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Horsemanship Lessons
Going much deeper than traditional position-focused riding lessons, horsemanship lessons will put you on the path to becoming a true horseman. You will learn about the horse - who he is, how he perceives the world, and why he reacts the way he does. You will also learn about yourself - how to be consistent, fair and effective - all qualities of the good leader that your horse needs you to be.
Good Horsemanship Is "Non-Denominational"
Good horsemanship wears many costumes – Western, English, Natural Horsemanship, trail horse etc. What defines good horsemanship is not the costume, it is adhering to the principles of using humane training techniques, and respecting the horse for who he is - a horse. Horsemanship lessons are “non-denominational” and the knowledge you gain can be successfully applied to any discipline, and to any horse.
Good Horsemanship Is True Understanding Of The Horse
Only when we truly understand the horse and the science of training can we develop a relationship based on communication, not domination. Good horsemanship often involves a paradigm shift in our thinking and approach to the horse, but that shift ultimately leads us to greater connection, and trust and willingness by the horse to do whatever is asked of him.
Please contact us for more information
Some of the lesson topics
covered may include:
- Horse Behavior 101 - understanding and respecting who the horse is, his
perspective and why he does what he does, and using that knowledge in
how we approach everything we do with the horse
- Horses are gestural, we are vocal - learning to read his body language, and how to be more congruent with your own
- Understanding and
developing your senses of feel, timing and balance
- Setting the horse
up to succeed - how to say Yes to the horse
- Learning theory,
reinforcement, and reward
- Positives and
negatives, as they relate to training
- Operant vs. classical conditioning
- Sensitizing and desensitizing - it’s all in when you release
- Safe handling, saddling, and rope
handling skills
- Natural riding - using your balance (not
grip), upper-lower body
separation and an independent seat
to ride in harmony with the horse
- Getting in time with the feet - when to ask your horse what
- Allowing the horse responsibility for direction and gait vs. micro-managing and "controlling" everything your horse does
- Safe riding on the
trail
- Recognizing the horse that shows up, and knowing WHY he 's responding the way he is
- Liberty work – ground work
with no strings attached
- Riding bridleless
– using your energy, intention and focus to ride, instead of
your reins
Whether your horsemanship goals are
purely pleasure or performance, Lauren can help you
and your
horse form a strong, connected partnership. Lauren's students range from
beginning horsemen to professional riding coaches - all share a love of the horse, and a desire to learn how best to work with him.