Autotelic Horsemanship
Coach Kristi
Happy Horse Happy Life
Instructor/Mentor
Autotelic Horsemanship
Autotelic Horsemanship is a way of working with horses where the process itself holds value for both horse and human. The goal is not a destination, a ribbon, or a finished behavior. The goal is the conversation.
In an autotelic partnership, the horse has reasons to participate beyond avoidance of pressure, and the human has reasons to stay curious beyond achieving an outcome. We are not rushing toward results. We are interested in how the horse feels, thinks, and responds as we move together. Difficulty is not a failure of the process. It is part of it.
This approach is built on the belief that trust is created when the horse’s experience matters as much as the human’s intention. Training goals are still present, but they are held lightly. They serve as a shared language rather than a demand. When a goal becomes more important than the quality of communication, harmony is lost.
Autotelic Horsemanship prioritizes emotional regulation, physical comfort, and clarity. It honors the horse as a thinking, feeling partner who deserves choice, context, and time. The human’s responsibility is to remain aware, adaptable, and honest, especially when things are challenging. When the process is respectful and mutually beneficial, progress becomes a natural byproduct rather than something forced.
This is horsemanship:
for those who are fascinated by the relationship itself;
for those who want their horse to want to participate;
for those who believe that a meaningful journey, shared willingly, is more valuable than any single result.
Ten Reasons You Want Coach Kristi on Your Team
1. Kristi grew up trail riding and loving horses because of the joy and balance they brought to her life. If you need a coach to help you bring more joy into your horsemanship, Kristi has been working on that one particular skill for over 30 years.
2. Kristi’s professional career has been rocky to say the least. She was once told in an interview to review her performance that she was likely not made of the stuff necessary to be successful in this industry. If you have ever been told you are not good enough, Kristi wants to tell you that you are more than enough! Horsemanship is a teachable skill!
3. Kristi is fascinated by how the brain works and has spent countless hours studying the psychology of learning for both horses and humans. Kristi wants to provide you with a strategic approach based on knowledge, research, and years of experience.
4. Kristi walks her talk. She does not believe in teaching any behavior that she herself has not accomplished in as many different contexts as possible. She always has a string of horses to keep her challenged and learning to be better.
5. Kristi is not afraid to ask for help. If you have a question that she does not have the answer for, Kristi will go looking for the answer with and for you.
6. If you need someone to hold you accountable versus supporting your excuses, Kristi is your coach. She has a caring, but also straight forward approach to supporting you and will not let you give up on your goals.
7. Kristi is motivated by your success. Kristi will feel your struggles with you and also jump for joy for your successes.
8. Kristi is accessible. She offers free email coaching to anyone who wants to ask her a question. coach@thecoachkristi.com.
9. Kristi is versatile in her teaching modalities. Kristi is available for in person teaching via 2 to 5 day clinics and camps as well as virtual coaching.
10. If you are searching for horsemanship advice then you and Kristi have something in common. You are both horse lovers. Kristi is also a horse lover lover. You, the horse lover, are a part of her dream to be happy and excellent with horses.
Coach Kristi Smith
I am a passionate horsemanship coach with well over 25 years experience learning, teaching and training horsemanship skills. I believe in the transformative power of the horse-human partnership and strive to help individuals find joy, growth and fulfillment in their horsemanship journey.
I have developed a deep understanding of the dynamics between horses and their human partners. My coaching approach focusing on fostering communication, trust and respect, enabling horse lovers to unlock their fullest potential and experience the satisfaction of achieving harmony with their equine counterparts.
I find immense satisfaction in guiding riders with all levels of experience. Whether you dream of mastering basic ground and riding skills or are aiming for excellence, I am here to provide guidance and support.
ABOUT THE TRAINING PROGRAM
Happy Horse Happy Life
Linda Parelli is considered the leading female expert on horse psychology based training and mindful riding, empowering her students to be better leaders, riders and communicators with her unique approach to teaching.
She’s developed a unique goals-oriented horse training program designed to dramatically improve your relationship with your horse, your skills as a rider and your own personal goals.
Coach Kristi’s Services
I am ready to help you no matter where you live.
Contact Coach Kristi Smith
to Schedule Your First Lesson
Are you ready to rapidly increase your riding skills and your relationship with your horse? If the answer is “YES!”, Certified Happy Horse Happy Life Instructor/Mentor Coach Kristi is the instructor for you. Simply call Coach Kristi at (319) 430-2149, email kristi@happyhorsehappylife.com or complete the short form below to get started!
