The Only Polyvagal-Informed Membership for Equestrians Ready to Move Beyond Survival Mode and Build True Connection

Most training methods focus on fixing behaviour. The Inner Circle focuses on the nervous system—because true partnership starts from the inside out.

If your horse is reactive, shut down, or you’re feeling stuck despite doing everything "right," the problem isn’t your technique—it’s the underlying sense of safety and connection.

Does This Sound Familiar?

  • Your horse sometimes feels distant, reactive, or disconnected, and you can’t quite figure out why.

  • You keep trying different approaches, but something still feels off.

  • You’re doing everything "right," but your horse isn’t responding how you hoped.

💡 It’s not about training—it’s about the nervous system.

Most approaches focus on behaviour, but real connection happens when we work with the nervous system, not against it. If your horse:

  • Seems calm but isn’t truly engaged

  • Explodes suddenly, even when things seemed fine

  • Shuts down and stops trying altogether

…it’s NOT a training issue. It’s a nervous system issue. And that's exactly what we work on inside The Inner Circle.



What Survival can look like:

What You Get Inside

🧠 Rewire Your Nervous System for Connection

✔ Learn how to recognise survival mode in yourself and your horse
✔ Shift from reactivity to calm, attuned connection
✔ Get proven polyvagal-informed strategies to regulate both you and your horse

🐴 Build a True Horse-Human Partnership

✔ Stop second-guessing—know exactly what to do in the moment
✔ Gain access to step-by-step video tutorials & case studies
✔ Learn gentle, science-backed techniques that create real trust

🌍 Join a Community That Gets It

✔ Exclusive live Q&A sessions so you’re never left figuring it out alone
✔ A supportive private space to ask questions & share your journey
✔ Direct access to my guidance—no more confusion or guesswork

The Difference This Work Made on Bee, pictured below in 2014 and 2019:

The Transformation this Framework brought on for Karlchen within a few short Weeks:

The Transformation You Can Expect

At the heart of every horse-human relationship is one key question: Does this feel safe?

Safety isn’t just physical—it's also emotional, social and psychological. When a horse feels safe, they can learn, play, connect and grow. When they don’t feel safe, their behaviour reflects this: they might shut down, react, or disengage.

The good news? You have the power to influence that sense of safety—through your understanding, your energy and your actions during every interaction.

The Inner Circle is not about quick fixes or surface-level solutions. It’s about deep, meaningful change that lasts.

  • Understand your horse on a deeper level: Learn how to recognise, decode and address the root causes of tension, stress and understand your horse's emotional states.

  • Create a thriving partnership: Experience a relationship that feels safe, connected, and mutually fulfilling. Whether it is in the saddle or on the ground, during everyday interactions or specific situations.

  • Feel empowered: Gain the tools and knowledge to confidently guide your horse’s well-being and growth by learning how to work with their nervous system states in every situation.

  • Join the movement: Be part of a community that’s transforming the equine industry—one horse and human at a time.

Picture this: a horse that feels at ease in your presence, no longer reacting out of fear or tension. A partnership where every interaction feels like teamwork, built on trust and mutual respect. That’s the transformation waiting for you.

This isn’t just another training programme. The Inner Circle rewrites the playbook by focusing on the core of all behaviour and learning: your horse’s nervous system.

JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE TODAY

What’s Included in the Inner Circle?

  • Monthly Live Coaching Calls

    Get personalised guidance and real-time support to overcome challenges and strengthen your bond with your horse.

  • Exclusive & Extensive Resource Library

    From video lessons to step-by-step programmes, access everything you need to decode your horse’s stress signals and foster connection.

  • Community Support

    Connect with like-minded horse owners who share your journey, offering encouragement, advice and inspiration in a safe space away from social media.

Access Included To

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Hear from Our Members

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 ❤️

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."

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.

Why This Is Different

Most training methods focus on fixing behaviour. We go deeper.

🚫 No more pushing through fear and frustration.
🚫 No more endless techniques that don’t address the real issue.
✅ Instead, you’ll work with the nervous system—not against it.

If you’ve tried techniques that worked for others but not for you, it’s NOT because you’re failing—it’s because you’re missing this key piece. Your horse needs to feel safe before learning can happen.

Join the Inner Circle Today

Every day in survival mode is a day lost to fear and frustration. You don’t have to stay stuck. When you join the Inner Circle, you’re not just signing up for a membership—you’re joining a movement that’s reshaping what’s possible in the horse-human connection. Join the Inner Circle today and transform your bond with your horse.

Membership Plans

Choose which option works best for you. Save 19% with the Annual Plan.

Meet Your Guide

MSc Equine Science, ESMT Steffi Spielhaupter

Steffi Spielhaupter is a trailblazer in the equine world, helping horses and their owners leave survival mode and step into thriving, balanced partnerships. As the founder of Science for Soundness, Steffi combines science-backed insights with a compassionate approach to empower horse owners to decode their horse’s signals, address the root causes of tension and stress, and create lasting transformation - from the ground into the saddle and every other aspect. Her work extends beyond the horse-human connection. Steffi helps horses feel safe not just with their humans, but also within their environments and their own bodies. The same goes for humans—she guides horse owners to find safety and alignment within themselves, creating a ripple effect that transforms their relationships with their horses and beyond. Through her work, Steffi’s mission is to foster relationships built on trust, safety, and mutual understanding, allowing horses and humans to connect in harmony. IG: @scienceforsoundness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is the Inner Circle, and who is it for?

    The Inner Circle is a supportive membership for horse owners who want to deepen their understanding of their horse’s behaviour, address tension and stress at its root, and build a thriving partnership from the ground up into the saddle and beyond. Whether you’re struggling with miscommunication, behavioural challenges, or simply want to connect on a deeper level, the Inner Circle provides the tools, guidance, and community to help you transform your bond.

  • What’s included in the membership?

    When you join the Inner Circle, you’ll receive: Monthly live coaching calls for personalised guidance. Lifetime access to the resource library filled with step-by-step tools, workshops, and video lessons. Community support from like-minded horse owners sharing the same journey. Actionable workbooks and guides to help you implement what you learn.

  • What makes the Inner Circle different from other programmes?

    Unlike traditional training programs that focus on surface-level behaviours, the Inner Circle addresses the root causes of tension and stress—your horse’s nervous system. This science-backed approach helps you move beyond temporary fixes and create lasting transformation built on safety, trust, and understanding.

  • What if I can’t attend the live calls?

    No worries! All live coaching calls are recorded and made available in the resource library. You can watch them at your convenience and still gain the valuable insights and guidance shared during the sessions.

  • Is the Inner Circle suitable for all horse disciplines?

    Absolutely. Whether you’re a dressage rider, a trail enthusiast, or simply a horse lover, the principles of connection, trust, and addressing tension apply universally. The Inner Circle meets you where you are, no matter your discipline or experience level.

  • What if I’m not sure this is the right fit for me?

    That’s okay! The Inner Circle is designed to be a safe, welcoming space. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out with your questions or concerns. We’re here to help you decide if this is the right next step for you and your horse.

  • How do I join the Inner Circle?

    Joining is simple! Click the link below to learn more and enrol. Once you join, you’ll gain immediate access to the resource library, upcoming live calls, and the private community.