ABOUT US

Katja employs science-based training principles supported by peer-reviewed and published research to compliment the Classical training she has studied for many years to develop a very kind and thoughtful approach to educating horses and their handlers. She is constantly refining her skills and evolving as a trainer through continuing education, and firmly believes that nobody is ever finished learning.

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The list of highly respected professionals that Katja has trained under is long. Since the age of 14, she has been a working student at some of Germany’s most prestigious sport horse farms such as Gestuet Nehmten and Rantzau and has taken lessons from a number of renowned international Dressage masters including the late Karl Mikolka. The Classical training of the Spanish Riding School really resonates with Katja because of its gentleness and heavy use of positive reinforcement. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Equine Science and is a member of IAABC in addition to being the Equine Behavior Tech for Veterinary Behavior Consultants of Alabama. 

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Recently, it has become more and more common for people to refer to Katja as the “clicker trainer.” While she does use a clicker (or a whistle, or verbal marker) as a training tool, saying that what she does is “clicker training” greatly oversimplifies the work she does. It is an important tool, for sure, but it doesn’t give the whole picture by a long shot and tends to make people pigeon-hole her training method. Again, it is a tool, not an end in itself. Katja is working hard to educate the equine community on how this can be a valuable component in a well-rounded training program.

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Behavior modification and establishing a solid foundation for training are special areas of interest for Katja. She has helped rehabilitate abused horses and donkeys, tamed and trained BLM Mustangs and put a correct start on young horses. The training method she uses is heavily based on positive reinforcement and is proven effective on all levels of training from completely untrained to Olympic level athletes. It is equally effective both on the ground and in under-saddle work. It is used for husbandry behaviors such as cooperating for the veterinarian and farrier, and more specialized counter-conditioning such as curing a severely needle-phobic horse. The applications are endless!

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Katja adheres to a strict code of ethics and takes her responsibility of helping and protecting you and your horse very seriously.