About Leslie
LESLIE DESMOND - Equine Media Services
Born in Germany to American parents serving abroad, Leslie enjoyed a backyard horse lover’s childhood that got a jump start with an ex-steeplechase Thoroughbred given to her by a neighbor in 1963.
She continued to gain momentum as a young artist, author, and horse trainer as the right people crossed her path at the right time with the skills she lacked and inspiration she shared.
She enlisted support from other writer’s who inspired her. Marguerite Henry, C. W. Anderson, Joy Adamson, Walter Farley, and other prominent authors in the horse book genre supported her regularly through an exchange of letters when she needed horse handling and training guidance through grade school.
She re-started colts and trained horses to drive through the 1970s, and brought that perspective and experience with her to fox hunting, gymkhana and stadium jumping in high school, and beyond.
After receiving her diploma and journalist credentials from Boston University’s School of Public Communication in 1976, she worked 20 years as a free lance photo-journalist,public communication and marketing consultant.
In 1990, she relocating her riding school from western Massaxhusetts to Novato, California, where she founded Diamond Lu Productions and released her first videos series, “American Horsemanship for Young & Old” (1995). In the years that followed, her horse training articles were translated into six other languages to provide support for her students in other countries.
Between 1995-1999, Leslie rode and worked alongside rancher and master horseman, Bill Dorrance (January 19,1906 - July 22, 1999) from Salinas, California. As part of her mission to serve the horse, she co-authored and published the classic training manual, “True Horsemanship Through Feel” just weeks before Bill Dorrance passed on.
A few years later, she released “Horse Handling & Riding Through Feel” the 10-CD audio book that supports horse owners in all disciplines, breed associations and riding styles.
CUSTOM TOOLS for the HORSEMAN
Leslie’s Tied-Right halters and customs length ropes that carry an “extraordinary feel” to the feet, as well as her many articles, videos, podcasts, online coaching and conference services are available with an annual subscription, or FREE 30-day subscription that is available here:
Feelofahorse.com
In 2021, Leslie expanded her career to include equine dentistry services, locomotion evaluation, and weanling/foal handling for those new to horses from all disciplines.
FUNDRAISING:
Since 2008, Leslie donated over 1,500 books, videos and audio books to the libraries at horse sanctuaries and therapeutic riding centers.
She continues her commitment to serving horses and the people who care for them by raising funds for non-profit equine rescue and rehabilitation centers in Europe and America.
COURSES in 2023-2024
At her horse training courses, Leslie welcomes four participants with horses to her demonstrations and intensive 5-day courses. These events are open to the public for viewing and come with an 8-12 week online education course beforehand.
To request the 2023-2024 public and private coaching and podcast schedule in the Americas, Central Europe, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, send an email with full name and website or social media link to:
To host a fundraiser or course at your facility leave a message here: 888-33-HORSE.