Trisha wren ~ Connect With Your Horse

Well, what an exciting and eventful season it has been! At the very start of summer, in Nov/Dec last year, internationally renowned horsemanship clinician Mark Rashid made his first visit to New Zealand. Having worked for Mark for 2 years in the US, and hosted him many times in Scotland, I knew that horse people here would love him, and the 2 three day clinics were a huge success.
Mark differs from most other clinicians in that he works with each rider individually, and his skill is being able to see exactly where any problem lies, honing in quickly on timing issues and breakdowns in communication. For auditors this makes each lesson a case study and an opportunity to observe Mark’s approach to individual problems that the riders were experiencing. He worked with a variety of riders, of differing disciplines and experience levels; from dressage to endurance, jumping, and groundwork for a 2 year old colt, and encompassing softness, timing, breathing and feel to improve every combination. All of the horses and riders made amazing progress - there were many grinning faces - and the auditors made the most of being able to ask their own questions in between sessions. Mark’s demonstrations, patience, and good humour made the clinics an enjoyable learning experience for all.

Some of the comments received about the Mark Rashid clinics:Depth of knowledge in such a common sense approach of delivery, amongst a wide range of horses/riders provided some truly beautiful moments. Exceeded all expectations. I am blown away and filled with hope and motivation that this harmony with your horse is possible not an elusive target. I feel honoured to have had the chance to see Mark and soak up his knowledge and outstanding intuitive people skills for 3 days!

Then in March we were thrilled to host Peggy Cummings, Connected Riding®, here for the first time. Many of you have already had an introduction to Connected Riding through your lessons with me, and Peggy’s clinics took everyone on to a new level. The initial emphasis was on our own bodies, and through a number of discussions, demonstrations and exercises everyone became more aware of how to use themselves more efficiently, and how what they were doing with their body would impact their horse. Next was observing each horse, and learning how to see their patterns of posture and movement, as well as their tight spots and areas for improvement – and all before a rider even got on! Groundwork exercises focussed on the horse’s posture and carriage, teaching them how to release any braces and come through from behind. Then the rider was introduced, with the first ridden session concentrating on maintaining correct posture and softness consistently. By the end of the clinic the riders were experiencing a new lightness in both their and their horse’s bodies, with improved connection and impulsion.

Clinic comments:The energy, enthusiasm and passion that Peggy brings to her clinic was truly amazing! Peggy assessed us all individually whilst sitting in a saddle on a saddle stand. This translated to a clear understanding of what an independent seat actually is and the resulting stability in the saddle.I can now 'see' a horse, see the tension AND have been able to release a lot of it. The most exciting and rewarding moment for me was when I experienced the thought that I could do this (ride) for ever – it required such little effort to have him soft, and there was no resistance from him.

Mark will be returning at the end of 208, and Peggy will be back in March 2009. Contact Trisha to be kept informed.
Keep Connecting!

Trisha