Guiding You and Your Horse with Compassion and Empathy
Helping equines and their humans build stronger, fear-free relationships through positive, reward-based training.
Meet Maria Lucy
Discover my approach to compassionate equine coaching and how we can help you and your horse thrive together.
Meet Maria Lucy
The human behind True North Equine Coaching
About Maria-Lucy
My passion for equine coaching stems from a deep belief that every horse deserves to be understood, respected, and trained with compassion. Over the years, I've witnessed the transformative power of positive, reward-based training methods resulting in horses who feel safe, understood and eager to engage,
Through my work, I've learnt that the most profound breakthroughs happen when we approach our horses with patience, clear communication, and genuine empathy. Every horse has a story, and my role is to help you listen to theirs while building a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding.
"I believe horses thrive when treated with kindness, patience, and clear communication."— Maria Lucy
Video 2: My Story
Learn about my background, approach, values, and experience in equine coaching that led me to create True North.
Professional Affiliations
True North Equine Coaching is proudly affiliated with leading organisations that champion ethical, science-based equine training and welfare
British Horse Society
The UK's largest equestrian charity, promoting education, welfare, access and safety for horses and riders
The International Society for Equitation Science
Leading research organisation advancing evidence-based horse training to enhance welfare and improve horse-rider relationships
Equitopia Center
Research-backed education platform providing evidence-based courses on compassionate horse training and welfare
Connection Training
Professional equine training and education organisation promoting ethical horsemanship practices
Commitment to Excellence
These affiliations reflect True North Equine Coaching's commitment to staying at the forefront of ethical, science-based horse training. Through ongoing education and collaboration with these respected organisations, we ensure our methods are grounded in the latest research and best practices for horse welfare.
Coaching Services
Compassionate, reward-based training programmes tailored to you and your horse's unique needs.
Solving Challenging Behaviour
Transform fear-based reactions into confident responses through patient, understanding-based approaches that address the root causes of challenging behaviours.
- Reduce anxiety and fear responses
- Build trust and confidence
- Create positive associations
- Establish clear communication
Developing the Equine Athlete
Unlock your horse's potential through methods that enhance both performance and well-being, creating confident, willing athletes who love their work.
- Improve focus and engagement
- Build strength and flexibility
- Enhance performance naturally
- Maintain mental well-being
Backing the Novice Horse
Gentle, patient introduction to saddle and rider that creates positive first experiences and establishes lifelong patterns of cooperation and trust.
- Stress-free introduction to tack
- Preparing the horse for ridden work
- Building confidence under saddle
- Creating positive associations
Why Choose Reward-Based Training?
Builds Trust
Creates deep bonds and reduces fear between horse and handler
Empowers Choice
Allows horses to make decisions and feel confident in their responses
Long-term Results
Promotes lasting behavioural change through positive associations
Ethical Approach
Respects the horse's natural learning processes and emotional well-being
The Power of Praise
Ancient wisdom meets modern science
"For what the horse does under compulsion... is done without understanding, and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip and spur a dancer."— Xenophon (circa 430-354 BC)
Ancient Greek historian and horse trainer
How Praise Works in Training
Positive reinforcement creates willing partnerships, not forced compliance. When horses are rewarded for correct responses, they actively seek to repeat those behaviours.
Scientific research shows that praise-based methods reduce stress hormones like cortisol while increasing feel-good chemicals like oxytocin which is an important hormone in the CARE system responsible for bonding and dopamine which is integral to the SEEKING system and increases motivation and enthusiasm.
Trust builds performance. Horses trained with compassion show greater confidence, creativity, and engagement in their work, leading to superior athletic and behavioural outcomes.
Video 3: The Power of Praise in Action
See how positive reinforcement and praise-based training creates willing partnerships and transforms the relationship between horse and human.
What Our Clients Say
Real stories from horse owners who have experienced the True North difference
"Maria-Lucy encouraged me to take videos of our sessions, which she reviewed with voiceovers full of clear advice and positive feedback. Her kind, person-centred approach really boosted my confidence with my spooky young horse. She made me feel heard and supported throughout our bitless journey."— Louise P, Aberdeenshire
Young Horse Training & Bitless Support
"Maria-Lucy brought real clarity to our work around tacking up and mounting. She introduced us to horse agility, which has been fantastic for both physical development and mental engagement. Her positivity and encouragement gave us real confidence in our approach."— Teresa K, Oxfordshire
Tacking Up & Horse Agility
"I needed help training hoof lifting with my severely traumatized miniature pony. Maria-Lucy is very empathetic, gave detailed feedback and helped me see things I could improve. She was encouraging and had creative ideas—it was great to finally lift Leo's feet!"— Joanne W, Buckinghamshire
Rescue & Trauma Recovery
"Working with Maria-Lucy has been a real turning point with my nervous mare. I've become much more aware of my own body language and intention, and I now recognise calming signals. She's incredibly supportive, and I always felt I could ask her anything."— Ger P, Somerset
Nervous Horse Support
"I wanted to build a meaningful connection with a donkey and enrich her life. Maria-Lucy's approach was always equine-centred, with welfare as the top priority. Her support gave me confidence to grow while ensuring the donkey's needs were respected."— Ashleigh P, Somerset
Donkey Training & Enrichment
"Maria-Lucy has such a calm, compassionate presence that immediately puts both horse and human at ease. Her ability to really listen—to both me and my horse—stood out most. Every session felt like a collaboration, not a correction."— Claire N, Shropshire
Trust Building & Communication
"Finding Maria-Lucy was like a breath of fresh air. She respected where we were on our journey and never rushed the process. She helped me see the value in slowing down and celebrating connection over control. It's made all the difference."— Liz W, Cornwall
Connection Training & Philosophy
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book a one-to-one coaching session or sign up for a bespoke training plan. Transform your relationship with your horse through compassionate, science-backed methods.
Get In Touch
Ready to begin your journey with True North Equine Coaching? Let's discuss how we can help you and your horse build a stronger, more trusting partnership.
Let's Connect
Location
Honiton, Exeter, Devon
maria-lucy@truenorthequinecoaching.com
Response Time
Usually within 24 hours
Our Promise
"True North Equine Coaching helps horse owners and handlers build compassionate, confident partnerships through ethical, science-backed methods rooted in empathy."