HORSE HANDLING:    IN-HAND & LEAD CLASS ONLY 

Targeted for 'unridden' horses. A focus on 

• YOUR RESPONSIBILITY - The critical importance of this 'development stage' in a horse's life  (i.e. if they are not allowed to become relaxed & confident with Human interaction at this stage, they may struggle to achieve it at all)
• Safe Handling & Developing TRUST
• Establishing human/horse Hierarchy
• Boundaries, Manners, & consistent communication 
• Groundwork Foundation - establishing Cues, maintaining consistency, developing your co-ordination skills
• Lunging - the critical importance of establishing the Lunge, maintaining the 'controlled Lunge', ensuring it is always kept controlled & stress-free
• Discussing the importance of TIME, REPETITION & CONSISTENCY 
• Desensitization Techniques.......once TRUST is established 
• How to develop & support my horse's confidence, i.e. How do I make my horse FEEL?

RIDDEN FUNDAMENTALS & SAFETY, WITH A FOCUS ON BUILDING CONFIDENCE 

Targeted for the Nervous Rider, the Nervous Horse, and those developing Riding Confidence.

A focus on

• Basic Safety practices - how do I know my horse is safe to get on?  What can I do if my horse spooks? How do I distract my horse from a scary object or situation?  What to do if my horse is "rushing"? What to do when my horse is upset, or when I feel 'out of control'?  What can I do when my horse doesn't want to leave the Herd?  How can I calm myself down & reassure my horse, in the saddle?
• We will learn & practice - Basic 'prior to mounting' techniques;  Emergency Stops;  Emergency Bracing;  Hind disengagement;  'Moving the feet' distraction techniques;  Emergency Lunging;  Breathing exercises, & Mental confidence tips
• Discussing the importance of "Confident Leadership" & how you can 'fake it till you make it'!!!
• Staying relaxed under saddle - Breathing techniques, singing & storytelling, giving the horse a job  to keep their mind on you, not on the "thing" (walk round a stump; back through two trees, the 5m Trot circle, regular side pass, zigzagging, etc.
• Group exercises - 'partnering' to support confidence, advancing away from the group, avoiding separation anxiety & managing 'Herd behaviour'
• Rules for riding in a group, trail riding, & group activities. (i.e. If everyone follows the same courtesies it makes things safer for all)
• How do I develop our Confidence, i.e. how do I make my horse FEEL, how does my horse make me FEEL?

 ADVANCED RIDING & OBSTACLE PARTNERSHIP

Targeted for Intermediate & Advanced Riders 

A focus on

• Developing Skills & Partnership
• How to give the best, to get the best out of our horses - The importance of Leadership, Trust, & deep connection
• "Whole Body" riding - using our weight transfer, body position, & mental connection to cue the horse
• Transitions, Transitions, Transitions!!! (exercises, patterns & challenges)
• EXCA 'Development Pattern' for Racing
• Obstacle Challenges & the importance of GOING SLOW, TO GET FAST!!!
• Putting it all together for Challenge Success
• Discussing "an honest look at our horse's happiness & wellbeing", i.e. am I 'encouraging' my horse to develop, or 'forcing' my horse? Recognizing the difference could make ALL the difference to your horse.
• PRICE:
• Members (with Membership Pre-paid) -  Adult $50  Child $30 (NOTE:  This includes Ground Fees)
• Non-Members (including Day Membership) - Adult $75  Child $50 (NOTE:  This includes Ground Fees)
• Gold coin donation $2 for Morning Tea, drinks will be available to purchase and please BYO LUNCH.
• Plenty of yards available, no need to book. First in best dressed.
• RULES:  Please clean up after your horse, i.e. POO & HAY MUST BE PICKED UP & deposited into the Poo Bins!!
• AGENDA:
• 9.00am - 9:15am - Welcome & Introductions
• 9:15am – 10.30am Groundwork & Warm up
• 10.30 - 11.00am - Morning tea
• 11:00am – 12.30pm - Fundamentals
• 12.300pm - 1.00pm Lunch (BYO lunch)
• 1.00pm - 3.30pm Obstacle play then equipment packup.
•  

!!!!!!!!! WHAT TO BRING:  Bucket for your horses water (water available), halter & leadrope, Carrot stick-optional, Horses hay/feed.  Bring something to share for morning tea, BYO Lunch & Drinking Water