By far the very best trainer in B.C. for you to take your warmblood to would be Birgit Stutz in McBride. Birgit is very familiar with big pushy warmbloods and knows very well how to develop them without pushing them beyond their ability. Honestly, I can not recommend Birgit highly enough. It would be well worth the effort to get him to her if you can. He’d be in the best of hands with Birgit!

I just started working with two completely different geldings (both in personality and conformation) born 2016 that were started by Birgit and owned/bred by Alindali Warmbloods: Bravo Bollero (Bon Couer x Contendro) and Spartecup (Stalypso x Autocrat).

It is a treat to receive recently backed horses that have retained their unique personality and have absolute trust in humans.

Birgit did a wonderful job in having the horses comfortable with the rider on their back and responding positively to situations that the horses find challenging.

I am very excited to develop these two extremely talented youngsters. Having them come to me with such a solid base will help them progress faster and bring much joy and satisfaction to whomever ends up with them for the long term.

I wholeheartedly recommend Birgit and her Falling Star Ranch to anyone wanting their horses started positively.

I decided to do a mentorship program at Falling Star Ranch because I really wanted to find a new way to work with horses. I was not happy with the way I used to work with and train horses. I knew that the horse has a lot of effect on me in general but after a while just training horses I found out that I was just mad at myself all the time because I didn’t have the skills to deal with young horses and I was mad at the horse and had no patience anymore. I hated the way I was but I didn’t know how to changes things and do things better. I was thinking of quitting training horses, thinking it’s not for me anymore. I like working with one horse and building a good relationship with that individual horse. Then I can have a lot of patience.
I came across Falling Star Ranch on the Internet, when I was looking for a ranch where they do some kind of horsemanship. I didn’t know of Chris Irwin at all, but I had read some articles on the Internet about him and I really liked the way he sees the horse and helps the horses.
With the mentorships program I had two lessons a day and the rest of the day I watched the other lessons and training sessions. I took a lot of notes and it really helped me to understand everything.
At the beginning I was even afraid to go close to the herd because everything was so different. I had to be so aware of everything and I was really not used to that! My first riding lesson was a revelation. I felt like a total beginner. The week before I arrived at Falling Star Ranch, I was jumping 4 feet with different horses and here I had a hard time to work the horse at a walk! I was so sore just riding for 45 minutes at the walk. I had to put my ego aside and accept that “I don’t know everything”. But it’s a great thing too.
I’m just amazed at the method and how using horse psychology changes the horses. Chris Irwin’s method is based on body language, the language of the horse, as well as our body language. I feel like I was blind for so many years and it’s like I finally opened my eyes and realized how a horse lives. The horses are prey animals and as humans we act as predators, and this can scare the horse, and if we don’t pay attention to what the horse tells us with its body, then we just don’t get the respect and trust.
In mid-August, I attended a train-the-trainer certification clinic with Chris Irwin at Riversong Ranch in Whitecourt and received my certification in the Chris Irwin methodology. I look forward to keeping improving my skills and being able to help people with their horses and horses with their riders. I’m going back to Switzerland at the end of the fall and I hope I will be able to help as much as I’m able to and show and spread this method around! I know that people, especially Europeans, are looking for a better way to work with their horses but they don’t really know how! So I am excited to see how it will change!
I really enjoyed my stay at Falling Star Ranch. The people and horses are great! I felt like I was living in a different world, like in a dream!! No matter what’s going on in the world you’re just in a peaceful place where the horses are the king. I hope I can come back to Falling Star Ranch in the future. – Noia Wyss, Switzerland (July 2010)

After my filly came back from another trainer with not only an extensive injury but also with a developed mistrust in people, I hesitated to send her off for any training ever again. Time passed by and her wounds healed and friends urged me to give Birgit a try. In spring this year Ella moved to the Falling Star Ranch. Birgit had the ability to regain Ella’s trust in people. It took a long time and tons of ground work to overcome Ella’s tensions, mistrust and also her saddling issues. I was amazed how much my horse has improved with Birgit’s training methods. Every week I was updated about Ella’s progress with photos and videos. Over the summer Ella has transformed into a bold and forward moving horse with a wonderful working attitude. And when I picked her up, I received riding instruction from Birgit to make sure my horse responds to me as well as to her (well… sort of 😉).  I can’t thank Birgit enough for all her hard work and great horseman ship. Best investment ever. And a big thank you to Kyra, Birgit’s student, who spent a lot of time with Ella too. You gals are awesome. – Katrin Levermann, 100 Mile House (horse in training 2018)

For three months my 4-year-old Arab gelding was at Falling Star Ranch to be started under saddle. Birgit is amazing! I arrived and before leaving she had gone over my goals for the horse and more importantly what kind of ground work I had been doing.
Over the next three months she slowly and carefully brought my young guy along.
I was kept informed of all his progress with twice weekly reports along with videos and photos. I felt like I was part of the training program and was able to reply and add information with things that I had observed at home.
I was very impressed that Birgit never hurried the training and made sure he had mastered each step before moving on to the next one.
He is now home and I have been riding a lovely relaxed horse. He is still young and needs many hours under saddle but he is willing, happy and relaxed.
I would highly recommend Birgit and Falling Star Ranch to anyone who has a young horse that you want to have as a life partner. – Nicola Maughn, 100 Mile House (horse in training, summer/fall 2017)

I have a 5-year-old Warmblood gelding that, while having a fair bit of ground handling, had not yet been started under saddle. Tommy is a good boy with plenty of physical substance (getting close to 17 HH) but is emotionally immature. My own capabilities in the saddle are good but I was worried that I did not have the expertise to start a young horse as well as being able to stay on during any young horse “panic attacks” 🙂 So I started to look around for local trainers. I knew what I wanted – someone who understands horses, who will handle them firmly but fairly and who will not “break” them (as is the mindset of some “trainers”). I wanted my horse “started”, to be taught that he has a job to do, to accept his job and not be fearful of his rider. I wanted his mind intact because then you have a willing partner doing his best to for you. Birgit accomplished all that and then some. Tommy started out in the round pen, then progressed to accepting saddle and bridle, lungeing and finally backing. Because he is so big, he is uncoordinated and took time to develop and get fit. Birgit challenged Tommy when it was appropriate but never pushed him beyond his abilities at the time. These big Warmbloods need that time especially on an emotional level so they can mature at a pace that is sustainable (i.e. no meltdowns please!). Tommy had about 90 training days with Birgit and at the end he had walk, trot and canter (a to-die-for canter!). And while that doesn’t seem like a lot at the end of 90 days, for Tommy that was substantial. I have a horse who is willing and accepting of his job. I had a few lessons on Tommy with Birgit and I feel confident I can take Tommy forward from here. We had a good bond before I brought him to Birgit, and I feel like we can really deepen that bond as our career together grows. I highly recommend Birgit as a trainer with feel and am very thankful I found her before I had to resort to other trainers. Thank you so much Birgit for the excellent foundation you gave Tommy! “A house built on sand washes away in the first heavy storm while a house built on rock lasts forever”. – Cheryl Johnston-Schuetz, Prince George (horse in training, spring/summer 2016)

I brought my mare to FSR and had 60 days put on her. She was green and confused when she arrived there – a battle to load her, halter her, etc. Yesterday she loaded like a dream, haltered, bridled, walk/trot and started on canter and has made an amazing transformation.” – Jean Kennedy Vossen, Francois Lake, British Columbia (horse in training, fall 2018)

A few years ago, (my husband) Dan and I were fortunate enough to add Sam to our herd. Sam is a rambunctious 4-year-old shire who knows how to “throw her weight around”. I was hoping to train her myself (the fool that I was) and we managed to get her to the point where she was comfortable with a saddle and rider on her back, and a bridle and bit in her mouth. We rambled around the round pen, but never ventured beyond that. She didn’t really know what we wanted her to do, and we had no idea how to teach her. That’s when we decided to hand her over to Birgit for 30 days of training. It was the best money we’ve ever spent on a horse. We are now able to ride her on the roads, through all kinds of trails, and with other horses. She understands walk, jog and lope, on the ground and in the saddle, using our legs as well as voice commands. She stands quietly when we mount, and best of all, she knows NOT to run us over when we lead her around. Without Birgit’s training I am certain that Sam would have been a very expensive moving lawn ornament, with lots of untapped potential. I have recommended Birgit to anyone I know who needs an excellent horse trainer, and I will continue to do so for years to come. Thank you for being there for us. – Riette Kenkel, Valemount, British Columbia (horse in training)

Hey Birgit, I just want to once again thank you for the great job you did training Sam last year. She is so nice to ride, and every time we get her out on the trail her confidence increases a little more. She’s so soft in the bit, listens to our voice commands, and responds to the most subtle movements. I just love her! Thanks! – Riette Kenkel, Valemount, British Columbia (horse in training, 2010)

This summer I had the opportunity to send my 6-year-old QH mare to stay at Falling Star Ranch for six weeks of refinement training with Birgit.
I had previously met Birgit at one of her clinics and instantly was impressed by her knowledge and methodology when it came to working with horses. I knew she was someone I would like to work with my horse and she did not disappoint. Birgit took my goals for my horse seriously and after six weeks presented me with a stronger, more balanced and forward horse. Birgit is passionate about the horses and the training and it shows. Her methods have the horse in mind always! – Sarah La Fortune, Prince George, B.C. (horse in training, summer 2019)

Birgit took on my 5-year-old registered Morgan mare “Gypsy” this past  summer/fall. I have always started my own youngsters, but this one was so reactive and sensitive that I came off a couple of times, and my nervousness fed hers, so a lovely little mare was soon going to be ruined. And as she is very small, there was not much chance of finding Gypsy a good home.
So we decided to invest in a professional trainer for the first time, as well as both myself and my 9-year-old son taking summer-long riding lessons. We were SO fortunate that Birgit’s Falling Star Ranch is just down the highway from us! Gypsy did show her reactivity for Birgit, but 8 weeks later I was able to get on her and under Birgit’s expert guidance, experience the most amazing ride of my life. Like driving a Porsche after a lifetime of old clunkers, with a glaring exception in a wonderful responsive Morgan gelding who adoringly put up with my amateur ways for 27 years. “Sonnet” was a hard act to follow, but back home, Gypsy literally makes me grin every time I get on her back and I look forward to years of thrills on the trail.
Birgit is a rare mixture of tough and intuitive, loving and demanding – for horses and people alike. She has demonstrated her true love of horses through orchestrating several local horse rescues, her involvement in the Back Country Horseman’s Association to build and maintain trails, and just being there for neighbours with horse emergencies. A phone call to Birgit with a horse question usually results in her magical appearance in your pasture to lend a hand.
Birgit is the real McCoy in the world of natural horsemanship!
We can’t thank you enough for salvaging this lovely little horse, Birgit and for being the best kind of neighbour – and mentor – imaginable. – Carol Ann Romanow, Dunster, B.C. (horse in training, summer/fall 2017)

I am very happy to say that I would recommend Birgit to anyone who wants to have their horse trained. She works magic on the horses she trains. I first learned about Birgit when I was contacted about a book that was going to be written about my horse. Bella was one of the rescued horses from the Renshaw mountains and Birgit was one of the people who spearheaded the rescue. It seemed that the timing of this was perfect. I needed someone to work with Bella and had started the search and then Birgit came along and with her credentials as a Chris Irwin trained professorial it just seemed like it was meant to be and I was correct. Birgit was very dedicated to making sure Bella had the level of training needed so that I would be able to enjoy her on the trails. She handled my horse with consistency and respect, never harsh or cruel. This was very important to me. The communication between Birgit and myself was very good. She provided me with consistent updates and pictures of my Bella’s progress and took the time to answer any questions or concerns I had. I am so excited about now being able to ride Bella out on the trails. I feel safe riding Bella which was the most important goal for me. I would and do recommend Birgit to anyone looking to find a trainer for their horse.” – A Very Happy Customer  – Kim Gilbeau, Prince George, B.C. (horse in training, spring 2015)

I felt totally at ease trusting my horse to Birgit to train. After first taking riding lessons with her I realized what a wonderful understanding she shares with horses and how well they respond to her methods. My horse is 100 % easier to ride after taking him to Birgit. He was well taken care of, loved and taught the things I asked her to train him on without any harm to his spirit. I  would not hesitate to bring any of my horses back for training in her care!   Thank You Falling Star Ranch! – Desha Bene, Alder Flats, Alberta (horse in training, summer/fall 2017)

My experience using Birgit Stutz as a trainer for my 6-year-old draft/Morgan cross mare has been wonderful. I had tried a trainer closer to home before I sent Aurora to Birgit, and what a disaster. She was there for 2 months and the lady claimed she worked with her for 4-6 hrs. a day every day and stated that she was good to go when we brought her home. Truth be told she did nothing with her, unless it was all bad. Aurora was hard to handle, forget trying to ride her. I couldn’t even catch her. The bridle I sent along hadn’t even been used. What a waste of money and a bad experience. That’s when I decided to send her to Birgit, even though she is 7 hours away. Birgit took the time to start a proper foundation, quite a few sessions were put towards ground work before riding, which I had done for 2 years myself. However because of Birgit being so amazing at what she does when I got my mare back she was easy to catch, I mean practically sticks her head in the halter now. Her head is held low and her eyes are calm, she has her moments but is 90% better. It was very obvious that she had been handled often and properly while in Birgit’s care. As for riding, I believe she was with Birgit for a month and a half or so, including the sessions dedicated to ground work, and my beginner husband has been using her for trail riding, walk, trot, canter. She steps out nicely and is easy to handle. I have faith in Birgit and her training style and will be sending more horses there for sure!! Thank you Birgit for my wonderful mare!! – Kayla Jeck, Chetwynd, British Columbia (horse in training, 2014)

My experience with Falling Star Ranch has been nothing but extraordinary. I sent my two young horses to Birgit this past summer. Not only did she put her experience and knowledge into training my horses, she also gave a caring personal touch in her dealings with me. The horses changed incredibly in the 30 short days they were under Birgit’s guidance, her natural approach definitely worked for them. My personal circumstances changed during the course of time the horses were getting trained, and Birgit responded with care and understanding. Not only did she go out of her way to transport the horses back to me, she also has been incredibly supportive in my efforts to sell my mares to good homes. Most people would just do their job and walk away, but Birgit continues to show she cares for the horses and myself. I would recommend Falling Star Ranch to anyone who wants their horses to be trained in a manner which encourages their natural instincts and abilities, as well as your own well being. – Anna Carle, Hinton, Alberta (horses in training, 2009)

I took my 4-year-old Tennessee walker gelding to Birgit in May of 2009. With him having bucked me off once shortly after I purchased him as a 3-year-old, I was concerned that he would attempt the same thing in 2009. I decided it would be a good thing for me to send him to a qualified trainer to ‘evaluate’ his abilities. I wanted someone to work with him, to find out what he knew and what he needed work on. I didn’t feel I had the ability to do it myself. Also, knowing my fear level was pretty high I knew taking him to someone like Birgit would accomplish more in a three week span, then me fumbling along with him over the entire summer. I was so correct. Birgit worked with him for three weeks, finding out what level he was at and where he needed work, she them took him out on the trail to ‘de-sensitize’ him and get him trail ready for me. Once I knew what he could do and how to ask him to do it we started to work pretty well together. He was moving off my leg with half the amount of pressure I had used in the past and he picked up his gaits a lot easier and kept going in them longer. He was also a lot more relaxed while being ridden. So over all, she ended up producing a well started horse for me to work with. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Birgit. Whether it’s for an evaluation, training or a ‘tune-up’, she can work wonders with your horse. – Barb Gilmour, Jasper, Alberta (horse in training, 2009)

Over the years I have explored and examined several different methods in horsemanship and have watched and participated in a few clinics as well. I learned about numerous different methods, and kept coming back to Chris Irwin. His methods just make the most sense, with no gimmicks. As so many women, I took time off from horses to start a career and a family, and in my late 30’s I decided to get back in the saddle. After taking lessons with Birgit, my riding skills and my confidence increased considerably, but more importantly, my horses responded better to me because I was communicating better with them. I was so pleased with what I learned, that I signed up my kids for lessons with Birgit. Now both of my kids are confident beginners with solid foundations. They still have a long way to go, but at least they are smart, safe and respectful around our horses, which makes our horses more respectful around them. I have recommended Birgit to anyone I know who needs an excellent horse trainer or riding instructor, and I will continue to do so for years to come. Thank you for being there for us. – Riette Kenkel, Valemount, British Columbia (coaching)

Are you in need of fine tuning your skills or just starting out? There is no better place to get whatever level of lessons you need than at Falling Star Ranch.  The owner Birgit Stutz is a wonderful coach and mentor. Birgit is so talented and is capable of explaining clearly to the complete beginner as well as coaching even the highest level of equestrians. Birgit works with every type of rider and horse and is remarkably skilled and friendly. I have been taking lessons and clinics over the last several years and Birgit has a special knack for helping everything to fall in line and make sense. If you want a boost in any direction I highly recommend Falling Star Ranch. – Mellany Ford, Dunster, B.C.

I highly recommend working with Birgit if you want to improve your riding and your horse’s attitude. In a short time, I was able to correct some of my mistakes and – after working trough some resistance – my horse’s attitude dramatically improved. I can only praise Birgit’s patience and encouraging attitude. Training with her was the best investment ever for me and my horse. – Yasmine Djabri, Yukon Territory (coaching, training 2010)

Birgit, I wanted to let you know that I finally got a chance to work Bria in the round pen today using Chris’s techniques and it was the best we’ve ever done together. My husband was amazed as I was able to get her following me at liberty. Before her injury and lay up, I was working her regularly, but, she would be very resentful and angry and no bonding was taking place at all. After watching the videos that you suggested and being very careful not to push her head, we had a huge break through today!!! Thank you so much! I have a long way to go, but, at least now I’m on the right track!! – Sherry Mastrogiacomo, Orlando, Florida

I really enjoyed the women’s workshop with Birgit Stutz and Kathryn Kincannon. The topics were introspective and the skills I learned have benefited me in my daily work as well as improving my horsemanship. I thought I was aware of my own energy, but I was surprised at how the horses could easily detect even the smallest amount of tension in my body. As I lowered my nervous energy the horses quickly responded. It was the best biofeedback I have ever had! By the end of the two days, I felt a stronger connection to myself, the horses and all the women who attended. It was a great atmosphere and great food. I would highly recommend this workshop! – Kim Stewart, Prince George, British Columbia (women’s workshop HERDTALK in 2015)

The experience that Kathryn and Birgit create for the participants and spectators of their clinics is one of mutual respect for horse and human. In a relaxed and tranquil setting natural horsemanship is taught. The utmost care and consideration are given to both horse and participant allowing neither to ever feel training is a battle of wills, it is just understanding. This understanding of the equine language is an amazing and uplifting tool that has permanently changed my horse’s world as well as mine. With my sincere appreciation to Kathryn and Birgit, I will continue to learn and grow in a new communication with my horse “Otto”. Thank you both for sharing the gifts you possess. I highly recommend a visit to Falling Star Ranch for anyone looking to truly bond and find the magic with their horse. – Otto and Mabel Young, Peers, Alberta (women’s workshop)

I want to thank Birgit and Kathryn for hosting the women’s workshop – Herd Talk at Falling Star Ranch. The clinic was very well run and informative; it was a great group of people! Giving a single (or two horse) owner a clear view on the body language of a herd. Not having the opportunity to work with a larger herd it was very interesting to watch and work with so many different horses. This work proved how your own body language is read consistently by each horse. Along with all of this excitement we also learned how to ground drive! I would recommend this workshop to anyone if you have a horse or not. – Cora-Lee Mayert, Prince George, British Columbia (women’s workshop HERDTALK in 2015)

I have tried many different methods of horse training. The method taught at this clinic is the definition of Natural Horsemanship. There are no gimmicks or quick fixes as it is all about the communication and true bonding between human and equine. This connection is so natural that there is no need for special equipment like some of the other methods I’ve tried. Body language is the only thing necessary to achieve a calm, level-headed horse both in hand and under saddle. The experience of watching the clinic has inspired me to learn this language. I know that learning from both Kathryn and Birgit will help me to achieve a mutual, respectful relationship with my horses. I thank them both for sharing their knowledge. – Corinne Grant, Carrot Creek, Alberta (women’s workshop)