Many experienced riders begin to focus on the exercises or patterns, and, if they feel they are stagnating in their progress, start to look for more elaborate, complicated exercises. My approach to teaching is bringing the focus back to the rider’s position, biomechanics and awareness.

Horses constantly give us feedback on how we are organised and balanced while riding, and by tuning in and becoming aware, we can pick up on the horse’s signals and respond to them, becoming more efficient riders. Through auditory, visual and kinaesthetic cues and exercises, my methodology will help you rewire stubborn patterns.

If you are an instructor you might also feel that you hit a plateau with your students. For many years I have assisted fellow teachers in how to delve deeper into biomechanics, proprioception and spatial awareness to help their riders progress.

Being around horses obligates us to understand the animal that we interact with. By increasing your awareness and knowledge about horses’ biomechanics and the way they feel and learn, the chances are that you will develop a closer bond, discover anomalies sooner and as a bonus improve your riding. Horses are fantastic teachers, my role is to translate and to guide you into a more aware and knowledgeable state.

Because horses are prey and herd animals their instinctive response to situations is very different to how humans, dogs and other predators would react.

Horses’ anatomy sets the parameters for how they can move. Riding, particularly dressage, is essentially about helping the horse balance themselves, and to doing it in such a way that he becomes the best possible horse that he can be.

Horses, being prey animals, are reliant on being in balance to be able to escape the predator at any point. To avoid causing stress to the horse they must be balanced and safe while they’re working. Long lining and lunging is a good way to accomplish that sensation for the horse.

With the correct practice, getting the horse straight, forward and in good posture can be easier on lines than from in the saddle.

Lunging and long-lining is an art form in itself and by observing the horse and being aware of your own posture and patterns you can accomplish a stronger, more balanced and self-confident horse. As an added bonus the relationship with your horse, and your own riding posture will improve as well.

You can find the basics on long lining under Courses.