Riding Intuitively

The Riding Intuitively® program is a unique approach to riding and training, which integrates imagination and intuition, animal communication skills, self awareness, and the principles of balance found in martial arts training. The program is appropriate for individuals of all ages, levels of riding expertise and physical condition, including those with special needs.

The program is based upon a philosophy that horses are intelligent, conscious beings, capable of thought, emotion, and communication with humans. It focuses on achieving true partnership with the horse through self-awareness; and leads to an inner strength and balance, which can then be utilized in daily living. It also places a strong emphasis on animal communication skills. These skills include: knowledge of the horse's psychology, body language and anatomy; an awareness of how the rider's mental imagery and energy affect the horse; an intuitive sense of what the horse is experiencing; and an understanding of how to communicate clearly to the horse, in ways it can relate to. Once these skills have been accomplished, the horse and rider can easily learn to move, in complete harmony with one another.

The more aware we become of the subtle ways we communicate to the horse, the more aware we become of the many intrinsic ways we communicate to the world at large. The horse in effect serves as a mirror for us, demonstrating which actions do and do not lead to success, with horses and with everyday life situations.

The martial arts exercises and techniques, presented in the program, are designed to develop or enhance balanced riding skills while off the horse. Once these practices have been firmly established, the rider can then apply them while on the horse. This allows the rider to improve their riding skills at a much faster pace, and is kinder and less confusing to the horse. The exercises can also be applied to everyday life situations, and can improve ways we perceive ourselves, and ways in which others perceive us.

The clinic is two days in length (10am – 5pm each day) and is held at Swan Center Outreach, and at various other locations throughout the United States, by request.

The Riding Intuitively® Program offers three levels of training. All three levels expound upon the skills outlined above with a special focus on the following areas:

Level 1 - Animal Communication
Level 1 provides the rider with a strong working knowledge of animal communication skills and the psychology and body language of the horse. It also enhances the rider’s self awareness and knowledge of how a human’s energy, body language and thought processes affect the horse and its performance. This is introduced through ground exercises for the rider & round pen exercises with the horse.

Level 2 - Horse Partnership
Level 2 provides the rider with a more in depth realization of how their thought processes and interactions affect horses and humans alike. Advanced round pen, and bareback and bridle-less riding exercises are introduced to increase self-awareness, confidence, and balance.

Level 3 - Advanced Communication
Level 3 demonstrates how the Riding Intuitively® principles can be applied to horse training. Riders will be given a step-by-step procedure, which can be used for colt starting; identifying and fixing the training holes in an already started horse, or for rehabilitating a previously abused or neglected horse.

Clinic Fee:
$575 per rider per level (The Swan Center Outreach location provides horses for each rider. Riders wanting to bring their own horses to the Swan Center need to call ahead to arrange accommodations.)