EQUEST CONNECT
The What, Why, How, Who, Where and When!
What is Equest Connect?
Equest Connect is an amazing program designed by Veterinarian, dressage coach and International Dressage Rider Victoria Hamilton to help you communicate better with your equine partners.
Why is Equest Connect so fantastic?
Because it is fast, super effective and fun!
Not only does the EC program draw on Victoria’s incredible multi-faceted equine experience, but the ridden program utilises some incredibly modern neurolinguistic programming techniques. This enables riders to quickly cement new feelings into their mental programming so they can be readily recalled at any time in the future. You will also learn some clever tricks to overcome our brains sometimes subconscious preconceived ideas as to what is possible. It really is truly incredible to consistently see riders change so much, so quickly!
The In-hand Program builds communication between horses and riders and gives riders a visual on how their horse is developing as well as preparing their horses mentally and physically for future ridden sessions.
You will learn things about your body and your horse that you didn’t know were possible!
Not only does the EC program draw on Victoria’s incredible multi-faceted equine experience, but the ridden program utilises some incredibly modern neurolinguistic programming techniques. This enables riders to quickly cement new feelings into their mental programming so they can be readily recalled at any time in the future. You will also learn some clever tricks to overcome our brains sometimes subconscious preconceived ideas as to what is possible. It really is truly incredible to consistently see riders change so much, so quickly!
The In-hand Program builds communication between horses and riders and gives riders a visual on how their horse is developing as well as preparing their horses mentally and physically for future ridden sessions.
You will learn things about your body and your horse that you didn’t know were possible!
How does Equest Connect work? How is Equest Connect run?
There are two streams – a Rider Program and a Horse In-hand Program. These complement each other as well as any other training you are doing with your horse. The body awareness, control and feelings cemented into your brain using neurolinguistic techniques from the ridden program become even more powerful and meaningful when combined with the knowledge and visuals you gain from the in-hand program.
It is great to begin your ridden journey with the Rider Aware Session, but after that you can do which ever one you feel is most suited to you and your horse at the time. In fact, after the Rider Aware clinic you will more than likely have a very clear idea of which one you need next. Other sessions in the EC Rider Program are Rider Balance, Rider Feel, Rider Ask and Rider Focus.
The Horse In-hand and Biomechanics program need to be done in order as they are a logical progression, both for the human and the horse. Each builds on what was learnt previously, and often time is needed for practise between the levels. Really clever, established schoolmaster horses are available for the in-hand sessions so that you can learn how it should be done and become comfortable with the various techniques before working with your own horses. This is extremely advantageous when learning the higher and more difficult movements.
It is great to begin your ridden journey with the Rider Aware Session, but after that you can do which ever one you feel is most suited to you and your horse at the time. In fact, after the Rider Aware clinic you will more than likely have a very clear idea of which one you need next. Other sessions in the EC Rider Program are Rider Balance, Rider Feel, Rider Ask and Rider Focus.
The Horse In-hand and Biomechanics program need to be done in order as they are a logical progression, both for the human and the horse. Each builds on what was learnt previously, and often time is needed for practise between the levels. Really clever, established schoolmaster horses are available for the in-hand sessions so that you can learn how it should be done and become comfortable with the various techniques before working with your own horses. This is extremely advantageous when learning the higher and more difficult movements.
Who should do Equest Connect? Who is Equest Connect for?
Equest Connect is for riders and horses of all ages, levels and disciplines! It doesn’t matter if you compete a lot or never compete at all, if you do English or western, have a horse, pony or whatever!
This is all about how you can communicate better with your equine partner and is for absolutely anyone who wants to be the best they can be for their horse!
Everyone does Equest Connect for a different reason! Here are some common ridden reasons
Here are some great reasons for learning the Equest Connect In-hand method -
This is all about how you can communicate better with your equine partner and is for absolutely anyone who wants to be the best they can be for their horse!
Everyone does Equest Connect for a different reason! Here are some common ridden reasons
- Maybe you are a dressage rider wanting to nail your flying changes or perhaps one has been problematic?
- Or maybe you need more flow in a half-pass one way to get that extra half a percent?
- Perhaps you are an adult rider returning to riding and wanting to be more secure in the saddle and not so nervous?
- Or you suffer from a sore back or neck when you ride or experience hip pain?
- Some jumping riders come because they wonder if a continual drift over fences is due to them
- Improve your sitting trot?
- Always feel crooked? Can’t work it out?
- Dodgy hand? Just can’t keep it still no matter what you do?
- Leg creeping up?
- Losing stirrup?
Here are some great reasons for learning the Equest Connect In-hand method -
- You want to develop your horse correctly right from the start
- You are bringing your horse back into work from time off – maybe you have to rehab him/her due to an injury or maybe you just want to build his strength up slowly
- Your horse is particularly stiff in his lateral work under-saddle and you are not sure if it is due to miscommunication or lack of suppleness
- Looking to add variety to your horse’s training
- Grand Prix is your goal and you have never trained a horse to do the higher movements
- You love your horse and want to have more fun ways to spend time with him/her. Maybe your horse is not able to be ridden any more but you still want to exercise him/her mentally and physically
- You like the idea of working your horse effectively without being on your horse's back everyday
Where are Equest Connect sessions run?
Private and shared Equest Connect lessons as well as clinics are held regularly in Sawyers Valley.
If you don’t have your own horse talk to Victoria. Super, established schoolmaster horses are available for the in-hand and sometimes ridden horses are available for the Rider Aware sessions.
Options are available for clinics to be run at other centres.
Online private lessons via skype, movensee or facetime are available for regional, interstate and international students.
If you don’t have your own horse talk to Victoria. Super, established schoolmaster horses are available for the in-hand and sometimes ridden horses are available for the Rider Aware sessions.
Options are available for clinics to be run at other centres.
Online private lessons via skype, movensee or facetime are available for regional, interstate and international students.
When should I start my Equest Connect journey?
Now! There is no time like the present! Equest Connect complements any other training you are doing with your horse and will improve your riding and your horse’s development and understanding no matter what you do. There will be no conflict or confusion whatsoever. In fact, many coaches send their students as they know how much it helps them.
As there is an In-hand program as well as a ridden program, Equest Connect can be started before you are riding your horse or if you have a time when you are unable to ride for any particular reason. It is a wonderful way to add variety to the time you spend with your horse and to their training program. There is so much proof now that cross training and attention to straightness and suppleness is so important in keeping horses healthy and sound in their ridden careers for as long as possible.
As there is an In-hand program as well as a ridden program, Equest Connect can be started before you are riding your horse or if you have a time when you are unable to ride for any particular reason. It is a wonderful way to add variety to the time you spend with your horse and to their training program. There is so much proof now that cross training and attention to straightness and suppleness is so important in keeping horses healthy and sound in their ridden careers for as long as possible.
Equest Connect Program Details
There are two streams - one is ridden and the other is In-hand.
Equest Connect Rider Program
This is it!!! The absolute best way to become incredibly aware and in control of your own body, so that you can begin to move in sync with your horse and develop the feel to know when, how and what to ask for at the correct time.
Become the partner your horse would want!
Five sessions are in the Equest Connect Rider Program with each one focussing on a different concept. Although they can be done in any order, Rider Aware is a brilliant starting point and often after doing this it is very clear to each rider which order of the remainder is best for them. Prices are $125 per individual session and for riders keen to repeat or explore some of the concepts further, repeat lessons are $100 private or $60 shared.
Become the partner your horse would want!
Five sessions are in the Equest Connect Rider Program with each one focussing on a different concept. Although they can be done in any order, Rider Aware is a brilliant starting point and often after doing this it is very clear to each rider which order of the remainder is best for them. Prices are $125 per individual session and for riders keen to repeat or explore some of the concepts further, repeat lessons are $100 private or $60 shared.
Equest COnnect RIder Aware
Before a rider can communicate effectively with their horse they need to be able to follow the movement without interfering in any way. We need to be quiet and still without being fixed or rigid.
Many riders have been told repeatedly to sit up or back, heels down, still hands, keep hands level, look up… The list goes on and on! Sound familiar? If you concentrate solely on correcting your position you can do it, but as soon as you start to focus on other things such as training your horse you revert to old habits. You need a way to change that doesn’t require your constant conscious attention. This is where some of the clever techniques in this session will amaze you!
EC Rider Aware will enable riders to identify stiffness, gripping and unnecessary muscular tension, and help correct weakness and asymmetry. Through this you will develop the ability to absorb the forces of your horse’s movement and stat to move in complete harmony with your horse!
We begin with a range of unmounted standing and sitting exercises, each chosen to help you understand how and why Rider Aware works so well. These include
No matter if you are a trail rider looking for more security in the saddle or a high-level competitor seeking that extra edge, or maybe someone struggling with sitting trot or experiencing pain when riding –this session is for you!
Many riders have been told repeatedly to sit up or back, heels down, still hands, keep hands level, look up… The list goes on and on! Sound familiar? If you concentrate solely on correcting your position you can do it, but as soon as you start to focus on other things such as training your horse you revert to old habits. You need a way to change that doesn’t require your constant conscious attention. This is where some of the clever techniques in this session will amaze you!
EC Rider Aware will enable riders to identify stiffness, gripping and unnecessary muscular tension, and help correct weakness and asymmetry. Through this you will develop the ability to absorb the forces of your horse’s movement and stat to move in complete harmony with your horse!
We begin with a range of unmounted standing and sitting exercises, each chosen to help you understand how and why Rider Aware works so well. These include
- Neuro exercises to demonstrate the strength of mind-power connection and how we can use it to our advantage
- Techniques to explore and understand proprioception and its fundamental role in opening new neural pathways for achieving rapid change
- Exercises for developing body awareness, flexibility and stability, particularly through the pelvis
No matter if you are a trail rider looking for more security in the saddle or a high-level competitor seeking that extra edge, or maybe someone struggling with sitting trot or experiencing pain when riding –this session is for you!
Equest Connect Rider Balance
Almost all riders have a tendency to lose balance at one point of the compass and, even if only slight, this can have a huge impact on their horse. When this is discovered and improved, the change in the horse’s work, from transitions to lateral work, straightness and therefore collection can be absolutely amazing!
This session begins with an unmounted discussion, exercises and drills to look at our balance off the horse. Then we move to exercises on the horse to assess rider balance in the sagittal plane and also laterally. We also look at our horse’s balance and how that affects us and vice versa.
Once a rider becomes aware of their own tendencies, they can relate this to what happens when they ride certain movements. They can work on exercises to help with this as well as to create a formula to prepare accordingly.
This session begins with an unmounted discussion, exercises and drills to look at our balance off the horse. Then we move to exercises on the horse to assess rider balance in the sagittal plane and also laterally. We also look at our horse’s balance and how that affects us and vice versa.
Once a rider becomes aware of their own tendencies, they can relate this to what happens when they ride certain movements. They can work on exercises to help with this as well as to create a formula to prepare accordingly.
Equest Connect Rider Feel
So often we hear people say that a particular rider has amazing “feel”.
What does this mean and why do some riders appear to feel what their horse is doing underneath them? Does their mental or physical state affect their ability to feel?
What should we be feeling? Some of this will depend on your experience and knowledge as initially it may be enough to just feel that you are in the canter! Later on it may be that you become aware of the footfalls, the straightness, the airtime, the softness in your horse’s back and sides, your horse’s balance, self-carriage and connection, your own balance and position, your breathing. What a list! But even if you know you should be feeling these things, it is not always easy.
In this session you will learn various aspects of feel with regards to ridden and in-hand work and how you can develop this, particularly in areas where you may not currently be so in-tune.
We begin with some really fun unmounted exercises as well as some in-hand work to test the difference between your ideal contact and your horse’s! Then we move on to an eye-opening ridden session that often has a lasting impression on many riders’ future training.
We rely on our feel all the time when we are training our horses and owe it to them to be as good as possible in this area. It is what allows us to assess whether our horse has answered our question correctly and therefore prompts us to remove our aid and reward them, or to lighten our aids or ask differently in the future. It can also help us to pick up when something is not right with our horse as so often we can feel a change in the way the horse moves before it becomes visible. Never underestimate the power of feel!
What does this mean and why do some riders appear to feel what their horse is doing underneath them? Does their mental or physical state affect their ability to feel?
What should we be feeling? Some of this will depend on your experience and knowledge as initially it may be enough to just feel that you are in the canter! Later on it may be that you become aware of the footfalls, the straightness, the airtime, the softness in your horse’s back and sides, your horse’s balance, self-carriage and connection, your own balance and position, your breathing. What a list! But even if you know you should be feeling these things, it is not always easy.
In this session you will learn various aspects of feel with regards to ridden and in-hand work and how you can develop this, particularly in areas where you may not currently be so in-tune.
We begin with some really fun unmounted exercises as well as some in-hand work to test the difference between your ideal contact and your horse’s! Then we move on to an eye-opening ridden session that often has a lasting impression on many riders’ future training.
We rely on our feel all the time when we are training our horses and owe it to them to be as good as possible in this area. It is what allows us to assess whether our horse has answered our question correctly and therefore prompts us to remove our aid and reward them, or to lighten our aids or ask differently in the future. It can also help us to pick up when something is not right with our horse as so often we can feel a change in the way the horse moves before it becomes visible. Never underestimate the power of feel!
Equest Connect Rider Ask
This is so much more than just the usual inside leg or outside leg position!
Riders will learn how a leg, in any position can mean so many different things depending on how it is being used. The type, tempo and direction of the pressure being applied are some of the easiest variables to play with initially. Likewise - riders will learn about all the different ways they can alter their weight distribution in the saddle, all of which the horse will feel and how to combine aids to make an amazing language!
EQ Rider Ask is where riders learn how to move a part of their body to influence a specific part of the horse, without accidently, inadvertently giving other unwanted aids or messages as well. It is just a case of linking one rider movement (question) to a particular horse movement (answer).
A horse’s response to an aid is its answer to a question or request given. In EQ Rider Ask you will learn when to ask various questions, how to go about it, what to expect and how to shape the response given. Learn what to do if you do not get offered the response you would have liked. Sometimes you need to think like a horse and perhaps explain it differently or work out if some other part of your body conflicts with what you are asking. Horses are amazing and incredibly preceptive to very small signals and often it is a case of taking off an aid that may be blocking what you want, rather than adding in another or increasing the intensity of your aid.
Once a rider begins to appreciate the many different aids they may have been giving their horse inadvertently, they will become much clearer and lighter in their aids. Horses love this!!!
In the EC Rider Ask sessions the horse’s basic reactions to the rider’s aids are checked before progressing to movements of the level appropriate for each horse and rider combination. The aids for higher level movements are just combinations of the basic aids/responses and all of these movements such as flying changes, pirouettes, piaffe or passage will be improved by working away from the movements and concentrating on the basics.
Riders will learn how a leg, in any position can mean so many different things depending on how it is being used. The type, tempo and direction of the pressure being applied are some of the easiest variables to play with initially. Likewise - riders will learn about all the different ways they can alter their weight distribution in the saddle, all of which the horse will feel and how to combine aids to make an amazing language!
EQ Rider Ask is where riders learn how to move a part of their body to influence a specific part of the horse, without accidently, inadvertently giving other unwanted aids or messages as well. It is just a case of linking one rider movement (question) to a particular horse movement (answer).
A horse’s response to an aid is its answer to a question or request given. In EQ Rider Ask you will learn when to ask various questions, how to go about it, what to expect and how to shape the response given. Learn what to do if you do not get offered the response you would have liked. Sometimes you need to think like a horse and perhaps explain it differently or work out if some other part of your body conflicts with what you are asking. Horses are amazing and incredibly preceptive to very small signals and often it is a case of taking off an aid that may be blocking what you want, rather than adding in another or increasing the intensity of your aid.
Once a rider begins to appreciate the many different aids they may have been giving their horse inadvertently, they will become much clearer and lighter in their aids. Horses love this!!!
In the EC Rider Ask sessions the horse’s basic reactions to the rider’s aids are checked before progressing to movements of the level appropriate for each horse and rider combination. The aids for higher level movements are just combinations of the basic aids/responses and all of these movements such as flying changes, pirouettes, piaffe or passage will be improved by working away from the movements and concentrating on the basics.
Equest Connect Rider Focus
This is an inspiring and informative unmounted session for competition riders of all levels.
Equest Connect In-Hand and Horse Biomechanics Program
The EC In-hand Horse Biomechanics is great for all riders as well as people rehabbing horses or preparing them to be started under saddle. In fact, it is fantastic to include in-hand work regularly with your horse and ideally a little ahead of what you are training under saddle so that he/she is being prepared mentally and physically for what he/she will be learning next. Not only will you see how your horse is developing, but it will give your horse’s back a break from having a saddle whilst still being an excellent work session on connection, reaction to the aids and suppleness.
No horse? No problem!
When booking mention that you don’t have a horse and you will be able to learn with one of our amazing schoolmasters. How lucky will you be! Having two experts helping you! Victoria AND one of her horses! Don’t worry! They are very patient and love the attention!
In-hand prices are $100 each when working individually or $60 each if shared.
No horse? No problem!
When booking mention that you don’t have a horse and you will be able to learn with one of our amazing schoolmasters. How lucky will you be! Having two experts helping you! Victoria AND one of her horses! Don’t worry! They are very patient and love the attention!
In-hand prices are $100 each when working individually or $60 each if shared.
equest connect introduction to in-hand
In this introductory session you will learn about the reasons why we do In-hand and when and how it can and should be started.
We will discuss the various techniques and equipment used and how and why these were developed. This will help you to understand the pros and cons of each method and to choose which is best for you and your horse.
Victoria uses techniques drawn from training all over the world with a range of horse breeds and has developed a systematic program that is super clear and rewarding for horses and easy for riders to transfer the aids to under saddle working alone.
Learn about handler position and how to hold the reins and different whips depending on which position you are in, your horse and what you are training. See how responsive your horse starts to become to your body position when you really concentrate on this and are consistent in what you do. Like with riding they can become quite locked into our body position so we do not have to rely on the reins and can allow them to develop true self carriage.
Basic horse biomechanics are taught so that you will understand which parts of the horse’s body are being taxed in certain movements. This is particularly important when in-hand is incorporated into a rehab program.
You will begin to feel the connection develop and the contact improve through working on both longitudinal and lateral flexion and moving individual parts of the horse’s body in all directions with minimal aids. The importance of isolating questions and reactions before joining them together is as vital here as it is under saddle and by doing in-hand work riders really start to appreciate why.
We will discuss the various techniques and equipment used and how and why these were developed. This will help you to understand the pros and cons of each method and to choose which is best for you and your horse.
Victoria uses techniques drawn from training all over the world with a range of horse breeds and has developed a systematic program that is super clear and rewarding for horses and easy for riders to transfer the aids to under saddle working alone.
Learn about handler position and how to hold the reins and different whips depending on which position you are in, your horse and what you are training. See how responsive your horse starts to become to your body position when you really concentrate on this and are consistent in what you do. Like with riding they can become quite locked into our body position so we do not have to rely on the reins and can allow them to develop true self carriage.
Basic horse biomechanics are taught so that you will understand which parts of the horse’s body are being taxed in certain movements. This is particularly important when in-hand is incorporated into a rehab program.
You will begin to feel the connection develop and the contact improve through working on both longitudinal and lateral flexion and moving individual parts of the horse’s body in all directions with minimal aids. The importance of isolating questions and reactions before joining them together is as vital here as it is under saddle and by doing in-hand work riders really start to appreciate why.
Equest Connect Level 2 - working from the horse's inside
This session will recap from session one and move on to leg-yields both across the diagonal and rump to the wall.
Shoulder-in will be introduced and some lovely, flowing floor plans practised linking different movements together will be practised.
We will discuss laterality and begin to pay attention to the lateral and longitudinal balance of the horse, knowing how these are inter-related and so important for long-term soundness.
More work will be done on contact and connection so that the horses really build up confidence in this area. Transitions within the pace as well as to halt will take this to another level and the horses will start to become lighter in the hand and show some self-carriage.
Shoulder-in will be introduced and some lovely, flowing floor plans practised linking different movements together will be practised.
We will discuss laterality and begin to pay attention to the lateral and longitudinal balance of the horse, knowing how these are inter-related and so important for long-term soundness.
More work will be done on contact and connection so that the horses really build up confidence in this area. Transitions within the pace as well as to halt will take this to another level and the horses will start to become lighter in the hand and show some self-carriage.
Equest Connect level 3 - working from the horse's outside
This is where you really start to put it all together and begin to shape your horse’s body, by having a great influence on their whole body and bend.
Learn some groovy floor plans as you progress to renvers, half-pass and pirouettes!
Not only will your horse become so much more supple by doing these movements, he/she will start to become straighter and stronger! What’s more, it is so easy to then do these movements under saddle and Victoria will explain how to transfer the aids from on the ground to ridden.
Learn some groovy floor plans as you progress to renvers, half-pass and pirouettes!
Not only will your horse become so much more supple by doing these movements, he/she will start to become straighter and stronger! What’s more, it is so easy to then do these movements under saddle and Victoria will explain how to transfer the aids from on the ground to ridden.
Equest Connect Level 4 - developing collection, piaffe and passage
Piaffe and passage should always be a result of the development of collection and not learnt as tricks.
There are many different ways to begin piaffe from the ground and often it is a matter of finding out what will work best for each individual horse.
Victoria will discuss these and help you to find out which will be best for your horse. This will depend on many factors such as your horse’s conformation, reactivity and natural energy.
We will discuss different aids and work out what preparatory exercises your horse needs. You will get the feel of various whips so see how they could be useful for asking different questions as well as learn about how to shape the horses by touching them in different places.
Expanding on what you have learned in the previous courses regarding horse biomechanics, you will become clear on the goals for developing collecting and appreciate how conformation and natural reactivity plays a role in how easy this is for each individual horse and how to tailor your training program to suit.
There are many different ways to begin piaffe from the ground and often it is a matter of finding out what will work best for each individual horse.
Victoria will discuss these and help you to find out which will be best for your horse. This will depend on many factors such as your horse’s conformation, reactivity and natural energy.
We will discuss different aids and work out what preparatory exercises your horse needs. You will get the feel of various whips so see how they could be useful for asking different questions as well as learn about how to shape the horses by touching them in different places.
Expanding on what you have learned in the previous courses regarding horse biomechanics, you will become clear on the goals for developing collecting and appreciate how conformation and natural reactivity plays a role in how easy this is for each individual horse and how to tailor your training program to suit.
WHAT RIDERS SAY ABOUT EQUEST CONNECT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I do Equest Connect if I already have a coach? Will my horse or I get confused?
The Equest Connect program is designed to complement all coaching systems and in fact one coach was so impressed after attending a clinic themselves that they organised a private clinic for their students which was great fun!
Through the EC Ridden Program, riders quickly develop better body awareness and ability to communicate with their horses. Their normal coach can then continue to train them for whatever discipline and will find their job much easier! There is no conflict whatsoever, just a better understanding of the way to communicate with our fantastic four-legged partners.
The EC In-hand Program is ideal for all riders to learn so they can understand basic horse biomechanics and prepare their horses for what they plan to do with them under-saddle. It is great for horses before they are started to be ridden and also those returning to work after a break. You will learn which exercises tax which parts of the horse's body which is so important if you are ever involved in rehabbing a horse after injury.
Through the EC Ridden Program, riders quickly develop better body awareness and ability to communicate with their horses. Their normal coach can then continue to train them for whatever discipline and will find their job much easier! There is no conflict whatsoever, just a better understanding of the way to communicate with our fantastic four-legged partners.
The EC In-hand Program is ideal for all riders to learn so they can understand basic horse biomechanics and prepare their horses for what they plan to do with them under-saddle. It is great for horses before they are started to be ridden and also those returning to work after a break. You will learn which exercises tax which parts of the horse's body which is so important if you are ever involved in rehabbing a horse after injury.
I don’t compete – I trail/pleasure ride – will I be out of my depth? Is Equest Connect relevant to me?
If you love your horse and want to be as good a rider as possible for your horse then you should come! You do not need to know any fancy terminology or movements, nor own any fancy gear. You just need to have safe tack, a sensible horse and an open mind!
From a riding point of view you will become more supple, balanced and secure. Your horse will appreciate you being easier to carry!
The EC In-hand sessions will give you so many different exercises to do with your horse in-between your trail riding to keep him/her in top shape for his/her ridden career.
When we run clinics, they are not competition focused although many riders attending will be competitors. We usually have a mix of riders from all different disciplines and everyone is always very supportive and friendly. They really are great days!
From a riding point of view you will become more supple, balanced and secure. Your horse will appreciate you being easier to carry!
The EC In-hand sessions will give you so many different exercises to do with your horse in-between your trail riding to keep him/her in top shape for his/her ridden career.
When we run clinics, they are not competition focused although many riders attending will be competitors. We usually have a mix of riders from all different disciplines and everyone is always very supportive and friendly. They really are great days!
You say good for all disciplines – I do endurance. How can Equest Connect help me and/or my horse?
For anyone spending the length of time you do in the saddle it has to be a good thing to be better balanced and an easier burden for your horse! Additionally a lot of riders find they are less sore and become less tired when they are riding with less muscular tension and more efficiently.
The EC In-hand sessions and transferring some of these exercises to under saddle will enable you to work your horse in a way to extend his ridden career for as long as possible. You will learn about horse biomechanics and how to focus on straightness and suppleness so that your horse's joints wear the way they are designed. If a horse covers many miles travelling crooked, even if only slightly, this will place uneven wear on joint surfaces and place unwanted stress on other body parts. This is an area Victoria is particularly passionate about - being pro-active and not waiting until a problem has occurred and having to rehab!
The EC In-hand sessions and transferring some of these exercises to under saddle will enable you to work your horse in a way to extend his ridden career for as long as possible. You will learn about horse biomechanics and how to focus on straightness and suppleness so that your horse's joints wear the way they are designed. If a horse covers many miles travelling crooked, even if only slightly, this will place uneven wear on joint surfaces and place unwanted stress on other body parts. This is an area Victoria is particularly passionate about - being pro-active and not waiting until a problem has occurred and having to rehab!
I am a nervous rider – I would love to begin my Equest Connect journey but am worried I would be too scared to try some of the exercises and activities
Come! If you are confident enough to ride your horse in a strange arena, even if just at walk and trot you will be fine! Some riders only walk the first time they come and still have the most amazing, light-bulb moments. The confidence you will gain from the better connection you achieve will be totally worth it! Another interesting fact is that some horses that seem nervous show the most incredible change in the way they go when the riders go through this program – most likely due to the riders no longer gripping.
You can always work your way thought some of the EC In-hand Program first before beginning the EC Ridden Program. This way both you and your horse will become very settled in the area where the sessions are held.
You can always work your way thought some of the EC In-hand Program first before beginning the EC Ridden Program. This way both you and your horse will become very settled in the area where the sessions are held.
I am a para equestrian/recently injured/ old injuries. Is Equest connect suitable for me?
You are a perfect candidate for this type of program and should come ASAP! Every time we have any injury our body is very efficient at changing our perception of the injured area and changes our movement pathways whilst healing. Sometimes we are more aware of the injured area but other times our mind blocks it out. Other parts of our body work differently to compensate. These altered pathways do not always revert to how they were prior to the injury , even if the injury completely heals. This may be a good thing if the affected area is not as strong as it was or if it has healed in a way that makes it less functional but if we are completely healed we may need help to get back to how we were prior to the injury. We may be left with stiffness and asymmetry that after some time feels normal to us as we go about our daily lives. Our horses feel these stiffnesses and it makes their lives less pleasant so the more we can do to be fluid and supple in our movement the better. It is important you disclose any injuries to your coach and make sure you have the all clear from your health care provider to be back riding.
Many riders will begin to work their way through the EC In-hand program as they start to prepare themselves for returning to riding. This is great not only for their own fitness and confidence but also for their horse who may also have been out for a while.
Many riders will begin to work their way through the EC In-hand program as they start to prepare themselves for returning to riding. This is great not only for their own fitness and confidence but also for their horse who may also have been out for a while.
I ride and compete at FEI – What will I get out of the Equest Connect program?
High level riders are usually amazed at how the EC Ridden Program helps them and their horses! They find they are able to ride with much more subtle aids and that their horses are more positive in their work. Sometimes the difference is absolutely incredible with riders able to ditch their whip and spurs. One rider was reduced to tears of happiness! No-one wants to ride with harsh aids and it shouldn't be necessary. Do it for your horse! Become closer to riding with invisible aids – something that is the goal of all high level riders.
The EC In-hand program is perfect for developing collection through straightness and suppleness. All FEI riders should take the time to learn more about this area and become proficient. It is so good to be able to see how your horse is developing and also a great way to work them without the added strain of the rider's weight. It is great fun and a wonderful way to spend time with your horse.
The EC In-hand program is perfect for developing collection through straightness and suppleness. All FEI riders should take the time to learn more about this area and become proficient. It is so good to be able to see how your horse is developing and also a great way to work them without the added strain of the rider's weight. It is great fun and a wonderful way to spend time with your horse.
I have a young horse – Can i work through the Equest COnnect Program?
Of course! We can do whatever your horse is up to doing! Most people begin the EC In-hand Program with their young horses, often even before they are backed.
With regards to the EC Ridden Program, it depends on how young and how green your horse is. Victoria will help you decide what is best. Safety is always important. Usually they are fine in a private session or with a friend they have worked with before. The actual work the horses do is not very taxing.
With regards to the EC Ridden Program, it depends on how young and how green your horse is. Victoria will help you decide what is best. Safety is always important. Usually they are fine in a private session or with a friend they have worked with before. The actual work the horses do is not very taxing.
I have only just started riding. Will equest connect suit me?
Now would be the perfect time to come to an unmounted session to ensure you are on the right track! One of the most common comments from participants is “I wish I had known about this earlier” so why not start straight away, rather than developing bad habits that you often are not even aware of! It will make your riding life so much easier and more pleasant.
I don't have a horse- How can I start my equest connect journey?inic?
You are more than welcome to book an unmounted Rider Aware session and will be amazed at what you will learn. You will be able to take some great ideas and feelings away with you for when you next have the opportunity to ride.
Depending on your riding experience and size, Victoria may be able to source a horse for you to ride for the EC Ridden Program.
Absolutely fantastic Schoolmaster horses are available for you to work through your EC In-hand Program. There really is no better way than with a 4-legged professor as well as Victoria!!!! Contact Victoria to find out more.
Depending on your riding experience and size, Victoria may be able to source a horse for you to ride for the EC Ridden Program.
Absolutely fantastic Schoolmaster horses are available for you to work through your EC In-hand Program. There really is no better way than with a 4-legged professor as well as Victoria!!!! Contact Victoria to find out more.
Is equest Connect suitable for children?
Yes – children benefit immensely from this system and really enjoy it. Victoria has worked with the WA State Pony Club Squad to introduce them to this program.
Sometimes clinics are held purely for children, mainly during the school holidays but they are welcome to all and obviously to the private sessions. The only requirement is that they can safely walk, trot and canter off-lead in an open area with other horses.
In-hand is great for children to learn and it certainly makes their horses and ponies safer to handle. Some children absolutely love it and Victoria has trained several children to do piaffe with their ponies when she was running WADYRA.
Sometimes clinics are held purely for children, mainly during the school holidays but they are welcome to all and obviously to the private sessions. The only requirement is that they can safely walk, trot and canter off-lead in an open area with other horses.
In-hand is great for children to learn and it certainly makes their horses and ponies safer to handle. Some children absolutely love it and Victoria has trained several children to do piaffe with their ponies when she was running WADYRA.
Do I have to work through the sesions in any particular order?
Rider Aware is by far the best place to begin your EC Ridden journey but after that any order at all will work really well. Often when you have done the Rider Aware session you will know exactly which areas you want to focus on straight away so your own path will become apparent!
The EC In-hand sessions do need to be done in order as each progressive session builds on the knowledge learnt from the previous one. In addition, your horse will need time between to consolidate what is learnt and build suppleness and strength.
Many people will work through both the ridden and the in-hand programs at the same time and this is easy to schedule when booking.
The EC In-hand sessions do need to be done in order as each progressive session builds on the knowledge learnt from the previous one. In addition, your horse will need time between to consolidate what is learnt and build suppleness and strength.
Many people will work through both the ridden and the in-hand programs at the same time and this is easy to schedule when booking.
Can I book a private Equest Connect Clinic at my property or my club?
You sure can! Quite a few people have done this already. Please email Victoria to book.