CLASSICAL RIDING

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.