Meet Sierra
Sierra Backman is a horse trainer based in Wilton, California. Her work with horses is intimate, connected, and founded on building relationship and partnership with horses
She offers a variety of services including horse training using a natural horsemanship philosophy, lessons for adults and children, as well as mentorship for owners who are looking to further connect and build a relationship with their horse, as well as improve on their skills and communication.
Her story
Before I had any horse experiences, I thought they were the most beautiful and awe inspiring creatures. When I was around sixteen years old, I got connected to Winward Natural Equine Center and started cleaning stalls in exchange for lessons. I knew very little about horses and am so grateful that this is where I was able to start my learning. SandyJean Winward taught me how horses think, how to be aware of their body language, and what they are communicating with us. Through that experience, she gave me my first horse Mozada, who has taught me so much.
Healing with horses
SandyJean and I worked with Mozada for a year, before she gave her to me. In that time she walked me through the steps of how to show a horse that they are loved and valued for more than just what they can give us. I also learned lots and lots of patience, how to set some healthy and safety boundaries, and the importance of just being with a horse and spending time with each other the way a herd would. After a few years, I moved to Central Oregon where I volunteered at a Youth Ranch working with at risk kids and horses. I spent my time there mentoring kiddos and helped them to build relationships with horses. Horses have a way of speaking to hurting people that seems to come straight from God. I believe He gave them a gift to show us ourselves and how to find peace. The safety, peace and confidence that the horses helped give the kids was beautiful to witness.
“She loved her lesson today! You have a huge talent with horses and the skills to help people with their horse issues. You’re doing what you were put on Earth to do, I’m sure of it!”
— Kayla