SUCCESS SECRETS REVEALED
Create the Partnership of your Dreams through
LEADERSHIP with LOVE
Develop an amazing bond through connection and feel.
Set your horse up for success by developing his or her posture, strength and athleticism.
COURSE 1 - THE FOUNDATION NOV 23 - 25
CONNECTING AND FUNDAMENTAL FEEL (groundskills only)
Where and When:
Barbara Cooper's property
463 Gladigau Rd
Woodside/Harrogate
November 23-25 9:00 - 5:00/6:00
This course lays the foundation for beautiful partnerships with horses - mind, heart and soul connections with horses. It is a groundwork only course.
Learn how to connect, communicate and understand your horses - why do they do what they do, how do they learn, and what needs do they need met?
Develop your Intuitive Sensing and Energetic Awareness
Learn the ever elusive quality of feel that horses love.
Learn Practical Horse Handling Techniques
Start developing your horse's posture for optimal biomechanics
Set up a foundation in groundwork for your horse to develop good posture and optimal biomechanics for a happy, healthy, sound and athletic horse. In future courses learn riding techniques that support healthy biomechanics and where you can ride as one, in total synchronicity with your horse.
Be nurtured and guided to develop yourself, mentally, emotionally and physically to become the person you need to be to be a great partner for your horse.
This course teaches the philosophy, core principles and foundational techniques of "Connecting with Horses and Riding with Synchronicity" - the art of creating beautiful partnerships with horses. Inspiring and supporting horses and people to become confident and empowered, to be together in harmony, and move with freedom, balance and athleticism. With softness, gentleness, kindness and love, you can have leadership and develop a magical bond with your horse, a true friendship. Connect to your horse's mind, heart, body and soul.
How good would it be:-
To feel safe and to feel that you and your horse could communicate clearly and understand each other.
To have a horse that is a willing partner and wants to participate.
To have a calm horse who at the same time is magnificent, expressive, energetic, graceful and a physically strong, powerful athlete who could safely carry you down the trail or be a performance horse.
This is my dream horse. A partnership like this is created not bought, it is also not directly transferable from one person to another. Even if you bought a horse that seemed to fit the bill, unless you learn the skills, that horse won't maintain those qualities. They can't. They will fall to the level of skill and be affected by the mindset and the energy of the person they are with. We have to develop ourselves. This teaching addresses all areas of mind, body and spirit to help horses and people reach their highest and most magnificent potential and achieve these goals.
Learn more about the course content...
This course will begin to teach you how to understand horses minds, emotions and their physical bodies. It also goes deeper into the spiritual nature of horses and the deep connection between horses and humans. This course teaches the core principles of centering, breathing, body scanning, energy awareness and body language which are all essential keys to success with horses. Begin the journey to becoming a "true" horseman. "True" meaning with the qualities that the horses themselves would choose to have in a horseman.
Whilst we work with the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects this course is at the same time is very practical. Teaching a quality of FEEL in working with horses that most people never learn in a lifetime. FEEL is the HOLY GRAIL of horsemanship, it is the fundamental essence of all great horsemanship. Some believe that it can never be taught, that it is just a god given talent that some people have and others don't, but I have found a way to teach this intrinsic and elusive quality and make it available and attainable for everyone that has the commitment and dedication to learn.
Here is what you can learn at this course:-
Connect with your horse's heart and mind and learn to listen and feel.
Develop skills to develop the centered, still and present "way of being" that horses love - the qualities of great leadership.
Learn the ever elusive and commonly unteachable qualities of FEEL - mental, emotional, physical and energetic feel
Learn the art of nonverbal communication - thoughts, energy and body language
Learn how horses learn
Learn how to problem solve and understand your horse to resolve any behavioral/training issues that you are having.
Develop safe horse handling skills and habits on the ground to set you up for any activity or handling that you may need on the ground and which also translate into aids and skills needed in riding.
Learn techniques on the ground that lead to horses using their bodies with healthy biomechanics, developing good posture and having hindquarter engagement
This course is groundwork only. However, it is preparing you for Riding in Synchronicity. 'Riding with Synchronicity’ means to ride in perfect synchronicity and harmony, becoming like a centaur where you become part of the horse and the horse becomes part of you. To achieve this we need to understand the horse’s physical body and the biomechanics of how their body works. It is vitally important for horses to be ridden in correct posture and biomechanical balance if they are to enjoy the experience, stay sound, be healthy and reach their highest athletic potential.
The learning and development of good biomechanics and posture initially needs to be done through groundwork not riding. However it needs to be very specific groundwork that is always targeting optimal posture and good biomechanics. A lot of the groundwork that people do, including lunging when it's done inappropriately and too early in the horse's development, is actually detrimental to the horse's posture.
The horse needs to develop the strength to carry themselves and their own forehand in an engaged way (meaning that the HQ's is doing more of the weight bearing/support and initiating the forward propulsive force for locomotion) BEFORE adding the weight of a rider and a saddle. The heavier the person and less experienced they are in assisting a horse to find HQ balance and self-carriage the further the horse needs to be developed and strengthened on the ground before riding. During this time and through this process the human can also be developing themselves.
A good rider is also a good athlete. What do we need to do to develop ourselves ? Lose weight perhaps or increase our mobility, flexibility, symmetry, strength and balance ? Developing our body awareness and the feeling of connected, fluid movement flowing through our body so that movement feels smooth, effortless and easy is essential. Doing a groundwork program with your horse is a great way and a great time to also develop your own physical fitness and skills.
Things like Yoga, Pilates (as long as it is a form of pilates that doesn't teach "pull your belly button to your spine"), Tai Chi, Feldenkrais, Martial Arts, DNS are all things that I have done and recommend. I coach people through movements and exercises that are combinations of the above that I have found specifically helpful and that are rider/ horsemanship specific. However doing your own learning and development in any of these modalities or working with a professional that can help you specifically with your own personal issues like an osteopath or other bodyworker will be very advantageous. As well, practising being ambidextrous in your day to day activities as much as you can to help balance out asymmetry will be important.
This is FEEL GOOD HORSEMANSHIP - it causes horses and humans to FEEL GOOD !!!
Come along with or without your horse.
Of course if you can bring your horse along your learning will be maximized as nothing beats hands on experience and having direct feedback from a supportive instructor to accelerate your learning. However the other option for attending these courses is to come and participate without a horse, in which case you would actively participate in all of the theory sessions, Q & A sessions, most simulations as well as watch the demonstrations and observe those with horses practice the techniques. People coming without their horses are not just fence sitters. All of these "non-hands on" with horses sessions actually make up a big percentage of this course so the fee is priced appropriately.
Investment Come with your horse for 3 days
EB (early bird) Price 1 - $690 if paid in full before Oct 30.
After that FULL PRICE is $790.
A 50% deposit will secure your spot but full price will apply if total amount is not paid before the EB cut off dates. Horse spots are limited to 8 so get in quick.
The cost to come without your horse for the 3 days is $255 ($85/day) EB price - if paid before Oct 30th. After that the price will be $285 ($95/day).
PLEASE NOTE: No stallions without prior permission. For questions regarding the course content, horsemanship or eligibility for the course contact Mel 0428 385 745 mel@melfleming.com
Please scroll down for booking forms.
'Functional Saddling' consultations, BALANCE saddles, Private lessons & Bodywork sessions -
PRIVATE SESSIONS are usually available the day after the course or sometimes in the morning or late afternoon of the course days. Make sure you book these in advance, especially if you are interested in the saddle fitting so I am sure to have the saddles/pads with me that may be required and I allow enough time to fit you in.
Find out more details about these sessions
Register on line
To register scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to find the booking form button. If you wish to book for more than one course you can just fill out one registration form and put all the courses on that one form.COURSE 2 - NOV 26-28
RIDING WITH SYNCHRONICITY - INTRODUCTION
Prerequisites for this course...
The Connecting and Fundamental Feel in Ground skills course is a prerequisite for students who are bringing horses.
The Postural Development and Biomechanics Groundwork Course and the Advancing Groundskills Courses are beneficial to have done first but not essential if you already have a calm, connected horse with no extreme postural issues.All horses must already be started under saddle. No stallions without permission.If the rider is very inexperienced or very unconfident please check with me before booking so we can make sure this course is right for you and we can make sure we can accomodate your needs.
'Riding with Synchronicity’ means to ride in perfect synchronicity and harmony, becoming like a centaur where you become part of the horse and the horse becomes part of you. To achieve this we need to understand the horse’s physical body and the biomechanics of how their body works. It is vitally important for horses to be ridden in correct posture and biomechanical balance if they are to enjoy the experience, stay sound, be healthy and reach their highest athletic potential.
Learn more about the course content...
This course teaches the fundamental principles and “how to” of learning to ride with harmony, effortless and ease. Learn the secrets to happy and successful partnerships with horses. Whether you just want to ride for pleasure or have high aspirations for competition these secrets will be invaluable. These fundamental keys will develop you to be a great rider and will be of great benefit whether you are relatively new to riding or had many years in the saddle. Even high level competition riders have been greatly helped by this teaching.
There are some common principles that are found at the highest levels in all great sports people – athletes, martial artists or dancers – these principles also apply to horsemanship and riding. I have learned these principles through feldenkrais and martial arts, as well as what I have learned with horses. These principles lead us to riding in complete balance and harmony with the horse and without any brace or resistance to the horse. They include being centered, aligned and using our body in a fluid and unified way - this occurs when we are relaxing completely - the opposite of being in a state of contraction or tension. The techniques presented will lead to you becoming more balanced and that means safer and more comfortable in your riding, as well as allowing your horse to move with healthy biomechanics. Healthy biomechanics not only allow your horse to reach their highest athletic potential in performance but also result in them being calmer, happier, having less resistance and staying sound. To achieve these aims, the course includes some non-horse sessions - mind and body awareness and body balancing exercises. I am very excited to share all of this with you. It will be a game changer for you.
This is FEEL GOOD HORSEMANSHIP - it causes horses and humans to FEEL GOOD !!!
Prerequisites for this course...
The Postural Development and Biomechanics Groundwork Course and the Advancing Groundskills Courses are beneficial to have done first but not essential if you already have a calm, connected horse with no extreme postural issues.All horses must already be started under saddle. No stallions without permission.If the rider is very inexperienced or very unconfident please check with me before booking so we can make sure this course is right for you and we can make sure we can accomodate your needs.
Learn more about the course content...
There are some common principles that are found at the highest levels in all great sports people – athletes, martial artists or dancers – these principles also apply to horsemanship and riding. I have learned these principles through feldenkrais and martial arts, as well as what I have learned with horses. These principles lead us to riding in complete balance and harmony with the horse and without any brace or resistance to the horse. They include being centered, aligned and using our body in a fluid and unified way - this occurs when we are relaxing completely - the opposite of being in a state of contraction or tension. The techniques presented will lead to you becoming more balanced and that means safer and more comfortable in your riding, as well as allowing your horse to move with healthy biomechanics. Healthy biomechanics not only allow your horse to reach their highest athletic potential in performance but also result in them being calmer, happier, having less resistance and staying sound. To achieve these aims, the course includes some non-horse sessions - mind and body awareness and body balancing exercises. I am very excited to share all of this with you. It will be a game changer for you.
This is FEEL GOOD HORSEMANSHIP - it causes horses and humans to FEEL GOOD !!!
When and where:
Barbara Cooper's property
463 Gladigau Rd
Woodside/Harrogate
Nov. 26 - 28
9:00 - 5:00/6:00
Come along with or without your horse.
Of course if you can bring your horse along your learning will be maximized as nothing beats hands on experience and having direct feedback from a supportive instructor to accelerate your learning. However the other option for attending these courses is to come and participate without a horse, in which case you would actively participate in all of the theory sessions, Q & A sessions, most simulations as well as watch the demonstrations and observe those with horses practice the techniques. People coming without their horses are not just fence sitters. All of these "non-hands on" with horses sessions actually make up a big percentage of this course so the fee is priced appropriately.
Investment Come with your horse for 3 days
EB (early bird) Price 1 - $690 if paid in full before Oct 30.
After that FULL PRICE is $790.
A 50% deposit will secure your spot but full price will apply if total amount is not paid before the EB cut off dates. Horse spots are limited to 8 so get in quick.
The cost to come without your horse for the 3 days is $255 ($85/day) EB price - if paid before Oct 30th. After that the price will be $285 ($95/day).
PLEASE NOTE: No stallions without prior permission. For questions regarding the course content, horsemanship or eligibility for the course contact Mel 0428 385 745 mel@melfleming.com
Please scroll down for booking forms.
'Functional Saddling' consultations, BALANCE saddles, Private lessons & Bodywork sessions -
PRIVATE SESSIONS are usually available the day after the course or sometimes in the morning or late afternoon of the course days. Make sure you book these in advance, especially if you are interested in the saddle fitting so I am sure to have the saddles/pads with me that may be required and I allow enough time to fit you in.
Find out more details about these sessions
Register on line
To register scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to find the booking form button. If you wish to book for more than one course you can just fill out one registration form and put all the courses on that one form.
COURSE 3 - NOV 29-DEC 1
INTERMEDIATE COURSE
The Introduction to Riding with Synchronicity is a pre-requisite. There may be some exceptions upon special request and usually upon sending a video for review. The Postural Development and Biomechanics Groundwork Course and the Advancing Groundskills Courses are beneficial to have done first but not essential if you already have a calm, connected horse with no extreme postural issues. It is highly beneficial (my students tell me so all the time) to redo the prior (pre- requisite courses). They have the foundational information and re-doing them will give you much more depth of learning that information and I can coach you into more finesse with those techniques as you deepen your understanding of the principles and philosophies. The foundational courses are not something that you usually just do once. So, if your finances and time allow, I would strongly encourage you to redo some of the earlier courses and then link them to this course for a longer learning experience and big immersion. All horses must already be started under saddle. No stallions without permission.If the rider is very inexperienced or very unconfident please check with me before booking so we can make sure this course is right for you and we can make sure we can accomodate your needs.Prerequisites for this course...
All of the teaching will be based around further building the connection and relationship with your horse. This is always the number one priority in any of my teaching which is then closely followed by developing the horse’s posture, and your own, to improve the horse's biomechanics and their level of hindquarter engagement. Better biomechanics will will make everything more enjoyable, pleasurable and safer for both you and the horse. Better biomechanics will also help your horse to become more athletic (better performance) and stay sounder for longer. Whether you are a competitive rider or a pleasure rider the things learned in this course will be incredibly beneficial.
Learn more about the course content...
We will begin by reviewing, expanding and improving upon the core concepts learned in the Introductory courses and then advance things with more precision, more responsiveness and with a better understanding of the biomechanics of the horse.
Both the human and the horse will develop confidence and feel safer together. You’ll learn exercises to improve riding balance and learn more about riding dynamics and how to flow with the horse in perfect harmony, this includes learning about trot diagonals and canter leads for example if that knowledge is needed.
Because participants will already have a core base of knowledge in my teaching I can be quite flexible with what is taught in the intermediate level courses. After assessing the group as a whole and individually I will form a program to meet the needs of those participating. If you have a specific area of interest that you wish to learn about please let me know via email.
Areas of learning CAN be the following :-
Reading and understanding your horse more accurately.
Deepening your Connection with your horse, developing intuitive communication.
Getting your horse more calm, connected, responsive and athletic.
Developing Feel, Energy awareness and how to use energy.
Becoming clear and more precise with Body Language.
Using ground skills as a diagnostic tool and for your horse’s emotions and as physical therapy for your horse.
Exploring transitions, changes of direction, sideways and using longer lines on the ground.
Liberty - Liberating with Liberty.
Positive Reinforcement and Marker training - The power of the "seeking system"
Using obstacles to create visually clear mental pictures and “games” to help your horse learn.
Putting ground skills to purpose eg. trailer loading, crossing bridges, creeks etc.
Riding with Synchronicity - How to better “go with” your horse's movement and riding from your center with unified movement.
Helping the horse to better follow your focus and line of direction.
Refining your aids when riding, more subtlety and having your horse respond to your body more so you can use your reins less.
Learning meditation techniques to clear emotions and heal traumas for your horse and yourself – mentally, emotionally and physically.
Learning bodywork and horse care practices to improve your horse’s physical health and well being as well as improve and develop their physical capability, athleticism and performance.
To set you up and prepare you to get the most out of this course, retaking the prerequisite courses are a great idea. It is amazing the depth you get out of doing them second time round. The foundational concepts are the keys to building the more advanced techniques so the better you understand and can apply them, the easier it is to proceed. You never take it all in first time round, a large percentage goes over your head or is forgotten.
This is FEEL GOOD HORSEMANSHIP - it causes horses and humans to FEEL GOOD !!!
When and where:
Barbara Cooper's property
463 Gladigau Rd
Woodside/Harrogate
Nov. 29- Dec 1
9:00 - 5:00/6:00
Come along with or without your horse.
Of course if you can bring your horse along your learning will be maximized as nothing beats hands on experience and having direct feedback from a supportive instructor to accelerate your learning. However the other option for attending these courses is to come and participate without a horse, in which case you would actively participate in all of the theory sessions, Q & A sessions, most simulations as well as watch the demonstrations and observe those with horses practice the techniques. People coming without their horses are not just fence sitters. All of these "non-hands on" with horses sessions actually make up a big percentage of this course so the fee is priced appropriately.
Investment Come with your horse for 3 days
EB (early bird) Price 1 - $690 if paid in full before Oct 30.
After that FULL PRICE is $790.
A 50% deposit will secure your spot but full price will apply if total amount is not paid before the EB cut off dates. Horse spots are limited to 8 so get in quick.
The cost to come without your horse for the 3 days is $255 ($85/day) EB price - if paid before Oct 30th. After that the price will be $285 ($95/day).
PLEASE NOTE: No stallions without prior permission. For questions regarding the course content, horsemanship or eligibility for the course contact Mel 0428 385 745 mel@melfleming.com
Please scroll down for booking forms.
'Functional Saddling' consultations, BALANCE saddles, Private lessons & Bodywork sessions -
PRIVATE SESSIONS are usually available the day after the course or sometimes in the morning or late afternoon of the course days. Make sure you book these in advance, especially if you are interested in the saddle fitting so I am sure to have the saddles/pads with me that may be required and I allow enough time to fit you in.
Find out more details about these sessions
VENUE DETAILS
Barbara Cooper's property
463 Gladigau Rd
Woodside/Harrogate
barb.cooper463@gmail.com
0492 444 562
Barb's property is a purpose built horsemanship centre with many great horse training areas, great horse accomodation with very safe small paddocks and yards. It is one of my favourite places to teach.