“Never try to press your horse into the desired frame; he needs to find it on his own through forward motion onto the rein.” W. Seunig
“Never try to press your horse into the desired frame; he needs to find it on his own through forward motion onto the rein.” W. Seunig
Aliada means ‘ally.’ Consider me your ally in your horse’s wellbeing.
As a trainer with a classical dressage background, I had been taught that “good riding is enough” to keep horses healthy. Unfortunately, for today’s horses, in today’s world, this doesn’t quite hold true anymore. That’s why I have studied and mastered proven manual therapies that help alleviate many all-too-common problems that keep our horses from fully thriving. If discomfort or pain, stiffness, or anxiety and stress are part of your horse’s life, I invite you to reach out to me (yvette.koth@gmx.com).
Many types of bodywork can be helpful, but the ones that I found to be profoundly effective are those that don’t work ‘on’ the horse but with them. CranioSacral work, for one, uses gentle touch to activate the body’s own wisdom and capacity for healing. Getting a horse to feel better for a few days is great, but I am looking to create lasting shifts in wellbeing.
Here are some of the results clients have reported:
A horse who has spooked in the same corner of the arena every ride for two years stopped spooking following his first session
A jumper with severe headshaking symptoms, especially in hot weather, remained comfortable and rideable in summer after just one session
A horse with previous head trauma could be touched around her poll for the first time in years and generally became much happier and more agreeable in daily interactions and work
A dressage horse’s difficulty turning right went away
A young horse who braced in all of his up transitions stopped coming above the bit immediately following his session
An OTTB who cross-cantered was able to pick up the correct lead and hold it
A rescue horse with severe trauma to his face became more confident and allowing, and his facial symmetry improved dramatically
Owners reported feeling closer and more connected to their horses
(Disclaimer: Results vary by horse and are not guaranteed. Bodywork does not replace veterinary intervention or advice nor proper management that meets all of the horse’s basic needs.)
Certified Equine CranioSacral Practitioner (Integrated Equine Therapies)
Equine Osteopathy (London College of Animal Osteopathy––currently completing)
Acupressure for Horses (Diana Thompson)
Reiki (Level 1) (Lynda Marenics)
Horse Brain Science (Dr. Stephen Peters)
Nervous System & Holistic Biomechanics (Jane Pike)
Equine Diaphragm Integration/Breath Sensopathy (Roland Pausch)
Equine CranioSacral Therapy (Biodynamic) (Lyons Institute)
Vascular Manipulation (Integrated Equine Therapies)
Neural Manipulation (Integrated Equine Therapies)
Advanced Visceral Manipulation (Integrated Equine Therapies)
Advanced Lymph & More (Integrated Equine Therapies)
Osteopathic Articular Balancing (LCAO)
I also offer:
Relationship-Centric, Consent-Based Foundational (Re-)Training for a horse who loves being with his/her humans because s/he feels safe, understands, and is willing & able to do what is being asked, and learns how to self-regulate their nervous system in a world built by and for predators.
Classical Dressage Training for a horse who is supple, well-aligned, balanced, moving joyfully, well-muscled, and who carries the rider in a way that does not compromise their body, for the best possible shot at long-term soundness This work is largely informed by Anja Beran.
Nervous System Understanding / Trauma-informed Training and Holistic Biomechanics for horses and people with compromised patterns to learn to interrupt and change them. Holistic Biomechanics allows riders to align and follow their horse’s motion from the inside out, working with their fascia rather than putting one shoulder here and one leg there…
What clients are saying:
“Yvette has a gift for working with horses that starts with respecting who they are, listening to them and working from that point. She has a great understanding of their bodies and where their blockages are. She gently assists the horse in releasing these blockages. My senior mare loves her sessions. I believe Yvette has a great impact in keeping her healthy and comfortable; her work is deeply appreciated.” MaryKay C.
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“I was referred to Yvette when searching for an equine craniosacral therapist to help my two horses, both of whom have neurological issues. I had already tried acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other bodywork modalities, but I needed someone who could provide more gentle, subtle mobilization techniques to address restrictions throughout their bodies, including the neck, cranium, and facial bones.
Yvette has an innate ability to sense what each horse needs and where that support is needed most. She possesses a remarkable understanding of equine communication, allowing her to meet each horse where they are emotionally and physically. This enables her to build trust and create an environment in which the horse feels safe, respected, and receptive to treatment. She works in a way that honors each horse’s individual needs and boundaries.
Yvette is incredibly gifted, yet humble. One of the qualities I appreciate most is her commitment to ongoing learning and the high standards she sets for herself. She continually seeks advanced training and education to expand her knowledge and refine her skills in equine craniosacral therapy, osteopathy, and other disciplines related to equine health and wellness.
Her background as a dressage rider and trainer is an added benefit, as it gives her a deep understanding of biomechanics, movement, posture, and performance. This expertise adds tremendous depth to her ability to assess each horse and address the underlying factors contributing to their discomfort or dysfunction.
I am deeply grateful for the care and support Yvette has provided to my horses. Her work has made a meaningful difference in their well-being, and I highly recommend her services to anyone seeking to help their horse feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
Ann Nuno
Other projects:
Yvette has also translated four-time Olympic gold medalist Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s training videos and book “Heaven on Horseback,” and “Neapolitamo Nima I – The White Diamond,” a book by Rudolph Kuzmicki in honor of the legendary Lippizaner stallion at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna who lived to be 40 years old; most recently also “The Secret Talent Show,” by Chris Wolf, a children’s book chronicling the thoughts of four very different horses about their past, their dreams, and their humans.
Yvette holds a Master’s degree from San Jose State University and works as a Marketing Executive at a non-profit University.
Please note: No amount of training can make up for a horse in distress because his basic needs of forage, friends, and freedom aren’t met, or for a horse who is in pain.
