:: Anna Kerckhoff de Sacchi ::::::::::::
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“To become a Certified Instructor requires dedication and passion, an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. These instructors are at the forefront of the revolution in horse training today and will be in the years to come.”
Anna Kerckhoff de Sacchi is a certified Monty Roberts instructor - one of currently 22 certified instructors worldwide (please see www.montyroberts.com for information on the other instructors).
Anna is originally from Hamburg, Germany, but now lives and works in Portugal, together with her husband Claudio, who is a veterinarian, their son Joshua, five horses, three dogs, and one cat.
Anna gained her knowledge from Monty Roberts himself. She lived in California for two years – studying and working at Monty’s “Flag Is Up Farms”. She was trained extensively in the methods of Join-Up and herself taught courses up to the Advanced level at the “Monty Roberts International Learning Center”. She travelled with Monty to his demonstrations on tour in the United States, Spain and Germany and herself demonstrated Join-Up in front of audiences. Also after leaving the U.S. to live in Portugal she was invited by Monty to return to California to teach the Advanced course. Anna’s main goal is to share the knowledge she received so generously and to help horses and people develop mutual understanding and an enhanced relationship.
Anna began riding when she was only seven years old and by the time she was sixteen, was teaching riding lessons to other children. Repelled by the way many horses were often treated in the horse industry, she turned away from pursuing a career with horses, and instead studied marketing and communications, working as a Marketing Manager for an internet company in Hamburg.
But her passion for riding and horsemanship never abated. After pursuing her Masters Degree in International Business in Australia (and graduating in the top three in her class) she decided to stopover in California to learn Monty’s methods, which she discovered through Monty’s books and watching the documentaries on his work.
What was initially planned as just a three-week vacation with her boyfriend turned into a major life change; they came to Flag Is Up Farms and stayed for two years!
Anna went through intensive training in the Instructor Program at The Monty Roberts International Learning Center, studying under Monty Roberts and his instructors. She taught classes and courses at the Monty Roberts Learning Center for over a year - first as an assistant instructor, and - after her certification in July 2004 - as an instructor.
Quote from Anna:
“Every day I am amazed of how fast horses learn and progress when you communicate to them in their own language. They are beautiful, generous and intelligent animals and it is our obligation to treat them in a gentle, non-violent fashion. ”
Read Anna’s article on her time in California in the Join-Up Journal (2005 Issue 1): (Pdf-Download)
Testimonials:
"I had the privilege of working with Anna for almost two years at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center. It has been a time of great experience, exchange of ideas and developing new training concepts. I find Anna being an exceptional example of a gentle, patient and understanding horsewoman - the qualities each professional and successful trainer should have. I believe in her commitment in creating a better world for horses and people and hope that one day I will have the pleasure of working with her again."
Kasia Tomaszewicz, Flag Is Up Farms, California, USA, Certified Monty Roberts Instructor
"Anna's love for learning and appreciation for horses runs deep. It is inspiring to witness her continue her search for knowledge with which to better help both her human and equine students. I look forward to watching her shape and further define our existing understanding of Equus into the next generation."
Sally King, Flag Is Up Farms, California, USA, Certified Monty Roberts Instructor
“Anna made me meet Monty’s concepts in their essential way of being – gentleness, softness, calm, body language’s purity and … love for horses and human beings. Thanks to be yourself.”
Corinne Coulon, France, Actress, Student of the Monty Roberts Introductory and Advanced course in California
“Anna made it easy for me to learn this gentle and effective technique. The way she explains and teaches Monty’s concepts let you understand it quick. It’s always fun learning and working when Anna and her lovely smile are around!”
Thomas Witt, Germany/England, Stud hand, Student of the Monty Roberts Advanced course in California
"A true horsewoman and instructor for Monty Roberts's concepts, not only "reading" the horses - but also the humans. A living proof of professional, violent-free and trust-based trainership and communication with both - equine and human being!"
Arnoud van der Sman, Switzerland, Horse trainer, Student of the Monty Roberts Introductory and Advanced course in California (www.pferdetrainer.ch)
© Horsemanship Portugal 2005