Somatic Horsemanship
A path for both human and horse to realize their potential together
(Soma: from Greek, whole body)
(Horsemanship: Horse-human-partnership; the art of riding on horseback)
Somatic Horsemanship guides us to be mindful of our selves - body, mind and spirit - and therefore embody a more effective leadership presence.
Ninety per cent of human communication is non verbal. Horses, like humans, perceive social interactions with multiple senses responding more to: how we hold our bodies and embody life-energy; how we extend our presence and intention outward; level of groundedness and tone of voice -- and less to spoken words. We come to see that their responses reflect our own true intentions and leadership presence. In this way the horse reveals to us when we are operating from authenticity as an open, present, grounded partner and leader, and conversely when we are operating from ineffective responses, old patterns, fear, conditioned tendencies or contrived methods.
Seem like your horse just isn't interested, bored, hard to catch, or 'goes' reluctantly?
Does your horse want to race back to the barn or herd mates while you're still on the trail?
Tired of practicing with tools and techniques that are semi-effective and if you take just a few weeks' break, you need to almost start at ground zero again?
Whether you're a new or seasoned equestrian, does it feel like you're missing something with your horse and you sense you could be connecting on a whole different level of understanding?
Are you nervous around horses but are strongly drawn to them and want to feel comfortable?
Do you want to feel like one with the horse?
If you've answered 'yes' to any of these questions then Somatic Horsemanship is for you.
Horses are great teachers as they reflect back to us moment by moment the quality, strengths and weaknesses of our presence, leadership, and intention. Learning Somatic Horsemanship is built upon a fundamental way of understanding, sensing and connecting with horses that is universal to any method of horsemanship and discipline of riding in which we relate to horses as respected partners in a relationship rooted upon trust, intuition, connection and lightness. We approach the relationship in an entirely new way, working from the inside out rather than relying upon external, practiced and contrived games, training, tools and methodologies.
As social, herd animals, horses quickly evaluate our quality of presence:
(S) Self responsibility and Sufficiency on all levels, emotionally, physically, spiritually
(O) Openness: present, grounded, centered
(M) Meaningfulness in direction and intention
(A) Awareness of how we hold our bodies
When horses are around humans, they feel their presence and know it as embodiment of one thing, not as an accumulation of four related, but different skills.
During these lessons we learn, practice and embody Somatic Horsemanship skills and implement them to blend our energy with the horse.
Bareback Riding sessions build upon Somatic Horsemanship in which we learn how to:
- Connect our core with the horse's core
- Practice focus and direction
- Find great balance
- Feel how to 'go with', not against
- Learn what it means to direct the horse with our own energy level
Benefits include:
- Increased riding skill
- Becoming closer with the horse
- Inspiring our horse to willingly stay with us, under us, in sync, attuned and anticipating our direction.
When we learn that Somatic Horsemanship is the primary way of being with horses and when the tools, sticks, ropes, tack and agenda are removed, the real, sustainable relationship begins. On the ground we experience our horse moving and coordinating with us, and when riding, effortlessly willing and wanting to stay surely underneath.
Sessions for Somatic Horsemanship and Bareback Riding last 1.5 hours and are scheduled for Monday - Saturday. Contact us now to set up your schedule to get your preferred day and time.
Horse experience and equipment are not required.
Rate: $75/session or $55 per session if 2 or more are taken per month; $25 for additional half hours.
Rates for a small group of up to four people and off-site scheduling are available. Off-site sessions are especially recommended if there are specific concerns between you and your horse. Find out if this is right for you and ask for details on a no-obligation price estimate.
Two free lessons (from April 21 to May 21, 2012) in exchange for written comments and review. If continuing lessons are desired, these four registrants will also receive 15% discount on the regular rate for an additional month.