After my initial consultation with the horse and owner which may or may not include seeing the horse ridden, I am able to see why the horse is acting out certain behaviours. Once this has been explained to the owner I am then able to help them both out by training in the correct behaviour or teaching the owner what she needs to do or change in her welfare, handling, and training. Often this means that the horse is then back on track and no follow through is needed in the saddle, a good result all round.

RIDDEN LESSONS

This is a fairly typical idea of what I teach the horse and rider, it is my belief that without the following in place then harmony ~a clear two way communication~ cannot take place.

It is usually when these fundamentals are not in placed that things go pear shaped and force starts to be used by way of bigger bits; tie downs and ‘calmers’ are used, hence the importance of getting these fundamentals right from the outset.

My check List/What I teach

Is the horse mentally able & physically comfortable enough to:

• Stand still
• Be mounted
• Understand your cue for forwards & backwards, left & right and sideways
• Go through transitions from halt to canter and back down through to halt both left & right
• Can the rider separate her left side of body from her right side so that she can truly ride each side of her horse
• Can the rider use her body in balance (independent seat)
• Can the rider keep focussed in the direction of travel (not ride looking down)
• Can the rider feel when her horse's feet are in the air
• Can the rider communicate down to her horse's feet
• Can the rider have self awareness of body, mind and breathing

It is when we go through this check list that we find what we need to improve on and it really isn’t hard, it just takes an understanding and someone on the ground to point out the obvious which is so easy to miss when you are riding.

There are easy to learn ways of doing all the above that I have learnt from the many years of study and teaching and I love to impart this knowledge and hear people say “I never thought I would be able to do that”.

Whatever the goal is that you have with your horse just make sure of the following:

• That you and your horse are the right build, age and personality for what it is that you want to achieve. Both your hearts need to be in it.
• That you put in the proper preparation whether that is a fitness program or your educational training program, set yourself and your horse up for success .

Please note that I choose these days to ride bitless, my horse and I have done our years of competition and there is no need any longer for a bit in his mouth. I am not prejudiced to what you choose to ride, whether or not you are barefoot, rug or don’t rug ….. I simply want to help you improve your relationship and communication with your horse.