About Tara Orlin
I’m Tara — a horse trainer based in Norway who trains horses bitless, tackless, and through connection, not force. Horses have been my passion since I was five years old, and I’ve dedicated my life to understanding them, learning from them, and sharing what I’ve learned with others.
My story
I started riding in classical dressage and on trail, and I loved it — but everything changed when I met my first horse, Thelma. With her, I discovered natural horsemanship and learned that connection matters more than perfection.
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Since then, my path has taken me to ranches in Norway, Denmark, America, and Spain, studying horse behaviour, training methods, and even learning from wild horses. In 2013, I started my own training business, helping horses and riders build genuine partnership and confidence.
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Over the years, I’ve worked with horses of all ages, temperaments, and backgrounds — helping them become calm, confident, willing partners and helping humans become better listeners and leaders through understanding rather than force.
My Training Philosophy
Everything I do is rooted in trust, clarity, and respect. My method draws inspiration from western riding and the Spanish art of riding, Doma Vaquera, but the core of my work is always about connection — not control.
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All training is done bitless, with the goal that the horse becomes a happy, willing partner who chooses to work with you, not one who is pushed or forced into compliance.
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I use principles from natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement, but above all, I focus on creating understanding between horse and human so that leadership and friendship can grow together — because trust is the foundation of everything we do.
Why Bitless?
I stopped using bits after seeing too many horses in pain from rein pressure and mouth discomfort. Horses are sensitive animals — especially in their mouths — and unless the rider is extremely precise and subtle, bits can easily cause pain and tension.
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When we ride bitless, a horse can feel safer, more relaxed, and better able to understand subtle communication.
Bitless riding isn’t limiting — anything you can do with a bit, you can do without. Whether you’re riding in the arena or out on the trail, bitless riding works beautifully.
My Ranch — Finca Poderosa
I live and train at Finca Poderosa, named for one of my horses — Poderosa, a soulful Hispano mare gifted to me by my trainer in Spain. “Finca” means ranch, and “Poderosa” means powerful.
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The ranch is located just outside the country town of Flisa in Norway, surrounded by open pastures and framed by trees. The entire property is fenced so horses can move freely, and we have a comfortable stable with five boxes and an indoor arena (20 x 40 m).
Horses at the ranch live relaxed, safe, and low-stress lives — because their well-being comes first.
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