I have just returned from teaching on Aspire Grassroots clinic at Lindrick Livery and what a great weekend that was! I hope the pictures tell the story well and that you enjoy the wonderful set of them taken by Ceri of Pure Essence Photography (Check her website HERE if you would like to book a photo shoot 🙂 ) I will be writing more about the exercises shown on below pictures in Aspire’s bi-monthly newsletter coming up on the 14th October so if you would like to read some of my thoughts on those simple body awareness techniques, sign up HERE 🙂
When schooling we communicate with a horse via diagonal aids (inside leg – outside rein, outside leg – inside rein) to help with balancing the horse (prevent over use of either sides). For this communication to work well, we need to be aware of cross-coordination in our own body…Fabulous, little 3 year old ex-racehorse in early stages of re-training. Learning to move like a riding horse.Addressing posture and effectiveness of the legIntro to an exercise which helps with control of the horse’s shouldersWhen schooling we communicate with a horse via diagonal aids (inside leg – outside rein, outside leg – inside rein) to help with balancing the horse (prevent over use of either side). For this communication to work well, we need to be aware of cross-coordination in our own body…When we sit on a moving horse, we don’t always feel how physics and motion disorganise our position and as a result destroy our balance. Testing Olivia’s front to back stability here.When schooling we communicate with a horse via diagonal aids (inside leg – outside rein, outside leg – inside rein) to help with balancing the horse (prevent over use of either side). For this communication to work well, we need to be aware of cross-coordination in our own body…Introduction to a simple yet powerful exercise: “monkey” position – which helps with getting the idea that joints need to be relaxed for the posture to become effective, it’s the muscles that need to work…Awareness of own crookedness is a first step to understanding schooling of the horse – simple exercises can awake muscles that we didn’t know existed 🙂Learning about horse’s posture via becoming a horse 😉Another version of the “monkey” position – which helps with getting the idea that joints (hip, knee, ankle, elbow, shoulder) need to be relaxed for the posture to become effective, it’s the muscles that need to work…In-hand work to help with crookedness3 year old ex-racehorse Casper learning to yield from the “leg” in-handLaura having a go at “monkey” exerciseSearching for strengths and weaknesses in rider’s body as far as balance in the saddle is concerned 🙂Cantering on foot to address excessive shoulder movement – fun and very effective to build awareness 🙂As Ceri, the author of the photos said “Never too early to start 😉 ” My cracking little client – grand age of 5 – on his pony, preparing for simple and fun coordination exercises.Everybody understand various instructions differently. How do you soften your hand/elbow/shoulder? What does it mean “give” with your hand? Here Louise is feeling the difference between locked and “soft” elbow.Quick video feedback before proceeding with exercises. Visual feedback never lies and helps immensely with speeding up learning process.Every movement of the horse needs to be absorbed by rider’s joints. If one or more joints “block” the motion, harmony can’t be achieved. Here the rider is experimenting with passive joint movement to determine which of her joints (hip, knee or ankle) is the one she blocks the movement with.Learning to move on large circles in balance and relaxed posture without the rider. A 3 year old ex-race horse Casper – I can’t wait to watch his improvement over months to come. He has wonderful brain and fantastic attitude.Learning how rider’s crookedness affects turns and circles – and finding ways to correct a few issues 🙂Short in-hand sessions for 3 year old Thoroughbred, Casper.Posing with a lovely young rider and her wonderful pony, Mouse, who sadly decided not to smile with us here!Louise and the lovely Henry – great partnership! Henry is now 3 months into post kissing spine operation and looked and worked very well!
If you would like to organise similar clinic at your yard, give Wiola a shout! Anyone welcome 🙂 More details below:
Official Blog by Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy 