Understanding the Language of the Horse

    The unique characteristics of the horse

    Leading quietly and respectfully

    Respecting your space

    Reducing the spooks--desensitizing your horse

    Equinality Assessment

Earning Leadership

    The Power of Focus and Intent

    Yielding the forequarters

    Yielding the hindquarters

    Backing

    Ground tying/Standing still

    Moving the horse, not yourself

    Moving sideways

    Preparing for the trailer

Riding Balanced and With Lightness

    Grooming and saddling

    Pre-ride attitude check

    Mounting safely

    Finding your balance

    Go and whoa

    Staying straight

    Rounding corners

    Basic rein positions

    Sitting the trot

Format

You will receive three hours of instruction each day, practice your learning for another 1-2 hours and study readings and videos for an additional hour. Courses are limited to no more than six students at a time. This provides more individualized attention and learning.

Tuition: $675

Advancing Horsemanship (HS 102)

August 26-30, 2013

Or by special arrangement

This class builds on your horsemanship foundation to advance your riding with soft feel and balance at the walk, trot and canter. It also gives you the skills to ride with finesse in the bridle and without.

Course Outline:

Balance within yourself
   On the ground
   While riding
Focus
   Developing soft, yet clear, communication
   Effective pressure, not just mechanics
   Develop horse's willingness to learn
   Awareness of timing, sensitivity, effectiveness
Imagination
   Keeping it interesting for your horse
   Creativity with games and tasks

   Avoiding boredom
Riding
   Footfalls and body movement
   Foot control and cues
   Right cue at the right time
   Riding on a loose rein
   Stick riding
   Riding without reins

Format

You will receive three hours of instruction each day, practice your learning for another 1-2 hours and study readings and videos for an additional hour. Courses are limited to no more than six students at a time. This provides more individualized attention and learning.

Tuition: $675

Your Instructors

"Hutch" is the Director of Education for the NWNHC and leads the Center's foundational horsemanship program. In addition to teaching lessons to adults and children, he conducts horsemanship workshops for youth groups, is the chief instructor for the Center's summer camps and directs the horsemanship lessons at the Center's Warrior Family Retreats. Learn more

Dorothy Coomer is a full-time instructor/trainer at the Center and director of its children's programs. She is a graduate of the University of Montana Western's Natural Horsemanship degree program with a minor in business management and has worked as an apprentice to clinician Alice Trindle. Learn more