One of the Most Influential Figures in Holistic Horsemanship
Linda Tellington-Jones is an internationally recognized horse trainer, author, clinician, and educator best known for developing the Tellington TTouch Method — a system of training and bodywork designed to improve communication, trust, balance, and relaxation in horses and other animals. Through decades of teaching, writing, and demonstrations around the world, Tellington-Jones became one of the most influential figures in holistic horsemanship and animal behavior. Her work extended beyond traditional horse training and helped introduce many riders and animal owners to concepts involving body awareness, movement, stress reduction, and humane handling methods.
Linda Tellington-Jones was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1937 and developed an interest in horses during childhood. She began riding and working with horses at an early age and later pursued formal equestrian education and training. Throughout her early career, she became involved in horse breeding, riding instruction, and horse training while studying a wide variety of horsemanship methods and equestrian disciplines.
Where TTouch Began
Touch, Movement, and a New Way of Understanding Animals
The Tellington TTouch Method combined gentle circular touch techniques, movement exercises, groundwork, and specialized equipment designed to improve balance, confidence, and communication between animals and humans. Tellington-Jones believed many behavioral and performance problems stemmed from tension, fear, imbalance, or physical discomfort rather than disobedience.
Riders often used TTouch techniques to address trailer-loading issues, fearfulness, resistance, tension, and performance anxiety in horses. Tellington-Jones emphasized that her methods were designed to complement traditional riding and training rather than replace it.
Beyond Horses
Although initially developed for horses, the TTouch Method eventually expanded across many species. Tellington-Jones traveled internationally teaching clinics and certification programs for horse owners, veterinarians, trainers, therapists, and animal behavior specialists.
A Prolific Author and Media Educator
In addition to her live clinics and educational programs, Linda Tellington-Jones became a prolific author and media educator. Her books and videos helped spread her ideas globally and introduced alternative approaches to horsemanship and animal care, with works translated into multiple languages.
- Getting in TTouch with Your Horse
- The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book
- Additional books, videos, and instructional materials on TTouch and animal behavior
Accomplishments
- Creator of the Tellington TTouch Method — used internationally across horses, dogs, cats, zoo animals, and other species
- Feldenkrais-trained — studied directly under Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais beginning in 1975
- International clinician — certification programs for trainers, veterinarians, therapists, and animal behavior specialists worldwide
- Author of multiple books translated into several languages, including Getting in TTouch with Your Horse and The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book
- Massage Hall of Fame inductee (2006); North American Horsemen's Association Horsewoman of the Year (1994)
- Recognition from equestrian and animal organizations internationally
- Methods used in rehabilitation programs, veterinary settings, rescue organizations, and therapeutic riding
