Silke Hardeland

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Growing up in Germany, I was crazy about horses from a very young age. My room was plastered with horse photos of all breeds and colours, and I would read any horse-book I could get my hands on. At the age of 10 I was finally allowed to take regular riding lessons and from then on spent every minute possible in riding stables and around people who had horses. Never having the privilege of having my own horse, I was dreaming of the one horse who would do anything with me and for me - just thinking what I wanted and he would do it. Picturing a career with horses for the rest of my life came easy.

Reality was different. At least through my teenager years I always managed to be around horses (other people's) and to ride as often as I wanted. As long as I just went for trail rides, my lease horses were always happy and we agreed on most things. When it came to competition practice, I could not keep them engaged enough to do what I wanted with ease. It turned into more enforcement on my part and less relaxation. (If I just had known then !!) I wondered why this was, but was unable to solve this riddle. In my mid twenties I ended up spending less and less time with horses, as there just wasn't the time nor the funds to realise the dream of owning my own horse. So reluctantly I suppressed my passion and a career with horses.

Anyhow, as fate would have it ..... Australia became my new home. It was a surprise gift in October 2000 (a mare in foal !!!) that was to radically change the course of my life.

Needless to say, horses once again, became the focus of life. It was my farrier though who really captured my attention by introducing me to the “ 7 Games”. I was intrigued to say the least and eagerly read Pat's book 'Natural Horsemanship'. In 2002 I did not miss the opportunity to see Pat doing demos at EQUITANA in Brisbane. At the time my daughter Nyah and the “foal” Chou-Chou were both only 1 year old, and so I took all the time I needed to get us started. Finally in 2005 Chou-Chou and I attended our first Level 1 Clinic.

After completion of our Level 2, I knew that I wanted to share this fantastic feeling I had. I was achieving amazing things with my horse that I had previously thought to be impossible. Helping other horse owners to solve their problems with their horses and having fun while developing a mutual partnership became a goal in my mind I could not shake off..

Progressing to Level 3 in 2009, I was accepted to join the Parelli Instructor's program. From June to September 2010 I embarked on the Externship program at the Parelli Center in Colorado and earned my 1 Star rating as a Parelli Professional.

Presently I am living in Cairns in North Queensland, Australia with my 10 year old daughter Nyah and our 1.5 horses: Chou-Chou (10 year old Arab-Andalusian-Stockhorse) and Lacy (10 year old Welsh Mountain Pony).

What an incredible “ ride” it has been thus far - absolutely life-changing and all for the better. It is a great privilege to accompany students on their journey. Watching their relationship with their horses change, and their skills improve is very rewarding. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity to be a part of Pat's mission …. to make the world a better place for horses and humans.

Inquiries for Private or Group Lesson in your area, please phone 07-40393501 or email silk.hardeland@gmx.net