01
Relationship before performance
God does not love us because of what we do. He loves us because we are His. In the same way, we build connection and trust before asking for performance.
The Amana Method
Holistic horsemanship rooted in trust, consent, biomechanical awareness, nervous-system regulation, and calm leadership.
A living approach to working with horses, animals, and people. It does not begin with control. It begins with listening.
01Partnership before performance
02Regulation before correction
03Consent before pressure
04Healing at the pace of trust
At Amana, we do not ask: "How do we make the horse obey?"
We ask: "What does this animal need in order to feel safe enough to trust, soften, and participate willingly?"
Partnership before performance
Before performance, we ask whether trust is possible.
Many traditional approaches to horsemanship focus on obedience, pressure, correction, and performance. Amana begins somewhere else.
Before asking an animal to perform, we ask whether the relationship is safe enough, the body is ready enough, and the nervous system is regulated enough for learning to happen.
The work is slow because real trust is slow. The work is gentle because force often hides what has not healed. The work is precise because compassion without skill is not enough.
Amana brings together
01
Consent-based horsemanship
We practice gentle, consent-based horsemanship, using a thoughtful balance of positive and negative reinforcement to build trust, confidence, and willing partnership.
02
Equine-assisted wellness
Using horse-human connection as a space for reflection, grounding, and growth.
03
Biomechanical awareness
Listening to what the horse's body reveals through movement, tension, posture, and compensation.
04
Bodywork and movement
Supporting the horse's body gently and progressively through careful physical work.
05
Nerve-release informed work
A growing layer of Donna's practice focused on the body's deeper release and regulation.
06
Nervous-system regulation
Recognising when an animal or person needs safety before learning can happen.
07
Calm leadership
Leading with clarity, steadiness, and consistency.
08
Emotional safety
Creating conditions where animals and people can soften without being pushed.
09
Farm-based learning
Letting real life, real animals, and real responsibility become part of the teaching.
10
Relationship-centered rehabilitation
Restoring trust, dignity, and participation instead of simply forcing behaviour change.
Core principles
The Principles That Guide AMANA
At AMANA, we believe that the way we treat animals should reflect the way God treats us. We do not see horses, donkeys, dogs, or people as projects to be fixed, but as beings to be loved, understood, and guided.
Through our work with animals, we have discovered principles that reveal something of God's heart toward us.
02
Regulation before correction
A loving God brings peace before instruction. When horses, people, or animals feel safe, they can learn, grow, and make healthy choices.
03
Boundaries in love
God's boundaries are not punishment; they are protection. Healthy boundaries create safety, trust, and freedom.
04
Consent before pressure
God invites rather than forces. We seek willingness, partnership, and participation instead of using fear, intimidation, or excessive pressure.
05
Healing at the pace of trust
God is patient with us. He does not rush our healing or demand instant transformation. We honour the same process in every animal and person we work with.
06
Celebrate the smallest try
Every step forward matters. Just as a loving Father delights in the smallest movement toward growth, we celebrate every effort, no matter how small.
07
See the gold
God sees beyond behaviour and mistakes. He sees the true identity and beauty within each of us. We strive to do the same.
08
Grace before perfection
Growth flourishes in an environment of grace, not shame. We believe mistakes are opportunities to learn, not reasons to withhold love.
09
Strength through gentleness
God's strength is often revealed through gentleness, patience, and kindness. We aim to lead from calm confidence rather than force.
10
Love never withdrawn
Correction may be necessary, boundaries may be necessary, but love is never removed. We believe this reflects the heart of God and creates the foundation for lasting transformation.
11
Healing at the pace of trust
Trust cannot be forced, and healing cannot be rushed. Just as God is patient with us, we choose patience with both people and animals. We create environments of safety, connection, and love, allowing trust to grow naturally and healing to unfold in its own time. Trust first. Healing follows.
12
The body tells the truth
The body carries the stories that words cannot always express. By paying attention to posture, movement, tension, and behaviour, we learn to listen with compassion and respond with understanding. The body tells the truth. We choose to listen.
Our belief
The animals at AMANA constantly remind us of a profound truth: transformation happens most naturally when we feel safe, loved, accepted, and understood. These are not just principles for horsemanship. They are principles for life — that we believe reveal the heart of God — a God who is always present, always loving, and always inviting us into greater freedom, peace, and wholeness.
The mirror
Horses mirror what humans often miss.
We believe that all of creation is constantly reflecting something back to us. Scripture tells us that "creation waits in eager expectation for the revealing of the children of God" (Romans 8:19). The picture is one of creation standing on tiptoe, with outstretched neck, longing for humanity to awaken to who we truly are.
At AMANA, we believe that creation often reflects back to us what is happening within us. When we live from fear, striving, stress, and disconnection, these patterns often show up in our relationships, our animals, and the world around us. But as we awaken to our true identity — loved, accepted, whole, and united with God — we begin to reflect His peace, love, and life into creation.
Horses are especially gifted at revealing what humans often miss. They respond honestly to what is happening beneath our words. They mirror our nervous system, our emotions, our presence, and our authenticity. They invite us into greater awareness, helping us recognize areas where healing, growth, and deeper connection may be needed.
As we remember who we truly are, we begin to reflect the life of Christ within us. We become more peaceful, grounded, and present. Our relationships change. Our animals change. Our environment changes.
The horses are not the healers. They are the mirrors. They simply reflect what is already there and lovingly invite us back to ourselves. Creation is waiting for us to remember who we are. Horses help us see the journey home.
A living method
How the AMANA Method Continues to Grow
The AMANA Method is not a fixed system. It is constantly growing, evolving, and deepening as we learn from the animals, from one another, and from life itself.
Our approach is shaped by:
Lived Practice
Real experience with real horses, real people, and real challenges.
Collaboration
Learning from trainers, therapists, bodyworkers, educators, animal behaviourists, and the many people who contribute their wisdom and experience.
Technical Study
Continual study of horsemanship, biomechanics, nervous system regulation, behaviour, learning theory, trauma, movement, and wellness.
The Individuality of Each Horse
No two horses are the same. Every horse teaches us something new and invites us to see the world through a different lens.
Careful Observation
We spend time watching, listening, and remaining curious. The animals often reveal far more than we could ever learn through force or assumption.
Humility
We do not claim to have all the answers. We remain open to learning, changing, and seeing things differently when new understanding emerges.
Honest Feedback
The horses give immediate and honest feedback. We learn to listen without defensiveness and allow their responses to guide us.
The Unique Gifts of Each Person
Every person who comes to AMANA brings something valuable. Different perspectives, talents, experiences, and insights all contribute to the growth of the method.
Above all, we believe that growth happens when we remain teachable. Some of our greatest lessons have come not from textbooks or qualifications, but from quietly observing a horse, listening to a client, or witnessing the transformative power of love, patience, and connection.
The AMANA Method is not built around one person's expertise. It is a living journey of learning, discovery, and partnership with both animals and people.
Transformation stories
When the body softens, behaviour often changes.
Many horses arrive with complex physical and emotional histories. Some carry pain. Some are shut down. Some are defensive. Some are labelled dangerous. Some have been misunderstood for years.
Through the Amana Method, Donna has seen remarkable anecdotal progress in horses with histories involving chronic stress, aggression, shutdown, head shaking, colic-related distress, and conditions such as Kissing Spine.
These stories are being documented carefully as case studies. They are not shared as guaranteed outcomes, veterinary treatment claims, or a substitute for professional veterinary care. They are shared because they matter - they show what becomes possible when horses are met with patience, precision, dignity, and deep listening.
Important. Amana transformation stories are shared as lived case studies and educational reflections. They are not veterinary diagnosis, treatment guarantees, or a substitute for professional veterinary care. Where relevant, veterinary professionals should always be consulted.
Case study
Behavioural transformation
Movement / posture progress
Case study
Physical rehabilitation progress
Horse being gently handled
Case study
Trust and handling
Learn Amana
There are several ways to experience and learn the Amana Method.
Horse Connection Experience
A gentle introduction for guests and visitors who want to spend meaningful time with the horses.
Book a Horse Experience
Amana Sanctuary
An experience for people of all ages. From one weekend to one year, come and learn, heal, transform, and remember who you are. A sanctuary where people and animals thrive in harmony and where peace, purpose, and belonging can be rediscovered.
Explore Amana Sanctuary
Clinics and Workshops
Future learning pathways for horse owners, practitioners, facilitators, and people called to this way of working.
Enquire About Clinics
Future Practitioner Pathways
Amana certification pathways are in development. Join the mailing list to hear about future courses, clinics, and practitioner training.
Join the Amana ListFAQ
Questions about the method
The name Amana comes from the Scriptures, specifically from the book of Song of Songs (Song of Solomon 4:8), where Amana is mentioned as a mountain peak.
The Hebrew word "Amana" is closely connected to the ideas of faithfulness, trustworthiness, steadfastness, and certainty. It comes from the same root word as "Amen" — meaning it is true, it is established, it can be trusted.
For us, AMANA represents:
A place of faithfulness. A place where promises are kept. A place of safety, trust, and belonging. A place where people and animals can heal, grow, and rediscover who they truly are. A place where God's goodness is experienced and His promises become a reality in everyday life.
At AMANA, we believe that every promise of God finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ. Here, we create space for people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, with nature, with others, and with God, discovering the peace, freedom, and wholeness that have always been theirs.
AMANA — The place where God's promises are kept, realized, and lived.
Begin where you are
You do not need to be an expert to begin.
You need willingness, patience, humility, and the desire to meet animals differently.