About Marijke de Jong

Founder of Straightness Training (ST) and The ST Academy

One of Marijke's main specialties as a master horse trainer is her knowledge about natural asymmetry in equine bodies and the solution to this: developing symmetry and balance in the horse’s body by using Straightness Training.

The mission of Marijke is to end unnecessary suffering and to help riders have their horse mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually fit into late life.

Marijke is a master instructor and leads the online coaching program in The ST Academy and certification of ST Instructors.

Marijke was born in the Netherlands but lives in Portugal together with her partner in life and business Marc Marsman.

About Marc Marsman

Chief Executive Officer of The ST Academy

The whole ST Community benefits from Marc's designs, portals, systems, automated processes, live sessions, videos, and latest techniques.

All this leads to a solid platform where STudents can learn, discover, grow, feel inspired, get ideas, find solutions, and become the best ST trainer they can be to create health and happiness for their lovely horses!

Marc is passionate about his work for The ST Academy and explores all new trends.

He loves the outdoors and finds time to hike and play golf as much as possible. 

Marc, alongside Marijke, is responsible for managing the careers at the ST Academy.

About Maestro

Meet the equine icon behind the global Straightness Training movement"

Marijke's Straightness Training journey started with her horse Maestro, a Dutch Warmblood gelding born in on 7 April 1994 - so that means he's 30 years old now.

Back then, Maestro was – in a way – handicapped by his natural asymmetry and the fact that this was not recognized before.  

Therefore he was physically out of balance which caused symptoms such as running and rearing. And this caused him to be also mentally out of balance resulting in a state of flight or fight.

Marijke succeeded in resolving Maestro’s asymmetry problem so that he could he was able to perform comfortably in all that he was asked to do.

With this special horse, Marijke started to travel the road of Straightness Training that lead the combo all the way to performing the levade. 

The levade is perceived as the summum of Straightness Training: It's about balancing the horse on two legs, asking the springy hind legs to carry all weight instead of the already naturally heavy front end.

About Straightness Training

A path to achieve balance in body, mind, heart, and soul 

Maestro and Marijke traveled such a long road, and what an absolute privilege it is to share this journey with other riders and help them turn things around for their 'ordinary' horse and reach much higher and 'extraordinary' levels.

To pass on the ST wisdom and experience to other horse owners – who might even struggle with their own 'Maestro' – is very special.

Straightness Training is not only for the high and mighty in dressage.

It is for everybody - it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or advanced rider.

And it's for every horse - no matter what age, breed or size.

The goal of ST is to have horses fit in body, mind, heart, and soul into late life.

And in case you want to ride our horse: to give your horse the best possible physique to carry you no matter their conformation.

Tthe challenge of Straightness Training is not about having the best moving horse...

but instead, to get every horse, we ride to move as well and in the most healthy way as he possibly can!

About the ST movement

An international community of difference makers & game changers

In 2004, we realized that many more riders and horses could be helped and reach much higher levels than they now expect to be capable of!

This made us decide to start the ST movement in the Netherlands to inspire people to do the things that inspire themselves and their horses.

In 2009, we began to share our thoughts, insights, and experiences through online videos, eBooks, articles, memberships, and clinics also in English. This way we could teach people all over the world about the meaning and usefulness of the various gymnastic Straightness Training exercises to rebalance their horse.

With our international website, we served riders anywhere in the world who wanted to discover everything about natural asymmetry and Straightness Training in order to help their horse flourish in body, mind, heart, and soul.

But it was not enough.

The high demand for education and training in Straightness Training inspired us to create The ST Academy which now has thousands of members across the world.

About The ST Academy

Get STarted. Get Coached. Get Results.

In 2013, we founded the international Straightness Training Academy. 

The ST Academy is a useful STarting point for many riders and horses.

A guide for those who are seeking information on how to ride and train horses and achieve the results they are looking for.

With our online programs, Marijke share's her knowledge, experience, thoughts, and valuable insights. Marijke explaines the meaning, usefulness, and appropriateness of the various gymnastic exercises to benefit your horse.

Being a member of The ST Academy truly is an unforgettable opportunity to connect with different cultures and such a diversity of wonderful horse-lovers all over this planet! We’re honored to meet such kind and inspiring riders in The ST Academy!

Thank you for choosing to follow along, thanks for your support, and for being an active participant in our mission to transform lives around the world!

About the ST Instructors

Committed to providing personalized guidance and support

Through our Certification Program, we train and certify ST Instructors from all over the world.

The ST Academy aims to form a worldwide group of horse trainers and instructors to the cause of improving health, joy, and beauty in working with horses based on the principles of Straightness Training.

A group of loyal and dedicated horse trainers and professional instructors:

✔ who can at all times avoid unnecessary suffering, by addressing the natural asymmetry in the body of their horse.

✔ who can take care of the mental, emotional and spiritual needs of their horse.

✔ who are able to create an amazing relationship with their horse.

✔ who can lead a magnificent life together with their horses!

Through the help of the ST Instructors, we now can help thousands of riders and horses worldwide in 65+ countries!

Licensed ST Instructors are a Scholar in The ST Academy and up to date with the highest STandards of teaching ST.

Find the Licensed ST Instructor who is right for you: