Horsemanship for the Whole Family

"Horsemanship- the art of riding, handling, and training horses. Good horsemanship requires that a rider control the animal’s direction, gait, and speed with maximum effectiveness and minimum efforts." ~ Encyclopedia Brittanica

 

Holistic Horsemanship is here to help students create the above definition of horsemanship, with the addition of a deep connection to horses through an understanding of both horses and themselves. Simply by spending time with horses, we receive a wide variety of health and wellness benefits. Regardless of age, gender, or ability level, these magnificent animals enrich our lives in a multitude of ways, and we in turn can enrich their lives by how we choose to interact with them.

 

Studies from around the world continue to show gains in physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in individuals who practice any and all types of horsemanship. The physical benefits of horseback riding are undeniable, however riding is not necessary in order to reap the rewards associated with horses. Grooming them, petting them, even just standing with them lowers blood pressure, heart rate, tension, and stress levels, while increasing clarity, focus, and joy.

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Some additional benefits include:

 

 ~ Increased brain stimulation which promotes learning, focus, and clarity

 ~ Physical fitness and increased strength

 ~ Improved balance and coordination

 ~ Increased self esteem and self awareness

 ~ Improved communication skills 

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Horses accept us as we are, where we are, while we learn and explore, holding no grudges or judgements despite the mistakes we may make along the way. The freedom of this allows us to increase our confidence and work on assertiveness skills with very little external pressure. This in turn helps to raise our self awareness, as well as awareness of our surroundings. In this upward spiral of wellness, we also gain a bond unlike any other. Holistic horsemanship is not just the act of riding a horse, it is also the ability to understand and communicate with horses.

 

We offer customized lesson plans, tailored to suit the needs of each student. Our purpose is to help students meet their horse related goals in a fun, relaxed environment that supports the well-being of the horse as well as the human. We encourage personal growth along with the development of strong relationships between students and any horses they may have the opportunity to work with. People of all ages, financial situations, and ability levels are welcome to come out and step into the wonderful world of horses!​

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