What if horsemanship wasn’t about fixing behaviour —

…but about understanding where it comes from?

What if we stopped training over disconnection — and started creating safety first?

And what if you could learn to see your horse clearly — in their body, their nervous system, their environment…
and their soul?

Welcome to The Holistic Horsemanship Academy — a first-of-its-kind learning space where horsemanship becomes a healing practice.

What You'll Learn

Inside the Academy, we work with my Six Pillars of Soundness™ — a complete framework to understand your horse holistically:

  • Physical Soundness – movement, pain, body awareness

  • Mental Soundness – clarity, confidence, learning

  • Emotional Soundness – recognising stress, supporting regulation

  • Spiritual Soundness – joy, purpose, intuitive connection

  • Social Soundness – herd dynamics, attachment, co-regulation

  • Environmental Soundness – the spaces we inhabit and how they shape behaviour

Whether you’re riding or not, training or simply being —
these pillars shape every moment of your connection.

What’s Inside the Membership

Everything inside The Holistic Horsemanship Academy is designed to support you and your horse during everyday interactions as well as training sessions, so you can take what you've learned straight to them.

1. Foundations Course

Explore nervous system theory, polyvagal insights, and the Six Pillars in depth. This isn’t just theory — it’s transformation.

2. Video Library: Real-World Application

Groundwork. Regulation in action. Quick tips. Case studies. See the concepts come to life with real horses, in real moments.

3. Live Call Archive

Replay monthly calls, community sessions, and deep-dive Q&As with practical takeaways you can revisit anytime.

4. Private Member Community

A safe, nourishing space to connect with other heart-led horsepeople. Ask questions, share breakthroughs, and be truly seen.

5. Ongoing Monthly Additions

New video content, reflection prompts, and tools are added regularly to deepen your practice without overwhelm.

6. Exclusive Deep Dive Programmes

As a member, you get access to full signature programmes like Leaving Survival Mode – Finding Connection, only available inside the Academy. These go deeper, last longer, and offer real inner and outer change.

7. Monthly Live Calls

Come together with me and the community for monthly Zoom sessions where we explore core themes, answer your questions, and co-regulate together. Always recorded, always powerful.

8. Member Quirks (Because Your Journey Matters)

Inside the Holistic Horsemanship Academy, members receive thoughtful extras that honour where you are — and support where you’re going.

One of the most meaningful?
Deeply discounted 1:1 sessions.

Because some things need a more personal approach.
Whether you're feeling stuck, seeking clarity, craving emotional support, or wanting live guidance with your horse — these private sessions are here for you.

As a member, you can book 1:1 support for just 65€ (instead of the usual 111€).

These sessions can be just for you — to process, reflect, and find your next step — or they can be shared with your horse, in real-time, for practical insight, feedback, and regulation-based support during your time together.

Each one is grounded in nervous system awareness, connection, and deep listening.

Because sometimes what we most need is someone to say:
I hear you. I see you. I feel you.
And walk alongside you — gently, clearly, without pressure.

Your path is your own.
And we’re here to honour that.

Who This Is For

The Academy is for you if:

  • You sense there’s more to horsemanship than control

  • You want to understand your horse’s behaviour, not just manage it

  • You’re curious about nervous system science and want it made accessible

  • You long to feel safe, grounded, and connected — in your body and with your horse

  • You want to try a more holistic training approach with your horse, knowing that this will give you the results you're looking for

  • You’re ready to honour your horse as a whole being, not just a training project

Whether you're experienced or just starting, riding or not riding — you're welcome here.

What Members Are Saying

Alysen & Sophie

The session I had with Steffi was eye-opening! She picked up on so many subtle nuances in my mare’s behaviour that I was missing. I’m grateful for this new awareness! I now feel equipped to notice these signals before they escalate and potentially manifest into other behaviours. The session helped me reshape our training in a way that supports her nervous system for better and quicker regulation. Since practicing the exercises, I’ve noticed a huge shift in her ability to quickly return to a calm state during moments of stress. Steffi is kind and grounded; I felt comfortable, safe, and supported during our session, which also positively impacted my own nervous system in connection with my horse. She is an expert at the forefront of guiding humans into deeper connections with their horses, utilizing science and pioneering techniques focused on nervous system regulation for both humans and horses.

Steffi really helped me be more confident with what I was doing

Clare & Cyrus

Building connection and relationships with our horses is a journey, with ups and downs (mainly ups of course), and constantly worrying whether we’re doing it right. Well, that’s the case for me! Steffi really helped me be more confident with what I was doing. Her empathetic, knowledgeable, horse first approach really called out to me. After chatting things through I felt more confident to do what I felt was right. And low and behold, progress. Thanks Steffi!

Sandra & Lord

Thank you for the nice community here and for your honest texts, questions, tips, ideas, opinions,... 🌟 Thanks to Steffi for everything you do, here in the community, out in the horse world in real life and online with your valuable courses ❤️

Nat

This space has been exactly what I needed. The science makes sense—but the way it's taught here feels like coming home. Every call leaves me more grounded. I’ve learned more about my own nervous system than I ever expected—and my horse feels it too.

Miriam & Greta & Karlchen

Steffi Spielhaupter is an extraordinary guide for both humans and horses. With her expertise as an Equine Scientist, her big heart, and her infectious enthusiasm, she creates a unique connection between mind and heart – fostering a holistic and harmonious relationship. Steffi supported me during particularly challenging times with my two horses, Greta and Karlchen. When it came to finding the right time to say goodbye to Greta, she was an invaluable support. With great sensitivity, empathy, and clarity, she stood by my side and guided us through this difficult process – compassionate, supportive, and always with Greta's best interest at heart. With Karlchen, she accompanied me from the very beginning: from our first meeting and my decision to welcome him into my life, to the tough moments of his unexpected and serious illness. During this time, Steffi not only impressed me with her incredible knowledge and experience but also with her warm-hearted and humorous nature, which brought courage and comfort even in the hardest moments. She has an exceptional ability to guide processes while keeping both the human and the horse at the center of her attention. Steffi’s strength also lies in her versatility. She is a true expert in all aspects of horse care – whether it’s training, improving the human-horse connection, feeding, housing, or simply enhancing quality time together. Her deep understanding of the nervous system, equine body language, and her vast experience with a wide variety of horses allow her to find individual and creative solutions for every situation – always in the best interest of the horse. At the same time, her humorous and appreciative manner enriches every conversation and interaction. I already know that I won’t hesitate to turn to Steffi again as soon as my heart is ready to welcome a new horse into my life. Her support is simply invaluable, and I couldn’t imagine a better companion for life with horses. ❤️

I didn't know I was able to tune into my emotions whilst also interacting with horses [...] but it changed everything

Svea & Cosi

"I grew up with horses, but the way I looked at them started to change when I met Steffi. I learned how to perceive them holistically – which to me means being able to see their emotional and physical needs clearly, whilst also questioning myself in this context. It helped me to observe Steffi and the way she is showing up for and with her horses and the way she treats them. Her clarity with her own horses was something I was able to take and use for myself. I didn't know I was able to tune into my emotions whilst also interacting with horses. That never used to be an option before, but it changed everything. Steffi always looks at each individual horse in a holistic way, where ego plays no role. She is great at finding out who the horse is, what they need, where they are at in their own unique system and what else is part of that. She has this meta view on the horse and then she looks at the human and asks those same questions in order to bring them together on a much deeper level."

Suzie

I never thought horsemanship could feel like this. Safe, kind, and deeply intuitive.

Ich dachte schon daran, es ganz aufzugeben.

Svenja & Ginny

Das Dressurtraining mit meiner Stute Ginny fühlte sich festgefahren an. Ich dachte schon daran, es ganz aufzugeben. Durch ihre wertschätzende Art und einfühlsamen Fragen hat Steffi mir geholfen Lösungsideen zu entwickeln, die meine und Ginnys Bedürfnisse im Training berücksichtigen!

Steffi took the time to actively listen and understand their history and I could feel that she genuinely cared for us

Marika

I received online counseling from Steffi yesterday. I am about to bring a new horse in my herd and felt that I needed an external point of view from a qualified professional to ensure I make the right decisions and follow the right steps. Three of my five horses are rescued with a very traumatic past so it is an absolute priority to protect the peace and harmony of the herd. Steffi took the time to actively listen and understand their history and I could feel that she genuinely cared for us. She answered all my questions and provided valuable insight to support me through this exciting but delicate process. I felt seen and understood by her which is exactly what I needed. I would highly recommend reaching out to her for tailored and professional support in your horsemanship journey. On top of her knowledge, her kindness was very appreciated. Thank you Steffi!

Luxi has become much more confident in training now and loves to work with me

Jasmin & Luxi

Luxi was trained by Steffi for 8 weeks. Her loving and respectful treatment was great and very important to me. She responded completely to him and was able to teach him how to be ridden - all at his own pace. She taught me to listen to Luxi and how to work with him. I thought it was so great that I was allowed to be there at any time and could work with her or just even watch her train him. He has become much more confident in training now and loves to work with me.

This Isn’t a Method.

It’s a return to relationship.

You don’t need to force more. Push more. Prove more.
You just need to understand.
And from that understanding, everything begins to shift.

Join us in The Holistic Horsemanship Academy and explore what becomes possible when safety — not obedience — is the foundation.



Membership Options

One journey. Three ways to begin — self-paced, fully committed, or personally guided.

Not sure which to choose?

The Annual Plan gives you two months free — perfect if you’re ready to commit.
The Mentorship Tier includes private monthly sessions for those who want individual support.
And the Core Membership/Monthly Plan keeps things flexible month-to-month.

Mentorship Tier – Deeper Support for You and Your Horse

Limited spaces available — offered while 1:1 sessions remain open.

If you're ready to go deeper and want personal support as you walk this path, the Mentorship Tier is here to hold you. Alongside full access to The Holistic Horsemanship Academy, this tier includes one private 1:1 session each month — a dedicated space to explore your questions, challenges, and next steps with individualised guidance.
Spaces are limited to protect the quality and depth of support. If this calls to you, now is the time.

Ready to Begin?

Join the Academy and explore a space that honours both the horse and the human — with science, compassion, and truth. Join Now and begin your journey inside The Holistic Horsemanship Academy.

JOIN NOW

FAQ

  • Is this a training method?

    No — not in the traditional sense. The Academy isn’t a rigid step-by-step method or system to follow. Instead, it offers a lens — a way of understanding your horse (and yourself) through nervous system science, connection, and the Six Pillars of Soundness. But it doesn’t stop at insight. Once you begin to recognise what’s really going on beneath the behaviour, you’ll also be guided in how to respond. The Academy includes grounded, practical approaches for how to work with what you’re seeing — without force, pressure, or overwhelm. So you won’t be left thinking “Okay, I see it… now what?” You’ll have tools, options, and gentle support for what to do next.

  • Do I have to ride my horse to benefit from this?

    Absolutely not. This work applies whether you ride every day, are on a break, or never ride at all. Connection, nervous system awareness, and soundness are foundational — no matter what your riding journey looks like.

  • What if I don't feel ready or experienced enough?

    Then you're in exactly the right place. This space was made to feel safe for beginners and seasoned horsepeople alike. You don’t need to know everything — just be open to learning in a new, more connected way.

  • Is this suitable for professionals or equine therapists?

    Yes. Many professionals join to deepen their understanding, expand their perspective, and bring nervous system-informed insights into their work. The Academy can support both personal and professional growth.

  • Can I cancel anytime?

    Yes — you’re in full control. Cancel anytime with one click. You’ll keep access until the end of your billing cycle, and you’re always welcome to return when the time is right.

  • How do the 1:1 sessions work?

    Once you join, you’ll find a booking link inside the member dashboard. You can choose a private session just for you — or bring your horse along (via video) for guidance in real-time. Sessions are 60 minutes via Zoom and discounted to €65 for members.

  • What if my horse is “shut down” or “difficult”?

    That’s actually the perfect reason to join. The Academy is designed to help you understand what’s going on beneath the behaviour — so you can respond with clarity and compassion, not pressure.

  • Will I get personal feedback?

    Yes — you can ask questions inside the community and on live calls. For more in-depth support, 1:1 sessions are available exclusively to members at a reduced rate. You can also book the Mentorship Tier and receive one private 1:1 session each month at an even more discounted rate. Use these sessions to get personalised guidance, work on specific problems with your horse or get curious about what's to unfold.