ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Bettina Biolik
About Bettina
Who am I? I’m a passionate horse person, a lifelong student of the horse-human relationship, and — most of all — a teacher who believes in training with kindness, clarity, and mutual respect. I spend a good part of the year traveling to teach clinics, and I cherish the opportunity to stay connected with riders around the world through online lessons as well.
From the moment I first sat on a horse as a child, I was captivated by the strength, intelligence, and emotional depth of these animals. Over many years, I learned that true horsemanship is not about dominance or shortcuts, but about understanding, communication, and trust.
My Path With Horses
My journey has taken me from dreaming of riding higher dressage to discovering a method that truly honors both horse and rider. I realized early on that I wanted something more than just physical skill: I wanted a deep connection with every horse I worked with. That pursuit led me to the Academic Art of Riding, a classical approach rooted in biomechanics, clear communication, and gentle progression.
Each horse I have met has taught me something unique — about softness, about patience, and about the quiet conversations that happen long before any visible movement. The Academic Art of Riding offered me a language for those conversations, a way to bring together the horse’s physical well-being with their emotional and mental balance.
As my understanding grew, so did my desire to share this approach with others. Teaching became a natural extension of my own learning, a way to help riders feel the same sense of clarity and partnership that had changed my own path. What inspires me most is witnessing those moments when a rider feels their horse truly “answer” for the first time — a shift in balance, a deepened breath, a spark of connection that transforms how they see one another.
This work continues to shape me every day. The joy of this path is that it is never finished; there is always more to learn, more to explore, and more beauty to discover in the relationship between horse and human.
My Training and Influences
Since 2018, I have been a member of the Knighthood of the Academic Art of Riding, and in 2019 I became a licensed Bent Branderup Trainer®.
Many years, since 2015, I have spent time in Denmark as a working student with Bent and Kathrin Branderup, continuing my own education and deepening my understanding of this art.
I have also completed several internships at Gestüt Moorhof in Germany, learning from Marius Schneider and Carina Dörfler, whose guidance has shaped my perspective in many meaningful ways.
My teaching degree from the University of Leipzig supports this practical experience, allowing me to tailor each lesson to the individual needs of the rider and their horse, and to create a learning environment that is structured, empathetic, and responsive.
What I Believe in
KINDNESS
Kindness is the foundation of every interaction with a horse. When we meet the horse with patience, softness, and respect, we create an environment where learning feels safe and natural. A calm mind and a relaxed body open the door to true partnership.
UNDERSTANDING
I believe in taking the time to understand the horse — their biomechanics, their emotions, and the way they process the world. Training becomes meaningful when we learn to read subtle signals, adjust our expectations, and communicate with clarity. Then we can support the horse in a way that nurtures both their physical balance and their inner confidence.
CONNECTION
The heart of this work lies in connection. When horse and rider think together, breathe together, and move together, something beautiful emerges: a conversation that flows without force. These moments of shared harmony are why I teach, why I study, and why this path continues to inspire me every day.
What Drives Me...
For me, riding has always been about connection — the kind of partnership where horse and rider move together with mutual trust and joy. I believe that:
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Every rider can develop a deeper understanding of their horse's mind and body.
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Dressage should feel logical, respectful and rewarding.
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The best training builds confidence and kindness first, and strength and skill naturally follow.
I never see the horse as inferior. To me they are companions with feelings, intelligence, and their own ways of perceiving the world — and that is what makes teaching them so meaningful.
About Teaching from the Heart
Teaching isn't just something I do — it's something I love. Whether I'm working one-on-one with a rider, leading a clinic with a group, or connecting with students online, my aim is always the same:
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to help you and your horse understand each other more deeply
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to find joy in the process,
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and to celebrate every step — big or small — toward harmony.
Many riders tell me that what they appreciate most is the way lessons translate into real moments of clarity and connection with their horse. Riders from Ireland, Australia, the USA and beyond have shared how training together has transformed their experience — not just in the arena, but in everyday life with their horses.
A SHARED JOURNEY
Horses have shaped the way I see the world: they have taught me patience, humility, and the beauty of being present. My passion for teaching comes from a place of respect — for the horse, for the rider, and for the unique relationship between them.
I’m grateful for every rider and every horse who has shared a piece of this journey with me. I look forward to meeting you — wherever you are on your path with horses — and walking part of that path together.
Warmly,
Bettina Biolik
“Horses continue to shape who I am every day. I remain a student as much as a teacher, grateful for every horse and rider who shares this journey with me.” Bettina Biolik
Academic Art of Riding Bettina Biolik
Podkowa Lesna, Poland
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