Everyday Support

Online Program with Larissa in My Ear was definitely a new experience.
Who doesn’t know this situation: you train with a coach, everything goes great — and the next time you train alone, it all feels like you’re back to square one.
Not so with online program. First, I sent Larissa some video material from my training with Norman. The next session began with an online conversation via Zoom, and then we started. I positioned my phone so that Larissa could see us as a horse–human pair, and off we went. Tips and guidance came straight into my ear through headphones.

Of course, having a trainer on-site has advantages, but the benefits of having a trainer in your ear are just as great: I felt more self-reliant, since I still had to manage my horse on my own. A really cool format with great tips!

Purchase Support

Excitement about buying a horse, a thousand questions, and scattered thoughts about what really matters when finding your own horse — that’s exactly how I felt once I had decided it was time.
Larissa supported me from the very beginning, a true rock in the surf — both during the online search and on the in-person visits.

With her open, program-based approach, Larissa helped me discover what I truly wanted and what was personally important to me. Her professional second opinion was incredibly valuable, especially her presence at the stable and her objective “outside view,” which helped enormously — thank you, Larissa!

I’m now the happy companion of a Haflinger mare.

Sponsorship

What does the horse want right now? What do you want? Are your thoughts perhaps somewhere else? What feeling do you want to have? What’s present in this moment? Where do the doubts sit?

With these and many other questions, Larissa regularly supported me in communicating with Oskar and showed me how clearly horses mirror us. From sharing knowledge and skills, to helping untangle mental knots that block progress, to wonderful shared walks — there was so much to learn. Through training with Larissa, I’ve learned deeply and permanently changed the way I work with horses for the better.

Thank you, Larissa & Rafi, for the wonderful time with you!

Sponsorship

At first, I was simply looking for a way to spend more time with a horse — more than regular riding lessons allow — without taking on the full responsibility of owning one.
Somehow, I ended up with a sponsorship for one of the horses at Gut Ulmenbründl (before it even had that name). Even though I wasn’t searching for program, the sensitive guidance Larissa provided as part of the sponsorship turned out to be an unexpected gift.

It started with Larissa taking plenty of time to observe both the sponsorship candidate and her horses — and how both sides responded to each other — with great intuition and empathy, she matched each person with the right horse.

In my case, it was Schimmi, whom I’ve come to know well. We’ve shared joy, beautiful experiences, and also had to work through some crises. The first thing I realized was that with a well-trained, steady school horse, it’s actually hard to see where you really stand. Schimmi, with his straightforward nature, made that clear right away — in liberty work, groundwork, riding, playing, and walking — I had a lot to learn before we could reach harmony and mutual trust.

I’m very grateful for Larissa’s continuous guidance — even when my inner laziness appears, she motivates me not only to keep going but to keep improving. There’s always incredibly appreciative feedback, and even for the most honest truths, Larissa finds calm, empathetic words. With precise observation and focused input, she helps me discover and use my own resources — and those of my equine partner.

The program is very intense, but when things that never worked before suddenly click thanks to a new approach Larissa developed for Schimmi and me, it’s worth every bit of effort. The personal growth I’ve experienced will not only influence my bond with my sponsor horse but enrich every part of my life.

Knowing that Gut Ulmenbründl always prioritizes respectful interaction with both animals and people, and cares deeply for their mental and physical well-being, makes this process even more valuable.

A huge thank you for making this experience possible. I’m beyond happy to have found this wonderful family-run farm. No matter what’s going on, you always feel welcome — and when your sponsor horse leaves a full hayrack just to come to you, waiting by the gate — there’s really no greater joy for a horse lover.

Sponsorship

Horses have been part of my life for over 30 years. During that time, I’ve learned so much and shared many beautiful moments — including 13 years with my own horse. When I first spoke with Larissa about two years ago, I immediately knew: this is something different.

At first, I had to open myself up to liberty work, riding without leg pressure, and bitless riding. My teacher, Fable, was not lenient — she made it clear right away when I fell back into my old riding habits. Whenever my thoughts drifted away from the session, she would simply stop, refuse to move, or not come to me.
So thank you, dear Fable, because that’s something I’ve taken home with me: giving my children undivided time — moments when I’m fully there, body and mind, doing just one thing.

Now our whole family visits Sachsendorf. My older daughter got to care for Hektor and take her first riding lessons with him. The little guy taught her — sometimes through tears — not to give up and to believe in herself.

And now, the circle closes with Schimmi!

As Fable’s needs change and my daughter grows, both of us now get to spend time with Schimmi and share beautiful mother–daughter moments together. It’s only the beginning, but I already know what he’ll teach me — patience and calmness. Thank you, Schimmi!

Our training sessions with Larissa are always enriching — full of laughter, conversation, and sometimes even tears. The work is intense and full of new, different experiences, with Larissa guiding but never forcing anything. I also love that I can always bring my younger daughter, who’s found a wonderful playmate in your daughter.

We feel truly welcome in your little paradise — thank you for that!

Sponsorship Feedback

My journey began more than two years ago, when I moved to the beautiful Krems region. Enchanted by the surroundings, I finally wanted to make my long-held dream of horses and riding a reality.

I started in a large riding stable, where the focus was on competitions rather than the connection I was hoping for. In my very first lesson, I was sent to the pasture to fetch a horse I didn’t know, tie it up, saddle it (with hardly any experience), and find an instructor — who wasn’t there. I was then longed by a 15-year-old! On my second visit, I rode in the arena with three other riders, all galloping and shouting, clearly frustrated. I decided never to go back.

That same evening, browsing Willhaben, my life changed — thank you for that! I found Larissa and Rafael’s farm, texted right away, and three days later I was invited to visit. The first visit was exciting but incredibly warm. You step in and immediately feel you belong. And the focus wasn’t “When will you get on and start riding?” — it was on whether I would truly do good for the horses.

My job and private life are demanding, but maybe that’s exactly why being in Sachsendorf is such a blessing — it’s the most peaceful, joyful feeling.

In these two years, I’ve learned so much about myself, about horses, and their behavior — I could almost apply for a “Penguin Diploma” in horse whispering  My heart lights up when my big boy, Schimmi (not always the cleanest), watches the gate and walks toward me. Sometimes he has to let the boss, Fable, go first — but he knows I’m there for him.

A few steps away, I hear little paws hurrying — and soon Leia, probably the best farm dog in the world, throws herself on the ground for cuddles  Sometimes there’s kids’ shouting, but more often, laughter.

By now, Larissa has become one of my dearest friends — maybe even the best. She inspires me, encourages me, listens, and is always there when needed. Thanks to her generosity and knowledge, I’ve learned more than I ever imagined — thank you for that!

And Rafi — the good soul of the place. In summer, grilling, pouring wine, and always ready to help — whether it’s a stuck lock or a wobbly mounting block. You can always count on him.

Even with a walker, I’d still come — because time here is simply that wonderful.
Thank you both for everything!