The Leyden Horsemanship Approach
Our Horsemanship Philosophy
Every Saved by the Saddle program will be taught from Leyden Horsemanship: the established horsemanship program at Ocean View Stables in Daly City, California. It is a natural horsemanship-based approach rooted in respect, communication, and relationship, and it is the methodology the Foundation's teaching is built on.
Not a new idea, an established one
The Foundation is newly launching, but the horsemanship is not. Leyden Horsemanship is already being taught at Ocean View Stables, and the Foundation's programs are being designed to teach from it: the same approach with horses, applied to how we work with people.
What Is Natural Horsemanship?
Natural horsemanship is a relationship-based approach to working with horses. Rather than relying on dominance, punishment, or mechanical pressure, it focuses on listening, timing, and mutual respect.
Understanding Communication
Learning how horses communicate through body language, energy, and subtle cues.
Working With Instincts
Partnering with a horse's natural instincts rather than overriding them.
Clear, Calm Presence
Using clear, calm, non-forceful communication that horses understand.
Trust Through Consistency
Building trust through consistency rather than control or dominance.
On the Ground
It starts at the tie rail
Leading, standing, grooming, tacking, waiting. The quiet work on the ground is where a horse learns what to expect from the person in front of it, and where a person learns to be worth trusting.
The Leyden Horsemanship Philosophy
Leyden Horsemanship builds on the principles of natural horsemanship while emphasising calm leadership, consent, and emotional awareness. These are the five ideas that carry across into everything the Foundation will run.
Presence Before Performance
We value awareness over outcomes. Horses respond to what we bring into the moment: our breath, posture, energy, and intention.
Consent & Choice
Both horses and people are given choice. Participation is never forced. Trust grows when choice is respected.
Consistency Builds Trust
Clear routines, predictable cues, and calm repetition create safety, for horses and humans alike.
Pressure With Purpose
When pressure is used, it is minimal, thoughtful, and always released the moment the horse responds. That teaches communication, not submission.
No Force, No Fear
We do not use intimidation, punishment, or fear-based methods. Safety and dignity come first.
How This Philosophy Shapes Our Programs
Every Saved by the Saddle program is being designed to reflect Leyden Horsemanship principles in both structure and tone.
For Horses
Horses are partners, not tools
Each horse progresses at their own pace
Stress signals are respected immediately
Horses may step away from sessions at any time
For Participants
No prior horse experience required
Ground-based interaction throughout
Learning happens through observation and experience
Reflection is invited, not demanded
Pace
Time, not pressure
Progress is measured in the horse's terms. A session that ends with a settled horse standing quietly at its stall door has done what it needed to do.
Program Applications
Youth Programs & Leyden Horsemanship
How Leyden Horsemanship principles will guide our youth program.
The aim is skills that extend far beyond the barn. The horse becomes a living teacher, responding honestly and without judgment.
What Young People Will Learn
How calm leadership creates trust
How clear boundaries reduce confusion
How patience leads to cooperation
How responsibility builds confidence
In the Arena
Watching is part of the lesson
Riders spend as much time at the rail as they do moving. Learning happens through observation and experience, not instruction alone.
Why This Matters
Horses mirror human behaviour with honesty and immediacy.
Ask a horse for something with clarity, calm, and respect and the horse answers. Ask badly and it answers that too. That is the whole reason we teach from this methodology, and it is why Leyden Horsemanship sits at the centre of what the Foundation is building: healing horses, healing people.
Commitment to Integrity
We stay grounded in ethics, safety, and compassion for everyone involved, horses included. Saved by the Saddle:
Does not use fear-based training
Does not force participation
Does not rush outcomes
Does not promise clinical results
Explore Our Programs
See how Leyden Horsemanship principles will come to life in our youth, veteran, and horse rescue programs at Ocean View Stables in Daly City.