|
|
|
|
RIDER FEEDBACK |
Thank you so much for coming down to Hawkes Bay,
and giving such wonderful lessons. What a great weekend.
Just
wanted to say it was a great weekend, and I am definitely going to do my best to
get to the planned one in June. I hope to be able to bring both my horses on
this one. One exercise that made a huge
impact was the one where one of us was a horse the other was a rider. It was
amazing what a difference the position of the rider made, and with only their
knees touching your sides. Thanks for
the great weekend!
Cassie’s
Farm, 25 Aug 07
Thanks
for an awesome day last weekend at your clinic. Even though I didn't have
my horse with me I still gained so much from
it. It is so nice to be around like minded people, who care about
their horse’s comfort, when riding them. This goes for on the ground as
well, naturally. Keep up the good work. I really enjoyed the fact
that everyone was supportive of each other when working on our individual problems.
Thank you also for the work you are doing with Spencer's floating. After
his ordeals the fact that he’s willing to go in it now for both of us is
wonderful beyond words and a huge credit to your patience and kindness.
Cassie’s
Farm, 28 July 07
I thoroughly enjoyed my day yesterday, and I think Nevaeh did too! It was lovely to arrive at your farm, and be able to put the horses into the lovely yards, and come up to the house for the theory lesson. It really helped me (and my horse!) to relax, and not 'rush' into practical work straight after loading off the float. By the time we did start with the practical work, the horses had had time to chill out and get used to their surroundings, and we were also nice and calm, and really ready to learn.I can't believe the difference in my new position, and how much difference it made straight away to my seat, and to my horse's movement. I know it will take a while to master keeping my new position, but after 21 years of doing something one way, I have had my eyes opened, and I don't think I will be going back! (Especially when you practice going back to the 'old way', and immediately feel your horse get grumpy underneath you!)
Cassie’s
Farm, 23 June 07
After buying a young
horse, recently off the track I was having problems creating a bond him, and
getting him to understand me. When I read about Trisha, and then found
her website, I felt sure that she had something to offer both me and my
horse. The concept appealed to me as it wasn't too different from the
traditional english way I have always ridden. I was determined to go to
both days in June, despite the terrible weather and a few other factors working
against me (not least of all a horse who didn't want to load!). I am so
glad I went, even on the first day before the horses were even saddled up I
felt like I had a new horse, he just responded so positively to
everything we were being taught. Once in the saddle the
techniques I had been taught on the ground meant that I had a horse going forward
using his rear end in a soft outline, and even beginning to bend on his stiff
side. It was an amazing result, from such a straightforward
concept. The ground work means we are establishing a bond, I do a couple
of exercises each day, mostly with his cover on at the moment, with the wet
weather! My horse has changed his attitude to me, and
in general. I have changed my attitude too, although I still have
loads to learn. Thanks for the great opportunity Trisha - and I'll see
you next month!
Cassie’s
Farm, 27 May 07
I went to your clinic liking what I read about your concept but still unsure how this was to improve my riding and the horses behaviour. As a rider I seemed to be forcing softness; although I knew this needed to be achieved I was struggling and have done for many years. I seemed to have achieved a forced softness not a willing softness.I had been receiving dressage lessons this year and although we improved there was still a long way to go. But your clinic has given me tools to use for both the horse and the rider. And after practicing only after one session I can see a marked improvement in our togetherness. We both left the arena feeling relaxed and happy with what we had done. AND THIS IS ONLY AFTER ONE TIME!!! WOW.I can't wait until we are at a stage when we are really connected together because who knows what we can achieve now.
I have had some
wonderful success with Trisha Wrens clinics. I have a horse that has been
very evasive and unrelaxed about riding out. For years she would lose the
plot at times during my rides and I was always unsure how to help her.
With Trisha’s Clinic I have learned how to relax her in these times. I am
sure that the relaxing of the muscles and the correct riding position will not
interfere with what you are already doing but enhance this.
After doing competitive
dressage up to Medium level for 25yrs, spending thousands of dollars on lessons
the traditional way and trying to have a happy dressage partnership with my
horses, I heard about Trisha from a friend. I've just ridden at a clinic
she was holding and came away stunned that I could achieve in 2 days what
I couldn't in the last 25 yrs.
After Trisha’s thorough
explanation of 'what' was to become our new position and 'why', we then rode
and the change in my mares trot took less than 5 minutes! Trotting in my new
position I felt my mares back round up and carry me almost as though I was as
light as a feather. Previously I was always having to 'make' my mare (and most
of my other horses) go forward - I no longer need to do this. Because I'm
not hindering her, forward just happens.
The elevation and
connection was amazing and I felt for the first time in my life how
it’s meant to feel when your horse comes up and truly into the contact. Finally
I've felt the harmony I've been striving for and I think my mare let out a sigh
of relief.
This has been mind
blowing for me and my only regret is that we didn't meet Trisha sooner.
TVARC,
20-21 January 07 – see photos HERE
Just as good the second time, as a great reminder of how it
should be, soft and relaxed!
Very
good; lots of small changes that made a huge difference to the horse. I felt so much more secure at the end about
my position. Huge differences seen over
the 2 days!
I am a very green person and borrowed a very green horse,
but managed to help improve the horse and myself with the riding techniques and
the groundwork. Very eye opening! I look forward to getting my own horse and continuing
with what I have learned.
I enjoyed the opportunity to watch and learn from
the others as well as doing it myself. I
liked that it was something that any discipline could embrace, and that the
results were evident and you could see the horses soften and improve.
Residential Intensive, 15-19 January 07
I must thank you for sharing your home
and introducing me to yet another way to consider the horse. I came to you
without knowing anything about Connected Riding and have given it serious
thought. The idea of being subtle from the beginning and doing much less is
very appealing. I have a far better appreciation of softness and lightness and
can recognize that my horse is very light but not all that soft.
On returning home and practicing with my own horses, all my lot accepted the
body moves. Blue (my Andalusian) started stretching and softening the first
time I did Caterpillar etc. I'm practicing 'rotation' for that is the hardest
movement for me to grasp. I'm so used to big exaggerated cues, shifting my
weight with arms and legs well off the horse.
That week with you has given me a great
deal to mull over, especially the consequences of leverage in the body when in
a rigid, braced position compared to the stronger flexed position. I would
really like to move as one with my horse and this certainly seems to offer
that.
I'm very interested in following
through and with my own horse – when can you come to
Thames
Valley Adult Riding Club demo, 12 December 06
Thank you for your
time! Found your demonstration to be
very interesting. Amazing the difference
in the horse, and rider’s position!
TVARC send loads of thanks to you for a really
great demo!
Thanks again for a very informative
weekend. I found the change in the
horses amazing!
Wasn’t sure what to expect; the information presented was new to me. Trisha’s communication and technical skills
were excellent. Learnt lots about
impulsion and collection.
I am really impressed with Trisha’s
technique. I felt an instant improvement
in my horse, and I feel much safer and more in control with my ‘new’ seat. I really feel I can now make more quality
progress both for myself and my horse.
Thanks, Trisha.
Something I liked about Trisha was not only
were the horses given time to ‘process’ everything but so were we. It all happened at a good pace.
I learnt so much this weekend; it has done wonders for my
confidence. I found I understood so much more regarding the riding
this time, I have still being trying to do too much and make it much harder
than it needed to be and it must feel awful to the horse!!! Thank goodness they
are so forgiving and nonjudgmental.
I had a great time on Saturday
with Trisha, it was just what I was looking for to improve my riding. What I
found soo amazing was the immediate result that I got from just a slight change
in body position. Which is also tragic to think of all those years I have been
putting my horse thru such a rough ride! I found Trisha a fount of
knowledge, so easy to talk to and a great teacher. It's not easy to find
someone with knowledge that they are also capable of passing on to you! I'm looking forward to my next lesson!
NW
Each clinic I have
achieved a breakthrough!
My horse and I now go riding together.
Thanks
again for the clinic last weekend, I was really pleased with my horse.
As usual Trisha had heaps more tools to add to
the toolbox to help engage the horse’s hindquarters. Excellent stuff.
Wintec,
Hamilton, 19-20 August 06 – see
photos HERE
I’ve got my horse back,
thank you!
Excellent clinic, thanks.
The
clinic was as I expected, and much more!
Read Vicki’s clinic report HERE.
The clinic
was very intensive but very relaxed. My
horse and I both loved it. I discovered
a lot about how I sat which was blocking my horse’s movement. He is definitely a lot happier and more
relaxed now when I school him.
I learnt what I expected and much more –
I’ll be back!
Instead
of telling what you should do differently, Trisha explains in detail how to do
it with you. I have been to a lot of
clinics where I’ve come away with more questions than answers. This clinic has given me answers to questions
I didn’t know existed! Demystified what
should be basic information. Very
impressed with the information, Trisha’s pleasant delivery of it, and the very
happy relaxed horses at the end of the 2 day clinic.
Didn’t know
what to expect but liked what I learned!
Thanks Trisha for a great weekend. I feel like Lucy really moved ahead in this
clinic. I finally have hope that I might
get my lovely horse back, but an even better horse now feels possible.
Had a
great time. Really learnt a lot!
Saw an immediate difference when I implemented the correct posture on my
horses back.
I would like to thank
you so much for an amazing weekend. I
feel like a 5 year old who has just learnt how to ride a bike! Except I’m
a thirty something who’s just learned how to ride a horse! For 25 years I have
ridden without instruction and have not improved as a result. I cannot believe
how much those small adjustments have changed everything. It blew my mind. I’m keen to get on and develop those muscles
in my boy (and girl) so we can both balance up and improve. I am so pleased we
got him in the float, braved the weather and attended the second day as it
all came together for me. Even floating Ash was a huge achievement for me.
I would love to know when your next course is as I really like your concepts.
(And I liked you too so I spose that helps!)
Thanks again and we will probably see you soon!
Firstly, I would like to
thank you for coming to live in NZ. I really, really enjoyed the
clinic last weekend at the Waikato Equestrian Centre even though it rained and
was freezing cold on the Saturday. Sunday however, being a much better day.
I am the sort of person who finds it hard to grasp certain concepts of
riding. I have struggled along and had lessons and been to clinics over
the years and although have probably picked up a few good things, I am still
struggling with to find harmony with my horses. I want to feel totally
balanced and connected and have a happy horse.
During this “Connected Riding” clinic I really felt that finally I will be able
to achieve what I have always been looking for. I felt really happy, and
while driving the 2 hour trip home, I was smiling all the way. It just
felt great.
I’m looking forward to more clinics.
Thanks again Trisha
Thanks for
the clinic, it was really interesting. I can't believe how soft Charlie
became after only a few ground exercises, he is usually quite tense to ride!
Thank you for such a great clinic. I feel excited about the
possibilities with my horses and my riding and I can’t wait to actually attend
a clinic with one of my horses. I think that you allowing people to
attend as an auditor is fantastic; I felt included which I did not expect to
feel. I think I will pick up a lot more when I attend with a horse after
being able to observe so much. I loved your humour, your knowledge and
understanding of horses’ movement and well being is refreshing. I find
the concept of Connected Riding the most exciting thing I have come across for
me and my horses in a very long time. Thank you so much and hope to see
you soon.
Excellent tools to help rehab my horse
and learn to take more notice of where her feet are. I love the muscle releases, they are
awesome. Also can feel the new position will
really benefit me with my twisted pelvis – just need to practice more!
I had no idea what to expect, but
really enjoyed it; if anything it exceeded my expectations. Good help with position and body balance.
The
groundwork gave me tools to help reduce stress in my mare, but I particularly
found the riding techniques excellent.
Better than expected; very good
results in the end. My horse was supple,
very relaxed, and moved more freely. I
felt better and at ease in the saddle.
Thank you, I really enjoyed the clinic.
Thank you for a wonderful day on Saturday, I
personally found the day very inspiring and total sense and hopefully…I may
have a horse to borrow for your August event.
‘Saddle Up’ Win a Lesson Competition The winner, Nic Durrant,
got a 2 hour session with Trisha on 9 June 06 – see photos HERE
“The ground work
exercises were very simple but had a dramatic affect on Lily. Something
was going on inside her head to create the soft eyes, licking, lip trembling
and dropped head. Lily seemed to particularly like the Cheek Delineation
exercise and she visibly relaxed infront of my eyes. It was good to be
able to connect with my horse using such simple techniques that were enjoyable
for both of us. I found it very relaxing too and will definitely use
these techniques from now on before a ride, especially if it’s been a
particularly hectic day in the office. One of my problems is that I
always do everything at a 100MPH and this simple set of exercises will be a
good way for me to slow down, and switch off from the stresses of the day, as
well as benefiting my horse.
Before the body
exercises on me, I hadn’t realised how insecure my riding position was. Simple
things like altering my feet in the stirrup irons and adjusting my thighs
created a much firmer and secure seat. I felt more grounded and
solid.
The other surprising
discovery was how focusing positive energy out and away through the chest
helped to create a stronger seat.
Slight adjustments made
in my knees and back, along with the outward focus had a dramatic result and I
could really feel the difference.
The thing which blew me
away more than anything was the exercise you did to demonstrate what a horse
feels when we are riding them with a correct/incorrect body position. I
couldn’t see what you were doing on my back but I could certainly feel when you
were slumping or leaning forward, and then (thank goodness), sitting
correctly. Not being able to move my ‘leg’ was particularly disturbing as
I had no idea how much our body position influences the way our horses are able
to move or not move, as the case may be.
When being led around
on Lily with my eyes shut, I could really feel the difference in the ‘before’
and ‘after’ positions. In the ‘before’ position I wasn’t particularly
aware of how she was moving, it just felt like it always did; slightly
wobbly. However, in the ‘after’ position I could feel more through the
saddle and I was sensitive to where each of her legs was moving. It certainly
helped me feel more in tune with where we were going, but most importantly for
me, I felt ‘glued’ to the saddle.
Altering my focus and
directing my belly button in the direction I wanted to go was another great
discovery. It proved to me that I could ‘steer’ my horse by shifting my
body and focus without actually having to haul on the reins.
All in all it was a day
of discoveries and I am now far more aware of my riding position. I
experienced so many positive changes in 2 hours, and I realise that this was
just the tip of the ice-berg. It’s very exciting to think of what else
can be achieved with more practice.
Retraining my
muscle-memory to keep that secure seat is high on the agenda, as is breathing
and sending out all those positive thoughts!
Thanks once again
Trisha.”
Nic
Tielcey Park,3-4 June 06 – see photos HERE
This clinic was amazing,
the difference in my 4yo after using Trisha's techniques for 15 minutes was as
if she'd been professionally schooled for 3 months... we now use her
techniques before schooling any horse at
The clinic was just as I expected and
really enjoyed it, I want to know more and more!! I can't tell you how much better my position
in the car was on the way home, was mentally tired but not as exhausted from
sitting on my pubic bone and fighting the turtle look!!!! That’s just my
driving the car....can't wait to practice more.
I’m
so grateful for your expertise. I really feel this is the next step in
our learning with horses; I’m excited to take this further. Once home
tried it on my big warmblood and she was so responsive and needed a long time
between cheek presses. The look of relaxation and calm in her was lovely. Am so taken with clinic I just would like to
stay with this style of horsemanship at least until I understand it clearly!
Waitoki, 25-26 March 06 – see photos HERE
For the last
two years I have been reading books and searching the Internet and talking to
other more experienced horse owners (having only had my horse for 8 months and
only been riding for 3 years) looking for ways to teach my horse in a gentle
way without pain. The 'apply pain and then remove as a reward' was not an
option I liked. The whole 'contact' issue when I was learning to 'get the horse
round' at a riding school, was a horrible. I disagreed with the 'Morse code'
method and the method of holding an equal amount of pressure as the horse was
taking, then giving it once the horse softened. I just couldn't get it, as it
didn't make sense to me. But I could not find any alternative.
Trisha filled in all the gaps and answered all my unanswered questions about
alternative ways of doing things. Everything she teaches is non-invasive and
does not rely on strength. I used to get sore finger muscles in my lessons and
blisters on my ring finger from 'sponging'. The only book I had found that I
agreed with completely was Sally Swifts centred riding - so I was so pleased
when a lot of the things we did were just like Sally's book - so I could
understand them, as it's always hard to 'do' things from a book and there was
no one in NZ doing Centred Riding.
The groundwork was also great - such simple things to release tension in
various places. After a few minutes my horse was yawning and releasing stress
and tension non-stop! And to top it all off - he didn't get pissed off with me
first! Often during other training sessions with different methods he would get
very annoyed at both me and the instructor. It was so nice to see how much he
enjoyed the clinic also. He was a very happy horse.
I'm off now to try the riding exercises! Really looking forward to my next
session with Trisha.
I had a
fantastic time on the weekend! After being taught the traditional way my whole
life I was amazed to find that there was a better way to do things. I can't
believe that I had never thought outside the square before this weekend and
realised that there could be a better way! I had a ride last night to practice
everything and Noddy really responded well. Although I think that I might have
done too many exercises on the ground because he was fast asleep/processing
when I finally got on to ride. However him being asleep was amazing in itself
because after not being ridden for a week he would usually be full of beans and
quite difficult to handle.
I think these methods are going to work particularly well for us because he is
so sensitive. He responded so well to the meet and melt... usually it's a
battle with his head high up in the air. And the rotation was so simple yet
effective.
So I loved the Connected Riding method and definitely want to learn more. The
venue was great...our horses were so happy in their paddock and we felt
comfortable to leave them there overnight, which makes everything a lot easier.
I also enjoyed the group of people who took part! Riding can sometimes be a
snobby sport (especially at shows) but I found everyone down to earth. We had
some really good laughs and learnt a lot from each other's problems and horses
(:
So thanks guys! It was a great success... And I would recommend it to everyone
I know, however I don't want them to steal my place in future clinics (:
See you guys next time!