Connect With Your Horse ~ Forthcoming Clinics
by Trisha Wren

 

Having been in NZ for over a year now, introducing you all to Connected Riding, I’d now like to introduce you to two of my mentors, Mark Rashid and Peggy Cummings. 

 

MARK RASHID

 

Mark Rashid is a clinician from Colorado, US.  Whilst we might call him ‘natural’, he calls himself simply a horse trainer (though people trainer might be more accurate!).  His quiet approach to resolving training problems is always underscored by his unwavering commitment to assessing the situation from the horse’s point of view.  It’s important to Mark to show the horse he is dependable, ‘leading by example, not force, and by being as consistent as possible from one day to the next.  I guess when it gets right down to it, it’s more of an attitude than a technique.  It’s being able to give the horse the benefit of the doubt that they will try and do things right for you, and not constantly reprimanding them for things done wrong.’

 

I was Mark’s first full time apprentice / assistant, working with him in 2001 and 2002.  We travelled all over the US doing 4 day clinics, an invaluable experience for me.  One interesting fact was that wherever we went, whatever the accent, breed of horse, or tack used people all over have the same problems with their horses!  Mark’s talent lies in recognising even the tiniest try the horse makes in response to our requests – those that most of us have trouble seeing or feeling – and helping the rider to recognise and reward them.  He sees the bigger picture, breaking problems down into small achievable pieces before rebuilding a cooperative partnership between horse and rider.

 

Mark works one-to-one in clinics, so that you get personal attention for your session and work on the issues that really matter to you, whether it’s problem solving or horsemanship, and whether you are a novice or a competitive rider.  Consequently rider places at his 4 day clinics are limited, but auditors are welcomed and questions encouraged.

 

Mark has written several books, including ‘Considering The Horse’, and ‘Horses Never Lie: the Heart of Passive Leadership’.  You can read more about Mark on his website, www.MarkRashid.com.         

 

 

 

 

 

PEGGY CUMMINGS

 

I was introduced to Peggy by Mark, and her methods make so much sense and develop such positive changes in our horses that they are what I spend most of my time teaching.

 

Are you allowing your horse to reach its full potential in movement and performance?  Unwittingly many of us get in the way of our horse’s ability to perform and move for a variety of reasons.  As riders, we are often unaware of how our bodies restrict our horses, and communicate mixed messages.

 

From years of classical training and research of various riding styles, Peggy Cummings (from Seattle, US) has developed Connected Riding® methods (and written a book of the same name) to achieve freedom of movement and self-carriage for both horse and rider.  Her technique is based on reciprocal connection rather than force; it enhances performance through better communication.  Connected Riding® teaches you to ride from the inside (by feeling), to the outside (by action).  It provides you with an awareness of body and movement that empowers you to move in harmony with your horse.  Through a series of ground and mounted exercises it shows you how to use the rhythm of your own body to lead your horse to enhanced performance.

 

Peggy learned from, amongst others, Sally Swift, Linda Tellington-Jones, and Major Andres Lindgren.  Her deep understanding of the biomechanics of movement along with her classical training makes her supremely qualified to bring joy to this riding experience.  Four day clinics are for a maximum of 12 riders, in 3 groups of 4, riding twice each day.  Riders will learn body awareness and improve their connection with their horse through ground exercises, which will then be transferred to work under saddle; working at different gaits, finding feeling, balance, connection and rhythm, suppleness and freedom of movement.  There will be plenty of room for ‘non-mounted participants’, who are encouraged to join in and ask questions.

 

Read more about Peggy at www.PeggyCummings.com.

 

 

           

Trisha is planning to host clinics in NZ with Mark and Peggy late 2007 or early 2008.  To register your interest in either of these clinicians, and to be kept informed of dates, prices, venues etc, please email Trisha at info@TrishaWren.com, or call 07-827-0240.

©Trisha Wren March 2007

as printed in: The Organic Equine magazine (Apr 2007)