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If you want to develop your horse into a calm, connected and responsive partner this will jump start your progress.The first two clinics in our Foundation Series will give you the tools to achieve the relationship you want with your horse.
STAGE 1 - Essential ground skills (11&12 October)).
This has been referred to as the missing link by experienced riders and it where it starts for the horse - on the ground. What we do here creates his perceptions of us and forms his behaviours which will be referred to when under saddle.
We will cover: Horse psychology, how horses learn, how to build confidence and how to create responsiveness in order to stay safe, have fun and achieve results.
We emphasise teaching the understanding of the concepts as well as showing you exercises that lead to a horse that spooks less and yet is more responsive to your requests. Everything we do has a practical application. By understanding not only the "how" but also the "why" you will be able to prepare your horse for any task as well as preparing him for riding before you even get on.
This clinic is the pre-requisite to most of our other clinics, both ridden and liberty and ideally should be paired with our Stage 2 - Control & Confidence in the Saddle clinic.
If you want to learn how to develop a calm, connected and responsive horse this is where to start.
We will set “homework” after Stage 1 to keep you on track and prepare for Stage 2.
STAGE 2 - Control & confidence in the Saddle. (20&21 December)
This clinic follows on from our Stage 1 and is all about transferring your ground skills into the saddle with an emphasis on safety.
Learn how to prepare your horse for riding and develop the "three essentials" in the saddle of lateral flexion, hind quarter yields and "go". Students must have completed a Stage 1 ground skills clinic with us.
This is about taking the steps to prevent problems and continue to develop your horse through the ridden foundation to develop your partnership. Preparation determines outcome.
Learn the difference approaches to developing your horse mentally and physically. Both of which are important.
The sequence of development is important. We will show you what to do and why to do it. If you ever wondered how we achieve BRIDLELESS RIDING with all our horses but thought, "I could never do that with my horse" - you’re right, most people will never achieve it believing what they believe and doing what they do.
However you will be able to do it if you do what we do! This is not about Bridleless riding but understanding a sequence of development where your horse is connected to you in a way that you no longer need the bridle for control. It’s not magic, it’s a process. You can achieve this and we can help you!
STAGE 3 (28&29 march 2026)
This is where it starts to really come together as you follow on from Stage 1 and 2.
Now that your horse is more confident and you have mutual respect it’s time to sharpen the yields and increase responsiveness. You will learn how to do this in a way that builds on his understanding and greatly increases his connection to you.
Learn how to increase or reduce your horses energy to the needs of the situation.
Learn everyday habits that create the consistency that is needed to develop the patterns of behaviour in your horse that makes him stand out as something special.
We will share with you little known exercises that have a great impact on your progression and performance.
With more challenges you will further develop your feel, timing and balance. The intangible things that make the biggest difference to your horse.
You will find that developing lateral movements are just a logical sequence and something that you and your horse are very capable of.
This stage helps to put together the buttons that you’ve been working on from Stage 1 and 2 and apply then accelerating your progress with your horse and your ability to develop others.
Cost for each Stage is: $440
Contact ORGANISER Julieby emailing: [email protected]
Your INSTRUCTORS, yes you get two, Russell Higgins and Ruth Carlyle:
Russell started his first horse under saddle 39 years ago and since then has worked with thousands of horses in 19 different countries of various breeds and disciplines.
A truly international instructor, over the passed 26 years he has taught in 18 different countries. His experience consists of driving heavy teams, starting young horses, foundation training, farm and ranch work, dressage, jumping, cow working, trail riding, Safari riding in Africa, polo, working equitation, garrocha, liberty performance. As well as competitions, clinics and performances at Equitana, Equidays and Equifest.
Russell continues his own education both in New Zealand and international. His goal is to be better so he can better help his students achieve their goals.
Ruth started her working life as a scientist so it is no surprise that she has an interest in the science behind how horses learning. She teams that with her studies of biomechanics and Horsemanship experience to be an advocate for the horse and has the ability to see why a lot of the physical elements that can be so easy for an owner to miss. Ruth has started to become well know for her “Ride less Crap” courses.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Riverbank Farm Equine, 124 Riverbank Rd, Otaki, New Zealand
