Anne Van Dyke SKE-CP

San Antonio, TX

Her love for horses began in childhood, often spending nights under the covers reading classics like The Black Stallion with only a flashlight for company.

Over the last 70 years she has trained horses across various disciplines including reining, driving, and liberty, to name a few, with a special passion for liberty, tricks, and obstacles, and more recently, positive reinforcement (R+).

Anne was first introduced to R+ about 7-8 years ago. Initially, her early mentors provided a foundational understanding, but it was through Shawna and Jessie that Anne truly expanded her knowledge. Currently, her herd includes two buckskin geldings and a mini Hinney. Anne enrolled in the certification program to deepen her expertise in R+ and continue evolving in her training methods.

Chelsea Schmitt SKE-CP

Altona, NY

Chelsea Schmitt grew up in Ocala, Florida, where her early years were shaped by her involvement in US Pony Club, and working at a variety of barns across disciplines. She developed an early passion for cross country jumping, which naturally led to an interest in Eventing, though major competition was never her primary focus.

Recent years have seen her delve deep into behavioral science, understanding nervous system regulation, holistic management, nutrition, herbalism, and eco-therapy, all of which has elevated her horsemanship to a whole new level.

She now lives in northern New York, just outside of the Adirondacks, with her partner & menagerie of beloved animals. She is passionate about living in harmony with nature, and she has come to believe horses are particularly excellent facilitators of congruency. She aims to share her knowledge and help others implement positive reinforcement training while deepening their connection to all living beings. She particularly enjoys helping young or nervous horses to feel genuinely safe and confident navigating our human-centric world. 

Claire Robertson SKE-CP

Burnet, TX

Claire Robertson is a certified professional dog trainer, who started out with a horsey obsession. She left the traditional horse world due to its treatment of horses and humans alike, and is thrilled to be returning to her first love in a positive, compassionate way.

She is currently focused on using equine positive reinforcement to enhance human-equine relationships, with a focus on ensuring consent between species, as she believes trust is the key foundation component to any healthy dynamic. She hopes in the future to get back in the saddle, and to help horses and people alike find the partnership they’ve always dreamed of.

Claire is located in Central Texas, in the beautiful Hill Country. She offers in person lessons and online consultation. 

Coral Duvall SKE-CP

Forest Grove, OR

Coral Duvall SKE-CP, owner of Body.Mind.Equine. LLC, is an equine advocate and relationship coach for horses and their humans, residing in Forest Grove,OR USA. Coral holds a bachelor of science degree in animal science and biotechnology from Montana State University.

She began her learning journey with horses as a youth in Montana and the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, and has continued her horse journey anywhere she goes. Her lifelong love of horses and science and her natural ability to educate fuels her desire to continue seeking practices that are safe, empowering, and effective for horse-human partnership.

Coral is inspired most by helping horses and their humans balance safety, athleticism, and peaceful communication. She combines her training in human and equine biomechanics, classical dressage, and behavioral science to coach successful horse-human partnerships using R+ and LIMA training approaches. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and her two Golden Retriever dogs when she’s not at the barn. Follow on Facebook @Coral Autumn Duvall.

Destiny Miller SKE-CP

Oak Harbor, WA

Destiny Miller works thoughtfully with the horses others often call “too much” - the bolters, the biters, the shut-down souls carrying old stories in their bodies. Where traditional methods rely on suppression, Destiny uses positive reinforcement to shift their emotional experience, helping them feel safe enough to learn, think, and engage again.

But Destiny’s work doesn’t stop there! She’s equally passionate about starting young horses and developing performance partners in a way that protects their bodies, minds, and long-term soundness.

A USDF Bronze Medalist and former equine sports-medicine veterinary assistant, Destiny’s background in hunter/jumper, eventing, and dressage gives her a deep understanding of the pressures horses often face in traditional systems. She helps owners navigate that full picture too, so progress unfolds with clarity, compassion, and long-term stability.

Whether you’re bringing along a promising young athlete or supporting a horse who’s been misunderstood for far too long, Destiny meets each partnership where it is and builds through clarity, comfort, and connection.

Destiny is based in Oak Harbor, WA, and offers both in-person training and virtual consulting for owners seeking clear, compassionate solutions for their horses.

GO TO MY WEBSITE HERE

Jacqueline Billington SKE-CP

Somerset, England.  

Horses have been a lifelong passion for Jacquie and she is an Academic Art of Riding by Bent Branderup Squire who uses Positive Reinforcement to train classical dressage movements ethically, with close attention to correct biomechanics for the benefit of the horses’ minds and bodies. 

She is an SKU Certified Professional with Shawna Karrasch Equine which requires a demonstrable understanding of both theoretical and the practical side of R+ training and equine behaviour skills. 

Jacquie has studied Anatomy and Physiology, (distinction) and Equine Behavioural Science (distinction) at TOCES, Suffolk UK.

She uses positive reinforcement because she recognises how the emotions affect behaviours, and the importance of educating horses using an unconfrontational, sympathetic and kind approach. 

She has completed Sue Dysons’ course to identify signs of ridden horse pain. Jacquie is a full member of International Equine Professionals and adheres to LIMA/LEIBI principles.  She has completed the Trauma Informed Horse Trainer course with Emma Lethbridge within Understand Horses.

Jacquie believes that being trained to use The Equine Touch (L3) has been very helpful for finger-tip checkups, but she recognises that it is important to collaborate closely with Vets, Farriers, Equine Osteopaths and Equine nutritionists and other equine health professionals to gain the fullest picture possible. 

Spending time well with horses is a maxim Jacquie has adopted from Bent Branderup and the definition of this for her is developing a calm friendly and trusting horse/human relationship as a priority over all other goals. 

Her approach aims to unite the physical and mental wellbeing for the horse as she strongly believes that training any movement at the expense of physical or mental well-being is just not ok. It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it that really matters. Training must never become mechanical as good training is all about artistry with skilled craftsmanship at the root, but always must be supported by a background of well researched science.

Jacquie thinks that both horse and human must enjoy their training time together.

Jacquie has a BA Hons Degree in Illustration and Graphic Design and is an accomplished Equestrian Sculptor.

WEBSITE

Kristine Brickey SKE-CP

Mason, MI

Katie Leonard SKE-CP

Brownsville, WA

Hello from the Willamette Valley region of Oregon in the great PNW!  My name is Katie Leonard, and I am a backyard horse enthusiast with a passion to help horses and humans connect and excel with positive reinforcement.

Liz Snoblen SKE-CP

Maggie Stack SKE-CP

Cedarville, OH

I am a veterinarian residing in southwest Ohio. For the past two decades, I worked extensively in shelter medicine and surgery, frequently consulting on a wide range of humane cases involving both companion animals and farm animals. With a lifelong passion for animal training and behavior analysis, I now devote my time to equine behavior and training using positive reinforcement.

My journey into R+ began with a particularly traumatized and dangerous horse, which led me to seek alternatives to traditional training methods. After consulting with a veterinary behaviorist, I joined the SKE Community to learn the nuances of positive reinforcement training with horses. The transformation was remarkable. The horse thrived with R+, becoming more willing,engaged, and significantly safer to work with. Training became enjoyable for both of us. This experience reinforced my commitment to training that prioritizes listening to the horse and engaging in a true conversation—one that recognizes choice and supports emotional well-being. 

Completing the SKE Certified Professionals program has been a tremendous educational experience. I have had the opportunity to work with horses of many different backgrounds and abilities while benefiting from a community that offers deep knowledge, thoughtful perspective, and genuine support. It is an inspiring team - one that stimulates curiosity, encourages growth, and helps uncover answers to even the most challenging questions. I work with horse owners to better understand their horses’ behavior and to create safe, trusting,and rewarding partnerships. By enriching the horse’s environment, supporting physical and emotional health, and applying SKE fundamentals, we can maximize the horse’s potential as a willing partner and create a more supportive and enjoyable life alongside humans.

I may be reached at [email protected]

Maura Hanrahan SKE-CP

Park City, UT

Maura Hanrahan is a Certified Professional through Shawna Karrasch Equine. She is a Positive Reinforcement horse trainer who trained directly under Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas, renowned for their unique abilities and expertise in the Positive Reinforcement world.

Maura grew up showing hunter/jumper in Maryland, then relocated to Utah about 30 years ago where she had a short stint with eventing and then many years with Natural Horsemanship training. She found Positive Reinforcement a couple of years ago and realized this is the missing link to a far deeper, safer and productive relationship with horses, along with being a much more effective training method for horses with common problems that we all see.

Maura is interested in working with equine therapy and rescue programs as well as individual horse owners to bring out the best in horses who may have had challenging pasts, helping them to truly enjoy themselves and their world while bonding with their humans and being wonderful partners.

Maura can be reached at [email protected]

Marissa Roybal SKE-CP

Castle Rock, WA

Hi, I'm Marissa and I'm thrilled to be a member of the SKE team! After years of being the odd one out I am so very grateful to be collaborating with a group that prioritizes evidence based education with kindness and patience.

My work focuses on utilizing the power of positive reinforcement to help humans and horses find the joy in training while also making progress toward their goals. Thanks to a deep history and thorough understanding of gentle, emotionally attuned negative reinforcement training I have found success in helping bridge the gap for those wanting to transition between training styles or just experiment with something new. I believe that positive reinforcement is an invaluable tool that everyone can benefit from to build new skills, solve problems, and improve performance with their equine partners. 

Further spreading knowledge of equine welfare and ethical training practices throughout local communities is my primary pursuit. I currently offer lessons on my own farm as well as traveling to teach throughout southwest Washington state. One of the coolest parts of the lesson program involves our partnership with a local rescue. We get to help provide horses in need with necessary training (and good old TLC!) to prepare them for adoption and improve their quality of life. I'm also very proud of our growing "Tweens & Teens" program which offers a safe place for young people to connect with horses in a deeper way and plant seeds for a future generation of compassionate horse trainers and owners. 

Phone: (360) 305-8139 

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Marissa-Roybal-Horsemanship/61551208961464/

Marlow Morrison SKE-CP

Santa Fe, NM

I am here to be the change I want to see in the equine industry —supporting equestrian professionals, dedicated owners, and anyone ready to deepen their understanding of positive reinforcement with horses. I focus on creating training environments that prioritize safety, agency, curiosity, and connection through the communication that clicker training fosters, exploring different possibilities for horses and humans to thrive together.

I have 20+ years of experience in FEl-level Eventing and "A" show Hunter/Jumper programs, rehabilitation centers, equine management roles, and pleasure driving-experiences that shaped my standards and values. While I was trained through traditional programs, my work now integrates those foundations with a Whole Horse approach grounded in positive reinforcement and clicker training. I'm especially passionate about supporting crossover horses, identifying and overcoming triggers, and developing functional, correct biomechanics while applying targeted environmental enrichment strategies to build resilience and relaxation-whether advancing performance goals or simply enjoying meaningful, connected work together.

My continued education is ongoing and includes certifications in TAGteach Level 1, Carriage Association of America Level 1, and the Shawna Karrasch Equine Professional Program, supporting the standards and values I strive to bring to our community. It's a pleasure to be here.

www.wholehorseforward.com

Murphy Meisenheimer SKE-CP

Lawrence, MI

Murphy has spent the past several years immersed in science backed positive reinforcement training emerging with far more than a professional certification. She brings an eye for detail, a talent for shaping behavior with clarity, and a grounded kindness balanced by a “you don’t know if you don’t try” mindset. Her core belief is that slow, well-supported expectations using positive reinforcement creates the best outcomes for both horse and human. 

She specializes in helping horses learn through thoughtful communication, creative approximations, and dopamine-friendly clarity. Whether coaching owners through small but meaningful wins or building solid behavioral foundations from the ground up and into the saddle, Murphy offers a calm presence, a curious mind, and a steady belief that progress happens when time and understanding are part of the plan. 

She lives in Michigan with her husband, their children, five horses, and an unreasonable number of chickens.

www.horsesmadeready.com

Robin Bisha SKE-CP

Kingsbury, TX

I work primarily with donkeys, mules, and mini horses. My particular interest is helping people train reluctant or untrusting donkeys and mules to accept hoof care. My rescue donkeys, mule, and mini have given me a broad education in all the elements we need to consider in training for hoof care. I also enjoy training for other husbandry tasks, tricks, obstacles, beginning agility and scentwork.

SKE training offers a systematic foundation that I combine with my long experience teaching college students to support beginning trainers and seasoned trainers who are new to R+ techniques. My day-to-day experience caring for and training three donkeys, a mini horse, and a 14 hands mule who live in 24-7 turnout with access to a track paddock informs my understanding of species-specific behavior as well as dynamics of a mixed herd. Research on training and equine behavior complements this lived experience.

My introduction to R+ began with dogs and continued with learning in the zoo environment. Shawna’s decades of devotion to expanding her work in the zoo environment to enhance the wellbeing of horses working in all equestrian disciplines attracted me to her work. The SKE foundations fit well with my knowledge gleaned from study with other leading R+ trainers.

I also bring knowledge of TTouch (certified for small animals) and equine bodywork, including myofascial release (certification in progress) to my work with all equine species. These techniques help develop proprioception that is vital for focus and balanced movement in equids of all sizes.

I will be offering training retreats at my property, individual and group coaching by voice and video, and in-person training with donkeys, mules, and horses (and zebras, too!) in South Central Texas.

LearningWithLongears.com 

[email protected]

Sarita Tevethia SKE-CP

Lancaster, PA

Sarita Tevethia brings a lifetime of horse training experience combined with a deep understanding of human psychology to her work with both horses and riders. Having grown up immersed in horsemanship, Sarita has developed a thoughtful, intuitive approach grounded in decades of hands-on experience.

For more than 20 years, she has been committed to Positive Reinforcement training, integrating science-based methods that prioritize clarity, trust, and partnership. Her approach reflects a strong belief that both horses and humans learn best in environments built on consistency, communication, and mutual respect.Sarita is also an accomplished endurance rider, earning Top Ten National placement during her competitive career. Her success in the endurance world reflects her dedication to equine health, mental resilience, and horse-centered training practices. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and has spent many years working in the mental health profession.

This background uniquely informs her horsemanship, allowing her to support riders in developing confidence, emotional awareness, and effective communication—both in and out of the saddle. Sarita’s work bridges the science of behavior, the art of horsemanship, and the psychology of human performance,creating a holistic and compassionate approach to training and partnership.

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