An alternative way in horse riding, and it's teaching

Case 1 Theresa 20+ years -Riding school pupil
Theresa had been taught to ride using conventional methods and was beginning to canter. During such a lesson Theresa's horse 'spooked', unseating her. She was badly shaken and hurt, and lost her nerve somewhat. A subsequent lesson using my particular relaxation techniques was a major turning point for her. She gained much confidence and began to incorporate my methods within her lessons. A dramatic change in her, and the horse, was evident. She had become visibly more in tune with the horse ...and vice versa.

Previously Theresa would only ever ride one particular thick set, placid, cobby mare that was relatively lazy and quite a safe ride, however this mare was no longer available, which left her very little choice but to ride a 15.2hh 5 year old gelding. He was more a non-novice ride and really only suitable for more experienced students ...both in terms of his own 'education' and in terms of safety. However I had every faith in what I was teaching Theresa and she was finally persuaded to ride 'Henry'. The next few lessons were spent teaching the pair together using my methods. Henry adapted immediately and one could see the depth of 'gratitude' in the horse's way of going; his whole body was lengthening, easing, working through ...in a naturally balanced outline. He was clearly enjoying his work, whereas previously it had become difficult to lead him into the indoor school as boredom had already begun to set in for him.

Dressage competitions were held at this riding school, organised by the local group 'Hoofbeats'. Theresa and Henry entered just to see how they were 'under pressure'. (Theresa had never competed before, and Henry had only ever done a little jumping) their results were exceptional, sixes and sevens, which, of course, indicated that horse and rider had performed well above expectations together in their very first outing. They went from strength to strength culminating in Theresa having the confidence to purchase Henry at a later date when he came up for sale.

Case 2 Heulwen 50+ -Beginner
Heulwen had been given a 4yr old Hanoverian x Welsh section D mare as a birthday gift and had decided to have lessons so that she may eventually ride her. Again initial lessons had been given in a conventional manner, and, as with Theresa, Heulwen was a very nervous but determined pupil, an obvious candidate for my particular methods ...and another client for Henry.

Unfortunately Heulwen had a natural tendency to lean forward, therefore losing balance and putting the horse heavily on the forehand. One to one lessons on Henry using my techniques enabled Heulwen to improve her posture, gain confidence in herself, lengthen her leg, develop a much better seat and achieve an improved outline. I initially observed Heulwen working using her conventional methods and training. Henry was clearly uncomfortable with this and showed his discomfort by constantly leaning on the bit, shortening his stride and striving to come in to the middle of the school. After ten minutes of this I asked Heulwen to come forwards to halt and dismount, she was stiff, hot, and out of breath, feeling that she had been fighting with Henry. So I suggested that Henry went back to his stable whilst we had a cuppa and a chat. Lots of encouragement was needed here as Heulwen was clearly disheartened.

During the tea break I explained to Heulwen what my intentions were ...and at that point she said she'd be happy to learn 'my way'. Henry was brought into the indoor school and Heulwen remounted. The rest of the lesson was spent utilising music and employing my relaxation methods. Henry responded well and went back to his stable relaxed and happy.

A few more lessons spent in this calm way led to Heulwen entering a dressage competition held at the indoor school she was familiar with. I now had 2 students in the same competition riding the same horse. This would be interesting! Neither of them was confident enough to ride without a reader and I relented and read for them both, something I didn't normally do (not even for my daughter!) ...I usually wrote for the judge. Both ladies executed good tests, both ladies were placed ...and Heulwen even won! Heulwen actually helped Theresa to buy Henry who then went on to be stabled at Heulwen's ...A happy ending for Henry.

I have taught my methods to a large section of my (then) local riding fraternity. Many former students went on to improve their riding skills both for leisure and in competition, in all disciplines of equestrianism. These methods are not so far removed from methods mentioned elsewhere on these pages. The key is harmony and relaxation ...working with and not against.