Jim "Hutch" Hutchins

Hutch began his horse journey in earnest when the family purchased a beautiful, but troubled, Thoroughbred from off the track.  The search for how to bring peace and trust to this beautiful grandson of Secretariat led to the discovery of natural horsemanship.  The changes were astonishing and the knowledge gained from the wisdom of Pat Parelli and other natural horsemen gave Hutch a new understanding of the horse.  An understanding that was based on fairness, leadership, and partnership.  It was this experience that prompted Hutch to co-found the Northwest Natural Horsemanship Center.  Over the past 15 years, the Center has introduced hundreds of students to the amazing benefits of natural horsemanship and provided Hutch with the experience to see and work with scores of different horses.  

In 2008, Hutch moved from his behind-the-scenes role as Events and Operations Manger of the Center, left behind his 30-year career in advertising and public relations, and dedicated himself to running the Center full-time, teaching and training.  As a former adult education teacher at the University of Washington, Hutch developed his skills at organizing the learning process, explaining concepts, and encouraging and motivating students.  For the Center, he specializes in the foundational training of horse and human.  As he often says, "You have to learn your ABCs before you can write your thesis."  His mantra is: consistency, lightness and leadership.

In addition to his duties at the Center, Hutch has authored articles on environmentally sensitive farm management practices and acted as the Chairman of the Washington State Horse Park Foundation--revitalizing the project and leading the effort that raised more than $3 million in state funding.