Profile of Horse Trainer Linda Tellington Jones

Tteam and Ttouch are holistic methods of connecting with animals. The mind, body and spirit of the horse (or other animal) are respected and training is stress and discomfort free. Effective communication between horse and human using TTeam and Ttouch are felt to deepen trust and understanding while enhancing performance and behavior.

Tellington Jones grew up in a horseback riding and animal loving family. During her early years, she showed horses and competed in distance riding with consistent success. With her husband Wentworth Tellington she started the Pacific Coast Equestrian Research Farm and School of Horsemanship in 1964 studying horses and training instructors. After the farm closed and Linda moved to Germany, participating in Equitana and teaching therapeutic riding. In 1975 she began training in Feldenkrais Method and began exploring its benefits for both horse and riders. This was foundation for Tteam and Ttouch .

There are a wide range of tools available to those using Tteam and Ttouch. Riding with balance rein or neck rope and ring or using a body wrap helps the horse with confidence and balance. The wand is used for cuing effectively. The Tteam Rollerbit encourages collection and flexion. The Lindell bitless bridle is used for starting young horses, horse with sensitive mouths or beginner rides. While these tools enhance the methods, they are not, with the possible exception of the wand, essential to successfully using these methods.

In the show ring and in the sport of endurance riding Tellington-Jones was a successful competitor. She was 1994 North American Horsemen's Association Horsewoman of the Year and received the 1992 American Riding Instructors Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Her methods have been featured in numerous television specials and magazines world wide. Her books are best sellers world wide, and she is an internationally respected animal behaviorist bringing help and healing to everything from snakes to elephants.

TTouch or Tellington Touch is a combination of touches, often done in circular motions, which are believed to activate cellular intelligence, relieve tension and increase body awareness. Used in conjunction with TTeam ground exercises and “The Joy of Riding”, many problems can be overcome in a stress free manner.

“Give your horse a chance, not a challenge.”

On the Tellington Ttouch Training website you will find information regarding companion animals including horses including event dates, practitioner listings, articles, Linda's blog and instructional video.

Linda Tellington Jones has written 15 books about horses and many more about other animals and humans. The Tteam Connections Newsletter is a monthly email or print publications filled with success stories and tips. DVDs demonstrate the basics of TTeam and Ttouch and kits are offered for beginners, junior riders, those training young horses and those exploring bitless bridles.