The Program

The reining rider wants his horse soft, working off his hindquarters and into the bridle; the dressage rider wants his horse full of suppleness and impulsion, straight and reliably on the bit; the western pleasure rider wants his horse completely relaxed, steady in his gaits, and keeping a low “straight” neck; the hunter rider want his horse relaxed, keeping a steady rhythm, and rounding into a beautiful “bascule” over his fences;  the pleasure rider wants his horse to be obedient and steady, easy and enjoyable to ride, whether he rides English or western. The horse world is full of trainers and systems to help each rider achieve the desired goal. But the trainers disagree, they contradict one another, and sometimes they are insistent about it. Are these goals really different? Many people think so, but in fact they are not. Yoga for Horses shows how they are all based on the very same principles, both theoretical and practical, and how these fundamental principles of all good horsemanship are simple.

The program begins with an explanation of the difference between principles, goals and techniques. It explains the timeless basic principles that underlie all good horsemanship, regardless of system or discipline. Then it describes the fundamentals of correct movement for all horses, again regardless of system or discipline, and teaches simple ground exercises that show horses and riders what it looks like, what it feels like and how to ask for it. As horse and handler execute these exercises correctly, the handler develops a practical understanding of how the horse’s muscle groups coordinate in correct movement, and exactly how the aids request this movement. 

Then riders are shown how these ground exercises are applied to mounted work. They are shown the importance of their own seat and position, and the necessity of correct aids. As this all comes together, riders and their horses experience the principles in action, and see how these principles develop into the desired goal. You experience the smooth, silken feel of riding a balanced, supple, responsive horse - a horse that is ready to perform whatever you ask of him. A horse that is beautiful to watch, a pleasure to ride, and enjoys his work - this is what we all want from our riding.

This is not a new system of training, but rather a program that harmonizes with any discipline and any system of training. Horses become lighter, softer, more responsive. Above all, your relationship with your horse is deepened through this work.