Sylvia Scott                                             

 Having majored in "Developmental Psychology" in college and becoming a certified counselor, gave me one of the most solid foundations for my earlier career as a writer (for many national, well-known publications), a counselor, a mother to three wonderful children, and as a natural horsemanship horse trainer and founder of the Virginia Natural Horsemanship Training Center in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Knowing psychology intimately, and applying the principles of humanistic developmental psychology specifically, has always allowed me to raise my level of horse training consciousness in this life-long and rewarding journey. Understanding the human's and horse's vast capacity for growth, given the proper and nurturing approach, is probably the foundational concept I embrace the most, in training, and in life in general.

Studying, practicing and being influenced by so many leading Natural Horsemanship (NH) trainers out there for many years, linked with my psychology training and background, has helped me to work with horses using methods which involve giving to the horse, not just taking; compassion and empathy, rather than misunderstanding and frustration; and infinite patience rather than futile impatience. I use the principles of NH as an integral part of training.

I use techniques for deeper bonding before even expecting anything from the horse until the horse is ready to give back naturally, comfortably, progressively, even eagerly. My methods involve no force nor other traditional brutal tactics, but instead, focuses on developing the foundation for trust, speaking in the natural language that all horses are born understanding. From there, the horse progresses in a natural, sequential manner which is designed to develop the horse's mind and heart healthily, "softening" and transforming the horse into a willing-to-please, happy partner. My program is also about: keeping riders the safest they've ever been on or around a horse, and the horse safe, as well. This approach to training is also greatly about: love, something all horses innately understand. It doesn't take a large amount of time to learn NH, just practice. Anyone can learn it!

Professionally, I serve as resident training expert for a number of equine organizations and publications and I am the founder of the Virginia Natural Horsemanship Training Center, I welcome folks to our warm, nurturing center, teaching horses and their owners the skills for mastering natural horsemanship, incorporating NH methods from many directions.

To view Sylvia Scott's Webpage, please go to: www.naturalhorsetraining.com