Who is your favorite natural horsemanship trainer and why?

There are a basket full of trainers that I like.  It would be hard to decide who I'd want to work with if I had a magic ticket to the trainer of my choice.  I like Clinton Anderson's no nonsense approach to horses, Parelli's thoughtful approach to building trust and communication, I'd love to see some Buck Brannaman videos (on my wish list).  But if I could choose a trainer I'd probably choose Chris Cox ( because I like how quiet though still responsive) his horses look when he is done with them.  I do however feel that a person's initial approach to a horse does depend on how a horse thinks and reacts.  A cookie cutter approach doesn't always work.  A horse's past history matters in how that animal will react to a situation.  My old mare who was in your pocket sweet would go ballistic at the sight of a training stick.  Her mind would spiral into rushing fractiousness.  Put the stick down and direct and drive with your hands, and she was great.   Phebes was a horse that tested, tested, tested. Warm and fuzzy didn't work too well unless you wanted kicked, bit, or bodily mashed. She is a more respectful horse these days, but still she is what she is.  Cree is a laid-back lazy horse.  Show him some work, and you show him the way, it is as simple as that.   There is a lot of value in watching the various experts out there.  Sometimes it makes you think of a different approach to problem solving, and sometimes like the Horsenality Chart, it is fun to think of your horse in a different way, though there is nothing magical about all that, just a thoughtful process and the chart is kind of fun.  The worst thing a person can do is become so blinded by "one way" of doing something that they close out the other options, or ridicule those who don't do it their way.  Probably the best trainer you can follow religiously is the one you have.  If you aren't willing to follow their process from start to finish, then don't waste your money.   I feel the same way about all those special rope halters, magic training sticks, bits, hacks, nose bands, high dollar saddle pads, and $3000 saddles.  They are only as good as the hands that use them, or the butt that is sitting in them.  In the end, unless you send your horse off to a trainer, ultimately you become the trainer.    Especially those of us who do not start out with an already trained horse.  Maybe we do or do not have the resources to do it another way, and maybe we just enjoy the journey.        ~ E.G.