Understanding and accepting that every horse rides and learns differently is exactly why it is so important to:
Actively listen to the spoken and unspoken
Observe the exchange of energy
Honor and understand each response
Commit time and patience
Much can be learned about the equine at hand just by taking the time to watch quietly from the ground. Every time you enter the horses energy field, your opportunity for training begins. Due to the prey instinct of the horse every movement, breath and thought (intention) you make or have is shaping the animals preception of you and at the same time preparing the horse for his/her next reaction.
Many people rush the training of a horse because they want to see instant results, sometimes in as little as thirty days. How many times have you heard someone say …..”The horse did fine for the trainer, but what happened when I got him/her home?” The answer is not always found in the horse; often it’s in the people. At Gentle Gaits our approach is different than any other.
Our training program starts from the ground up, regardless of how advanced your horse may be. We begin by building a relationship on the ground via round pen, grooming and stall work. We take the time to study the animals behavior, movement, natural body carriage and their interaction with the rider. We have found that most issues in the saddle can either be fixed or greatly improved simply by integrating energy awareness and foundational training techniques. Once we begin to merge into a relationship with the horse and after we have closely studied movement and behavior it is time to move into the saddle. Often, people get onto the horses back with a pre-conceived idea about what “should” happen. At Gentle Gaits nothing is text book.
We consider the horse a blank canvas however, we are not the ones with the paint brush. The horse, with a little guidance and technique, from us will paint their own picture. This is where the true “Relationship Merging” begins.
Our guidance and techniques offered, focus on a combination of classic training coupled with the focused breathing and core strength taught in yoga and martial arts. Few people are aware of the fact that our breathing and self-carriage can dictate what happens while on the horse. Remaining focused and calm at all times are a must! It has been proven that the horse is so sensitive that it can feel the femoral pulse of the rider. A direct correlation can be made regarding the rate of the riders pulse and the reaction of the horses temperament and body carriage. An increase in the riders pulse will inevitably cause a quickening in the pace, a raised head or a tense back. Something WILL happen. Horses are not “action” animals, they are by nature “reactionary”. They study the energy of the environment and its stimuli and then act accordingly. That’s why at Gentle Gaits we provide a safe and calm environment for horses to live, train and work in.
It is said that children learn what they see……here, we believe the same to be true for the horses. We truly believe in making a difference. When you combine everyday practicality with cutting edge training and positive energy the result is an unbeatable integration of horse and rider.
"Remeber, the real "art" of skillful riding is keeping the horse between you and the ground."
Maleigha Light
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