Our vision is based on understanding
Our vision is a world where all horses and their human partners interact through mutual trust, respect, and clear communication, leading to fulfilling and balanced relationships.
The success of Silent Voices Rescue has been fundamentally grounded in our deep and intuitive understanding of the equine mind and the resulting rescue and rehabilitation work we have been able to provide.
Many horses arriving at our barn have suffered from a variety of trauma conditions.
Their improvement largely depends on our ability to understand and care for their emotional and physical needs. This proves to be very challenging with horses who have experienced severe neglect and various levels of abuse, most of which are unknown to us.
MINDFUL LEARNING
Almost all domesticated horses live in a nearly constant state of confusion while their physical and emotional survival depends on communicating with us.
Silent Voice’s approach is firmly grounded in understanding a horse’s unique understanding and emotional experience of life. Combined with our deep knowledge of equine physical and bio-mechanical components, our way of relating is highly effective and healing in cases where other methods fail…
Traditionally, humans use fear and dominance in order to train a horse, therefore ignoring the very nature of how learning takes place within the horse’s mind.
We have become masters in creating physical devices and restrains to exercise control over a horse's body while neglecting to engage the horse’s mind. Too many horses get punished for not being able to perform for us. The result is always fear, not trust.
We are being asked to be present, be quiet and listen…
Silent Voices bases its teachings on LEARNING AT LIBERTY. This is not to be confused with “NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP”.
By surrendering our desire to control a horse’s physical body, we invite a new way of engaging emotionally. When we validate the result is a trusting and sensible connection.
This needs to happen at complete liberty and freedom of choice in order to begin a truly honest conversation.
When the fear of punishment is replaced with trust, the horse becomes eager to learn and is interested in working with us.
This is where healing begins …
FOUNDATION TRAINING
A foundation is something we stand on, we build on, we rise from...
We invite you to discover a language of intuition, openness and clear communication. Allowing horses to teach us about the reflection of our own emotions, we rise to meet them on an entirely new level of awareness. A place free of judgment and unfulfilled expectations. A quiet place of inspiration.
SILENT VOICES FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR DORO LOHMANN
Doro grew up in Westfalia, Germany, where her training in vaulting and formal dressage laid the foundation of her work’s integrity. With a degree in psychology and special education she worked in Germany and the US for many years in that field.
She first began working as a professional trainer in Northern California in 1996. By building and managing a private ranch, she began her focus on starting, training and maintaining sound horses for long distance endurance racing.
Many years of studying extensively with internationally recognized experts in the fields of veterinary medicine, equine massage and physical therapy, master farriery/equine podiatry, as well as a 10 year apprenticeship in holistic equine dentistry allows her to effectively provide the key fundamentals for the physical rehabilitation and healing of horses.
Her deep understanding of these factors and the relationship between a horse’s emotions and their physical body allows her to succeed where other trainers fail. Doro enjoys immense success in repairing broken lines of communication and lost partnerships between horse and human.
She sees herself as a facilitator who creates deep and meaningful relationships between a horse and human with a beautiful potential for both.
Testimonials
“Doro’s training methods include time, patience, and an understanding of the equine’s mind, body, and most importantly, spirit. She uses a training system based on rewards, free from resistance, equipment, and pain.” (Martine McGuinness, certified AEBQ (Advanced Equine Massage Therapy)
“Horses under Doro’s care develop trust and a relationship with their human companion. Doro has the eye to see the potential in a horse and the knowledge to bring that potential to the forefront.” (Wendy Albrecht and Cindy Krout (North Coast Equine Physical Therapy)
“I have found Doro to be an extremely astute observer of the mental and physical state of each and every horse in her care. Along with a very high standard of integrity, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to any undertaking in the horse world.” (Kerry J. Ridgway, DVM)
“Our rescue horse Mojo was found to be ‘crippled’ at the age of four with no realistic hope for rehabilitating him. Doro worked with him for a month and a half, teaching him to trust his body again. His physique improved immensely and he became more confident. Her groundwork, riding and equine bodywork turned him into a completely different horse. The change in such a short period of time was truly remarkable.” (Idaho State Senator Michelle Stennett)
“Doro understands the mental conditions of a horse. She is able to see the underlying reasons for many of a horse’s fears… whether he acts them out on the ground or under saddle. Through her ground work and riding, she is able to help a horse regain his sense of wellbeing and freedom from fear.” (Wendy Collins, Program Director for SETCH, handicapped riding program)
“Doro has succeeded in taking “horse whispering” to an entirely new level.” (Sharlyn Sawyer, fellow horse trainer)