Tellington TTouch trainings for horses provide you with the skills to help horses be their best selves. The techniques and exercises help promote optimal performance and health, providing solutions to common behavioral and physical problems. Horses demonstrate marked improvement in athletic skills and increased willingness and ability to perform. Not only does the horse benefit, but also a deeper rapport grows between horse and rider because of increased understanding and more effective communication.
Clinics combine a huge amount of information, with an easy to learn, fun, hands-on format. Participants may choose to bring their own horse, or work with some of our many friendly Icelandics. These 5 or 6 day clinics are suitable for all levels of horse handlers, and delve into the 4 components of the work; philosophy and observations; gentle bodywork techniques; mindful ground exercises, and the Joy of Riding or Riding with Awareness, as well as an introduction to Connected Groundwork and Riding lessons.
Participants go away with a clear understanding of how to evaluate a horse’s physical tension and bracing patterns, as well as what bodywork to use when. Honing observation skills brings new awareness to handlers, and better assesses physical limitations in horses, and how these may be reflected in negative behavior.
The bodywork techniques are taught in a hands-on manner, and is practiced on many different horses, as well as on people, to provide clear feedback on technique. By the end of the clinic most participants go away with many new tools to effectively deal with body soreness, stiffness, and improve overall well-being.
Tellington TTouch groundwork consists of a variety of leading exercises developed to improve coordination, balance, posture, and straightness. These can be done on either side, with one handler or two, as well as ground driving, and “neck line driving” an exercise unique to the method. These slow, mindful exercises serve to change habitual tension patterns, and ameliorate behavioral problems.
Centered or Connected Riding lessons focus on rider awareness and bio-mechanics, and how they influence the horse. Adding the “Joy of Riding”, provides a toolbox of riding exercises, which may include the use of the balance rein, lindell, roller-bit, promise wrap, and even bridle-less riding with the lariat neck ring, all used to help change the horse’s balance and body
As a complement to the Tellington TTouch groundwork, Robyn and Mandy incorporate the Connected Riding Groundwork with all horses. These exercises help to increase flexibility, improve impulsion, and create connection through to the hand while addressing bracing and tension in the body.
Some clinics at the Icelandic Horse Farm, Robyn Hood’s facility, include lessons on our Icelandic Horses, or your own mount.
In addition to this, saddle fit, dentistry awareness, and work with foals, are often part of the areas covered, and vary depending on group interest and experience. Regardless of whether it is your first or fifteenth clinic, a workshop at The Icelandic Horse Farm is a great experience.
Unlike many clinics, you are not required to bring your own horse to a Tellington TTouch training. Many of the learning exercises are done in pairs or groups, and horses are given down time to integrate what they have learned. Some participants are surprised to learn how much they learn when working with horses they do not know or have preconceived assumptions about.
Some of the topics covered will include:
- How to improve performance – Ground exercises to help improve balance, self control and focus
- How to apply TTouch first aid techniques while waiting for the veterinarian
- How to use the Tellington equipment like the Balance Rein, Neckring and Bodywrap
- Ways to speed healing and recovery from injury or illness
- Why issues such as nervousness, laziness, trailering problems, attitude difficulties and stiffness occur and how to solve them in a safe and positive way
Ready to register for an upcoming workshop?
Regardless of your discipline, preferred breed or level of experience, you will learn the tools and techniques that can foster the magical partnership between you and your horse that most people strive for a lifetime to achieve.
Combining the Tellington TTouch bodywork with special ground exercises and under-saddle work, this training method offers an approach based on cooperation rather than domination and understanding rather than control. You will learn to chunk down the training process into incremental steps that are scientifically proven to reduce fearfulness in horses thereby increasing the potential for learning.
In a week-long workshop you will experience this remarkable training approach for yourself. Every training has its own special flavor, but in each you will find yourself surrounded by like-minded horse lovers in a spectacular setting. You will also begin to see your equine companion with new eyes. Innovative opportunities for working with your horse will begin to crystallize. You will be empowered with the “gift of possibility”.
With an open mind and an open heart, you will come away from every training enriched with new and marvelous tools.
A Tellington Training is a gift for both you and your horse. Why miss this opportunity? Trainings fill quickly so register soon. Questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!