Amy Dean Horsemanship

05/31/2026

It’s not often I get a Saturday evening to work my own horses. I’m super grateful for some time to experiment, to try new theories, and just intentionally and calmly figure out what works and what supports my horses for the best long term results.

This here may not look like much- but to this guy it’s huge. He has trouble relaxing and staying present. Two things I have seen to be majorly important for the horses well being.

Staying present, in the grass not eating, with me being able to touch him without him wanting to push or become distracted or worried.

During our sessions recently I’ve been working on making some mindset shifts for both of us.

For me- I want to remain curious when things don’t work like I thought it was going to, ask questions, dig a little deeper, stop and think.

I think actually far too often when things aren’t quiet going the way we’d like we need to step back and process and think.

Ask questions of where is there a gap in our communication? Does the horse think I’m asking for something else? How is the horse responding? Do they seem confused? Frustrated? Checked out? Am I any of those things? Ask how could I ask better, slower, or more direct?

I also believe prayer can play a big part in how we approach horses. I’m a firm believer that we can actually ask God to help us understanding and communicate better with our horses- after all he created them and knows them much better than we do. So ask God for patience, a clear mind, wisdom to know when to release or what to try, the ability to show up and be engaged and learn. The ability to stop and listen. Then after it all don’t forget to stop and thank the Lord for creating the horse, giving them to us to steward, and making it so incredibly complex and riveting.

05/22/2026

Our first virtual show of the year opens up today!

✨ This show is a great way to earn points if you’re going for the year end high point award. ✨

Remember to enter a minimum of 3 classes to qualify for year end high point.

You do not have to be apart of the KLHC to show in our virtual shows🎉

KLHC Virtual Show May 22-24th

Register here ➡️ https://ilha.allsportsequine.com/shows/13739.html

Message us with any questions!

05/13/2026

Even though the past few weeks have been filled with unexpected circumstances we still have gotten in some great lessons around here!

In the first video here Taylor is making great progress with her mare starting her under-saddle. Here she’s working on finding relaxation and a nice forward movement while steering her inside shoulder off of one rein. She even got a really relaxed, light trot, that unfortunately I didn’t get a video of.

In the second clip, is Lois with her gelding begining off line liberty circles. This horse used to exhibit many undesirable behaviors such as nipping/mouthy-ness, clenching his jaw, having a lack of awareness of space, and overall just moved in a very tense manner. While these things pop up time to time they are significantly improved and no longer a guaranteed daily occurrence.

I’m very grateful to have so many people to work with who value taking the time it takes to do what is best for the horse. Furthermore, in my opinion what’s best for the horse is also what’s best for us in the long run. I’m truly always amazed what can happen when people choose a steady road forward.

05/05/2026

Recently my life has consisted of lots of daily care for recovering and sick horses and foal watch. While this is definitely not what I was on my calendar for the past several weeks and most of it (besides foal watch) has been completely unexpected, but it has put a lot of things into perspective and that’s something I’m grateful for.

I haven’t had as much time to spend with my horses, but it definetely makes the time I have gotten much more intentional and sweet. But it can also be frustrating.

If you’re in season of feeling like you never have enough time to really put in the work to get your horses where you’d like them to be, I think thats more common then you might think, and you’re not alone in that.

Secondly, you don’t have to stay there.

Something that has helped me is focusing on building habits that guide you more towards where you wanna be vs feeling like you have to spend X amount of time with your horses or you’ve failed. The habits will be there when the crazy of life dies down again, and then it doesn’t feel like a restart every time things go hay wire.

For me this looks like being okay with 20 min with my horses is better than nothing. Building habits that help me get to where I need to be- such as eating well - if I feel like trash I’m not gonna be able to put in the work it takes. Thinking ahead on when I’m going to work my horse, and still being adjustable. Scheduling out coaching even if I feel like haven’t “made enough progress on my own”.

Yes there are days that can feel like you’re just putting out fires left and right but through all of that, I think of how steadfast our God is, nothing takes him by surprise. So we do our part and put out the fires and then go back to our consistent habits.

Just keep going. Keep making the right choices. Show up and trust God.

“Do the next right thing in faith, with excellence, for the glory of God.” - Elisabeth Elliot.

04/14/2026

I will be mentoring again! If you’d like to grow your horsemanship this summer this is a great opportunity and way to keep yourself accountable!

Rider Wars!

Apply now.

This is a 100+ Day competition to become a better horse person.
This isn't just for improvement in the saddle, but it is for on the ground and all around.

The 2026 Appalachian Trainer Face Off welcomes back this unique division for riders who want to improve their skills and compete against others to show who can go the furthest during the event.
This is an in person event only this year.

There is a clinican award for the mentor who helps take riders the furthest, as well!

If you're interested in being a mentor, that application is live now!
Riders have goals, video requirements, clinic meet ups, exam and ultimately an August 21st competition.

While you compete against others, you are scored on your own improvement and accomplishments start to finish.

Points come from meeting posting requirements, video posting requirements, mentor meet ups (4 required per trainer, more are optional for more points), online exam, attending optional clinics and workshops (saddle bit, equine feeding seminars, any care seminars) and final scoring from Judges during the ATFO.

The winner will receive an award package. All riders receive a portion off adoption fees (winner receives a higher discount) of adoptable horses at Heart of Phoenix.

RIDERS cover their costs and the lesson fees. MENTOR fees will be uniform across all of those taking part and shared before the event starts.

Apply here today:
https://www.appalachiantrainerfaceoff.com/riderwars

There are only a few more days to apply

04/13/2026

On Friday night I got the opportunity to give a liberty demonstration to a group of 4-H students. They were a great group and they all got to try out a liberty horse!

It’s one of my favorite things to share the discipline of Liberty with youth. Not only is it an incredible form of horsemanship that can create some of the best horses in my opinion, it also teaches us awareness, self control, discipline, curiosity, patience, and so much more!

What has liberty work taught you?

If you’re interested in a liberty demo for your 4-H group, or lesson barn, or group of friends - PM me!

❤️ Thank you to for helping make this happen, volunteering your time, being part of the demo, and letting kids experience liberty with your horse!

04/08/2026

With lots of changes around here and lots of new faces, I thought I’d take a minute to reintroduce myself.

Hi 👋, I’m Amy Dean.

I’m a horse trainer, coach, and clinician based out of Versailles, KY. I’m blessed to travel throughout Kentucky and even into Ohio and Indiana to work with clients and their horses.

I specialize in coaching liberty work, but I teach across a wide range of areas including groundwork, c**t starting, and ridden work in both western and English disciplines. My riding style is influenced by both western dressage and reining principles, shaped by time spent learning from incredible dressage trainers, reiners, and even a (long ago) chapter in eventing. I am very grateful for the coaching I have received.

Through all of those experiences, one thing has remained constant:�No matter the discipline, the tack, or whether you're riding or working from the ground - quality communication and connection are at the core. My goal is always to help you build a relationship with your horse where they understand their job, you understand yours, and you both genuinely enjoy it.

A little history:
I started this business in 2023, after graduating college and unsure of what to do with my life, but I knew I had one skill- working with horses and people. Thankfully, I love and am passionate about both.

I also feel it’s important to mention I worked as an equine vet assistant and did other random jobs while I was growing my business. There’s nothing instant about building a business 😆.

Over the years this business has shifted, filled many different purposes, and my days have looked wildly different in different seasons.
But my intention is at the core of it all is, to love people through helping them with their horse while providing quality education to both horse and human.

I look back over the past 3 years and I truly don’t know how I’ve gotten here, other than God’s provisions and grace in my life.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!
What do you do with your horse/s?
Where are you from?

04/03/2026

For quite some time, I’ve been thinking about the direction of my business and what I truly want it to represent.

When I first started, I simply needed a name for tax and insurance purposes and that’s how Southern Horsemanship came to be.

But over the years, it never fully felt like it reflected who I am or the work I’ve grown into. I’ve considered changing it many times, but never found something that truly felt right.

However, after much deliberation, I’m excited to officially share that Southern Horsemanship is now Amy Dean Horsemanship!

To me, this change represents more than just a name. It reflects the growth in my approach to horsemanship. My approach has deepened over time into something much more intentional, more refined, and uniquely my own. I value intentionality in all aspects of life, so it felt fitting that my business name carry that as well.

Along with this new chapter, I’m excited to introduce a few new things this year.

First off!
I will be sharing a monthly email for anyone who wants to stay connected. Each month, I’ll be sharing what I’m working on, what I’m offering, along with thoughts, insights, and encouragement for you and your horsemanship journey.

If you’d like to be part of it, you can sign up through the link below. First email will go out in April.🙂

https://form.jotform.com/260918641189062

This business has stretched me, taught me, and shaped me in ways I’m very grateful for.
I’m thankful for how far it’s brought me and my incredible clients, friends and family, and even more excited for what’s ahead. 🤍

02/26/2026

Great opportunity for some fun showing to kick off 2026!

11/19/2025

My favorite little sassy red mare had one of her best rides ever today🥳

A lot of consistency, small changes, and a heart and head posture of humility, curiosity, and gratitude going into the rides makes a huge difference❤️

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

How often do we find ourselves going into rides without thinking about such things? Your heart and head posture matters in everything. Next time you work a horse, ask the Lord to be with you and to guide you in what that horse needs. After all He created them and who knows their creation better than the one who created them.