Mane Success Horsemanship

Mane Success Horsemanship Vanessa is a Equestrian Canada Certified Western Instructor 2013 & 200 Hr Certified Yoga Teacher ✨️ She has patience, is knowledgeable, and encouraging.

Vanessa Offers ~
- Equestrian Canada Certified - Western
- Foundation Horsemanship
- School Horses Available
- Customize Lessons & All Levels
- Equine Psychology and Behaviour
- Horse & Rider Biomechanics
- Confidence Building & Relaxation
- Video Lessons
- First Aid & CPR C
- Fully Insured


REVIEWS:

I have had Vanessa as a coach for myself, my daughter and our two horses for three going

on four years now. She is very knowledgeable and safety conscious and at the same time keeps things fun and has a very positive attitude. Vanessa has always been encouraging and supportive of our equine goals. We have had great success in working with Vanessa as she has helped us improve our confidence as well as our riding and communication skills with our horses.
- Carey H

I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with Vanessa over that last two years. She has helped my confidence level increase. She knows her stuff...she is the best!
- Colene T

Vanessa is a very caring and encouraging individual. She gives me the confidence around my horses and helps me through a variety of challenges. Vanessa has so much experience with training, handling, and communicating with horses. She consistently works with the rider to explore fun and challenging aspects of the equestrian sport.
- Carrie M

I have a mustang that was untrainable until I met Vanessa; I had many trainers that were unable to be successful training my horse. Vanessa produced the results I have been searching for; now I have a wonderful well mannered mustang to enjoy and ride. I am forever grateful to Vanessa.
- Tammy M

At the young age of seven Vanessa began to teach me riding lessons using Natural Horsemanship in a safe & fun environment. From this experience I learned patience, compassion for another being, responsibility and sportsmanship. With dedication and passion Vanessa mentored me for the next thirteen years.Her message was clear "don't give up and get back on your horse". Last year I ran my first sub 17, won $800 and placed first in the third division. I know the confidence I have today is directly related to Vanessa's strong horsemanship values and understanding the needs for success.
- Tina P

I just had my first lesson with Vanessa Fraser. I have two minis and am totally blind so both of us were wondering how I'd take to this non-traditional approach of joining up and so on. Vanessa was amazing! She never took my power away from me by doing things I could do and what she did was give me the visual information from the horse so that I could do what needed to be done. Vanessa also remained curious about how I'd know things and instead of making assumptions, she stood back and watched me with the minis so that she could understand what I could interpret from them and how I could interpret what they were doing. The minis really took to Vanessa too! I can be pretty hard to please especially when I'm trying to figure out how to adapt something and Vanessa was awesome! She totally gave me the space to do what I needed to do but also gave me wonderful feedback. If you have a disability and are thinking about lessons in ground work, I highly recommend Vanessa!
- Michelle C

I started training with Vanessa about eight months ago; when I look back I can't believe how much we have accomplished in such a short amount of time. Almost every lesson my horse throws a new situation at us; Vanessa always has a solution and demonstrates it in a soft and safe manner. She has taught me how to stay level headed in any situation and think deeper into why my horse is reacting the way he is. She genuinely cares about the success and safety of the horse and rider as one. Vanessa believes in having a strong bond and understanding of your horse is key to your goals. She stays in your comfort level, and works to overcome any fears or uncertainties you may have. I cannot say enough good things about Vanessa; It is her I have to thank for where my horse and I are today.
- Page R

I have known Vanessa for many years now. She bought a very special mare from me. This beautiful Saddlebred/Morgan mare was unfamiliar to the world of humans and horsemanship. At the age of six she was never handled much, and barley knew what a halter was. I had been give this mare and sent her to a trainer. The mare was unridable and still somewhat green. I felt she was not suitable for my twelve-year-old daughter and decided to sell her. Vanessa is the person who bought her. She continued to school her and began winning many ribbons with her. Together they formed a partnership through love, language and respect. I believe Vanessa is a great horseman. She has savvy and has taken the pathway to attaining her horsemanship goal naturally. How do you describe a horseman? A horseman thinks like a horse. A horseman understands the horses perspective and does not blame him for behaving like a prey animal. A horseman knows how to have a special relationship with horses, with unlimited patience. A horseman is half horse, half man. He has savvy. Real horse savvy. Vanessa has proven to me she all of these qualities and so much more. She is young, energetic, and extremely reliable. I gave Vanessa my double registered Tennessee Walker filly to train from the ground, into the mountains. She produced a confident, well-mannered mare that is a pleasure to ride.
- Nicole H

There’s something powerful about watching a child lead a horse confidence grows, communication happens without words, an...
05/10/2026

There’s something powerful about watching a child lead a horse confidence grows, communication happens without words, and trust is built one step at a time.

Horses teach patience, responsibility, leadership, and calm energy in a way few things can. 🐴✨

There’s something powerful about the quiet connection between a child and a horse. 🐴The steady rhythm, the warmth, the g...
04/28/2026

There’s something powerful about the quiet connection between a child and a horse. 🐴

The steady rhythm, the warmth, the gentle presence horses help regulate a child’s nervous system in ways words sometimes can’t. Breathing slows, bodies soften, and a sense of safety begins to return.

For children who feel overwhelmed, a horse doesn’t ask questions or place demands it simply is. And in that space, healing can begin.

The touch of a horse for a child…✨️The touch of a horse can be something quietly powerful for a child, especially one wh...
04/16/2026

The touch of a horse for a child…✨️

The touch of a horse can be something quietly powerful for a child, especially one who finds the world overwhelming or hard to navigate.

A horse’s presence is steady and grounding. When a child runs their hand along its neck or feels the warmth of its coat, there’s a kind of calm that doesn’t need words. Horses respond to energy more than language, so children often feel understood without having to explain themselves.

For many kids, especially those with sensory sensitivities or autism, that connection can be deeply regulating. The rhythm of a horse’s breathing, the gentle sway when riding, even the simple act of grooming these can help organize emotions, reduce anxiety, and build trust.

There’s also something empowering about it. Horses are large, intuitive animals, yet they respond to small cues. When a child realizes they can communicate with and guide something so big, it builds confidence in a very real, physical way.

It’s not just about riding, it's about relationship.

The quiet moments. The patience. The feeling of being safe beside something strong.

🧘‍♀️ Chair Yoga 🧘‍♀️✨️ Sunday at 10:30 AM Live Online✨️Join us for a gentle and accessible Chair Yoga session designed f...
03/29/2026

🧘‍♀️ Chair Yoga 🧘‍♀️
✨️ Sunday at 10:30 AM Live Online✨️

Join us for a gentle and accessible Chair Yoga session designed for every body no matter your experience or mobility level.

✨ Benefits of Chair Yoga:
• Improves flexibility and balance
• Supports joint health and mobility
• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
• Builds strength safely and mindfully

🐎 Especially beneficial for equestrians; enhance your posture, core stability, and body awareness in the saddle.

📩 PM for the link and investment fee to reserve your spot.

Take time for yourself this Sunday you deserve it 💫

Taking time for yourself doesn’t always have to look like a spa day or a quiet moment indoors… sometimes, it looks like ...
03/29/2026

Taking time for yourself doesn’t always have to look like a spa day or a quiet moment indoors… sometimes, it looks like standing beside your horse, breathing a little deeper, and letting the world slow down 🐴✨

Your horse doesn’t ask you to be anything other than present. They don’t care about your to-do list, the stress you’re carrying, or the expectations of the day. In their presence, you’re reminded to soften, to listen, and to simply be.

Self-care with your horse might be:
– A quiet grooming session
– A slow walk together
– Sitting in the pasture, saying nothing at all
– Feeling their breath and matching your own

These moments aren’t small they are powerful resets for your mind, body, and heart.

When you take care of yourself, you show up better for your horse… and when you connect with your horse, they help take care of you too 🤍

Horses experience the world very differently from us it’s one of the reasons they’re so sensitive and intuitive.👁️ Visio...
03/28/2026

Horses experience the world very differently from us it’s one of the reasons they’re so sensitive and intuitive.

👁️ Vision (how they physically see)

Wide field of view (~350°)
Because their eyes are on the sides of their head, horses can see almost all the way around them. This helps them detect predators.

Small blind spots
They can’t see directly, In front of their nose or Directly behind their tail.

Mostly monocular vision
They often see with one eye at a time (each side separately), which is why they may “spook” at something they already passed they’re seeing it with the other eye.

Limited depth perception
They need to raise/lower their head to judge distance (like when approaching a jump).

🎨 Color perception

Horses are dichromatic, similar to someone with red-green color blindness.

They mainly see:
Blues
Yellows
Reds and greens appear more muted or similar.

🌙 Night vision

Horses see much better in low light than humans.
Their eyes have a reflective layer (like cats), helping them see at dawn/dusk but it also means:

They adjust more slowly to sudden light changes.

🧠 How they interpret the world

Horses are prey animals, so their brain is wired for:
Detecting movement quickly
Reacting first, thinking later

They rely heavily on:
Body language (yours and other horses)
Energy and tension** in their environment

What looks harmless to us can feel threatening to them if:
It moves suddenly
It’s unfamiliar
It appears in a blind spot

🐎 The key takeaway

A horse doesn’t see the world in detail first it sees it in terms of safety or danger.

That’s why calm, consistent movement and clear body language matter so much when working with them.

Did you know a horse’s brain is wired completely differently than ours?Horses are prey animals, which means their brains...
03/26/2026

Did you know a horse’s brain is wired completely differently than ours?

Horses are prey animals, which means their brains are designed for survival first, not logic or reasoning like humans. They react in seconds to what they feel, see, and sense in their environment. That “spook” isn’t misbehavior it’s instinct kicking in to keep them safe.

Their brains are incredibly sensitive, especially to body language and energy. A horse can feel your tension before you even realize you’re holding it. That’s why calm, consistent handling builds trust, while pressure and confusion can create anxiety.

What’s even more amazing? Horses don’t think in terms of right or wrong they think in terms of comfort and discomfort. They learn from release, not force.

So next time your horse reacts, pause and ask:
“What is my horse feeling right now?”

Because when you understand their brain, everything changes. 🐴✨

Loving a horse is something that reaches far beyond words.It’s early mornings and quiet moments.It’s trust built in sile...
03/09/2026

Loving a horse is something that reaches far beyond words.
It’s early mornings and quiet moments.
It’s trust built in silence, breath by breath.
It’s muddy boots, warm noses, and a heart that somehow learns to beat a little softer and a little stronger at the same time.

Loving a horse changes you. 🐎🤍

There is something powerful about the quiet moments with a horse.No words.No expectations.Just breathing together.In the...
03/02/2026

There is something powerful about the quiet moments with a horse.

No words.
No expectations.
Just breathing together.

In the stillness, their nervous system meets ours. Heartbeats soften. Shoulders drop. The outside world fades. Horses don’t ask us to explain ourselves they simply respond to our energy, our presence, our truth.

Connection isn’t always built through movement or training. Sometimes it’s built standing in a field, hand resting on warm skin, feeling the rise and fall of each breath.

Horse and human grounded in silence, connected beyond words. 🤍🐴

The Biomechanics Between Horse & Rider: Where Communication BeginsTrue connection with a horse doesn’t start in the rein...
03/01/2026

The Biomechanics Between Horse & Rider: Where Communication Begins

True connection with a horse doesn’t start in the reins it starts in the body.

The biomechanics between horse and rider create a silent conversation. Every shift of weight, every breath, every subtle change in posture sends information. A balanced rider with a stable pelvis and aligned spine allows the horse to move freely through their back. In return, the horse mirrors that stability, rhythm, and softness.

When a rider is tense, crooked, or braced, the horse feels it immediately. When a rider is centered, elastic, and aware, the horse responds with relaxation, engagement, and trust.

This is why correct biomechanics matter:
• A neutral pelvis helps the horse lift through the back
• Even weight in both seat bones promotes straightness
• Soft, following hands encourage honest contact
• Regulated breathing supports rhythm and nervous system regulation

It’s not about force it’s about alignment.

The most beautiful rides happen when two nervous systems synchronize, two spines move in harmony, and communication becomes nearly invisible.

That’s the art and science of partnership. 🐴✨

Address

Chilliwack, BC
V2P6H3

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