Depending on where you are at with your horse and your goals I can offer help in a variety of ways. I am happy to work with all serious students in any discipline. Serious doesn’t mean competition and it doesn’t have to mean dressage. And, it certainly doesn’t mean, No Fun! Serious does mean you really want to ride well and are willing to put the time and effort into educating yourself and training your horse. We can have a lot of fun and be serious at the same time! Here are some options to consider…
Training for balance and suppleness
Dressage isn’t about sitting a ‘certain way’ or a particular breed of horse. It is about balance, alignment, suppleness, responsiveness, invisible aids and every horse, no matter what breed or discipline you ride, every horse will benefit from this training. I can help you help the horse you have be the best he (or she!) can be. This can take the form of teaching you how to use longeing and in-hand work to ‘ride from the ground’. No longer is ground work just a way to get the bucks out. Under saddle I can teach you how to develop responsiveness in your horse as well as help you pinpoint the spots in you that are getting in the way of your horse’s responsiveness.
Longe lessons for riders
No matter how long you’ve been riding, we all can benefit from time spent on the longe line to improve our seat. The seat is the connecting point between you and your horse. Riding well involves a unique combination of core strength and suppleness. Not so easy! The longe line is the best place to explore the skills needed to be strong and let go at the same time without having to worry about the horse. I have a very sweet, safe horse who I can use for longe lessons.
Beginner riders can learn to ride correctly in a safe and step-by-step manner by starting on the longe. You will progress at precisely the rate you feel comfortable. Advanced riders will improve their balance and suppleness through some challenging exercises that will push skills to the limit.
Behavioral problem resolution
Perhaps the issue you are having is more fundamental. Is your horse biting, kicking or telling you in some other form that something isn’t right? I can help you look at the problem from the horse’s point of view and find a positive way to solve the problem.
Video lessons
In a perfect world we could work through problems in person. But sometimes distance or weather may keep us apart. If you have access to a video camera and can post videos on the internet this is one way that some clients enjoy staying in touch with me.
Clinics
If you are interested in learning more about ‘Getting to Yes’ with your horse but distance is a problem, consider organizing a clinic. Get some friends together for weekend of intensive learning and share the cost.
