What's it like to take a Lesson . . .

If I am already a "Dressage" rider?

First thing is to do an evaluation to see just where you and your horse are at. This can include any physical issues your horse may have; an equipment check for fit and comfortableness (for both you and your horse); checking you out for rider position and effectiveness.

Then we can problem solve and move toward getting things unstuck or progressing. Sometimes what may be thought of as the "problem", may really only be an effect of the true cause. Having an extensive background in Natural Horsemanship, it will be easy to evaluate if the problem is physical, mental or emotional and literally make strides toward the solutions. Many times an issue that may come come up has nothing to do with Dressage . . .

By focusing on the seven principles: Willingness; Responsiveness; Roundness; Symetry; Self Carriage; Self Propulsion and Relaxation, we will incorporate many exercises in developing each one.

You will find the lessons both enlightening and progressive!

If I ride "Western"?

No matter what type of equipment you use, good horsemanship is good horsemanship. While there are many ways to go about it, there is only one true way. By learning the seven principles (Willingness, Responsiveness, Roundess, Symetry, Self Carriage, Self Propulsion and Relaxation), and how to apply them, your horse will become more supple and balanced in order to acheive your goals.

You can learn a secure and effective seat in any saddle. Developing a feel for your horse and application of the aides is of benefit to any horse and rider team.

Wendy & Speed; Tennessee Walker

If my horse is Gaited?

By learning Classical Principles, you will not only develop a more supple, sound horse, but improve your gaits! No longer will you have to hold your horse up or pull the reins and push him into gait. Your horse will develop his physical being to be stronger in his gait and therefore more confident.

Having trained and shown Paso Finos, I know the benefit of using lateral exercises and letting your horse get stronger in diagonal movements in order to strengthen thier natural gait.

After all, for a horse to trot, he must have a relaxed back...for a horse to gait, he must contract his back. The benefits of being able to use relaxation exercises and bring your horse comfortably into gait will allow you to do so with light contact and a balanced horse.

If I'm a "Natural Horseman"?

Get ready for some progressive learning based on Classical Principles! While Natural Horsemanship is a great way to understand horse psycology, gain confidence and create a good foundation - Classical Horsemanship will take you further than you ever thought.

You will continue on your path of learning and begin to apply what you already know in a more in depth way. Refining your aides, seat and expectations, you will create a happy, sound horse for a lifetime of enjoyment - both his and yours!

If you are asking yourself "What comes next after Natural Horsemanship", then this the perfect way to move toward more advanced horsemanship. I promise you won't learn how to pull and kick!

If I'm just starting out on my Horsemanship Journey?

Congratulations......no bad habits to unlearn!!! A solid basis of Horse Psycology would first be in order so you can understand exactly what the horse is doing and why.

By using In-Hand work, (you are on the ground working with the horse) you will begin to pay attention to what the horse needs to do in order to carry out your requests. You will also get used to his movements and give him a chance to understand what you are asking of him before you even ride. The beginings of building a relationship and opening communication with your new partner will get established.

Once in the saddle, you will have more understanding of the horse underneath you and more confidence in yourself to relax and enjoy your new journey! What you will glean in the basics of the seven principles and how to apply them will help you in your horse goals no matter what pleasure or sport you may choose.