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General Overview Biomechanics is the term we use to describe how every subtle aspect of the riders’ body position and motion gives instructions or cues to your horse. When this is understood by the rider, and when the rider applies body position and movement correctly, then the result is a wonderfully beautiful ride where rider and horse move fluidly, gracefully, and with very little discernable motion by the rider. When the rider does not understand these cues (and how the horse perceives them), then the result can be frustration for both the horse and the rider. Without this knowledge, you may in fact be giving your horse conflicting signals, which in turn can cause your horse to be confused, angry, and resistant.
Classes are taught by Theresa Denham. Theresa has over thirty years experience instructing and incorporates principles drawn from the methods of the "classics" including late Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance and Sally Swift as well as contemporary instructors Susan Harris and Jane Savoie. She has associated and worked under the late Diane Gueck (TWH) since 1992 , Bobby Richards (TWH) since 1997,the late Jinxy Blaine (TWH) 1970-1978 and Jackie Ehlers (American Saddlebred) 1975-1978 to gain a deep understanding of gaited horse breeds, gaits and training.
Theresa has combined these methods and philosophies into a unique and proven program. It provides the student with an understanding of how balance, symmetry, efficiency and coordination affect horse and rider. The result is the rider becomes more aware of the cues being given to the horse and allows the horse to be brought along with confidence.
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 When this rider first came to JMR for help she was timid, off balance and had been hurt by her horse. Fear was a key ingredient keeping her from enjoying the horses and understanding what had happened, and how to prevent it  Now, the same rider, after two series of lessons,is ready to hit the trail. Confident, balanced and happy to be on her horse. |
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Overcome the fear of Riding: Fear of falling is natural. Sometimes due to injury (not even horse related), due to handicaps, or due to improper handling/training we become fearful of our horse. Getting over that fear will allow us to enjoy the horse for what we originally intended. Fear comes from a lack of understanding. Horses are not just something we turn on and turn off, they think, react, please and resist. Gaining understanding of them as a whole helps us in Understanding how we can add anxiety or reduce anxiety when riding or working with our horse, based on his natural tendencies. This will allow us more pleasure in our relationship with our horse.
This clinic is a slower paced clinic, and includes a classroom section on understanding horse psychology, understanding balance, impulsion and movement, and how to use ourselves to become a confident rider, thus reducing the fear factors in riding.
We learn approaches to difficult obstacles in a non intimidating manner.
This clinic allows up to ten participants at a time with ride times assigned to two riders at a time for the basic course, and group handling of obstacles. and will be repeated on a regular basis.
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| Foal Handling through 2 yr old |
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Foal Handling: Foal handling classes are offered as a group, or at your place if you are having difficulty with your new little one.
During these classes we will discuss equine psychology, and how the young foal views your actions, how to interpret his behavior, and how to work in a method which will allow you to enjoy your foal.
Ground Handling our ground handling clinic will help you understand communication with your horse so that you can have fun and be safe. This is a "must do" class for those who are new to horses, or who are having specific issues with their horse. Issues that arrise during riding can often be traced back to the ground work and communcation (or lack of it!).
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Biomechanics of Riding
Having trouble acheiving your goals with your horse??
Maybe you and your horse are speaking different languages. Learn how your body mechanics affect your horse , and how to create a balanced dance between you and your partner. Clinics now scheduling at different locations in Oregon.
If you are having issues with gait clarity (walk, trot, canter, or with gaited horses the runwalk, tolte, rack), reactive equine response to your cues, lack of ability for your horse to follow your instruction, then this is the clinic for you.
We critically evalute the horse and then the horse/rider combination, and using biomechanic approach work together to solve issues which result in refusals, explosive reactions, and negative responses in between.
Classes are taught by Theresa Denham. Theresa has over thirty years experience instructing and incorporates principles drawn from the methods of the "classics" including late Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance and Sally Swift as well as contemporary instructors Susan Harris and Jane Savoie.
Theresa has combined these methods and philosophies into a unique and proven program. It provides the student with an understanding of how balance, symmetry, efficiency and coordination affect horse and rider. The result is the rider becomes more aware of the cues being given to the horse and allows the horse to be brought along with confidence.
Our favorite clinic of all. Why? Because people make friends, leave with a new set of tool which enable them to enjoy their horse on a broader scale. Find out what you thought you couldnt do!
Excellent for 4- H groups, discounts given to 4-H clinics
Your location or ours, just ask me about the details!
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| How to Purchase a Horse
This clinic will walk you through the steps of purchasing a horse. It will help you to identify pitfalls that new horse owners often find themselves in because they did not know what to ask or look for.
Theresa is able to help you look at your purchase from a standpoint that is critical because of her many years involved with horses, her certification as an equine appraiser, and with a strong background in veterinary technical medicine.
She will help you identify your needs, view horses from a non emotional critical viewpoint which should help ensure you have the right horse the first time around.
Remember, horses are easy to buy, but difficult to sell!
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Go to downloadable registration using word document
Go to downloadable registration using PDF document
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