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Welcome to McClelland Horsemanship

OUR SERVICES

UNDER SADDLE TRAINING AND EXERCISING

Our under-saddle training is a direct extension of the principles we establish through groundwork, seamlessly transitioning those fundamentals into ridden work. Under saddle, training becomes more refined and precise, with a strong emphasis on building trust and confidence in the horse. Our goal is to develop a willing, self-assured partner capable of executing lateral movements, bending, smooth transitions, flatwork, and more—all while feeling secure in their abilities. Additionally, we recognize the importance of maintaining both the mental and physical conditioning of a horse. However, we also understand that life can sometimes make consistent riding challenging. To support owners in this we offer scheduled exercise rides, which can be customized to help you and your horse progress toward specific goals or simply maintain overall training and fitness.

BAREFOOT TRIMMING

Barefoot trimming is a vital component of a horse’s overall health and performance. We carefully assess each horse’s natural hoof growth and tailor our trimming approach to promote balance, strength, and long-term soundness. Our goal is to support the horse’s natural biomechanics, ensuring a healthy, well-structured hoof that allows them to move comfortably and perform at their best.

GROUND WORK TRAINING

Our groundwork methods are designed to align with the horse’s natural instincts and responses to pressure, allowing us to communicate in a way they inherently understand—we strive to "speak horse." These techniques are ideal for starting yearlings, guiding reactive horses through a careful and respectful training process, and helping high-performance horses stay grounded and focused. Groundwork is a crucial foundation for developing a well-rounded, trustworthy, and confident horse, ensuring a strong partnership built on mutual respect and understanding.

SERVICES

MEET THE TEAM

The McClelland Team

Trainer & Barefoot Trimmer

Samuel West

Samuel West has dedicated his career to training, trimming, and helping horses transition into the bitless lifestyle. Driven by a deep passion for horsemanship, he founded McClelland Horsemanship to share his knowledge and guide both horses and their owners through the journey from bit to bitless riding.

Sam believes that trust and communication are the foundation of every successful horse-and-rider partnership. Over the years, he has worked with a wide variety of horses, including Mustangs, reactive horses, lesson program horses, and restarts. Specializing in groundwork and working with spooky or sensitive horses, he excels at helping them gain confidence, respond calmly to pressure, and build a solid foundation for ridden work.

In addition to training, Sam is also a skilled barefoot farrier, dedicated to promoting optimal hoof health and natural balance. Whether he’s teaching in the round pen or trimming hooves, his goal remains the same: to help every horse feel and perform at its best while strengthening the bond between horse and rider.

Trainer

Kiara West

Kiara West joined the McClelland Horsemanship team after marrying Sam in 2023. From the start, she connected deeply with the program’s mission, embracing its commitment to building strong, trusting partnerships between horses and their owners. With a genuine passion for guiding both horse and rider through challenges, Kiara brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate, patient approach to training.

Before joining McClelland Horsemanship, she managed and taught at a New England riding facility, working with a diverse range of horses and students. Over the years, she has spent countless hours training program horses, starting colts, and working with high-anxiety horses—helping them gain confidence and develop a solid foundation.

Kiara specializes in under-saddle training, seamlessly transitioning groundwork principles into ridden work. Her expertise includes bending, lateral and flatwork, refining cues, and developing smooth, balanced transitions. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to confidence-building, she is committed to helping both horse and rider grow together, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential as a team.

ABOUT US

At McClelland Horsemanship, our mission is to help horse owners develop a deeper connection with their horses while establishing a solid foundation in groundwork. We utilize a natural horsemanship approach emphasizing trust, communication, and effective training methods that benefit both horse and rider.

In addition to training, we are dedicated to the overall well-being of our horses, including their physical health. We offer professional barefoot trimming services, understanding that a horse’s hoof health is essential to its overall soundness. By recognizing each horse’s natural growth pattern, we trim with the goal of promoting balance, strength, and long-term hoof integrity.

At McClelland Horsemanship, we are committed to fostering lasting partnerships between horses and their owners while ensuring their health, comfort, and success.

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