Tracey McCleave

Born and raised in a family with two Grand Prix Jumpers, my parents started my journey in the world of equine. I am 41 years old with 34 years jumping experience.  I started competing in jumping at the age of eight years old, coached and trained under many talented coaches.  I have successfully competed 3’9”.

Having studied behavioral psychology in college and ten years experience working, training and schooling horses it gave me one of the most solid foundations towards my journey as a natural horsemanship horse trainer\coach.

By applying the principles of a behavioral science this has allowed me to raise my level of horse training consciousness in this life-long and rewarding journey. Understanding the human's and horses 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 Natural Horsemanship (NH) trainers out there over many years, I found myself studying under Frank Bell using his Seven Step Safety System.  I am currently an Official Accredited Instructor under Mr. Bell.  It 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 prior to expecting anything from the horse until the horse is ready to give back naturally, comfortably, progressively, and even eagerly. My methods involve neither force nor other traditional brutal tactics, but instead, focus 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. It 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.

BEHAVIORAL TRAINING

I work with behavioral issues such as spooking and shying, aggressiveness and nervousness, jigging and prancing, mounting problems, pull back, hard to bit, herd bound\barn sour, proper foot handling, ears\clipping\bathing\spraying, difficult to saddle, proper leading, trailer loading, locating and treating pain, proper saddling and a whole lot more.

COACHING\INSTRUCTOR

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced English rider\jumper with a green horse or seasoned one, my priority is placed on you and your goals for development, growth and success for both you and your horse.

My current standing in the equine community includes, Internationally Certified Instructor with Frank Bell, Capri Commercial Instructors Insurance, Member of Horse Council BC, Vice President of the Boundary Horse Association and President \Executive Director of the newly formed North American Equine Rescue, R.E.I.N.S