Heartfelt Horsemanship

Gareth Maré is a South African Animal behaviourist and horseman. Gareth did not come the ranks in the conventional equestrian world, but rather around wildlife. Horses have, however, always been a part of his life, and he believes his "outsider" status gives him a different perspective to most in the equine industry.

His approach to horses is based on horses' natural pre-domestication species needs, as opposed to traditions that were formulated for the convenience of humans and an aesthetic requirement from a different time.

Gareth has always been drawn to Western Disciplines founded on working horses, like cutting, trail and reining, and started his competitive career in 2013.

In 2017 he won the all breed South African Western Trail Adult intermediate High point National Championship.

The following year he won the AHBSSA reserve championship for Showmanship at Halter, and the Championship for Western Horsemanship and Working Cow Horse.

"I was regularly competing against far better riders than me, but having a relaxed and willing horse is a immeasurable advantage".

Gareth's focus in his work is on connection, relaxation and communication, claiming that by having these foundations solid it will address any undesirable behaviors that arise with horses.

Since founding Heartfelt Horsemanship in 2012 Gareth has built a solid reputation as an ethical and empathetic trainer and instructor.

He has consistently added to his animal behavior education with CPD courses in Equine Psychology, Equine management, Neurochemistry and Learning Theory.

His perspectives on training have been sought by South Africas pinnacle Equestrian publication "HQ Magazine" and his articles have been a regular feature of the magazine.

He was also featured in the award winning international documentary "Listening to the Horse" alongside some of the world greatest horsemen and women (Karen Rolf, Warwick Schiller and Pat Parelli).

He has been hosted on Podcasts around the world from Warwick Schiller's "Journey On" Podcast in the US, Equine Voices in the UK and HorseTalks in New Zealand.

Gareth travels globally for clinics, private lessons and training of young or troubled horses, while also helping remotely through consultation calls & course enrolment.