About Us
Stefan Forsman & Silvia Facchin – The Team Behind Forsmanship
Forsmanship is a team effort. Stefan Forsman, the founder with over 40 years of experience in psychology-based horsemanship, and Silvia Facchin, his partner in clinics, tack design, and daily training, work together to bring humane, trust-focused methods to horses and riders worldwide.
Stefan Forsman – Founder & Trainer
Born in Sweden in 1962, Stefan grew up in a small village surrounded by animals. Horses, cows, sheep, and dogs filled his early life. He began training horses professionally at age 14. For many years he followed traditional methods. They relied on force and sharper bits. Horses became dull or explosive. Injuries landed him in hospital more than once.
However he began questioning everything. Why cause pain? Why follow “the way it’s always been done”? Books about warriors riding without reins or bridles inspired him. They treated horses as partners.
Over time, Stefan sought real-life experience. He trained wild stock horses in Australia, Montana, Canada, and Florida. He worked with horses for ranch life: long hours, harsh weather, life-or-death tasks. These horses needed to be calm and reliable.
He also prepared and rehabilitated horses for harness racing, dressage, working equitation, and jumping. The focus was always on mental soundness and trust.
After decades of trial and error, Stefan created Forsmanship, a humane, psychology-based method. It rejects force and builds trust through clear communication and respect for the horse’s worldview.
Today, with 40+ years of experience, he conducts clinics worldwide. He teaches riders to create safe, calm, willing partnerships that last a lifetime.
Recognized by experts like Dr. Robert M. Miller as a pioneer of horsemanship in Europe, Stefan continues to inspire riders to see the world through the horse’s eyes.
Silvia Facchin – Instructor & Tack Specialist
Born in Italy in 1970, Silvia discovered her passion for horses at age 8. She started riding in France before falling in love with Western riding and Reining back in Italy.
As an assistant trainer in Italy, she honed her skills. In 1990 she moved to Canada to work with renowned Reining trainer François Gauthier, a multiple NRHA and AQHA Champion and FEI Silver medalist. From Canada, Silvia went to Texas as assistant trainer and breeding manager. Later she moved to Oklahoma, where she ran her own ranch, breeding and raising Quarter Horses in Reining and Cutting lines. She trained alongside top Reining and Cutting trainers in the area and even worked Cutting horses with American Bisons for unique real-world experience.
Silvia is a certified Western riding instructor at the highest level. She has trained and taught Western riding in multiple countries across Europe, bringing practical expertise to riders of all levels. She also built and ran a successful tack company in the USA, designing gear focused on feel and communication.
Today at Forsmanship, Silvia is responsible for building the Forsmanship tack line: handcrafted, light, and responsive equipment that supports clear, humane training. Her hands-on experience in Reining, breeding, teaching, and tack design complements Stefan’s philosophy perfectly, making Forsmanship accessible, effective, and grounded in real horse life.