Kimberlee Strauss

With over 40 years experience, Kimberlee Strauss considers herself a lifetime student of the horse and encourages her students to be horse listeners themselves.  For as long back as she can remember, Kim has loved and admired their spirit, grace and beauty.

Kim’s journey began with her sister, Kay, taking her for weekly trail rides at a local stable.  At the age of 14, Kay bought Kim her first horse and the lifelong adventure started in earnest.  Beginning in traditional horsemanship and progressing to natural horsemanship, Kim has continued her personal evolution and is committed to a non-coercive reward based training philosophy.  Along the way, she was certified as a natural horsemanship instructor by retired international clinician, Frank Bell.  She has studied under French equine behaviorist, Donald Newe, who introduced her to clicker training.  Most recently, Kim has studied under Jo Hughes through her online teaching Academy of Positive Horsemanship.  In addition to having studied directly under these individuals, Kim has also studied the work of many others through books, videos and clinics.  Certified as a riding instructor with the American Riding Instructor Association, Kim has a solid understanding of a variety of riding disciplines and focuses on rider biomechanics in riding lessons.  She has also been published in their quarterly magazine.

Presently Kim is the owner and manager of Renegade Wind, LLC, a unique iron-free boarding, lesson and training stable located in Honeoye Falls, NY, USA.  No bits or shoes are used on the premises. Her philosophy is simply to provide horses with the best welfare management according to the current understanding of equine ethology along with the most ethical humane training available based on current scientific research. She is constantly evolving in her approach and management to meet these criteria for her equine residents.  In addition to riding lessons, students are offered the opportunity to learn reward based training on the ground through a variety of applications from husbandry and enrichment to equine agility.  If desired, students may also observe an assortment of ancillary care such as chiropractic, teeth floating, hoof trimming and massage.  Kim’s goal is to develop a sound knowledge base and a deep empathy for the horse in all of her students and clients, while assisting them to reach their goals with their equine partners and friends.