Services

Horsemanship lessons

Would you like your horse to be more responsive and relaxed in general handling, schooling, hacking and competing?

Lessons involve taking the time to consider the way we approach situations with our horses. I aim to help you work with your horse's mind to preserve their willingness and so work towards maintaining a horse that is simultaneously responsive to your aids, has a relaxed state of mind and a softness in his/ her body.

Are you having a specific problem with hacking out alone, napping, leading, handling, shoeing, loading or difficulties at shows?

In situations like these, it is important to consider the horse’s natural instinct and then work to redirect their attention. Problems can become an opportunity for the horse and rider to regain trust and confidence in each other. Along the way we learn so much about adapting to each moment and refining how we present what we're asking of the horse.

Do you want to improve your riding?

Lessons are focussed on what you would like help with. This can involve things like improving your balance and developing clarity, consistency, feel and timing when using aids.

Have you ever lost your nerve around horses or when riding?

I also work alongside people who wish to regain their confidence. This partly involves developing leadership qualities and creating consistent boundaries with your horse.

Taking horses in for training

I take horses in for training at Higher Langdon Barn, North Bovey, Dartmoor. I focus on working with each horse as an individual. It's all too common that horses get put through training programs and this can trigger troubling bahaviour when a horse's needs don't fit the program. My aim is always to adapt to adressing what each horse needs clarity and understanding in, so that the horse can feel good about their work. This is because when we help a horse to change the way he feels, he naturally changes the way he behaves.

Horses come in for training for as long as necessary, depending on what each horse needs. I am always keen for owners to watch their horse's sessions, so that when they begin to start working with their horse, there is already an understanding of how to approach situations.

Telephone +44(0)77431 60149 © Anna Bonnage 2009 annabonnage@mac.com