Tessa Nicolet

Tessa Nicolet is an American equestrian trainer, clinician, and founder of Cohesive Horsemanship, specializing in Working Equitation, classical dressage principles, and partnership-based horsemanship. She is known for helping riders develop deeper communication, lightness, and harmony with their horses through a holistic and relationship-centered training approach.

Discipline(s)

Working Equitation

Classical Dressage

Horsemanship

Groundwork and Liberty

Ranch and Trail Riding

Mule and Horse Training

Role

Professional equestrian coach and trainer

Working Equitation instructor

International clinician

Horsemanship educator

Founder of Cohesive Horsemanship

Training philosophy / approach

Tessa's training philosophy centers on building a cohesive partnership between horse and rider through trust, communication, and understanding. Her program combines classical dressage concepts with practical horsemanship skills.

Key principles include:

Developing softness, lightness, and self-carriage through classical dressage foundations

Prioritizing partnership and communication over force-based methods

Using groundwork to establish trust, respect, and clarity before advancing under saddle

Encouraging riders to become independent problem-solvers and trainers of their own horses

Focusing on horse welfare, emotional balance, and confidence throughout the training process

Integrating skills useful for both competitive and everyday riding situations

Coaching & teaching

Tessa works with riders across a wide range of disciplines and experience levels, offering:

Private lessons and training programs

On-site and traveling clinics

Working Equitation instruction from introductory through advanced levels

Youth rider coaching

Online educational programs and courses

Horse and mule training programs

Strengths as a trainer

Working Equitation expertise

Classical dressage foundations

Horse-human relationship development

Groundwork and communication

Rider education and self-sufficiency

Cross-disciplinary training applicable to sport, ranch, and recreational riders