Testimonies

The greatest people didn’t learn how to avoid bad moments, they learned how to embrace them as the way to deeper understanding and wisdom. Thank you to all my students who have embraced their fears, their bad days, their loses, and their hurt to strive for more connection with themselves, their horse, and their world. You inspire me. -Kaia Livingstone

"I looked all over the area for riding lessons for my daughter, a young teen. She struggled socially and needed to build her confidence, as a rider and as a person.
Then we found Kaia. She is a fantastic riding instructor, but so much more! Kaia is engaging with her students, giving lots of individualized attention and instruction. She understands what to focus on and what to ignore, and while demanding, gives lots of praise and encouragement. The most important thing we see is that Kaia 'gets it' when it comes to interacting with students, particularly teenage girls. Her background gives her unique insight not just into the technical instruction of horsemanship and athleticism of riding, but the psychology and dimensions of the interaction between people and horses. It is a powerful combination! Her personalized approach nurtures the whole student on many levels, and is also incredibly beneficial to the horses for their well-being and understanding. I have really seen the positive results of Kaia's teaching and interaction with my daughter, who has gained so much not only in riding skills, but with insight, confidence and a sense of accomplishment and belonging that has been so gratifying. We are very grateful that we found Kaia! Her special approach has been so beneficial to my daughter, and has opened up my eyes even more to the possibilities for horsemanship beyond pure performance. It has been an extremely positive and rewarding relationship we value very much." -Christy, Mother of a Student

Jaedyn on her horse, Xander, jumping the "kissing fish"

Rachel Jumping James

"Kaia has been a phenomenal trainer over the five years that I have known her. She has been at my side supporting, motivating, and educating me with whatever horse I was working with, and in whatever discipline I was pursuing! Kaia has helped bring me from a struggling preteen to a confident high school senior, and has even found me a job teaching my own students! The way she sees the world is so different than the way most do, and she's able to clearly identify emotion in both horses and people. Fabulous lady. I love her!" -Rachel

"I have been in search for a Spirit Horse guide for many years. Working with Kaia and my mare, Dazzle, is an answer to my prayers." -Marci

Marci and her mare Dazzle

Noelle with one of her favorite horses, Beau

"Kaia is an exceptional trainer who helps all her students excel in riding. Her balance of helpful feedback and support make her an instructor who pushes student to their full potential. Kaia’s constant positive reinforcement not only builds confidence around a student’s riding capability but also boosts their self esteem. She is incredibly patient and happy to make her students work very hard in order for them to achieve their goals. She has become more than simply someone who teaches me the art of riding. Kaia has become someone who I feel comfortable turning to regarding issues related to my riding and also problems in other aspects of my life. She has raised my confidence, helped me see the positive impact I have on others, and taught me the importance of believing in yourself. Throughout the time I’ve spent with Kaia, I have learned many lessons that not only apply to my riding but also to my everyday life. Kaia’s style of teaching not only improves your riding at an exponential rate but also helps you understand the pure, simplistic nature of the horse. Her methods of teaching cover why a horse is ignoring you or acting stubborn. Her insight and deep understanding of horses astounding and something I hope to gain. However for me personally, Kaia’s respect for the horses is one of the most admirable traits she possesses. She understands the horse's frustration when a rider is riding in a lackluster fashion and the consequences following. Her passion, diligence, and dedication towards each individual rider and horse is special and unimaginable. It has been a privilege to meet and work with Kaia on a regular basis. She has taught me things that cannot be taught at school. I feel blessed to have been able to learn so much from one person. She has changed my life certainly for the better. She makes an effort to connect with all her students and to create lasting relationships. She is an inspiration and role model." -Noelle

"I have fun in all of my lessons with Kaia and I learn so much. Kaia brought her horse to the pasture and showed me some different games on him which I then did with my pony. It was inspiring to see the connection she has with her horse and I am so happy that she is teaching me that kind of connection." -Kiri

Kiri and Splash

Lilly and her horse Deuce

"I have been extremely inspired by Kaia's lessons. They have encouraged me to think about my connection with my lease horse, Lofty. Kaia teaches me what it means to have a 'connection' with my horse by having me think outside the box, like not riding with a bridle or saddle or going into the field to play instead of always staying in the ring. Whenever I have trouble with an exercise, Kaia helps me figure out what to do by sticking with it, thinking it through, staying in my body, and helps me to never give up. I have realized when the horse is more happy to do something, they will be more willing to try out new things. Those things will start to become more enjoyable." -Lilly

Avery and Ollie at their first Dressage show

"Kaia is such a fun trainer and I'm so glad that little ten year old me decided to lesson with her. It’s been a lot of fun to grow as a rider and get to watch Kaia grow as a trainer. I think that it’s very cool to be taught to ride, how Kaia teaches, very untraditional and very natural. To be able to have a bond with your horse and have them be willing to jump for you and not have to force them like so many other riders don’t even realize that they are doing. When your horse is willing to perform for you, and collect themselves because they trust you and want to make you happy is just such a cool thing to experience and I believe that that is what Kaia is teaching me and all of her students to accomplish. I have had a wonderful past four and a half years of learning all that Kaia has wanted me to learn and I can’t wait for future lessons!" -Avery

Steven on Apollo

"I have known Kaia both professionally and personally for many years. She has a passionate heart, strong intuition, and is overflowing with wisdom and compassion. She is a true horsewoman with a deep understanding of the relationship between horses and humans. I always leave our time together feeling empowered, connected, and with a better understanding of myself. Kaia is able to use horses in a way that deeply touches every aspect of my life. Our sessions have strengthened my relationships, interpersonal skills, developed my self confidence and helped me become a leader. The impact of these sessions goes deeper and is unlike anything I've experienced before. I would highly recommend Kaia to everyone." -Steven

"Kaia not only has made me a better rider, but she has really made me a better person. When I had the confidence in myself, I could have confidence in others, and I could finally trust the horses I rode. I stopped second guessing myself. In my lessons, I love feeling like I am connected with an animal, and that the animal wants to be with me, and is ok with me riding it. I also love feeling like I accomplished something, and I love feeling confident about my riding. I had always loved being with horses, and hugging them, and giving them treats, but I realize how privileged I am to know that horses can be more than just a jumper, or a hunter, or an eventer, or a dressage, or cross country horse." -Lucy

Lucy on River

Asha riding James in a neck rope for the first time!

"As an adult learning to ride, Kaia has helped me trust in what is possible. I remember the very first time I actually smiled as I approached a jump. I have always been more fearful than excited. It was in that lesson that I became more caught up in the thrill than the fear. Kaia was my much needed cheerleader calling out “You got this!” as I cantered toward what seemed like a big jump. Laughing at my screams, my little mishaps, and my new found delights, she helped me consider that maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Kaia is a matchmaker when it comes to partnering up equines and humans. I am eternally grateful for Kaia helping to bring my horse and me together. She invited me to connect with a very affable equine soul, amazingly patient, kind and honest. How did I end up so lucky? I don’t share much about what is expressed between my horse and I. I believe there should always be secrets between the horse and his rider. However, I do think that if I shared them with Kaia she would be joyful to hear them." -Asha