthy biomechanics in classical dressage training develops your horse into a happy athlete you can ride and enjoy for many years. I add to this foundational goal what is known as a “feel-based” approach that prepares the horse to be used in real working environments. We train your horse to follow the guidance of his rider even under pressure and to become a problem solver in novel environments.
This combination approach yields health and performance immediately and for years to come.
Prioritizing Performance and Health
Horses are boarded and trained by Daniel at a facility in Baxter, TN (about 1 hour outside of Nashville.) In our daily training, we develop a balanced and calm horse that can be enjoyed in a variety of working situations.
A minimum 2-month commitment is required, however, the individual needs of each horse are considered and an extended stay may be recommended. Lessons for owners are included in this package and will be essential to the success of our training. All breeds are welcome. Please inquire for current rates.
Training Board
training board
Go to Individual Owner Lessons
Many of your horse's problem behaviors can be resolved quickly when you learn to properly guide the horse to self-carriage. Once you are able to teach your horse to carry you in balance the mind of the horse becomes calm and a whole new realm of ease and enjoyment becomes possible in your relationship with your horse.
Lessons take place at a facility in Baxter, TN, or at your farm. I travel to owners in Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, Mt. Juliet, Cookeville, and all over Middle, TN. Virtual consulting is available for owners nationwide.
Weekend intensives are also available for those wanting more concentrated education in a shorter period of time. Please inquire for current rates.
Individual owner lessons
Go to Training Board
individual owner lessons
I was born and raised in a small town in the hill country of Texas. I fell in love with horses at a young age and though my family could not afford a horse at the time, I quickly sought out jobs that gave me as much access to horses as I could manage. Before leaving for college I had already begun teaching riding lessons at a barn near my home.
I’ve had several career pursuits, all of which have helped me discern my calling in this life. Through every vocational endeavor, I have always been a teacher. For me, there is no greater joy than meeting someone where they are and speaking to who they could become. I live out my calling everyday in two primary vocations. First, as a horseman who helps owners deepen their connection with their horse in order to achieve their goals. Second, as a pre-licensed clinical mental health professional who helps all kinds of people learn how to make positive changes inside themselves which produce positive changes in the rest of their life. I have found that both of these vocations complement and enhance one another.
Working in clinical mental health has taught me how to listen and search for the root of a problem. Often what prevents us from achieving what we desire with our horses, is rooted in a lack of understanding of ourselves and the effect that we have on those around us (including the horse). It has been said that good horsemanship will make you better in every area of your life, and I have found this to be true.
horseman, teacher, & Partner
Daniel Johnson
The door to train horses for the public opened for me when I met my mentor Larry Whitesell. I have spent two years of intensive study with Larry at his farm in Baxter Tennessee about an hour outside of Nashville.
I may be the right teacher for you if you have discovered that good horsemanship is really a total way of being in the world, and that this way of being invites us to become the best version of ourselves. Your horse is waiting to experience the best version of you – lets start your journey together.
Offered with love,
Daniel
I was born and raised in a small town in the hill country of Texas. I fell in love with horses at a young age and though my family could not afford a horse at the time, I quickly sought out jobs that gave me as much access to horses as I could manage. Before leaving for college I had already begun teaching riding lessons at a barn near my home.
Since then, working in clinical mental health has taught me how to listen and search for the root of a problem. Often what prevents us from achieving what we desire with our horses, is rooted in a lack of understanding of ourselves and the effect that we have on those around us (including the horse). It has been said that good horsemanship will make you better in every area of your life, and I have found this to be true.
I may be the right teacher for you if you have discovered that good horsemanship is really a total way of being in the world, and that this way of being invites us to become the best version of ourselves. Your horse is waiting to experience the best version of you – lets start your journey together.
Offered with love,
Daniel
