Description of our Clinics
Bio Mechanics Clinic - Private or semi private instruction only during COVID
Class structure: Meals are not provided, they are extra. We will eat some meals as a group to enhance a Q and A time followed by shooting the breeze as time allows.
This class is a two day class. It begins Friday evening 7:00 pm. We will work until about 10:30 PM. The first day includes equine and owner evaluations, dividing into two to four work groups, depending on the size of the class. All clinic rides are semi private (2 rider and in some parts of development it may be 4 riders ) and last approximately 20 minutes. YOU will be tired. Students will have one ride Friday night.
Saturday morning we will meet at the barns at 9:00 AM and will work until lunch time. You will have assigned ride times and may choose to stay and participate in the ground part or if you need to leave and return only for your ride time that is ok. However no "missed" ride times can be made up.
Saturday lunch: we eat as a group. We talk horses! RELAX and if there are questions pertaining to the morning session they will be answered.
Saturday afternoon session begins at 1:00 PM. - We work through until dinner time (approximately 6:00)
If any riders have signed up for additional rides, they are done after dinner between 7:00 and 9:00 PM . These are PRIVATE ride times. Riders may sign up at the clinic if there is space available.
Sunday - on demand if riders have signed up we will do additional private or semi private rides.
Class Description : Biomechanics or (The holistic approach to riding and handling ) is the term we use to describe how every subtle aspect of the riders body position and motion gives instructions or cues to the horse, regardless of whether we are on or off the horse. Everything we do is 'training' our horse, or confusing him.
When this is understood by the rider/handler, and when the rider applies body position and movement with the knowlege of how the horse will naturally react, then the result is a wonderfully beautiful relationship where rider and horse move fluidly, gracefully, and with very little discernable motion by the rider.
When the rider does not understand these cues (and how the horse perceives them), then the result can be frustration for both the horse and the rider/handler. Without this knowledge, you may in fact be giving your horse conflicting signals, which in turn can cause your horse to be confused, angry, and resistant or seem like "too much horse" .
Taken a step further, we can discern if the horse is physically uncomfortable with the cues, this too affecting his whole "disposition".
Classes are taught by Theresa Denham. Theresa has over thirty years experience instructing and incorporates principles drawn from the methods of the "classics" including late Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance and Sally Swift as well as contemporary instructors Susan Harris and Jane Savoie.
She has had direct training from Clare Bayman (Wiltshire Riding Academy --Olympic Training Center Coach) , Carmen Bryant, Bobby Richards, Bob Mote SR, Holly Johns (FEI coach), and evaluation of teaching methodologies by Sally Swift, Susan Harris and US Olympic Coach Bryan Dygart through ARICP.
Theresa has combined these methods and philosophies into a unique and proven program. It is a holistic approach to riding, looking at the each system and how it relates to all other systems of both the horse and rider/handler. . Theresa's system provides the student with an understanding of how balance, symmetry, efficiency and coordination affect horse and rider, while giving the student the freedom to also fine tune in a way that is meaningful for the student.
The result is the rider /handler becomes more aware of the cues being given to the horse and allows the horse to be brought along with safety and confidence.
New To Horses ZOOM only
Class structure: This is a 3 hour class (sometimes we run over) . It is in a classroom setting in a barn or a heated room located near the barns depending on the weather. Bring your notebooks, and pens as there is a lot of information we will pass on to you. We also will do this class for 4-H groups or for groups of "new horse parents" at a discount. If you would like to host this class in the comfort of your home, please give me a call, we can work that out too.
Class description: The perfect clinic to those who are new to horses or planning on getting into horses.
This class covers:
- Cost of horse ownership
- How to choose a horse (evaluate breed, training levels, whats right for you)
- How to buy a horse
- BUYER BEWARES- learning the not so nice tricks of the pros
- Fitting bridles and tack, and some basic tack information
- How to find a boarding stable
- How to find a trainer.
- Evaluating if you "really need" this and thats for your horse
- Resources (veterinary, farrier, trainers, boarding facilities, feed ,reputable online catalogs
This is a very informative class designed to prevent new horse people from falling into expensive or dangerous situations that can be avoided. Theresa is a long time horse expert (over 35 years in the field) and has assisted in legal situations where people purchased from non reputable sellers. She has helped clients all over Oregon buy horses that are suitable for their needs. Theresa has raised AQHA horses and Tennessee Walking horses, but has trained many other breeds including Morgans, Arabs, Draft, Borouke, ponies, and grade horses. Her expertise will help you make sound decisions, and of course if you have taken my class, and want to ask questions over the phone regarding a current possible purchase, you are always welcome at no extra charge.
Backyard or Stable owners **NEW CLASS **
New to stable management? or you have your horse in the back yard? This class is designed to teach you basic managment of the horses in your care and also to help you become aware of responsibilties and liabilities..
Horses are a wonderful experience, for many of us a dream. Sadly the dream is quicky thwarted through a bad experience which could have been avoided. We will also discuss long term planning , wintering the horse, and safe fencing safe confinement options.
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