CLASSICAL RIDING
with
Susie Walker
"Take, only to give." Philippe Karl
LÉGÈRETÉ
Lightness
Susie Walker is a Licensed Level 1 Teacher in the International School of Lightness - Ecole de Légèreté founded by French Classical Master Philippe Karl.
Légèreté is classical equitation at its finest. A logical and ethical concept of training based on a deep knowledge of the horse. It teaches a philosophy of ease which seriously cares for the horse’s nature, psychology, anatomy, locomotion and bio-mechanics.
Ecole de Légèreté rejects the use of force, and has utmost respect for the horse at its core. Click the link below for more information about Philippe Karl's Ecole de Légèreté.
PHILOSOPHY
A curious mind... for the horse
My priority is to work in synergy with the particular nature of each horse - its natural and individual abilities - mental and physical. With this I want to develop trust, relaxation and balance.
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I want to analyse and understand the background before prescribing a way forward. There is always a reason for problem behaviour. Getting to the core of an issue is not only respectful to the horse, but an effective way to solve issues.
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There is a plethora of information available on how to train a horse.
It can be difficult to untangle this spaghetti of horse training, particularly when it is buried in complicated or contradictory instructions that can muddle the minds of horses and humans alike.
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Horses, as flight animals are sensitive, intuitive and willing to try given the right conditions. But many are too cooperative, and will endure unreasonably harsh treatment and pain, to finally. reach a state of 'Learned helplessness" when they find no other option for peace.
Being masters at reading body language, they can also learn to follow several cues and signals for one response. They repeat whatever they get rewarded for. This is one of the reasons there are many different and 'marketable' methods. But just because something works at one particular time with one particular trainer doesn’t mean it’s the best way for your horse.
The desire to dominate and control is destructive. To seek harmony and cooperation is productive and positive in the long term. This is what I work to.
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I encourage you to stay curious and open minded. Be confident to ask why and how, and listen for logical answers backed up by facts and respect for the horse. Follow your gut feelings and create your own journey where you find joy.
The challenge to deeply understand horses can take a lifetime of listening, observing, reading, learning and practicing. The sooner you make time to understand and connect with your horse, the sooner they will do the same with you. Horses have so much to give and to teach us about ourselves and how to be authentic.
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Fundamentally, learning is about changing behaviour, and behaviour change only comes from a change in attitude. To be different, we need to think different about how we connect & guide a horse.
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For me its not about "one size fits all" or "the horse must" do this or that. More often "it depends" on the situation, character, conformation, conditioning, experiences, and the conditions on the day.
The horse owes us nothing, we are the ones who have responsibility to understand the horse.
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Most common or difficult problems with horses can be resolved safely and progressively with curiosity, knowledge and kindness, and without force. Success comes from empathy and attention to small details.
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Ethical equitation embraces both art and science and a thoughtful approach to the way horses think and move. Effective training must minimise conflict and make space to preserve the horse's dignity and expression.
Ease and lightness in riding are not out of reach. It is possible to find that illusive "harmony" and "partnership" when you have the tools to work with the horse's nature - not against it.
SUSIE'S STORY
Susie grew up on Cambridge Road Riding Centre in Mooroolbark, Victoria. She established ‘Equine Encounters’ in Panton Hill in 1993 and has been training horses and teaching riders for over 30 years. She regularly conducts lessons and clinics around Australia.
Susie is well qualified with a Degree in Sociology, 10 years corporate experience in Training & Development, a Graduate Diploma in Adult Education, a Diploma of Applied Science in Horse Management. Diploma of Equitation Science (Clinical Ethology)
Susie is a Licensed Level 1 Teacher in Philippe Karl's School of Lightness (Ecole de Légèreté) and an
EA Accredited Coach.
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In Australia, Susie has been influenced by Andrew McLean, Monola Mendez, and Richard Weiss. She has had international training in France, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany to study the schooling methods of Philippe Karl, Bea Borelle, Sylvia Stoessel, Melanie Bulmahn, and Bertrand Ravoux.
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She has participated in a residential summer course in Denmark with Klaus Hempfling, and trained in Portugal with Paulo Sergio & Rodrigo Matus.
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"Susie, It’s been such a breath of fresh air learning from you and soaking up all your knowledge. Never a hard hand and always respecting the horse. Reading the horse's body language, relaxation, self awareness, lightness, balance and self carriage. I’m really excited to continue lessons with you!!" Justine E
SERVICES
LESSONSÂ - CLINICS - COACHING
Lessons are tailored to the individual needs of you and your horse.
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When not teaching at home, Susie travels out for clinics or private or group lessons.
Lessons availble in lunging, groundwork, work in-hand, classical dressage, or Working Equitation.
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Bring out the best in your horse with a kind and logical education for lightness, harmony and balance.​
FRIENDS CLINICS
Share - Learn - Improve
For 2 or 4 friends - design your own private midweek clinic (one, two or three days).
Socialise while you develop new skills with like minded friends.
Resolve problems, and gain knowledge with guided professional coaching.
Private, shared or group lessons tailored to your needs.
Small groups ensure quality teaching time & can include theory, ground work, or ridden lessons as required.
Shared B&B Accomodation available.
INTRODUCTION TO LÉGÈRETÉ
- LIGHTNESS CLINIC -
Classical Equitation In-hand & Ridden
Logical effective techniques for
Relaxation, Balance, Impulsion
Flexibility, Mobility, Collection
All levels welcome. Are you over the pushing and pulling methods of dressage? Are you looking for logical and effective principles that make sense, methods that bring dignity to your horse and joy to you? Do you want to develop your horse's responsiveness, softness and willingness to learn? If you are looking for a more sustainable ethical way...
POSITION, POSTURE & BALANCE CLINIC
Serious seat work in the saddle
Body awareness and balancing aids for creating responsiveness, suppleness, flexibility and symmetry.
Refine the breath, posture and shifting weight aids to improve and change a horse's balance in motion, through transitions, through lateral movements and in collection.
Learn how 'Position-before-Action' and 'Balance before bend' can transform your riding and take you to the next level. If you're playing with lateral work and balancing transitions within the gaits... this one is for you.
3PE / WORKING EQUITATION - CLINICS
Dressage with obstacles
Intro, basic or advanced levels
Hire our obstacles or provide your own. Private or Club clinics available at your location. Working around obstacles gives purpose and meaning to dressage, and can help you advance with a new found balance and lightness.
Learn WE rules and training techniques to advance your skills for fun or competition.
CONFIDENCE CLINIC
"There is nothing to be feared, it is only to be understood" (Marie Clair)
Relax and go at your own pace.
The priority is your priority - discover what you and your horse need to work on to make you both feel confident and happy.
On the ground, in hand, on the lunge or ridden. These lessons are tailored to individual needs in private or group sessions.
LEADERSHIP TO LIBERTY CLINIC
Connect on a deeper level through effective body language for harmony and mutual respect.
Learn to read and send subtle cues.
Discover your horse's true nature and unique spirit in free lunging
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Learn from the best master of all: the horse! Dive right into this unmounted program working with our horses to learn how rewarding it is when the horse is really tuned into your mind and body language. This is an enlightening a d educational experience for any skill level. Immerse yourself in the here and now of horse time - seeing, sensing, doing, feeling and exploring the joy of authentic leadership through liberty.
OUR HORSES
We share our home with 3 beautiful Andalusian mares: Alita, Grace and Fe, and a sweet Arab Stock horse gelding called Loui. Occasionally lessons may be available with our horses
FACILITIES
60 X 20 SAND ARENA
Our arena is fully fenced, with a good sand surface and surrounded by shady trees and a peaceful outlook.
LUNGING & LIBERTY YARD
A small all weather square yard for lunging, liberty, groundwork, demonstrations etc.
AND MORE
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Under cover saddle up area
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Hot /cold horse wash
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Circular driveway for float access​
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Working Equitation Obstacles
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​Holding yards
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Overnight paddocks
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B&B Accomodation available
CONTACT
Location: 80 Goldmans Road Cottlesbridge Victoria
Mail to: PO Box 394 Panton Hill Vic 3759
email: walker.susieg@gmail.com
mobile: 0411 098 462