Levels #2-5
Setting Priorities!
Level #2. Relaxation -the KEY to riding
-at the highest levels.
This group designed to
help the rider to find the 'feelings' of the
horse, and the horses 'mouth'. A Continuance
of Level #1, moving at a trot. Body/Mind/
& Emotional Confidence, and Control must be
maintained. This Level is a delicate weaving
of all we have learned, to experience all we can,
while the inner-workings of the group, and
teamwork, begin to resemble family and work
relationships. Goal setting, and Boundaries
are to be set, and adhered to, as we set up
challenging situations to test the beginnings of
habit. The LINE is drawn, when we
over-extend ourselves, or interfere with others,
or are inconsiderate. We SLOW the fuels
of wann-a-bees, and SHOW them, by program
set-up, or trickery, to NOT take chances for
foolish fun, as this COULD get someone else
hurt! Compassion,
and Consideration are 'rooted'! Appreciation
-MULTIPLIES! Many times.
Trying too hard! -->
Level #2 stresses the shifting of the body
weight -to the lower, thigh, knee, and also -the
upper calf muscles. This area of 'occasional'
pressures, -will help you, with added 'support'
while trotting. Remember, Level #1
encourages
'upper' body balance, -and NOW, --that balance
moves down the leg. Level #2
gives you new awareness of how the muscles of the
leg are 'weak' and time is allowed (needed) for
those muscles to strengthen. You will have the
opportunity to work on your coordination at this
level, and be given 'different' horses, to expand
your knowledge and abilities. ALL MUST be learned, -by
the BODY, -in it's own time, and can NOT
(shouldn't) be rushed. To gain this
level of control, we work 'with you', for a short
time only. You are given exercises, and GOALS. You
will do lots of turning, and trotting, as you will
try to remain 'in CONTROL' of your SELF, and the
horse, with your new 'balance'. You will learn to
rise at every other stride, while trotting,
eliminating the unwanted 'bounce' and softening
the ride. (posting) This is a great relief, and
will be appreciated, while riding with English or
Western saddle. -end
of Level #2.
Level #2 is very rewarding. It can be invigorating, and
you will 'feel better' through your entire week,
-after each of 4 riding sessions!
'Level' #3. 'BODY CHECK'
--for
Safety & Survival.
The next goal
--of the 'rider' --is to go faster! To Canter.
In my years of
experience, I've seen that falling at a faster
pace --can definitely get you HURT. Our goal is to
SHOW YOU, --that you NEED
to get better at riding, --and your Body Balance,
-BEFORE going faster!
SOOO, ---We put obstacles
in front of you. You trot through and
around them. You
discover what a `course' is. You'll
find this can become very difficult, and
challenging. Riding has
its risks, and we want you to -know them,
-BEFORE getting too frisky, or aggressive. We PROVE that you have lots to
learn. In addition, we will make it FUN.
We will keep you mentally, and physically, -ON
YOUR TOES! You gain a healthy respect for
the sport and pastime.
Next, -the JUMPS. We will PROTECT
the Rider, with educational, 'learning
experiences', ---and UNDERSTANDING! We
want you to have as much fun as possible, without
the ';threat' of being hurt! The change of
pace, and stride, while trotting over poles (cavaletti)
on the ground can be a little 'upsetting' at
first, (that's 'our' strategy, to learn early
'respect') -Then, -it's fun! Work
becomes play! When you start getting
good at this, -I may sneak my foot to a pole and
push it back, to give you a surprising awkward
'jump' (which is what we want for you). This will
give you a quick BODY
CHECK, -and you will learn to regulate the horse's
speed and direction through these
obstacles. This is called
'rating' the horse's speed. Then, we
may raise a pole for another surprise, (not over a
foot high) to the horse, who may tap the pole. He
will remember it the next time. This makes the
horse 'raise up' to clear the pole the next time,
causing another surprise to the rider, who may
become gently shaken, or unseated! This can be a
rather intimidating situation, and is a
WAKE-UP-CALL to what could 'really happen' if on a
difficult horse, or with a little too much FOLLY.
'Working' a horse through a jump course can be
very challenging, and should be fun. Remember to
take the time to keep your body relaxed,
(flexible) and the horse must stay relaxed also. This takes skill. It MUST BE
LEARNED, and insisted on. The GOOD TIME
teases you, ---and GOOD (HORSE) SENSE keeps you
invigorated, Conscious of what is going on, -and
SAFE. PS. IF
you have more experience, we may take your saddle
from you for this session, -----End of Level #3.
LEVEL #4
--ONENESS' & UNDERSTANDING
between TWO BEINGS
'ONLY' -after a few
'relaxed' sessions, of -'letting down'. When you
are ready, you will experience 'extension' of
stride, while riding at a trot, -in physical
'sympathy', NOT in opposition to the horses
movement . Erratic riding is 'eliminated' in this
session, and new, --controlled (learned)
'impulses' take over, -as directions, heights,
-and obstacles are approached (in compassion).
It starts to come together.
LEVEL #5
--TOTAL-NESS.
Complete
PURPOSE. Elongation of stride with obstacles, in even and steady readiness. Relaxation of
Body, Limb, Spine, and Mind -'Flexibility'
-encourage a `fluid-like' or 'elastic' (however,
in control) movement for the horse and rider, as
they are now moving together, -as one! We do NOT
punch a time clock with these sessions, however,
with the work that goes into them, they usually
last about one and one half,-to-two hours.
We work to eliminate
rigid or plastic 'form' riding. This takes time!
'Soft Touch' and our Original 'Fresh
Start' Program
--are BASIC programs for working
with horses and riding. Experienced Riders
also appreciate the 'Fresh Start' Program -to get back to the basics. There may be
things you may have forgotten. or we will just be
showing you another way, perhaps you haven't
thought of, and, the extended study is
eye-opening! RM Foreman
After our sessions, and strategy oriented
programs, we look at the human PHASE of your life --as a parallel.
You should now be able to figure out what you want and need for we have given you the tools to do this yourself, however we are still here for you to help you when you hit a glitch. We will not just correct your issues, we will help you think through your needs so you CAN do it alone.
We TEACH to loose students! We do not aim to have 'lesson students' --for years.
We take pride in helping you to do it yourself!
'Rose at the Barn'
Photo is Level #1 'Class'
3-'Safety/Survival'. (also,
-for totally inexperienced riders). The rider in
the photo is doing quite well, however has
'tension' through her body. Can you 'see' it? This is ONLY her third time
on a horse, and she is bareback.
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