Horse Trainer, Horsemanship Coach, Equestrienne
 

Samantha Harvey brings over three decades of experience across a broad spectrum of equine disciplines. Her journey includes Three Day Eventing (training and competing under Australian and German Olympic coaches while based in Europe), apprenticing with a three-time World Cup Grand Prix Jumper rider and judge, working with nationally recognized horsemanship mentors, and apprenticing under a U.S. international Dressage Grand Prix rider, representative, and judge. She has also honed skills in racehorse track prep, private cattle ranches, colt starting, and horse finishing throughout the U.S., in addition to participating in clinics with international instructors. Sam is an alumna of The United States Pony Club, serving as participant, instructor, and Joint District Commissioner.

Sam's early introduction to horses involved riding barefoot, bareback, and in a simple halter. She progressed from jumpers to Three Day Eventing while seeking exposure to diverse equestrian disciplines, training styles, and breeds. She trained in Jumper and Dressage barns, school horses, conditioned and started colts, and even attended jockey school for a glimpse into racing.

Her clinic experience spans instructors of various backgrounds. Sam immersed herself in all aspects of Three Day Eventing—competitor, groom, course designer, and event crew—learning from national and international trainers, chef d’equips, Olympians, and top coaches.

Early in her career, Sam realized that focusing solely on results often overlooked the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of both horse and rider. Witnessing “at all cost” approaches that left horses compromised, she chose to step away from competitive sport to seek a more fulfilling, partnership-based approach.

Years later, Sam returned to horses through The United States Pony Club as a trainer and District Commissioner. Troubled horses naturally gravitated to her, and she sought mentorship from one of the finest horsemen she had met. This experience helped her re-evaluate horsemanship with a focus on empathy, insight, and understanding.

Since then, Sam has dedicated her career to helping equestrians worldwide build strong, empowering partnerships with their horses. She operates one of the top internationally recognized Horse Blogs, contributes regularly to equine columns, teaches at Equine Expos, mentors pre-veterinary students, and uses social media to dismantle myths in equine behavior.

For over 25 years, Sam was based seasonally in the Pacific Northwest and wintered in the warmth of the Southwest while offering clinics across the Caribbean, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, South America, and throughout North America.

She is now based in Spain and continues teaching and coaching equine enthusiasts virtually while offering year-round in-person clinics.