The magic of a perfect ride is a combination of the horse’s previous experiences, the rider’s previous experiences, and the active skills of both. Whether it’s the rail of an arena, or the ascent of a mountain, these skills include an awareness of the physical, mental and emotional challenges that are associated with each change of environment. The more technical the environment, the more challenges these areas of skill are for both horse and human. Should you choose a more controlled environment within an arena, or the unpredictable yet exciting experience of the outdoors, it is best to know your horse well enough to know how to correct a problem that may occur in any environment that you choose.

As most of us know, horse’s can develop problems or bad habits at anytime. Whether the horse is so-called ‘very well trained’ or ‘just a trail horse’, they all can come into a new season with the chance of bucking, kicking, refusing an obstacle, baulking, or just simply lose that wonderful ‘want-to’ attitude. Horses are not computers; they cannot be programmed to do the exact same thing with the exact same demeanor or skill without help. They CAN however, be conditioned to respond to a dedicated partner. There are two key elements required to successfully condition a horse to respond consistently, 1-the horse’s ability to physically, mentally, and emotionally remember how to find the answer, and 2-the partner must have the skills to offer guided review when the horse’s ability seems rusty or questionable. This involves knowing how the horse was taught the skill in the first place. While there are thousands of trainers nationally, and even more internationally, their techniques and philosophies all have the same goal in mind: To be able to communicate specific cues to each horse with less and less effort from the human, which renders a softer side from all of us and gives us all the bonus of sharing time with a happier and more willing horse.

Students who have successfully applied the skills of the Level 1 Foundation course to one or more horses can then attempt to challenge themselves with the Level 2 Course. This course is also for all levels of horses and riders because it helps to refine and transfer the skills into the saddle, where you begin to add your whole body into the equation of the whole horse.

Level 2 includes the following skills and more…

Creating Soft Responses from the Horse
-From the Bit/Hands
-From the Legs
-From the Seat

Connecting the Hooves to the Hands, Individually
-Forward, True Forward = Straightness
-Hips
-Shoulders, Follow and Move Away

Combining Requests to Form Advanced Movements
-Sidepass
-Half-Pass
-Full-Pass
-Spin

An introduction to Collection, Lead Departures, Speed Control, Emotional Control are just a few more subjects that are included in the Level 2 advancement.

The next course is coming up soon, click here for more info

With many last minute preparations and loads of very helpful volunteers, we were able to pull together an event that was long awaited. EquiFest 2009 was to be a small reintroduction of its original feat, though it turned into a much larger presentation. From various training and playtime demonstrations…including hands on and participatory, to Farrier lectures and even Animal Communication, we had a wonderful turnout of presenters!
EquiFest offers the opportunity, FREE, to the public to educate and enjoy themselves on a piece of land that has an incredible presence. With the panaramic view of the Stuart Mountains and 150 acres of wooded, hilly terrain…ease of breath and relaxation is very typical as guests enter the drive into the Dragonwood facility.