Understanding “True Balance in The Horse and Rider” Course
This is a four morning course that covers all aspects of what true balance means within the horse and rider. Participants are directed on how to see, feel, and, how to aid the horse through its stages of development. Many systems and methods block our ability to understand where the balance and energy correctly lie. Balance is needed in every aspect of our lives and in true balance there can be no trickery, or, short cuts. The answers lie in awareness of movement, timing, preparation and direction of energy.
Lectures and demonstrations are given throughout the four mornings. Participants have many opportunities to put to practise what they are learning throughout. Whether you are a complete beginner, or, an experienced horse person this course will greatly help the understanding of working horses to their highest ability without detrimental effects on their movement, or, development. Learning to work with the horse in conjunction with it’s mental, physical abilities and developmental needs.
This is an intensive course where we guarantee all participants will leave with a clearer thorough understanding of balance. The important parallels between the ground and ridden work all come together to strengthen the balance we need in our own bodies. Between our fantastic team of Spanish horses, and, under the guidance of Sarah-Jane, we help you greater the connection with your horse.
Understanding true balance
Course Structure:
Day/Part One – Liberty Work
The day opens with an introduction by Sarah-Jane and the team. It is vital that we have an understanding of basic biomechanics when working with horses whatever the discipline. Throughout the morning development of the senses is covered at length to aid recognition of balance. Participants experience working with horses at liberty that have various conformational build, movement and size. We practise finding the correct balance point and learning how we need to adapt ourselves. Working towards precise clear body language and timing through exercises. During the morning we have lots of fun with the horses and prepare for part two – the Art of Lungeing.
Day/Part Two – The Art of Lungeing
Lungeing is sometimes overlooked, abused, or, thought as boring for the horse. Lungeing in itself is an art and is immensely beneficial to any horse when properly used. With high energy horses and young horses we can create a safe space and secure base to work from. We start with a demonstration on lungeing as a continuation of yesterdays exercises. Participants work with various horses to improve their lungeing approach. Lungeing allows us to see the mental and physical state of the horse before riding. For young horses, or, horses in rehabilitation it allows us to warm up the horse without the weight of the rider. With part two participants learn how to make lungeing beneficial for both horse and rider. Leading us to part three – In-hand Work
Day/Part Three – In-Hand Work
In part three we work with various In-hand exercises. A demonstration is given showing how simple gentle exercises can help the horse release the poll, neck and back creating independent balance. Participants practice and see how the horse can change in this important stage. In-hand work aids in rehabilitation, warm up, strengthens the horses body overtime, helps calm nervous horses re-directing their focus and greatly improves our overall connection with the horse. Part three teaches increased coordination for the handler directly helping our timing of aids as a rider leading on to part four – Rider bodywork.
Day Four – Rider Bodywork
In part four we incorporate all that has been practised over the past three days and connect it to the riding. The morning starts with exercises on the ground to prepare the body proceeding onto the horses back. Focus is on relaxation, coordination and body awareness. Every human is unique in the way they are built as is every horse. Through specific exercises, transitions and movements on the lunge participants learn how to release the body and develop the seat to create precise timing of aids. Participants experience how the balance of the rider can be changed through subtle direction, receiving and releasing the body using the horses natural movement. Thus allowing us to direct the horse to use its body in an effortless manner.
Price: €850.00
Includes: four morning teaching sessions (10am until 2pm) with a coffee break in between.
Additional: Further liberty, In-hand, lunge, or, Classical dressage lessons possible.