I’m Sandra Poppema, a passionate horse enthusiast whose journey in the equestrian world has been an adventurous rollercoaster. From Albuquerque, New Mexico, I’ve been immersed in the equestrian realm for over 30 years. It all began when I took my first steps as a riding instructor, driven by a desire to help riders improve their communication skills with horses.
Transitioning from instructing to horse training was a significant shift. It was here that I discovered my love for teaching equestrians how to enhance their horse relationships through intentional training and riding methods. My innovative HippoLogic Key Lessons became the cornerstone of my approach to online positive reinforcement training, reaching horse enthusiasts worldwide and transforming them into autonomous equine clicker trainers.
With a background in Animal Management, my heart has always communicated and connected with animals. Yet, horses hold a special place in my world. The equestrian journey for me is not just a profession; it’s a profound passion. It all started when, at the age of 11, a free-lease black stallion entered my life. Learning from him, along with his shire and the herd, fueled my understanding of horse language. Together, we unraveled the mysteries and intricacies of equine behavior, nurturing a deep and unique bond.
While my journey included obtaining a certification as a Centered Riding instructor and conducting workshops on Horse Behavior and Riders Seat Balance, my pivotal moment arrived with Kyra, a wild horse. Taking on the challenge, I had one year to tame her, and it was through positive reinforcement that our friendship blossomed in just three weeks. Kyra was the catalyst that set me on the path to developing a reward-based training system, shaping the ethos of my work with clients.
My mission is to empower passionate riders, guiding them to train and ride their horses in a wholly horse-friendly way. Through coaching and online courses, I strive to help as many people as possible become Confident Clicker Trainers. Join me at the HippoLogic Clicker Training Academy, and let’s embark on a journey that turns your horse into a lifelong friend.
