Tom Dorrance's Timeless Wisdom

In the world of horsemanship, few names hold as much reverence as that of Tom Dorrance. Tom's groundbreaking approach to training and understanding horses revolutionised the equestrian world. He wasn't just a trainer; he was a master communicator, a mentor, and a philosopher. One individual fortunate enough to have learned directly from this legendary figure is John Saint Ryan. In an exclusive interview, John shares his unique experiences and insights gained during his time with Tom Dorrance, offering us a glimpse into the profound wisdom that shaped his own journey with horses.

In the captivating world of horsemanship, one man's teachings stand out, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to encounter his wisdom. At the heart of Tom Dorrance's profound approach lies the art of building an extraordinary connection with the horse. For John Saint Ryan, this revelation has been nothing short of transformative. Tom's philosophy was rooted in understanding and empathy, redefining the very essence of true horsemanship. Central to his belief was the extraordinary notion of "feeling" what the horse feels, immersing oneself in its world, and tenderly responding to its needs. This extraordinary concept not only revolutionised training techniques but sparked a profound appreciation for the horse as a sentient and emotional being. As John shares his journey, we embark on a voyage into a world where intuition and connection shape the relationship between human and horse.

Central to Tom's teachings was the concept of "feel." In his own words, it was about "feeling what the horse is feeling." Understanding the horse's emotions, fears, and responses was crucial for effective communication. Remembering Tom's emphasis on rewarding the smallest try, and building on each positive interaction.

Tom's philosophy extended beyond training techniques. It was about establishing a profound partnership with the horse, built on trust and respect. John recalls that Tom always emphasised the importance of patience, consistency, and understanding the horse's perspective. A horse isn't a machine; it's a sentient being capable of emotions and responses, and treating it as such was vital.

John's journey with horses took him to various disciplines, including Doma Vaquera in Spain. However, he chose to disassociate from the bullfighting aspect, focusing instead on the art and movements. Tom's teachings transcended disciplines, guiding John to develop a deep understanding of equitation science, not just as a technical pursuit but as a means of building a partnership with the horse.

One remarkable aspect of Tom's teaching was his ability to communicate complex ideas in simple language.  Quoting Y.B Yates “Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.” 

He didn't overwhelm his students with scientific jargon but rather presented his insights in a way that resonated with everyone, creating an accessible and transformative learning experience.

The legacy of Tom Dorrance continues to influence generations of horse enthusiasts, trainers, and riders worldwide. His profound connection with horses, based on understanding, feel, and empathy, remains a cornerstone of modern horsemanship. John Saint Ryan's journey with Tom exemplifies the enduring impact of this legendary figure, emphasising the power of patience, communication, and trust in developing a genuine partnership with these magnificent animals. As we continue to explore the world of equestrianism, may we all embrace the lessons from the Horse Whisperer, ensuring that the horse's welfare and well-being remain at the heart of our journey.

Other blog posts

see all

One Subscription: Hundreds of Courses, Lessons & Learning Modules

Experience simplicity with our straightforward pricing model at The Horsemen Collective!

Sign up for any of our plans and access EVERYTHING for one low Price!

No Lock in Contacts canceling anytime, hassle-free.

Plus, get started with confidence with our complimentary 7-day trial no strings attached. Explore our diverse range of content, from lessons to expert tips, and elevate your equestrian journey today.
MacBook mockup

One price access everything !
all our plans are less than $1 a day...

The Little Collective
Free
For kids
Tailor-made for kids
Ad-free
Safe and secure
limited content
Get started
Monthly
ON SALE
$12.5/mo
FULL PRICE WAS $25
7 days Free
Free Trial
Cancel any time
Entire Video Library
Community Page
Free Trial
Yearly Subscriptions
ON SALE
$125/yr
FULL PRICE WAS $250
BEST VALUE
Free Trial
Cancel any time
Entire Video Library
Community Page
Join Now
Pricing plans

All our plans are less than  
$1 per day!

We also donate 25% of our profits to charity

Monthly
Yearly
Save Up To 20%
Monthly
Free 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
$25/month
Entire Video Libary
ios & Android App
Live clinics
Unlimited views.
Community Page
Cancel any time
*Any discounts apply to the first bill cycle only
Start Free Trial
Quarterly
Get unlimited access to all our premium content.
$70/ Quarter
Entire Video Libary
ios & Android App
Live clinics
Unlimited views.
Community Page
*Any discounts apply to the first bill cycle only
Claim the deal
Group Plans & Retail
Perfect for Adult Riding & Pony Clubs, wholesale & retail rates available.
Contact us..
Flexible Pricing
Entire Lesson library
ios & Android App
Community pages
Live Clincs & Lessons
Plans from 10 / 10,000 users.
Contact Us
Yearly
Our Best Value Plan is  just .78 cents a Day! 
$250/year
Entire Video Libary
ios & Android App
Live clinics
Unlimited views.
Community Page
Cancel any time
*Any discounts apply to the first bill cycle only
Join Now
Lifetime Accsess
One payment, Accsess for ever!
$1490/Once Only
Entire Video Libary
ios & Android App
Live clinics
Unlimited views.
Community Page
*Any discounts apply to the first bill cycle only
Join The Collective
The Little Collective
No credit card required. Built for kids. Safe and secure.
FREE/ forever
No Credit Card Needed!
Free forever
Made for kids
Safe & Secure Learning
limited content
Get Started
all our plans are less than $1 day

Pricing is actually pretty simple

Monthly
Yearly
Save Up To $50 ☝️
Monthly
ON SALE 50% OFF
Full price $25
Free 14-day trial. Cancel anytime.
$12.5/month*
Unlimited Content
Community page
Cancel any time
Easily search videos
Live clinic's & events
All Trainers
Start Free Trial
Four For $4
EQUITANA OFFER
Get unlimited access to all our premium content for just $4.
$4/ quaterly *
Unlimited Content
Community page
Cancel any time
Easily search videos
Live clinic's & events
* then $17.5 per month
charged Quarterly
Claim the deal
Little Collective
No credit card required.
Cancel anytime.
FREE/ Forever
Free forever
Safe & Secure
One login
No CC needed
Made for Kids
Limited Content
Join Now
Group Plans
Perfect for Adult Riding & Pony Clubs, wholesale rates available.
Contact Us
c/o Sharing Shed
123 Albert St
Ballarat Central
Vic, 3350
Contact us
Yearly
ON SALE - 50% OFF
Full price $250
Our Best Value Plan is  just .78 cents a Day! 
$125/year
Best Value
Unlimited Content
Community page
Cancel any time
Easily search videos
Live clinic's & events
Join The Collective
Quarterly
ON SALE 50% OFF
Full price $70
Get unlimited access to our premium content.
$35/quater
Unlimited Content
Community page
Cancel any time
Easily search videos
Live clinic's & events
* then $17.5 per month
charged Quarterly
Start now
Little Collective
No credit card required.
Cancel anytime.
FREE/ Forever
Free forever
Safe & Secure
One login
No Credit Card
Made for Kids
Limited Content
Join Now
Group Plans
Perfect for Adult Riding & Pony Clubs, wholesale rates available.
Contact Us
c/o Sharing Shed
123 Albert St
Ballarat Central
Vic, 3350
Contact us
terms & conditions