Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling
Klaus F. Hempfling may just be the best horse-trainer in the world. I have never seen anyone be with horses in such a natural way and in such harmony. And I have never seen horses move so beautifully and willingly as they do with Hempfling.
Hempfling was born in Germany, but has lived a great deal of his life in Spain with wild horses. He is trained in communication and has a background in theatre and dance.
The first time I read his book “Dancing with Horses”, I found it rather difficult to understand. It was all a completely new way of seeing things for me, not anything like what I had learned about horses and riding, being taught by military-people in my early years. I felt I had to be able to perform some kind af magic in order to do the things he does. The second time I read the book, things began to dawn on me though. I do not believe Hempfling is a magician, but I do believe he possesses a certain inner peace, a very deep understanding, an attitude and awareness that appeal to horses. But I also believe that most people, if they really want to, can reach the point where they have the same inner peace, deep understanding, attitude and awareness and will be able to achieve the same harmonious togetherness with their horse. In order to reach that point, I think most modern horse-people will have to work a great deal with themselves, I know I did, and that can be a long and sometimes rather difficult road.
For me, it´s not the things Hempfling achieves with his horses; there are many excellent trainers who achieve the same things (almost), no, it´s the look and willingness of his horses! The way his horses look content and happy, the way the whole attitude of his horses scream: “Yes! finally someone who knows what I´m all about, I love it!” The way he lets his horses be horses, the way he lets them be free, THAT´S amazing!
I have been working with my horses using Hempfling´s methods for some time now. It´s hard work, timeconsuming and sometimes frustrating, but it certainly works and it certainly is worth the effort. My horses have a better life, I have a better life, and the time I spend with my horses has become so much better, it is harmony, friendship and joy on a whole new level.
I would urge any horse-person to read his books, especially “Dancing with Horses” and try his training-methods! You just might discover a whole new and better world for you and your horse.
Hempfling also has a training set of 7 DVD´s coming out this winter, I, for one, can´t wait.
If you live near Denmark, you can visit and learn at Hempfling´s training school. For more info, go to his own site: Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling