What
makes Caroline Rider’s Tao of Horsemanship Approach
to working with horses and people so unique?
continued...
This approach is a mindful way of Being and
interacting with horses. It is where we learn
to consciously be present, allowing for unlimited
opportunities to “feel of, for and together
as one, in mind, body and spirit.” This
way allows for endless opportunities for 2-way
communication between horse and human and where
we begin to merge deep friendship, partnership
and leadership between both.
What is the first step to training?
Liberty work in the Round pen
The most effective way of initiating this deep
and resonating connection between horses and
humans is within the round pen. This small,
intimate space not only offers the horse a sense
of freedom--allowing them choice and expression
without the confines of ropes and halters--it’s
a powerful Taoist form. The circle symbolizes
that which is universal, sacred and divine;
representing the balance of energies, the infinite
of integrated energy, and the inclusivity of
the Universe – all things.
Sharing space between horse and human begins
the journey of true, consensual partnership:
a process where mindfulness, attunement to each
other’s emotional and physical needs, and communication
between both are shared. Creating this space
for communication allows the opportunity for
true choice, freedom of expression, acceptance
and trust from our equine partners. Once the
space is created, we are then called to become
more conscious and aware of our heart and mind’s
intention. This awareness is the beginning of
our Taoist approach to horsemanship and a way
of Being with our horses that fosters and promotes
a level of emotional connection that binds the
relationship between both.
Bonding with our horses in this way, and at
liberty, is easily achieved through the practice
of our 3 core awarenesses: The Power of
Intention, The Power of Position and The Power
of Movement. Understanding and applying
the principle of each will guide us into clear
heart and mind intention, showing a way that
is filled with a balance of energy, synchronized
hearts and unified movement.
This way of Being and interacting is the foundation
of our horsemanship and can be easily applied
to any discipline as it enhances training efforts
through positive motivation and reinforcement.
What is the next step in our
training and why?
Ground Work & Online Exercises
Once our horses choose to emotionally connect
with us at liberty, we are ready to engage the
mind and body more fully, asking for deeper
connection and partnership through specific
online techniques and cues.
Our training practices include 9 specific ground
exercises designed to engage the horse more
fully in mind, body and spirit (heart). This
level of our training requires halters, lead
ropes and a long whip and should never be used
as a means of unnecessary force or pressure.
Instead, they should be used as an extension
of you and your ability to communicate your
request – all the while paying respect to your
horse’s unique nature and sensitivity. This
level of training is to encourage deeper acceptance
and trust from the horse while being asked to
partner more deeply in movement.
When approach and technique are applied together
in training, our horses learn more quickly and
naturally. This shows up in our horses as
an open and learning frame of mind. This
is most important to our approach to training
as it represents both the path of least resistance
and the path of true partnership – a place within
where 2-way communication exists and willing,
joyful partnership is expressed. When our horses
are happy, connected, willing, patiently mindful
and eager to try and perform the work at hand,
we know we have our horse’s mind, body and soul.
How does
the ground work develop a horse for riding?
Riding as One
The development of connection and communication
on the ground is foremost as it establishes
a safer, deeper understanding and cooperation
between both horse and rider.
Our ground work prepares both for a clear, mindful
and consistent way of communicating where deeper
partnership and leadership can be achieved more
easily and naturally. This cooperation allows
both to work confidently together in movement,
which in turn promotes harmony in mind and body
when riding.
Our approach and training techniques are integrated
with the founding principles of classical dressage
- where balance, harmony, suppleness, and rhythm
are achieved. Combined with clarity, mindfulness
and consistent communication (through mind/body
aids), horse and rider create the opportunity
to maintain an open and constant dialogue at
all times. This level of connection is what
promotes safety when riding as it asks both
to be present while engaged in subtle, constant
communication.
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