International Horsemanship Foundation

30/05/2026

In the photo (L to R): Sandi Parker of Sandi Parker Horsemanship,
https://www.facebook.com/sandi.parker.311
Ty (Haflinger 🐎, b. 2019), and yours truly, Andrew Turnbull.

I studied Parelli Natural Horsemanship with Sandi from June 2000 to mid-2002. I am back with Sandi after more than two decades because my new partner, Ty (age 7), needs to be brought along as a beginner in Relationship-Based Horsemanship, sometimes applying C**t Starting techniques.

Sunny (my Retired Quarter Horse, age 30) and I have been together for 21 years, and throughout our relationship, we have continued to refine our application of the principles. In recent years, I've simply had to think it, and Sunny 🐎knew exactly what I wanted. The old guy still loves to play with me at Liberty, and he still levitates with joy when we do!

With my new partner, Ty (he joined me in early April), I need guidance to remember how to work with a young horse - taking the time it takes, so it will take less time.

I'm thankful that the Horsemanship Foundation basics - based on the 7 games - Sandi taught me over two decades ago are returning quickly to my muscle memory, and that Ty, though more right-brain than any of our other horses, is coming along quickly.

Sandi Parker is one of the most enthusiastic and supportive Relationship-Based Horsemanship Professionals with whom I have studied. She is lavish with praise for both Ty & me when we properly execute her guidance. Sandi remains passionate about helping Horses & Humans on their journey.

I'm delighted that, as a result of her being an Excellent Graduate of the Parelli Professionals program, Sandi will be listed on the International Horsemanship Foundation's worldwide Registry, which will be released soon when we launch our new website.

May the Horse be with you,
-Andrew🤠🐎

16/05/2026

10/05/2026

International Horsemanship Foundation to be a sponsor at the 2026 Horses & Healing Symposium in Temple, New Hampshire

The International Horsemanship Foundation is delighted to partner with Wisdom Horse Experience by sponsoring a Kay Schott Memorial Grant Youth Scholarship for the 2026 Horses & Healing Symposium at Stepping Stones Farm & Retreat Center in Temple, New Hampshire, May 15th-17th, 2026.

The foundation’s Executive Director and Board Vice President, Andrew A Turnbull of California; its Chief Medical Officer, Army Col (Ret) Dr. Sean Hollonbeck, MD, MPH, of Florida; and its Chief Youth Officer, Ada Draghici, of Nova Scotia, Canada, will attend the symposium in New England.

“The International Horsemanship Foundation is delighted to partner with other organizations where our missions intersect, and we thank Isabella (Boo) Martin for inviting us to be a part of the inaugural symposium,” said Turnbull. “We are especially proud of our international Therapeutic Horsemanship Grants, which support Horses Helping Humans. This special Youth Scholarship is the first of many of our Kay Schott Memorial Grants, and we are pleased to celebrate the influential life’s work of Boo Martin and her organization, which aligns with our commitment to supporting Equine Assisted Therapy through excellent Relationship-Based Horsemanship education.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Ada and Andrew in February at the Horses and Humans Research Foundation conference in Florida, and we hit it off!” said Isabella (Boo) Martin, owner and founder of Stepping Stones Farm & Retreat Center of New Hampshire. “I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Sean Hollonbeck, Ada, and Andrew to the home of Wisdom Horse, as we host a power-packed gathering for equine professionals, emerging practitioners, riding instructors, and anyone curious about the healing power of horses. The weekend will feature 20 speakers offering 30 different topics, live equine demonstrations, and we are proud to host the New England Premiere of Rescued Hearts Film.”

Click here for Tickets to the 2026 Horses and Healing Symposium: https://symposium2026.my.canva.site

09/05/2026

We are pleased to support and partner with the Horses and Humans Research Foundation! ❤️🐎

Next webinar Wednesday - sign up on HHRF's website. It will be recorded if technology works!

07/05/2026

Ada Draghici, a Canadian Relationship-Based Horsemanship instructor and professional horse trainer based in Nova Scotia, Canada, has been named Chief Youth Officer on the Board of Directors for the International Horsemanship Foundation.

Operating under her brand Equus Salutis, Draghici runs a full-time teaching and training business, specializing in liberty work and classical dressage. Through workshops, clinics, and online education, she focuses on horse behavior, pressure-and-release techniques, and positive reinforcement, emphasizing feel and partnership over traditional training approaches.

Draghici’s connection with the organization began early. At age 13, she became the first Canadian recipient of the Future of Horsemanship Youth Scholarship, followed by a Career Development Scholarship at 18. Both honors were awarded by the organization formerly known as the Parelli Foundation.

She later served on the board of the International Horsemanship Association and, following its merger with the Foundation, is now the only Gen Z member serving on the International Horsemanship Foundation’s board.

Before establishing her full-time training and teaching business, Draghici assisted and contributed to horsemanship courses led by David Lichman and Farrah Green. She continues to support course development and creates supplemental materials for programs such as Heart of Liberty and The Grades of Horsemanship.

Committed to lifelong learning, Draghici recently earned her RMT Diploma (Registered Massage Therapy in Canada) and will begin studying Osteopathy later this year. She aims to integrate healthcare principles and biomechanics into her horsemanship practice, blending classical dressage, natural horsemanship, and clicker training into a holistic methodology. She often advocates for “dressage as medicine,” viewing it as a pathway to improved equine well-being rather than solely a discipline.

Draghici actively shares her work through her online community, where she posts training videos and educational content featuring her horses, Kai, Orchid, and Raya.

For more information, visit Ada Draghici’s online platforms or follow her on social media (https://www.facebook.com/p/Equus-Salutis-100063653588083/)

❤️🐎

04/05/2026

How horses are Therapeutic:

Horses can form powerful bonds with people owing to their ability to sense and feel human emotions. Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, in Bedford Corners, N.Y., has programs that help people with disabilities, veterans with PTSD, and the incarcerated through interactions with their horses.

"60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl reports.
May 3, 2026

Horses can form powerful bonds with people owing to their ability to sense and feel human emotions. Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, in Bedford Corners, N.Y., has programs that help people with disabilities, veterans with PTSD, and the incarcerated through interactions with their horses. "60 Minut...

25/04/2026

03/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1271442204598295

02/04/2026

Thank you to Relationship-Based Horsemanship Clinician Don Jessop of Mastery Horsemanship in Montana for this thoughtful essay. 🩷🐎

By Don Jessop

17/03/2026

Thank you to The Equinnection for the definition of "Husbandry." ❤️🐎