The Foundation ~ The Most Important Part
When you get it right in the preparation, the rest takes care of itself. This concept applies 100% of the time when working with and around horses. You set things up, get them to understand what to do, and then slowly build on their understanding.
The feel we present in the saddle is familiar because it is a continuation of the feel we have been presenting on the ground.
Using the halter in the first few rides, makes for an easy transition. Through our previous groundwork the horse has learned what the pressure of the halter means, therefore, it is very easy for him to understand our intentions. This offers the horse the clarity necessary to be able to interpret what we are suggesting.
By making it uncomfortable for the horse to stay in one place, we make the right thing (movement) easy. Once the horse begins moving we harmonize and become one with the horse.
Let us know what you think of Felix's first ride!
"We must be able to direct his attention, bring his life up, and set it back down."
"Work with the horse's mind and the body will follow."
"We set the horse up for success, and he becomes proud in his work and confident in what we ask. He finds a friend in the human."
"Keep the horse calm confident and curious."
"Horse needs to look to the human for comfort, and be aware of our intentions."
Happy Riding! ~ Paula
"Horsemanship polishes our interactions with everyone we deal with, not just our equine friends. I can even explain how horsemanship has helped me be such a better human all around. And a lot of lessons and 'a ha moments' have been taught to me by you and Jack".
-Holly Lohr
"I have listened to the initial lessons(i.e not yet subscribed) but they were very good and the idea of having a virtual coach in my ear is very appealing, especially since I ride alone most of the time. They are presented well and easy to follow. Distance learning is an excellent way to supplement in-person coaching, and to provide support when coaching isn't readily available or doesn't quite tick all the boxes. Videos are great but unless and until someone devises a way to view video instructions while riding , the benefit is somewhat limited. I think these audio lessons are a great complement to other types of instruction. Well done".
-McPeak KE
"The audio lessons are great to listen to in (and out) of the saddle to give you an extra set of tools to take with you to the barn".
-Monique Valentine
"While I have not had time to the lessons while riding, I have listened to the on my daily commute and find the lessons to be quite valuable, I will be putting the lessons to the test under the saddle soon".
-Kim Vandrisse
"I rode to lessons 2 and 3 last night! Gotta say I love the idea and can't wait to see where it goes from here. You can never have too many tools in your toolbox when it comes to communicating with a horse, and this, from what can I tell, seems to be a particular useful ones. So far, to me, the best part is that Paula is all about you forming a partnership with your horse, and that's what I believe it should be".
-Mike Oswald
"This is outstanding! I tried this lessons while riding my Half-Arabian Pony cross mare, and it made a huge difference.She is a every smart, but hot horse. The calming effects happened right away. I will definitely be using this as often as I can. Thank you for making a difference in my attitude towards bonded horsemanship".
-Shari Olm Riesterer
"I LOVE these lessons. It is awesome to be able to have focus and a direction while I ride, just as if you were right there instructing me! I like the videos as well just to see it while someone else is doing the exercise. It really brings it all together! I can't believe no one has thought of this before. I am looking forward to more of this lesson".
-Rossane Korinek
"Paula's audio lessons are the perfect supplement for any rider. They are SO helpful in between lessons for the little extras you may need to work on, or focusing in on a specific tactics/tools of horsemanship. LOVE these!"
-Leah Gulyas
"I'm enjoying the awareness, communication and relaxation these lessons are providing which is improving my horses performance! I love the Ride Playfully slogan which reminds me to always make fun for both of us".
-Tammy Risseeuw
"These lesson have been great! I really like how can watch the short video and then ride to the lesson. I am getting so much more done now when I ride. Thank you for the lessons!".
-Sue Lorenz
"Fabulous! Great solution over watching a video or reading and the trying to apply it".
-Vanessa Brown-Nerbun
