Lunging can be an excellent form of exercise and education. Lunging, if done well, can improve balance, posture, strength and relaxation. With various uses of double lunge, greater clarity of body alignment can be attained as well as lateral movements and desensitizing.

Ground work is everything we can do with our horses from the ground. It is their wheelhouse for learning. It is especially beneficial for young horses beginning their educational journey. Ground work can include developing the communication through touch and suggestion, obstacles and puzzles developing mind and body of the horse.

Here is where the education or reeducation of the mouth happens. In the halt, walk, and trot, we can explain our request clearly and see the resulting response. The horse and human can focus on the conversation between the hand and the mouth without any unintended distractions that can occur while riding.

Riding is a culmination of so many details. We want to impart to ourselves and our horse balance, relaxation, flexibility, mobility and the understanding of each one of our requests. Without the crystal clear understanding between us and our horse, we can’t experience the pinnacle of clarity and cooperation. Once this is in place, nearly all activities are within reach.

Liberty is a growing understanding of every interaction until tack is no longer needed. Our focus in liberty is requesting without “any strings attached.” The horse has much more room for expression and the human has space to develop observation, physical and emotional language that can be understood by the horse.

With guidance and practice, long-lining and ground driving can include all gaits, and lateral movements. The length of the lines and the distance from the horse add complexities to overcome but can bring a new level of communication between horses and handler.

Everyone gets my speech about carriage driving being one of the most dangerous activities you can do with a horse. Instead of being in physical contact with your horse via riding, the only connection you have is through the bit, the whip and your voice. Now that you have had the speech as well, with extensive education, preparation and dedication, you can enjoy carriage driving with your equine; little or big!

Often ponies and minis lack a physical and intellectual program to keep them fit, supple and active. Combining work in hand, lunging (around, through and over obstacles), bit work in hand, and lateral movement, the “Littles” can benefit from a complete mental, emotional and physical development program just like their big cousins.

Unfortunately horses or riders struggle with fear or trauma. These are to be taken most seriously and tenderly. Without patient and targeted resolution, growth in every sense is nearly impossible. Slow work staying within everyone’s emotional tolerance is a great way forward. Safety, understanding, kindness, and listening to guide you or your horse on a journey out of states of fear.

A session to help you organize, choreograph and practice your presentation(s) for the next Elevate Equus event! Ridden, driven, in hand, liberty, pas de deux, musical freestyle…we’ll help you get ready to show off your progress!

DBD DIAL-A-HANDSOME PRINCE
SHETLAND PONY GELDING

Groundwork, In~Hand Bit Work, Ground Driving, Long Lining, Double Lunge, Carriage Driving, Academic Lunging, “Fitness for Littles.”

HALF ARABIAN GELDING

Groundwork, Advanced In~Hand Bit Work (including double bridle), Lateral Movements Under Saddle (walk & trot), Liberty

WILLOW GROVE KOUNTESS DE GRIGNAN
HACKNEY CROSS MARE

Groundwork, Advanced In~hand Bit Work (including double bridle), Lunge Lessons, Lateral Movements Under Saddle, Academic Lunging,

THIS COWGIRLS GOT LEGS
APHA MARE

Groundwork, Academic Lunging, Advanced In~Hand Bit Work and she’s getting tuned up for more!

ARABIAN ANDALUSIAN

Liberty Specialist