Tina helped me start my journey with my young pushy horse, teaching me how to teach him respect and worked with me on trailer training so I could get him out and about and eventually away to be started. She has worked with both my boys with Bowen Therapy and the difference in them after each treatment has been a pleasure to watch. I recommend her to anyone who wants their relationship with their horse to go to the next level. Kathy, Reporoa Feb 2017
My daughter Stella got her first pony in March '16 while she was undergoing treatment for Lukeamia. Tina was the perfect person to teach and guide Stella with her calm and gentle approach to horsemanship. Stella and Sam have developed an incredible bond and a mutal respect of each other through Tina's teaching. Late last year, Stella went out to ride Sam. He didn't want to be caught. I was so proud when I watched Stella send him away, then draw him back in, one of the amazing skills Tina taught her. We will be forever grateful for Tina's help and I have no hesitation in recommending Horse Harmony to anyone wanting to enhance their relationship between rider and horse. Philly, Rotorua Feb 2017
I met Tina a few years ago for some body work on my boys and help online with my young horse. Tina has a great natural connection with horses, ability to see, read and feel them. My horses loved her. Tina is one of the nicest people you'll meet and her passion for helping horses and their humans is inspiring. Kelly, Taupo Feb 2017
I first met Tina at an adult gymkhana day many years ago and here she was on her horse in just a halter and lead rope! and all us 'english riding ' nutters trying to control our horses the 'old fashioned way', and I think that was the start of me thinking that there must be a better way than fighting and trying to dominate (as is often the prescribed method). A few years down the road I started some lessons with Tina with my old tart Ngati, and soon learnt how sensitive my mare was. I'm just a beginner, but look forward to exploring how to work harmoniously with my horse. Thanks Tina! Rose, Rotorua Feb 2017
I first met Tina a few years ago and was very fortunate to have had Tina guide and teach me how to best 'be' holistically with horses, I was very keen to learn about and interact with horses in a mutually enjoyable way. While I have strong intuitive skills with animals, what i lacked was the actual experience of handling alot of horses - mainly due to not wanting to emulate what i had been shown within the 'regular' horse community.. Too much force and not enough respect ...was a common theme, so i decided until i met someone who clearly valued no force and much respect with their horses i would not pursue it.. How grateful i am to have met and spent time with Tina and her equine crew, she is amazing and in full integrity and i know that any horse that makes its way to Tina for whatever reason, has landed with its hooves in Horse Heaven.. So proud to know you, and fully support and endorse you and your methods. All the very best and heartfelt Thankyou from Horsekind!! Sarah Hosking, Rotorua Jan 2017
I first met Tina after I purchased my 16:3hh off the track TB, after having him for a week I really started to regret my decision to buy. The longer I had him the more and more I thought about selling him on. After rearing at me and being very pushy around food and on the ground with me I thought I had made a huge mistake, i did not enjoy spending time with him let alone trying to work with him. I came across Horse harmony's website and decided I would see if Tina could help... me out. Tina was very understanding and helpful and never once made me feel like I was stupid or incompetent. After the first session with her I was hooked, she had taught me a completely different way to what I was used to and how to understand and work with my horse. I cannot believe he is the same horse now, he is such a kind, gentle, willing boy that I had completely miss understood. Tina regularly trims his feet and has also performed Bowen therapy which was a huge help. I have since purchased a young horse that Tina continues to help and support me with either by lessons or from just an email or phone call she is always happy to help. I highly recommend and cannot thank her enough for the help and knowledge she has given me over the years. Clare, Rotorua Jan 2017
I have had great privilege of having Tina treat my horses since the birth of her business, 'Horse Harmony'. Tina doesn't just treat your horse but trains you as the owner/rider as to how to progress and understand what is going on with your horse. Having dealt with my once super sensitive Kaimanawa and others I can confidently recommend Tina to work with any nervous or troubled horse. Tina is constantly breaking new barriers with her trimming and treatments and so with this I see the passion that drives her to do only but the best for both horse and human. Amie Ritchie
I have known Tina for quite a few years now and first met her when I attended a Chip Johnson clinic at her place. I have attended some of the Natural Horsemanship Groups she has held and absolutely loved attending the groups. I got heaps of practical tips that I am able to use everyday with my horse TUI. Belinda, Rerewhakaaitu Jan 2017
It's hard to express how thankful I am that Tina came into our lives. She has incredible empathy and understanding for horses and humans with an amazing amount of equine knowledge that can only come from being deeply passionate about her subject. Kind and approachable whatever your ability and experience is, Tina will meet you at your level and give you the confidence, self belief and skills to reach your goals. You are awesome Tina!!!!! Jo, Galatea Jan 2017
Tina is wonderful with her Bowen Therapy and also her very approachable personality. She has treated myself and our 2 poodles (and Maxxi cat) with Bowen for a number of years now and we love feeling so good as a result of our treatment. She has come a long way since she first started treating us many years ago and this comes down to her dedication to her work and the desire to improve her knowledge and therefore improve treatments. Thank you so very much for all you do for us Tina. That includes travelling from Rotorua to Tauranga to treat us. Janice, Tauranga Jan 2017
I wouldn't of believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes what Tina was able to achieve in one session and teach me was incredible and I look forward to a long working friendship with a lot more success!! and after watching her ability to connect and handle a horse that was scared of the world I couldn't recommend any higher if I tried!!! and the amount of knowledge that I have walked away with in just one session has been huge well worth making the time for a lesson and spending the money to get tina out if you are having problems with your horse :) Renee, Tauranga
Hi Tina, Thank you for another great lesson - I am still buzzing. Its so rewarding seeing Poppy progress each week. I still can't believe I am really doing this, so thank you so much for all your help and confidence building. I really would and could not do it without your support and knowledge. Another great newsletter and I especially liked the page on canter foot falls - something I am getting to grips with so it was a help for me. Can you please book me for your ride out on the 2nd Feb. I have put it in my diary. (with Venus) :). C U next thursday. Wendy, Rotorua
I had the best lesson with Tina today. Am so rapt with how Venus and I are progressing with her help and knowledge. Can't praise and recommend Tina enough. Thanks you, Thank you, Thank you!!! Wendy, Rotorua
Awesome lesson Tina! I love how u have a lesson plan but also let how Ellie pony and I are doing on a particular day become part of how we go about things. It's funny thinking about Ellie pony's head carriage, I was so focused on that for long while, thinking about different bits, exercises etc. But it was improving her confidence that solved this problem in a gradual, hardly noticed it changing way. Just goes to show that going back to the basics, the foundations of horsemanship, can be the most gentle yet effective way of helping horses and their people work out issues. Sarah C, Rotorua
I purchased my first horse in May. He was meant to be the quiet, safe horse that was going to help me build my confidence as an adult returning to riding after I had suffered a bad fall on a leased horse at Christmas. Shortly after he came to stay he had injured a friend of mine and had a number of experienced horse people expressing concern and suggesting I sell him on before he killed me, as he could not be stalled, tied up, tacked or floated without getting into a panic and taking out whoever got in his way. I decided I needed some help as I was very nervous of being up close to my horse and riding him seemed an impossible dream.
After a number of incidences, including one in the float resulting in injuries, I came across Tina when looking for body work practitioners in my area. I was excited to read that she helped with training as well as I had decided that I needed some horsemanship lessons. Within a short space of time Tina had taught me enough to have my horse settled and respecting me. She delivered exactly what I needed and was at all times empathetic and patient with me learning new skills and refreshing old ones. She has listened to me, kept my goals in mind and been an honest and professional coach. Her teaching aptitude is rare gift. Tina has offered holistic treatment and training of myself and my horse, something I had been looking for and found lacking with other trainers. She has even given me the best Bowen treatments I have ever had! I am now able to take my beautiful horse out and about and begin schooling him with the beginnings of a great relationship between us. Thank you so much Tina, what you do for people and their horses is very special and as long as you are in the business I will be a loyal customer. Nicole, Tauranga
Tina has been giving Ellie weekly horsemanship lessons since (October??) last year and in that time we have seen Cody go from very green and nervous to being a relaxed and responsive friend for our daughter. They have learnt so much together and have a really strong bond, based on mutual love, trust and respect. Tina's teaching style is friendly and positive. While she expects commitment and effort from her students (both human and equine) her lessons are low stress and supportive which Ellie responds really well to. Tina is very knowledgeable and teaches methods that are relevant to any one interested in understanding their horses behaviour (and what to do about it!). She is genuinely interested in creating better, safer horse/human partnerships and her lessons are tailored accordingly. Cody and Ellie are still young and still have a lot to experience but I am amazed at the skills they have mastered and know that they are learning things and developing fundamental skills that will be needed in many future situations and am grateful for that. Thanks Tina :-) Sarah W, Rotorua
hi Tina thank YOU for yesterday !! have just come in from putting rosie on the float after I put her halter on I did a few backups and stuff just to get her listening to me then I positioned her at the end of the ramp window wiped my stick near her shoulder and tapped her butt when she went past she went straight on stood there while I praised and rubbed on her then she started eating I waited a while and then backed her off she went off straight and waited at the end of he ramp until I asked her to move. the second time went on ok but backed off moderately fast before I asked her to she did stop at the end of the ramp though. so I took her out into the paddock and on a shortish rope sent her around me making her keep her shoulder out of my way and disengaging her hind when asked did that in both directions she was snorting and going quite fast but was listening to me. backed her up a few times and presented her to float again she went on and stood perfectly two more times gave her lots of praise and rubbing and then let her go she was quite high on adrenalin and took off round the paddock snorting and carrying on but that only lasted a few mins and she settled. so I think it all went well but will see what tomorrow brings Carol, Tokoroa
I love my lessons with Tina she is so helpful. I have learnt lots and lots with Cody . I feel more confident when working with him and when I am around him. Tina makes me feel proud and happy of what I have achieved. She's really encouraging and she's always smiling. Cody has become my dream pony - even though he has always been my dream pony, we've bonded much better with Tina's help. THANKS TINA!!! Ellie & Cody, Rotorua
To tell the truth I was scared of my horse. It was a fight every time I rode her. Mum suggested Natural Horsemanship after seeing something on T.V so she rung Tina. Tina is a great teacher and we have come so far from when I first got Cherish. Cherish and I are best friends now instead of enemies. At first I had no idea what Natural Horsemanship was about but as Cherish and I learned more and more I am confident now that Natural Horsemanship is for me. Tina is a great teacher and is happy to answer any sort of weird and whacky question! As I have learned you have to put the work in to get results. I look forward to a long and happy future with Cherish. Thanks Tina. Tilly & Cherish, Ngakuru
My daughter had become very frustrated with her horse and frightened of riding her young mare. We were starting to think that we had made a terrible mistake in buying a young and green horse for our young and reasonably inexperienced daughter. However just after my first phone conversation with Tina I felt so much more positive and I realised that the problems were not so much with the horse but with the rider and the lack of relationship between the two of the them. I can’t say that I totally understand the whole process but over the weeks I have seen my daughter become confident,comfortable and happy around her horse. They seem to have formed a bond to the point that they understand one another a lot better and work together happily and its fantastic to see my daughter back in the saddle after some nasty falls prior to Tina . Tina has provided us with a service that has been so encouraging and helpful. We have learnt a lot about horse management, dietary requirements, saddle fitting, day to day caring needs of the horse as they have come up and she has also done a wonderful job of the hooves ,an area we were struggling with also. I can’t speak highly enough of the whole Natural horsemanship programme and of how Tina has presented this too us . Professional, polite, and very real are the words I would use to describe Tina and the service she provides. Cindy, Ngakuru
Hello, Tina! This is Lucy Murcott. How are things in Paradise Valley? Hope you and the horses are all well. As you know, my family and I moved to Vanuatu in 2009. We are still here, involved in mission work, and are LOVING it. I still continue to enjoy horses, and have been doing some volunteer work at a trekking place down the road, mostly helping to break in and train the young, unbroken horses. (We back the youngsters for the first time in the OCEAN! It makes things so much easier – for horse AND rider. J It’s a really amazing experience). I also have an older friend who owns 6 horses, and trains them all using natural horsemanship/Parelli methods. (She is currently on level one, and always asking ME for advice! I just tell her “this is what Tina taught me…. “ J She would love to meet you.) I am now 17, and am starting to look into all my options for further studies/universities etc. I would love to become a veterinarian, and we are currently looking into the possibility of my enrolling in Equine Science at Charles Sturt University ( Wagga Wagga, Australia) with the view of then transferring to Veterinary Science. I am writing to you because I need references, and was hoping that you’d be able to help me out here! I would be most grateful. Just a general character reference, with mention of the work we did together, and my ability to work with and understand horses. I would also like to say a big THANK YOU for all you taught me during those two years I was privileged to work with you and your horses. The foundation for all my horse training savvy was actually formed during those two years under your training. I have found all that knowledge invaluable over the past couple of years, as I have worked with all types and temperaments of horses. You taught me a lot, and I would like to say thank you very much. I’m sorry if I never told you that. “Thank you!!” Look forward to hearing from you soon. Lucy, Rotorua
I bought my 6 yr old thoroughbred gelding (seb) in May 2011, he was straight off the race track and I took pity on him as he was going to go to the meat works. It wasn’t until I got him home I realized after four years of not being around horses an off the track thoroughbred may not have been the best choice. I couldn’t get him out of his paddock without being dragged or holding on as tight as possible, this then caused the rearing and the striking out with his front legs. I got to the point where I wouldn’t take him out of the paddock as I was to scared to do so, he is a big boy at 16:3hh and I am only 5ft 4, he bossed me around when I came to feed him and would just walk in to me barge me out the way he just used his size and strength to put me in the bottom of the pecking order.
It was then I decided I needed to do something and the first thing was to give him to someone who had could work with him but instead I decided to look in to natural horsemanship, I typed it in to google and came across Tina Hardy of horse harmony she was so helpful and asked everything about seb and what I wanted to get out of it. After the first session I was hooked I was able to walk my boy out of the paddock whilst he walked behind me and not being dragged or reared up on, tina has always made herself available to answer any question I had in-between sessions not just on the natural horsemanship but on nutrition saddle issues etc we have been working with seb for about a year now and he is now a real gentle giant, we go out hacking, take day trips out also attend horsemanship clinics Tina holds at her place. A year ago I never thought I would get him out of the paddock let alone cantering and jumping in just a halter and rope. Tina as also done some bowen therapy and regularly trims his feet. Id just like to say thank you for all your help and getting us both to where we are today. Clare, Rotorua 2014
KIDS CAMP FEEDBACK
I have attended a couple of Tinas pony camps and I would recomend Tina Brandt to anyone who wanted to sort a problem with their horse, or to try something new. Tina has helped me gain my confidence, and i have loved working with her horses and learning natural horsemanship which can be incorperated into all styles of riding. Tina is a kind hearted person who loves animals and has a calm and caring personality. Looking forward to the next pony camp! x Molly, Rotorua Jan 2017
Hiya Tina, We had a good trip back home with India in the float. We also refloated her as soon as we got home and it worked a treat even though Todd her paddock mate was going nuts in the paddock as she was back. When Rhedyn took her back into the paddock with Todd she used all the tools you have taught her as India just wanted to get back to Todd. Rhedyn also said to me on the way home, 'thankyou so much mum" for that week with you as she had learnt so much and was feeling confident with what she has learnt. So thankyou Tina for all that you have done for India and Rhedyn and we will come back for some one day clinics and when finances are good can look at another kids camp. You have been our life saver. Frances, Ngakuru
Good evening Tina, Trust you are well rested after the Holiday camp. Once again thank you, it has given Helen a whole set of new skills to work with. She truly believes this is the right way to move forward with her relationship with Minnie. It is wonderful to see. Need to confirm a suitable time for Helen to come over for a lesson. We chatted about sometime this Friday. Please advise if this suits? Looking forward to hearing from you. Felecity, Tauranga
Thanks for giving Tilly and Cherish such a wonderful week. I have actually seen a chnage in Tilly through camp. She already can't wait for the next one! :)
Hi Tina, just wanted to let you know we arrived home safe and sound. Opened the front door with no fright and they stood relaxed for a good 5 minutes. As soon as he is aware the back is coming down he launches back but he had much better manners and no accidents. Put him on 3 times with casual on and off so now he is having dinner. Thank you again for your invaluable help. We will be back! :) Nicky, Whitianga
WORKSHOP FEEDBACK
Hi Tina, Thank you so much for today, I had a blast and learnt loads to go on with. It was a good day! - Wendy
Thanks tina, was great to finally get that shoulder moving in a soft responsive way, Kody knew what to do, it took me that long for the penny to drop. Thank you for your patience in getting me to understand what i needed to do to get the response i wanted. - Kathy
Thanks so much for today. After the improvements made already i am really looking forward to doing more work with your and taking Zoogle to the Scott O'Malley clinic. - Nicole
Getting better - thanks to Tina. Such a good teacher and confidence builder. - Wendy (returnee)
Really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it - Kate
Life changing and can't believe how much more confidence i got from it - Nicole (returnee)
Hi Tina, Thank you so much for Saturday, it was really great, and Cruze even came to me on Sunday..yah! and funny enough Sam came trotting up neighing, so a very successful day on Saturday- Denise
Hi Tina just wanted to thank you again for a great day, i really enjoyed it and learnt a lot to go on with - Wendy (returnee)
BODYWORK TESTIMONIALS
Tina came from Rotorua to Tauriko Tauranga and worked in a gentle and kind manner with our horse Rosie who was very sore in her back and had gut probems. We could not ride her. Three days after Tina's visit we have a new horse who is happily cantering and in no pain at all. Thank you so much Tina for all your advice and the care you showed towards Rosie. Elizabeth, Tauranga Feb 2018
I purchased a 4 year old Colt in October last year who had a few body issues. He was very unbalanced and really struggled to pick up his front legs to even pick his hooves out. He also never really moved round his paddock beyond a lazy walk. After just one treatment with Tina he turned into a different pony overnight galloping bucking and yeehaaing round his paddock in glea. So much so that even my non-horsey husband said "good luck getting on him!" 4 months later he still has no problem with hoof trims and is happy and full of beans. I can't recommend Tina enough she's very calm and gentle and takes the time that it takes and the horses love her. Michelle, Rotorua Jan 2018
I couldn't recommend Tina more highly. She's thoroughly professional, kind and caring, to both horses and horse owners. She has treated three horses for me over the years and I have literally watched them change shape before my eyes! What Tina does is amazing and the horses love her calm approach and gentle touch. Cathy, Rotorua Feb 2017
I have been honoured to know Tina for several years, and she has been working on my horses for a lot of that time. She is very knowledgeable and has a wonderful, relaxed and respectful way with them, and they respond very well to the body work she does with them, (especially my very elderly 28 year old gelding). Can not recommend Tina enough. Tina, thank you, thank you, thank you! Hannah, Rotorua Feb 2017
I first contacted Tina before we moved to Rotorua as I was looking to meet new people in the horsey world, she was very friendly and helpful. I was delighted when we actually ended up as neighbours! Tina has treated all my horses for me she is very understanding and patient with them and I always come away feeling empowered and so grateful to have met her. Tina is very passionate and professional in her work and my horses wellness is testament to that. I can't recommend Tina enough for gentle yet precise non invasive body work for your best friends. Christina, Rotorua Jan 2017
Tina has worked wonders with my mare, Molly. She had such a lot of tightness caused from years of harboured stress and Tina really gets to the bottom of the issue instead of just treating the surface issues. I've noticed changes not just in her body but in her personality and demeanour- she is all round a much happier horse which makes me happy too� thanks so much Tina for your honest advice and gentle approach that always puts the horse first. Bridie, Tauranga Jan 2017
Morning Tina. Thank you so much for treating Venus yesterday she seems a lot brighter this morning and not as pissy with Poopy (paddock mate) which is awesome. Wendy
I'm so thrilled and can’t thank you enough. I truly think the problems I was having with him were physical, because he’s such a different horse now! I don’t feel intimidated by him, he moves out of my space and he’s not nearly so dull. He’s still likes to be fed first, but is perfectly polite about it now. I feel that I’ve got the horse I’ve always wanted and although the riding thing is still a bit of a challenge, I’m doing it and I’m not anxious about it. I’m doing what I want on my terms and not letting myself be pressured into anything else! I feel so excited about the future I have with Tank. Thank you again for your guidance, you’re amazing! Cathy S, Rotorua
Hi Tina, Just wanted to touch base and thank you for your time and effort with Jack this week. It’s always so good to chat with you too and I appreciate your knowledge and welcome your advice. I am pleased to say he was re shod on Friday, 3 days after his treatment and I will ride him for the first time tomorrow, so all worked out well. Thanks again for the newsletters – I find them interesting, informative and very relevant. Look forward to our continued association, Safe travels, Kindest Regards, Robbie McGhee
TRIMMING
I have known Tina Hardy for 5 years. I met Tina in the business capacity of Equine Barefoot Trimming. Tina is very professional and a good communicator. She is also very competent at barefoot trimming and has an excellent rapport with animals. I have recommended her to other horse owners for barefoot trimming as she has been tending my own horse's feet for the past 5 years and their hoof health has never been better. Tina is very informative and has been teaching me how to trim my own horse's feet. She is very patient and is great at passing on the knowledge. Over the last 5 years of knowing Tina I can say without a doubt that you are dealing with a person of very moral character. Tina operates with integrity, and never has a bad word to say about anyone. She is also hard working and dedicated, and never finishes a job until she is satisfied that it is up to her standard. On a personal level, may i just say that I really like Tina, and have no doubts about her abilities to succeed in the future and highly recommend her for any endeavour that she may seek to pursue. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Liz van den Broek, Ngakuru
Thank you Tina for being all I had hoped you would be for Red. I chose you to be the first to trim his feet because I trusted that you would be kind and empathetic to him and I as newbies to this hoof trimming deal. As it was he did me proud and I was grateful for the extra time you took giving me some advice and direction for our journey. Carin, Tokoroa Nov 2013
Just want to thank you so much for your patience and kindness towards Marty (horse). I really appreciate it and I'm sure Marty does to. Robyn, Tauranga 2015