LKH Equestrian is a horse training service created by Finnish born Laura Kotimäki-Hurd. Now residing in Malibu, CA I have worked, lived and travelled around the world since 2001. Began showing interest in horses at very early age, and have been actively pursuing riding and horses since late 80's. My professional career took off in the late 90's as a stable worker/groom, moving on to instructing, training and being a barn manager.
After leaving Finland I have worked with horses in several different countries, including UK, Canada, US - training and showing (in show jumping and dressage) young and older horses, as well as instructing riding. I have been lucky enough to train and ride hundreds of horses throughout my career. Some of the horses that I have trained have won National Championships (CJDS Canada) others ridden and trained currently show nationally and internationally.
Faust IV in Finland '09
Wise Investment aka Dessi in LAEC '10
I have received instruction through out my career from world class equestrians, such as Olympic riders Piia Pantsu, or Christoper Wegelius. Many of my other trainers have also been trained by such big names as George Morris, or Kyra Kyrklund. I have also been fortunate enough to observe and work with several nationally and internationally showing riders and their horses.
I am a board member/member of different equestrian affiliations and associations. While studying, I was a member and A- team captain for my University's Equestrian Team for 3 years, competing in British Universities Equestrian series up to national level. I take lessons myself, as often as possible, because there is always something you can improve or something new you can learn. I strongly recommend taking lessons from various trainers to gain wider perspective when working with horses- remember not to get stuck with one view. Personally I am on a mission to speak better horse.
Here are couple of horses I started in Canada:
Here's Stevie Wonder as a 3 yr old, first time on the outside jumper ring at Mill Creek Stables, Ontario, CAN 2008- He became Canadian Champion a year later.
I would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the horse training world. I strongly believe that as a sport, horse riding is not just about learning to ride, but learning to adjust to your horses needs in order to get your horse to perform in it's best ability. This includes a well maintained plan of exercise, nutrition, rider's fitness and much more. Success is achieved through a combination of things and by devoting yourself to your sport in all levels- if you can't do that, don't expect your horse to do that either. My motto is: prepare to work for results.
LKH Equestrian operates around Malibu and surrounding areas. Boarding and training available upon request.
Services:
- Specializing in young horse training- please contact for packages, pricing based on location and tailored for your needs
- Dressage
- Jumpers
- Lessons (Note: Currently lessons only for people with own horses)
- Sales (I can help with the search of your dream horse, in US or Europe)
Additional information on Laura:
- Assistant Trainer/Rider for Beth Cadwallader Hunter/Jumper stables, Malibu, CA
- Instructor at Traditional Equitation School, Los Angeles Equestrian Center 'till Dec 2010
- Part time trainer at Malibu Vista Ranch, CA (boarding available)
- Member of USEF and Finnish Equestrian Federation (SRL)
