ABOUT

Teaching Outlines

Lessons are individually designed to meet the needs of each horse/rider combination. Specific issues for each horse are addressed using a combination of exercises to alleviate imbalances, crookedness and asymmetries to achieve flexibility, balance, true straightness, relaxation and responsiveness. I happily work with all types of horses and riders at all levels of ability. Skills for both horse and rider are taught progressively and in a logical fashion, that build on a solid foundation for both.

Lunging, work in hand and ridden work combine to make a complete program that develops the horse mentally, emotionally & physically. This results in relaxation, an improved understanding and relationship between horse/rider and very importantly, longevity in the health, age and career of the horse.

S.M.A.R.T. Way to Educate Horses

Horsemanship with Specifically designed Measurable goals, that are Aligned to ours and our horse’s values, that are Realistic and Timed. The horse naturally understands the training, while avoiding fear, force and intimidation on our
journey towards excellence.

The Training Scale

All horses like all people are individual in personality and the approach JMac Equitation takes to training, is just that, individually!

The Training Scale (TS) is a principle-based guide, not a rule based manual to help horses better understand their riders approach to training. It’s a general frame work that is logical to the horse in its approach and has reliable points of reference for the rider.

The TS diagram (next page) has been developed over many years of proven results (from the horse), with 1000’s of horses and riders the world over.

The TS diagrams show:

A logical progression for the foal, through to collection of the mature horse

The flexibility of movement between the order, should the rider have challenges along the journey

First & Foremost, Respect must be shown to the horse and then Trust will be celebrated by the rider if the TS is followed.

The horse is not expected to give the rider R.E.S.P.E.C.T. ; it’s what the rider shows the horse through the logical dialogue and training process. It is shown in the way we talk to/about our horse, how we present the horse in daily exercise with thoughtful and purposefully designed equipment, promoting comfort and direction for the horse. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is shown by understanding and appreciating that the horse didn’t ask to be ridden, but has been used for our financial gain and enjoyment.

Please refer to the Training Scale Diagram below.