Membership Fair Store Founders

About Us

Our passion has always been to cultivate meaningful connections between horses and their people—connections that transform not only the partnership but also the individual. Through quality horsemanship, we strive to create experiences that are inspiring, joyful, and deeply fulfilling, no matter the discipline or type of horse.

Since 1994, we’ve been dedicated to teaching and training, guided by the wisdom of extraordinary horses and horsemen alike. Their insights, combined with the profound lessons horses teach us every day, have shaped our belief that true horsemanship begins within. When we change our mindset, regulate our emotions, and focus our intentions, we unlock new possibilities for growth—both for ourselves and our horses.

The Art Of The Horseman Online Horse Fair is our way of sharing this transformative journey with the world. It’s more than a platform; it’s a movement—a space where inspirational trainers come together to honor the horse-human relationship and help you align your energy, focus, and presence to create deeper, more authentic connections.

Through the teachings shared at the Fair, we aim to empower you to reimagine what’s possible, embrace the present moment, and grow not only as a rider but as a person. Horses show us how to let go of old patterns and create a new reality filled with trust, harmony, and possibility.

A Note From Paula:

We want to make the world a better place. We have always had a passion to help horses and their people in a meaningful way. Horses in their own unique way bring us back to the moment, making it necessary to be present. In learning to work with them through feel and understanding, they teach us about ourselves.  A fusion of concepts on life applied to the horse, making us better people along the way.

Lessons on life, brought to you by the horse.

Together, we can harness the wisdom of horses creating a brighter future:
Better People. Better Horses. Better World.

We appreciate you being here,

Paula and Jack Curtis
Founders, Art Of The Horseman

Contact: [email protected]

Paula Curtis believes that riding is not just about mastering techniques; it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection. Her unique approach invites students to look beyond the mechanics of riding and explore the profound lessons horses teach about presence, awareness, and self-understanding.

“I teach because I want riders to experience what’s truly possible,” Paula says. “When you take the time to understand your horse—what motivates him, what sparks his interest—you begin to see how your own energy, emotions, and mindset influence the partnership. Riding is about feel, communication, and partnership. It’s about stepping into the moment with your horse and seeing the world through his perspective.”

For Paula, working with horses is a mirror for personal growth. Horses respond to what’s happening inside us—our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. By learning to focus, stay present, and align our inner state with our goals, riders discover a deeper level of connection not only with their horses but also with themselves. This process teaches self-awareness, emotional regulation, and how to replace old patterns with intentional, mindful action.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that when you work with the horse’s mind, the body follows. She tailors her approach to the unique needs of each rider and horse, adapting exercises to fit the specific discipline, whether it’s eventing, dressage, hunters, jumpers, or gymkhana. Her ability to clearly articulate concepts and design personalized exercises creates transformative results for her students.

Paula’s ultimate goal is to inspire independent thinking and personal growth. By teaching her students to understand their horses on a deeper level, she also helps them better understand themselves. This self-awareness enables riders to troubleshoot challenges with curiosity and creativity, building both confidence and resilience in the process.

Her students have achieved remarkable success at local, regional, and national levels, but Paula’s focus goes far beyond competition. She believes the true reward lies in the journey—cultivating feel, communication, and partnership, while uncovering the powerful lessons horses have to teach.

Through her heart-centered approach, Paula shows riders how to create meaningful shifts in their horsemanship and their lives. Horses teach us to be present, to trust the process, and to connect authentically—with them and with ourselves. This journey doesn’t just create better riders; it creates better people, unlocking possibilities both in and out of the saddle.

For Paula, the path to success begins within. When riders learn to align their thoughts, emotions, and intentions, they discover not only the joy of partnership with their horse but also the limitless potential within themselves.

Jack Curtis brings a transformative approach to horsemanship, combining the principles of quality horsemanship, classical dressage, and centered riding to elevate horses and their partners to new levels of connection and understanding.

Growing up in southeast Wisconsin, Jack was starting horses under saddle for local breeders by the age of 14. His early experiences with a wide variety of breeds—from gaited horses to hot-blooded athletes and cold-blooded drafts—gave him a deep appreciation for each horse’s individuality. His background spans disciplines, including Western events, Jumpers, Dressage, and ranch work, cultivating his respect for the unique challenges and beauty of each approach to working with horses.

Jack’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that horses are mirrors for the human experience. “Every horse has something to teach us if we’re willing to listen,” he says. “When we understand their unique personalities and needs, we not only improve our riding—we grow as people.” By working with horses, Jack helps his students uncover insights about themselves, teaching them how to align their energy, focus, and intentions to build authentic partnerships.

Since 1994, Jack has shared his expertise through lessons, clinics, and demonstrations across the U.S. His ability to articulate complex concepts in a relatable and actionable way creates lasting impacts for both horse and rider. Whether guiding a student through a classical dressage movement, helping a ranch horse gain confidence, or refining communication with a jumper, Jack’s approach is always heart-centered and tailored to the individual partnership.

Jack teaches riders to connect with their horses by being present and understanding the horse’s perspective. “When you work with the horse’s mind first, the body naturally follows,” he explains. This principle allows riders to approach challenges with patience and creativity, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. Jack’s work emphasizes emotional regulation, clear communication, and the importance of staying grounded and mindful—skills that not only enhance horsemanship but also enrich every aspect of life.

Through his clinics and lessons, Jack inspires his students to approach horsemanship as a journey of discovery. His goal is to help riders develop the confidence to think critically and solve problems independently, strengthening their partnership with their horse while fostering self-awareness and resilience.

For Jack, the true reward of horsemanship lies not in competition, but in the profound connection and trust that can be achieved between horse and rider. By teaching the principles of feel, communication, and partnership, Jack helps his students unlock new possibilities in their riding and within themselves.

Whether working with a seasoned competitor or a new rider, Jack’s approach is the same: to create meaningful, transformative experiences that build better horses, better riders, and ultimately, a better world.

 

Both Paula and Jack have spent their entire professional careers teaching and training. They have owned three training facilities, and have found a home just outside of Jamestown, TN.

Their passion has always been helping people understand horses and empowering them to reach their goals while coaching them at clinics, lessons, shows, and in their online programs.