Why introducing my trainer?

Very often, the greatest value of a having your physio visiting lies in creating awareness of the suboptimal development in the horse. It’s not nice to hear that your training doesn’t effected what you intended, and that you could or should do better. But: After all, knowing is acting, right?

Performance, fun, and learning for the horse is built on a solid foundation, athletic posture, and body awareness of both, horse (!) and rider. But performance and progress is not achieved by treatment—it requires training. Correct training. All that is so easy said, the ‘doing’ part is another ballgame. Can we find equestrian trainer out there? Many. Very many. Can we find great trainer out there? Are there as well. Not that many. Extraordinaire trainer? If you find them, lock them in your stable and never let them out again!

Motivated by the extraordinary learning experience, I decided to write a piece about Ton, my trainer.

The Training Journey with Ton

When I first reached out to Ton Duivenvoorden, I had no idea how profoundly my journey as a clinician and rider was about to change. Ton isn’t just any trainer—he’s a 5-time Dutch Working Equitation Champion and a true horseman. But titles alone don’t always equate to skill, as great riding does not result in being a great trainer.

After a few years of working together, my riding world transformed. Ton didn’t just train my horse; he trained us. He’s gives guidance on being a better horsewoman, one step at a time.

Finding Confidence

My journey with Ton began with a project horse that seriously challenged me. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was good enough, but giving up was never an option. The horse’s foundational training hadn’t set him up for success, leaving me struggling, scared, and questioning my abilities.

Previously, I’d already reached out to Vita Ramirez, an incredible horsewoman with expertise in in-hand work. Vita helped us build the first trust, setting us on a promising path. But since Vita is based in Germany, seeking her guidance every time I needed help wasn’t practical. That’s when I found Ton, my Dutch equivalent to Vita.

Ton’s Way: Empathy, Lightness, and Fun

Ton’s no-nonsense approach, combined with his deep understanding of horse psychology, took us to a new level. He emphasises empathy, lightness, and—most importantly—fun for horse and rider, and I assume for himself as well. Working with him feels like intellectual discovery, rather than physical training. His style aligns closely with what’s often called “academic dressage”—an intelligent, thoughtful, and nuanced approach to rider and horse education.

Take, for example, flying canter changes. I was always eager to master them “the right way” instead of stumbling into ‘Hunter Changes’. Ton’s philosophy was simple: don’t rush. Instead, we began by making the horse 100% comfortable in the foundational movements. We started by cantering through the short side of the arena, adding shoulder-out in the turn to establish balance. From there, we introduced traverse, building muscle memory, timing, and understanding. Then, almost like magic, the flying change appeared, smooth and natural.

No stress. Ever.

What I appreciate most about Ton’s training is his commitment to thinking before doing, and a stress-free approach. There are no repetitions of exercises we don’t fully understand, no frustration, and none of that “I’m not good enough” inner voice so many equestrians struggle with.

For me, an eventer and show jumper, who is overthinking everything, and tends to be ’too soft’ and ‘unclear’ as I’m not sure myself, there’s always been pressure to get things right, fast. And the fear to irritate my horse. Yet, with Ton, the emphasis is on feeling, not forcing. This shift has been transformative—not just for my horses but for me, my treatments, and probably myself, too. Every session with Ton feels like unraveling not only the physical challenges of riding but the mental knots that often go unnoticed.

Lessons from Extraordinary Trainers

Trainers like Vita and Ton don’t care about titles and disciplines you’d like to put them into. But if I had to describe their way and method, I’d say they’re not just improving riding skills; they’re truly teaching to “think horse.” Calling it Academic Dressage resonates at mine, as it describes an educated, thoughtful, valid approach on something practical. Practically, it results in that each little ‘done right’ feels like a shared reward for my horse and me. The best part? We’ve gained confidence, one relaxed, flying change at a time.

What “Extraordinary” Means

To me, an “extraordinary” trainer is someone who is not just extraordinary skilled, decorated, or popular. For me, ‘extraordinary’ genuinely values the mental and emotional welfare of both rider and horse. It’s not just lip service; it’s about making both parties feel what the right energy setting, understanding, and true collaboration should be.

Ton offers clinics and lessons in groundwork, double lunging, flat work, and working equitation. For those truly committed, he also takes on trainees, just as he did with me. If you’re interested in Ton’s work, reach out to him and Sandra, the Wonder Woman in the background. https://www.tonduivenvoorden.nl