Anke Recktenwald

Anke Recktenwald is a highly respected German horse trainer, clinician, and educator known for combining classical horsemanship with the Tellington TTouch® Method, Feldenkrais Method®, and Centered Riding®. She teaches internationally and focuses on improving both horse and rider through biomechanics, communication, and mindful training rather than competition-oriented methods.

Professional Qualifications

Anke holds several highly regarded certifications:

* Pferdewirtschaftsmeisterin (FN) (German Master of Horse Management)

* Level 3 Tellington TTouch® Practitioner

* TTouch for You® Practitioner

* Certified FELDENKRAIS® Practitioner

* Centered Riding® Instructor

* HeartMath® Therapist

Areas of Expertise

She specializes in:

* Classical riding and rider biomechanics

* Tellington TTouch®

* Feldenkrais for riders

* Groundwork

* Horse rehabilitation and body awareness

* Problem horses

* Young horse education

* Rider position and balance

* Horse-human communication

* Confidence building for horse and rider

* Equine wellness and movement education

Training Philosophy

Her philosophy centers on:

* Developing harmony instead of force.

* Improving the rider's body awareness to positively influence the horse.

* Respecting each horse as an individual learner.

* Encouraging soft communication through balance, timing, and feel.

* Using movement education to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

* Creating trust through understanding rather than correction.

Career Background

Anke began riding at age six and developed a particular passion for Arabian horses.

Professional milestones include:

* Began her professional equestrian career in 1993.

* Co-founded and managed the Al Thawi Arabian Stud, where she trained horses, managed breeding, and prepared horses for performance testing.

* Became well known for successfully rehabilitating horses considered difficult or "unrideable."

* Earned the prestigious FN Master of Horse Management qualification in 2000.

* Following a serious back injury, she studied the Feldenkrais Method, which became a cornerstone of her coaching approach.

* Has taught full-time as an independent clinician since the late 1990s.

Work with Linda Tellington-Jones

One of Anke's most notable professional relationships is her long collaboration with Linda Tellington-Jones.

She has:

* Studied the Tellington Method since 1987.

* Taught it professionally since 1999.

* Assisted Linda Tellington-Jones internationally, including in Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Hawaii, and Florida.

* Contributed to Linda's educational books and publications.

* Served on the editorial board of the Tellington newsletter.

Clinics and Coaching

She offers:

* Individual lessons

* Intensive training programs

* Two- to five-day horse-and-rider clinics

* Rider-only Feldenkrais workshops

* TTouch seminars

* Online coaching via Zoom and FaceTime

* International educational tours throughout Europe.

Publications

Anke is the author of:

* "Besser reiten mit Feldenkrais" ("Ride Better with Feldenkrais")

She has also produced educational DVDs and written numerous articles for equestrian publications.

Disciplines

Although not competition-specific, her methods are widely used by riders in:

* Dressage

* Classical riding

* Leisure riding

* Endurance

* Therapy horses

* Young horse development

* Rehabilitation

* Horsemanship across all disciplines.