March 24/25 I did the second straightness training clinic in the UK organized by Chloe Elliston.

It was a wonderful weekend of progress!

We explored further into how the keys of straightness training work together to create the biomechanics we want!

We experienced that ‘clarity’ and ‘focus’ are very important elements when training horses. So we worked on having a clear training plan and practiced the use of clear patterns.

We discovered that ‘leadership’ is very important and worked like ‘farmers’ do with there horses: being precise, consistent and fair.

We discovered that ‘knowing why’ was very important, that you know why you do something and that you not just do something because everybody does it or because it’s ‘normal’. So we asked ourselves why we do what, when, where, how etc. Why has my horse 4 shoes? Why do I always lunge before I start training? Is it really useful? Do I need it?

We observed that horses don’t like a) too much pressure b) long holding pressure c) unexpected pressure. So we sharpened the use of pressure and the correct timing of the release of the rider’s hand.

We walked through the different straightness training exercises and accomplished more coordination in and a better use of the inside and outside hind leg of each horse. We worked with the end goal in mind: to be able to transfer the weight from the front to the hind legs. On the Airport in London Stansted there was a nice encraving of a horse with in full collection: with 100% weight on the hind legs:

We worked with each horse and rider where they were and took the next steps in their schooling. Chloe and her lovely horse Angel performed the circle, shoulder-in, haunches-in, renvers and the half pass in hand very well, so we made a start with the pirouette in hand.

Thanks to all the participants who brought their eagerness and enthusiasm to the weekend!

Thank you for allowing me to help you forward!

The local pig and cat had carefully observed the straightness training clinic:

The pig showed me a left bending and the cat showed me a nice collection with bending of the haunches and shoulder freedom