"Everything is too difficult.

I was too little to understand the words of this book "Dancing with Horses' that I found in our local library. I just stared and wondered at the pictures, they told me enough. Inspired by the pictures I could sense that this was a different way even though I was taught and shown all the rules and regulations on how I should handle horses. I hungered to have more freedom in the time spent with these wonderful creatures. But being only little and not having a horse of my own this was almost impossible. Only when no one was around, no grown-ups, who would tell me what I could or could not do, I was able for a moment to let everything go and just do what I felt what was natural to do. In those moments I felt how it was to truly be with horses.

By being involved in quite some different disciplines and programs of trainers in the past, I experienced all kinds of techniques, methods and uses. I saw people using horses for leisure time, superficial entertainment, power, competition and gambling sports. Focused on the material and physical, techniques, methods, programs, and a wide range of mechanical tools evolved. With, in most cases, the best intentions and lots of patience the horses are trained to perform and obey. But something (at least for me) was missing; the true spirit of the horse. The philosophy or the state of being of Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, differs so much from what most other horse trainers do with their horses because he preserves the horse's wildness, power and personality. He is not using the horse; in fact he doesn't want anything from the horse at all. He leads the horse without physical force through inner strength, and through spiritual and physical presence. He is able to communicate with the horses through authentic body language. A deep inner connection between man and horse is the result.

Deep inside, most people want this connection with their horse. However, in this world where people expect, the need to prove, achieve and compete, trainers are ambitious and want quick results. When they are with the horses they always want something from them. I used to get frustrated when the horse did not do what I wanted. I've seen the nicest people turn mad and angry because the horse did not respond the way they wanted it to respond. When Klaus is with a horse he doesn't want anything from the horse, everything that happens comes naturally; it is a gift so to speak. The journey in it self is the goal.

In that journey inner values play the most important role in the work of Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling. It originates from the inside and it will be expressed on the outside. Most of today's trainers pay attention and influence the horse only physically. To be physically stronger than the horse we need techniques and tools. Klaus developed inner strength, spiritual and physical presence. This is greatly valued by horses; they search for the spiritual, soulful person to guide their instinct and matter. By restricting the horses physically the freedom thus the dignity is lost. By leading the horse through inner spiritual strength not one slightest bit of the horse's wildness, not one spark of its power and personality is taken away. Klaus wants to preserve and encourage it in such a way as to gain a certain control for the horses own good, so that its freedom is as unrestricted as possible.

In this freedom of mind and body there is room to be as creative as you like. Instead of learning a technique or following a programme, it's an adventure where the horse is our mirror. You do not learn to imitate someone else working with his horse in a certain way, it is about finding yourself and becoming aware of what is in you. There is no plan and no expectation. You have to discover, feel and explore. Intuition tells you what to do next; there is room to spontaneously react to a certain situation. Perhaps in a way, you have never thought of before. Klaus recognizes the special character of each horse and senses what this particular horse needs. According to that information he can start to communicate with the horse rather than train the horse by following a certain programme. Each individual relationship is unique.

It is real simple; instead of training a difficult technique, you have an open childlike mindset and you try to find a bonding. Then interacting will always be fascinating and beautiful. Play, and enjoy each others company now. "I'm not expecting anything of you. I can help you because together we can become more than you and me alone. "Let's Dance.'"