working with horses & riders
boldly. Bravely.
To say I was horse crazy as a child is probably an understatement. I basically learned how to read by getting my hands on every horse book I could find. I got my first horse when I was six.
Cheyanne was a sweet rescue who came with a lot of damage and problems. I didn’t know much about what I was doing but I had no doubt in my mind that we could do whatever we put our minds to. Most of what I did with her was through feel and what I could gather from books and videos. The work I do today is influenced by what I learned from just being with the horses growing up and soaking in the wisdom they have to offer. At the end of the day, it’s more about how we are with them over what we do together. I now have 28 years of experience riding horses of all breeds and specialize in colt starting, western riding disciplines, dressage, and equitation.
As I grew up, I wanted to deepen and grow my knowledge with horses. I wanted to find a training style that would help me reach my goals and maintain that bond. But, when I looked around at different training styles, they just didn’t resonate and left me feeling like something was missing. I was really drawn to the more natural horsemanship styles of training but the work I was learning wasn’t applying well to my horses and I couldn’t figure out why. This was how I met horse trainer and clinician, Josh Nichol. The horse I had at the time kept bucking me off, leaving me injured and frustrated but I was determined to figure out how to connect with this horse. When I went to my first clinic with Josh, I knew right away that this was what I was looking for. It was the missing piece I’d been trying to find for years! I was immediately hooked. I went to as many clinics as I possibly could! I even missed my graduation from university to go to a clinic. This style of horsemanship which is based on relationship and connection completely changed the way I worked with horses. It really opened up my eyes to what you could do with horses and the bond and connection that could be built! I started applying this to gymkhana events and barrel racing and this changed the way I began competing in the sport.
I mentored under Josh Nichol for 5 years. Through Josh’s tutelage I have developed an understanding of how to build a strong base in a horse’s training, cultivate leadership and relationship, free horses from mental and physical resistance, and the process necessary to achieve a developed and balanced horse. I have been lucky to ride with some very talented dressage riders as well, and have studied how to apply elements from the classical school of riding and equine biomechanics to western riding disciplines, dressage, and colt starting.
It is my desire for my horses to enjoy my presence just as much as I enjoy theirs. I want them to love being with me, not just when they’re going back to their pen. It’s important that they’re not just doing the work I want them to do, I want them to feel just as convicted and excited in the work as I am. When we work together, we work as a team. From day one it’s always been about having that bond with them.
I want my students to feel the belief in themselves that they can go after goals with their horses and feel inspired to work towards big dreams. My goal as a mentor is to lead my students not only through the good stuff, but also to guide them through the trenches of struggle and help them find their own resiliency and conviction to keep going. I want us all to have that fairytale gallop off into the sunset, whatever that looks like for each individual.
Maia Nunn
Assistant Trainer, Instructor and Social Media Manager
Maia has been around horses since she could walk. Growing up in the hunter jumper show ring, she has explored many aspects of the English and Western world, including eventing, dressage, vaulting, roman riding and most recently barrel racing! When Maia isn’t working with horses she can often be found working on her next novel or out in nature with her camera. Maia is the author of three self-published novels and brings her skills with words and photography to her work as a social media manager! Maia loves to share her knowledge and joy in horses with students at Riding From The Heart and continues to grow her expertise as an equestrian.
DO you have big goals?
ME TOO.
Robyn wandfluh has help me work to achive my goals and is continuing to help me and my horse work towards my goals. Robyn is a honest, respectful, helpful and above all a kind instructor and person. She goes out of her way to help me and my horse. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with her.”
- E. K.
“I would absolutely recommend Robyn and Riding From the Heart whether it be for lessons, or boarding. I have yet to meet a kinder, more knowledgeable person in the horse world. She focuses her lessons on fun and safety while combining her relational horsemanship techniques with individual rider goals.
She teaches riding for all ages and abilities and makes everyone feel comfortable and confident. She aims to improve both rider and horse together to create a sense of teamwork and trust. In the short time that we have been boarding with her, our gelding has never looked and felt better with her high level care and devotion. I cannot say enough good things about her!”
