The holistic horsemanship approach needs to not only include the non-riding maintenance of the horse; proper hoof care, dentistry, skeletal and muscle adjustments, but most also include the balanced training of the horse and rider.

The Equine Athlete:

For an equine athlete to remain healthy, the horse needs to have its body (and mind) built up over a significant period of time. To perform to its highest level of potential, the horse needs to be encouraged into a ‘correct frame’ or ‘position’ that allows it to develop the necessary muscles for balance and throughness. When these correct muscles have been developed, the equine athlete will be able to enjoy a great riding partnership for many years.

The goal is for the horse to regain the body position and balance it has when it is without the rider and to learn to move freely and easily under the rider’s weight. When the horse is able to retain this unrestrained way of moving, it relaxes. For relaxation, the rider and horse must find a place of balance. When the horse is in balance, then his motion can move without hindrance.

I am available for lectures on the general overview of equine body biomechanics. My lectures addresse how to develop proper equine balance and which exercises help develop the correct muscling to ensure equine soundness. My material is centered on the work of the German Equine Biomechanics expert - Dr. Gerd Heuschmann. Dr. Heuschmann is the the author of the best selling book "Tug of War" and the DVD "If Horses Could Speak". For more information about Dr. Heuschmann click here.

Rider Athlete:
...coming soon...

For personal information about Karen click here.

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