Transform your training.

Empower your horse.

Change the game.

Connect with The Equine Catalyst

Whether you're striving for harmony in the saddle, seeking ethical and science-backed training solutions, or looking to fix persistent issues,

you're in the right place.

At The Equine Catalyst, we're building a learning hub of transformative online courses that blend the latest in equitation science with real-world experience.

These aren't cookie-cutter tutorials—they’re immersive, thought-provoking journeys that will change the way you train and ride.

Transform your training.

Empower your horse.

Change the game.

Connect with The Equine Catalyst

Whether you're striving for harmony in the saddle, seeking ethical and science-backed training solutions, or looking to fix persistent issues,

you're in the right place.

At The Equine Catalyst, we're building a learning hub of transformative online courses that blend the latest in equitation science with real-world experience.

These aren't cookie-cutter tutorials—they’re immersive, thought-provoking journeys that will change the way you train and ride.

“Great horsewomen and men aren’t born, they are trained.

And it all starts with understanding the horse -

from the brain to the biomechanics and beyond.”

— Jody Hartstone

Featured Course:

START STOP STEER

“I was a Grand Prix champion before I ever truly learned how to TURN. If I didn’t know, chances are, you haven’t been taught either.”

— Jody Hartstone

Does your horse feel like they’re steering like a drunken ship? Not going forward? Shying off your line? Kicking out at the leg—or shutting down completely?

These aren’t disobedience problems. They’re communication problems. And almost all of them trace

back to unclear or missing basic responses —especially the TURN signal.

This course is your step-by-step blueprint for teaching young, green, or retraining horses

the essential ingredients of riding:

✅ Start. ✅ Stop. ✅ Steer.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

The biomechanics of a correct turn (and why most riders get it wrong)
How to teach TURN from halt, walk, trot, and beyond—on the ground and under saddle
Why reins matter—and how to use them with clarity and purpose
How to fix common issues like napping, falling in, dullness, or crookedness— without overusing your legs
The surprising link between TURN and your horse’s emotional regulation

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

10+ clear, progressive training exercises
Video lessons with real horses and real training
Downloadable PDFs and guides
Optional coaching upgrade for personal feedback

This course is ideal for:

* Riders who feel stuck or frustrated with Horses who are tense, resistant, or inconsistent

* Coaches who want to teach better, more ethical riding

* Curious equestrians ready to do things differently

STOP START STEER is launching soon. Be the first to know when doors open—and get access to special bonuses only for early subscribers.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST

New for 2026: Two Powerful 10-Week Learning Journeys

We're excited to introduce two in-depth courses designed to expand your knowledge, challenge your thinking, and connect you with a like-minded community of horse lovers and professionals. Both courses run over 10 weeks, with one live session per week, including

interactive group discussions, Q&A, and downloadable resources to support your learning.

Whether you're a dedicated dressage rider or an equine professional seeking CPD hours,

these courses will take you on a meaningful, eye-opening journey.

Equine CPD – Continued Professional Development for Coaches & Trainers

Dressage Done Differently – Ethical, evidence-based training for modern dressage riders

Each course is a chance to dive deep, ask questions, and explore new ways of working with horses—rooted in science, compassion, and clarity.

Dressage Done Differently

modern dressage, redefined—with ethics and evidence at its core.

COMING SOON!!!

You don’t need harsh gadgets or stronger aids. You need better information.

Dressage Done Differently is for riders who want to build calmness, softness, and self-carriage—without compromising the horse’s welfare or their own values. You’ll explore the biomechanics of correct movement, the science behind the aids, and a shaping scale to systematically build the responses you need in the arena

Inside, you'll find:

Step-by-step shaping of stop, go, turn, and yield

The half halt demystified

The real meaning of contact, straightness, and rhythm

How to recognize and fix tension through correct training, not force

A roadmap to ethical dressage—whether you're competing or just training for joy

Ideal for amateur riders looking to embrace a more scientific,

horse-centered approach to dressage.

Equine CPD: Continued Professional Development for Coaches & Trainers

challenge the norm - embrace the science - redefine good training.

COMING SOON!!!

Equine professionals are under more scrutiny than ever—and it’s not a bad thing. This course is your go-to CPD resource to stay current with the latest science, meet growing welfare expectations, and sharpen your coaching edge.

In Equine CPD you’ll dive into:

The ISES 10 First Principles of Horse Training

Learning theory made practical for coaching

Behavior modification for common training issues

Ethical use of equipment and aids

Understanding the horse’s emotional and cognitive abilities

Perfect for riding instructors, equestrian coaches, and trainers wanting to align with modern, welfare-conscious practices. Includes certificate-based completion for professional development requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these courses suitable for beginners?

Our courses are designed for riders and coaches who already have some experience and are ready to deepen their understanding. You don’t need to be a professional or have fancy gear—but a basic level of riding or training knowledge will help you get the most from the content. If you’re unsure, feel free to book a free discovery call to see which course fits you best.

How is the TURN course different from other ridden or groundwork programs??

TURN: THE SCIENCE OF STEERING goes far beyond basic steering. This course is grounded in Equitation Science and teaches the biomechanics and learning principles behind true straightness, calmness, and control. You’ll learn not just what to do with the reins—but why, when, and how—to produce consistent, ethical results.

What’s the difference between Dressage Done Differently and traditional dressage training??

Dressage Done Differently teaches both classical and traditional dressage principles through the lens of learning theory and equine neuroscience. Instead of relying on strength, gadgets, or guesswork, you’ll learn how to train each response systematically—with compassion, science, and structure. It's perfect for riders who love dressage but want to train in a way that truly puts the horse first.

Is the Equine CPD course only for coaches?

While Equine CPD is tailored to meet the needs of instructors, trainers, and professionals needing formal CPD hours, passionate horse owners and advanced riders will also benefit. If you’re curious about learning theory, ethical training, and the science of how horses learn and behave, you’ll fit right in.

Do I need to attend live sessions, or can I watch recordings?

All group sessions in our 10-week courses (Dressage Done Differently and Equine CPD) are recorded and made available to participants. We encourage you to attend live for the group discussion aspect—but if you can’t make it every week, you won’t miss out.

Can I get feedback on my riding or training??

Yes! The TURN course includes an optional upgrade for video feedback on your own training. For Dressage Done Differently and Equine CPD, while we don’t offer individual feedback in the base program, there will be Q&A opportunities in the live sessions. If you’d like more tailored support, our mentorship program is the perfect add-on.

Are there any prerequisites?

No formal prerequisites! These courses are designed to be accessible and thought-provoking. If you're curious, open to new ideas, and ready to learn in a structured way, you'll do just fine.

Do the courses come with a certificate of completion?

Yes. Both Equine CPD and Dressage Done Differently offer certificates for participants who complete the course. The Equine CPD course is especially useful for meeting professional development requirements.

“I can’t wait to share the knowledge I’ve gained from over 20 years of studying Equitation Science—insights that completely transformed me from just another rider and trainer into someone who truly understands how horses think, learn, and feel. This information didn’t just change my approach. It changed my life—and it can change yours too.”

—

Jody Hartstone, The Equine Catalyst

Equine Catalyst: Empowering you with the knowledge and skills to create a brighter future for your horses. Where sport, ethics, and science converge.