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Explore my articles from classical dressage to horse behaviour, you are sure to find something that helps develop physical and mental harmony for your horse.
Balance Part 1
Introduction Exploring the theme of equestrian balance.
I could reasonably be described as a ‘flat liner’, in that it is rare for things to get me down or wind me up. I would like to say never, but I am human! I’m not sure that I started life this way; I’m a redhead and in my younger days displayed all the acknowledged signs of being one.
Balance Part 2
Emotional Balance - Extending the balance theme.
I often read of so called problem horses that refuse to lead, refuse to leave the yard or load; the list of possible problems is endless. How do these problems arise, why do some horses seem to have more than others and how is it that we all too easily miss the early signs of them.
Balance Part 3
Physical Balance and Classical training.
It may have been said many times but it’s worth repeating that if you look after the basics then what follows will look after itself! I doubt there is any chance like the first chance with a horse, sure we can go back and start over but as John Wooden says ‘If you don’t have time to do it right…
What is Classical Dressage?
Baroque dressage; In a nutshell
In a world that expects fast results the ideals of classical dressage might seem somewhat old fashioned to many but in truth the gymnastic training of horses has always been the cornerstone of classical principles leading to a posture that allows horses to work unfettered…
Seeking Connection
Contact or Connection
The mental connection we have with our horse results in a willingness to be our partners, to go that extra mile for us, to take the lead when needed but to accept the need to be led if required.
Contact Part 1
What's in a definition - How do we define contact, that intimate connection?
Contact is something that I imagine we all have very personal feelings about. Mark Rashid says “Contact is the space between you pulling on the horse and the horse pulling on you.” and leads me to my first question, just what is contact?
Contact Part 2
At the end of the rein - Back to front gymnastic training.
The first contact with a young horse is likely to be via a hand on a rope that connects to its head. The horse’s head is blessed with great sensitivity (both inside and out) and yet how much time is taken to prepare for this connection? It’s probably a measure of the good nature of the horse that…
In Conversation With...
Trudi answers questions she often gets asked.
What is an equine behaviourist?
TRUDI: Sometimes referred to as an equine behaviour consultant an equine behaviourist identifies the underlying causes of unwanted behaviour in horses. Using science based techniques centred on ethology and learning theory they will create behaviour modification plans to…
