Grand Rapids Based Natural Horsemanship

Hi!

My name is Matt Hendricks.

I am a natural horsemanship coach and horse behavior specialist.

Learn more!

See Matt In Action

“Horsemanship should be a dance, not a battle.”

~Matt Hendricks

Fields of Expertise

“Natural horsemanship is not a discipline, it is a way of doing what you’re doing.”

~Matt Hendricks

Foundation Training

To get you and your horse ready for whatever life brings you, and make sure there aren’t any gaps in your knowledge.

Colt Starting

Getting off on the right foot sets the horse up for success all throughout life.

Problem Horses

Some horses just need some extra help, and I am here to help them.

Liberty

Because when you take off all the tack, you’re left with the relationship.

Taming

Do you have an untouched mustang, or even a domesticated horse that just isn’t tame? I’m here to help.

Foal Imprinting

Horses start learning the moment they are born. I can help set you and your horse up for success even in the first hours of his life.

Check out my services!
Matt has the natural ability to understand and work with every horse. He is dedicated not only to helping horses, but also people. Loading my horse onto trailers had always been problematic. Matt worked with my horse and me to make the loading experience positive.
Kendall Senn
I had Matt work on one of my horses that has never been ridden. Long story short, Matt had him riding under saddle in no time. Very polite and respectable to me and my family. He is a very hard worker and puts in the extra mile to make sure that you and your horse get the attention needed!!
Ben Conrad
Thank you, Matt, for all you did for Chimmy and thank you for my lessons! You are gifted, and I really appreciate you sharing your gift with Chimmy and I!
MaryAlice Reck
Matt has been my preferred and trusted trainer for over three years. He's trained my horses, facilitated lessons, fitted saddles, provided farrier care, and shared invaluable equine advice. Matt clearly has a natural ability to work with both horses and people. However, he is not content to simply get by on talent alone. He is incredibly hard-working, and he constantly strives to gain as much equestrian knowledge as he possibly can. I will continue to work with Matt on my journey with horses.
Joanna Urban
Thank you!!! He [Tilley] is a completely different horse than I put on the trailer! I am SO excited about him!!
Katie Ockert
Read More!

The HH Curriculum

Do you strive for a better relationship, better understanding, and better results with your horse?

My curriculum is designed to take you step by step, from the very beginning all the way through advanced concepts.  I’ve broken it down into easy to understand sections, so that you don’t miss anything and don’t end up with any holes in your foundation that will affect your performance with higher level horsemanship.  On a big picture level, I’ve divided it into 4 main sections:

1. Theory

I start with theory to set you up for success, because if you don’t understand what your goals are, or why you are doing what you are doing, you won’t be very successful. By helping you understand the why, I am able to help you not just blindly follow a system, but actually be confident that you know not only what to do but why you are doing it.

2. Steps

I take you through the three foundational steps of Communication, Harmony, and Excellence before moving onto the steps of advanced horsemanship where you learn how to apply the foundation to your specific discipline or job. Each step is divided into individual movements, exercises, and patterns. They are arranged so that they all build on each other, to prevent you from becoming frustrated due to gaps in your or your horse’s knowledge.

3. Problem Solving

Let’s face it, not every horse is a clean slate that is ready to learn and put effort in. I have a whole section devoted to showing you what to do with horses that are struggling a bit and need some extra help. I want to help you feel empowered to feel confident and know what to do even when things don’t go perfectly with you and your horse.

4. Tack

Knowledge and skill may be the most important things, but having the right equipment sure is helpful. I walk you through each piece of tack you will need one-by-one and explain what it is and what it does.

In addition to teaching this curriculum in person and at clinics and seminars, there will be an online version of the curriculum coming soon!

See the ways you can learn the HH curriculum!
Matt Hendricks with Murray and Solstice

About Matt Hendricks

I am honored to be able to follow in the footsteps of great horsemen such as Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Pat Parelli, Peter Cambell, etc. and teach people how to work with their horse’s nature instead of against it. By doing so I am able to help you get your horse to be on your team and work with you instead of fighting you.

Learn more!

Clinics and Seminars

Want to host a clinic or seminar at your barn and ride in it for free? If you:

  • Are good at marketing horse events.
  • Can fill it with 6-12 participants.
  • Can manage signing people up.
  • Secure the facility.
  • Get volunteers to help at the event with things such as check in, food, directing people where to park, etc.

Then I would be happy to consider hosting a 1-3 day clinic or seminar at your location.

Contact me to learn more!

Ready to communicate better with your horse?

Let me help you inspire your horse as much as your horse inspires you.  Your horse will thank you.

Get started now!