Science for Soundness

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.

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!

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 ❤️

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.

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 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."

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

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!

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 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.