November 2008 • VOLUME 39 • © HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine

KLAUS HEMPFLING WORKSHOP 25th October 2008 – 3 Borderline Horses (dangerous horses)
26th October 2008 - Dancing with Horses (focusing on self-awareness, body movement and energy)

Organised by: Diane Gilpin (www.hempfling.co.uk)
Location: Hartpury International Arena near Gloucester

In the middle of this huge indoor arena was a square pen of about 11 square metres which Klaus calls a “picadero”


Klaus Hempfling is not a «horsewhisperer», he does not appreciate roundpens, playing games, “sending away” or the so-called “join-up”. If anyone has the need to put a label on this man and what he does, then they’ll just have to go watch (even better, participate) and decide that for themselves. Personally, I have never seen a natural horseman like him. At no point does he abuse mentally (or physically) the horse’s natural instincts, particularly their fear instinct. In front of horses, Klaus has no defined plan, he reacts and works with what is in front of him and it all takes . . . the time it takes. This weekend was no different. This is the second of his workshops in which I have participated and the first day’s work shapes the second day which generally brings to light basic, but deep, complications that must be addressed if both horse and owner are to move on safely. The following are notes made from the content of these two days: