Charles Wilhelm ­ one of the top horsemen in the country right now has a unique claim to fame amongst his peers. It’s not that he’s necessarily better with horses, though he is truly an exceptional horseman and trainer. What sets Charles apart is that he’s just as good training people….         Charles Wilhelm’s skill in communicating with horses and people is extraordinary indeed. It is his clients and clinic audiences who have recognized the true genius he offers the horse world: he teaches “regular” people these same skills!         His popularity at annual national and regional events such as Equine Affaire, Ride with the Stars, Western States Horse Expo, Ride the West, Horse Expo, Eqwest, Equitana, and the University of California, Davis’ Annual Horse Day symposium, has been growing by leaps and bounds. Audience and participants are astonished, as before their very eyes, Charles is able to fundamentally change horse behaviors through his foundation training methods. Even more thrilling are the simple tools and techniques participants learn. Attendees go home with real, hands-on skills they can use immediately. There is no magic or mystery involved. Charles communicates with people in a way that is easy to comprehend, greatly helping them to understand horses and horsemanship.         Where many trainers may briefly address the emotional, mental and physical areas of the horse ­ the CW training philosophy and methods focus intensely on these critical aspects. Riders are taught simple, building block exercises that teach them to recognize and immediately respond to behaviors with pressure and release cues. Charles has long recognized that the rider must learn to get the same results he himself is able to get from the horse. His motto “Success through Knowledge” is indicative of his emphasis on education of the horseperson first and foremost.         Consequently he is renowned for his ability to “bridge the gap” between horse and rider. Through merging the best practices of natural horsemanship, classical training and traditional training methods, he has created a comprehensive program of foundation training that can be learned by anyone who follows his teaching. His program helps improve the performance of horse and rider of every discipline and experience level. And his methods only enhance other training that may be underway, not interfere.          Another way Charles differs from many of his peers is his specialization of working with “problem” horses. In addition to colt starting, eliminating performance issues is the majority of work performed at the CW Training facility. His foundation training approach for horse and rider is successful in resolving issues that may range from lead changes, gaits, or collection, through more severe problems such as bucking, bolting, etc. But whether a top show horse in dressage, reining, hunt/jump, endurance, etc., or the family trail horse, training time spent with Charles Wilhelm consistently results in a dramatically improved horse.         In addition to national and regional events, Charles also holds clinics and demonstrations at his own facility in Castro Valley and throughout California. He has been featured in Riding, Ride!, Western Times, Bridleup.com and Stable Management magazines, and has a monthly Q & A column in Riding magazine and a monthly column in Ride! Magazine. Charles has appeared numerous times on The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, as well as the Jim Campbell Show.          Now fifty-eight years old, Charles has been working with horses since the tender age of eleven. His own diverse horsemanship education includes working stock horse, dressage and western. Charles is committed to continuously seeking new and better ways to teach both horse and rider to maximize their performance and relationship.          His 60-acre ranch in Castro Valley is known for its picturesque setting as well as its friendliness and hospitality. The center has 40 stalls; a 100’ x 250’ covered arena; 2 outdoor arenas; 2 round pens; large outdoor turnouts; several outdoor paddocks and a bunkhouse which can accommodate up to 10 for overnight clinics, apprenticeships and training. The ranch has many beautiful trails, a running stream through the property and a wonderful view of the San Francisco Bay Area. He shares the ranch with his wife, Anne, son, Jeff, and daughter-in-law, Severine. Charles’ family, manager Karen Werth and staff work alongside Charles to make his training center the great success it is.