Thank you for visiting my site. My name is Camilla and I am the founder of HorseMama ApS and an expert in horsemanship and equine bodywork. In my work, I focus on the development of strong, empathetic relationships between horses and their handlers and on the physical and mental wellbeing of horses. I am also the founder of SMILE Horsemanship ©️. That came about after meeting a young girl at an equine event i 2019. She came up to me and said: ”I really want to understand the pony I ride at riding school better”. She was very sad, because she did not understand his behaviour. From that day on, I decided that I wanted to help children and young people understand horses better.

SMILE Horsemanship in brief

In addition to the obvious reminder to SMILE when we interact with horses, SMILE is an easy way to remember what horsemanship is all about.

S is for “SEE”

Look at the horse – what do you see? Does he or she look healthy? Is he or she moving correctly? Notice body language. Look at what is around you – also through the horse’s eyes. Be focused on the horse and on what you are doing together.

M is for ”MIND”

Be mindful. Notice how you sense the horse is feeling. Is he or she happy or sad? Relaxed or tense? Notice how you feel. Are you relaxed, calm and happy? Feel the horse’s body and be mindful of lumps or bumps, wounds and insect bites.

I is for ”INSPIRE”

Be an inspiration to the horse. Do stuff both of you think is fun to do. Praise the horse – often. Also be a good inspiration for others at the stables – have a good time and help each other out.

L is for ”LISTEN”

Listen to the horse’s signals and show the horse that you listen and respect him or her. Listen to your gut feeling – it is always right. Listen to other people – be open and learn from those who have more experience than you.

E is for “Ease”

When doing things with your horse, i.e. leading, training and riding, do so with ease. Be gentle and careful. Make tasks easier if they are too hard. And be sure to show the horse direction using only the needed amount of pressure. Move with and around your horse with ease.

Books

I have written several children’s books about SMILE Horsemanship in Danish. In 2024 the first book was published in English. It is making its way to online shops in the US, Australia and the UK. I will update this page with links when purchase is possible. You are welcome to contact me directly at: camilla@horsemama.dk if you are interested in selling the book in your shop.

Want to know more?

Children, parents and trainers can read more about SMILE Horsemanship at https://www.braveheartsworld.com/ 

If you are interested in booking SMILE Horsemanship workshops or have me participate at different equine events, please contact me via email: camilla@horsemama.dk