About Scott and AHC

My goal isn't to teach horses to follow people. It's to help people become worth following.

Scott Phillips

Owner / Clinician

At its heart, great horsemanship is about building a relationship in which a horse willingly chooses to be with us, trust us, and follow our guidance. Horsemanship is not about control; it's not about making a horse submissive, obedient, or compliant.

Horses are incredibly perceptive animals. They instinctively understand leadership, communication, focus and energy. When we learn to communicate in a way that makes sense to them, training is never about force and always about partnership.

My focus is helping horses and people develop that partnership - that connection - together. Through better communication, clearer understanding, and practical skills, horse and rider gain confidence in one another and become capable of far more than either could achieve alone.

I recognize that every horse is different. And every rider is different. Rather than following rigid formulas or using methods, I teach the principles that allow you to understand the horse in front of you - your horse - and adapt to their individual needs. When you understand how horses think, learn, and move, lasting progress becomes both achievable and enjoyable. For both of you.

For me, horsemanship is about creating positive experiences where horses and people can succeed together. It's about building trust, developing positive, inspirational leadership, and discovering what becomes possible when both partners are working toward the same goal.

I grew up in a small agricultural community where I developed a deep appreciation for animals, family, and the outdoors. Along the way I've worked in fields as varied as engineering, human resources, and commercial aviation, experiences that shaped how I approach communication, leadership, and learning.

Today, I combine those experiences with a lifelong passion for horses. My work has taken me from trail riding clubs and cowboy challenge organizations to equine-assisted learning programs and wild horse initiatives. Regardless of the setting, my goal remains the same: helping horses and people build stronger, safer, and more successful partnerships.

Drawing on practical knowledge of equine behaviour, psychology, and biomechanics, I teach the principles that help riders understand not just what to do, but why it works. Whether you're starting your first horse, preparing for competition, or simply hoping to enjoy more confidence on the trail, my focus is helping you develop skills that transfer to every horse you ride.

At Amazing Horse Country, and at clinics across Canada, I welcome riders of all ages, backgrounds, and disciplines. My clinics, workshops, and online programs are designed to be practical, approachable, and enjoyable while providing a clear path to meaningful progress.

Leona Doucet

Guest Services Manager

Leona brings to Amazing Horse Country her extensive experience in guest services, having previously worked both in the travel/tourism and airline industries. Leona takes care of all our guest services from clinic reservations to people and horse accommodations. She is famous for adding that extra little touch, friendly smile and going the extra mile to ensure your experience at our facility is second to none.

Our new ranch would not be up and running without Leona's work. From managing extra help, to working on construction projects, to maintaining the yard, she's always at work on something. Sometimes it's easy to take for granted everything that we have on site, from manure pails and forks to creative obstacles to signage on the property and pens to the guest rooms to...well, just about everything! But behind all of that is Leona. She's amazing!

Leona loves animals and has a particular affinity for horses. It's not uncommon to find her spending time communing with our equine family. They enjoy her company as much as she enjoys theirs. Our horses also enjoy the extra little things that Leona does for them, from the odd treat to putting "bug stuff" on them to taking them for walks. As far as our horses are concerned, she's one of the herd and that says a lot.

What sets us apart?

The mission of Amazing Horse Country is:

To offer a unique and supportive training style for people and horses based on solid horsemanship principles;
To pioneer a multi-faceted supportive learning environment including obstacles, games, group activities, equine biomechanics, trail riding and much more.
To provide an ejoyable venue for all riders and horses, regardless of discipline, age or experience, WORLD-WIDE.

To that end, we currently offer a wide variety of clinics, training and lessons. See our schedule for all the details.

There are many choices available when it comes to horse training. Likely, there are also as many definitions for horsemanship as there are horses. So what do we do that's different?

Well...if you have trained with us before, you know the answer :) Here's a few of our beliefs:

We recognise that every horse and rider is a unique combination of ability and experience, with individual needs, struggles and desires. From novice to advanced riders, from colts to experienced competition horses, we're here to help you progress. We have no levels and no prerequisites.
We firmly believe that your success as a rider, coach or trainer is based on the success you create. Learning how to consistently achieve success for your horse or clients will put you a step ahead of the rest.
Learn the WHY, not just the HOW. Improving your horsemanship skill starts with learning about the horse: how he moves and how he's put together. Our clinics feature biomechanics and anatomy components to connect the dots between your hands, seat and legs to what's actually going on with inside your horse.
Every one of our clinics is structured around 1 on 1 time with you and Scott. You and your horse are a team that is very important to us. Scott is adept at focusing on specific skills and requirements. The training you do with us is tailored to you.
Learning how a horse thinks and perceives his environment is fundamental to your relationship with horses...and part of Scott's expertise. When we show a horse we can be a trusted leader and teach him how to handle pressure, we eliminate all problems or issues.
In a word: FUN! Equine pursuits are meant to be enjoyable. We cultivate an atmosphere of camaraderie, support and enjoyment of all things equine, regardless of discipline or experience. The fun doesn't end on our obstacle course or trails.
Your training isn't finished at the end of the clinic. We realize that it's impossible to learn everything in the few days you spend with us. You can continue your learning: ask questions, participate in 2-way video training, take advantage of our videos and article library, and listen to our podcasts wherever you might be.
It's important to us that you enjoy your time with us. Clinics hosted at our ranch feature campfires and pot luck dinners. You can camp right next to a 25'x35' private stall for your horse. Our facility is perfect for a getaway weekend with friends, family and horses.

Future

With your enthusiasm and passion for horses, the future has no limits! Amazing Horse Country continues to grow and evolve with fun and exciting events, clinics and training for you and your horses. We're looking forward to sharing the future with you at our new property in 2022.

Scott's articles appear in several online and print magazines; you can read some of them here.