Enlightened Equitation

Yes, I did. The instructions were clear and really concentrated on making sure the rider understood how and when to use aids including body position and its influence. I remember being put on a rather sticky horse and being made to ride it forward correctly until I got everything right and the horse suddenly started working for me. Great emphasis on respect for the horse and brilliant explanation of riding mechanics. Nobody kicked away at the horses.
 
I like some of the ideas but didn't like the delivery of the methods but that was probably due to the actual instructors rather than EE itself
 
I had a lesson once with an EE instructor on a mechanical horse. The first 15 mins (before I even got on) were spent explaining to me why most saddles put riders in the wrong position and trying to sell me a HM saddle- Even after I explained that I ride in a nice dressage saddle. A lot of time was then spent explaining why "kick and pull" was not the way forward. (Again, before I had even mounted). As someone who has a classical instructor and tries to ride by these principles, I felt a little patronised by this. I did try to voice that she was preaching to the converted but, to be honest, I think she seemed to have a pre-set introductory lecture that she used regardless.

Perhaps this experience was isolated to this one instructor though. Others might be different.
 
I have just had my 5th lesson with an EE instructor having had previous training by a dressage specialised trainer, In 5 sessions she has made a huge improvement to the horses way of going and everything is now so much easier, in the past it was all very much push pull now the horse is carrying itself so much better and my riding is improving with each session . Definitely give it a go and see what you think
 
General consensus seems to be that it really depends on the individual trainer! Thank you all for the personal experiences :)

What about straightness trainers? Any experiences with these?
 
SaddleUpSin said:
General consensus seems to be that it really depends on the individual trainer! Thank you all for the personal experiences :)

What about straightness trainers? Any experiences with these?
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I would say that's probably the same.

Whereabouts are you op? Maybe someone can suggest a classical and/ or groundwork instructor if that's the kind of thing you're after
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Not quite on-topic, but I was given a copy of the book that she's written called "Enlightened Equitation". I couldn't get beyond the first page, was totally fuddled by it - perhaps its me, I dunno, but yes appreciate it is different having a lesson as opposed to reading a book LOL!
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I thought the book was great and easily explained things in an understandable way.
 
SaddleUpSin said:
General consensus seems to be that it really depends on the individual trainer! Thank you all for the personal experiences :)

What about straightness trainers? Any experiences with these?
Click to expand...

It all comes from the classical principles of the old masters like Pluvinell, Gueriniere, Podhjadsky and later Nuno Oliviera etc.. Heather and Sylvia learnt the classical principles too. it's fantastic reading. ST is a principle developed by Marijke from reading all these principles and more. I think she has done a god job of packaging it all up into digestible exercises for everyone to do. I would recommend it and if you wanted to go further with it, get hold of Sylvia's books, look up Phillipe Karl too.
 
Wheels said:
I would say that's probably the same.

Whereabouts are you op? Maybe someone can suggest a classical and/ or groundwork instructor if that's the kind of thing you're after
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Dorset :)

Looking for someone who'll work with me to develop my skills and support the horse but with a great deal of compassion and kindness, his happiness and wellbeing is paramount to me
 
SaddleUpSin said:
Dorset :)

Looking for someone who'll work with me to develop my skills and support the horse but with a great deal of compassion and kindness, his happiness and wellbeing is paramount to me
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Take a look at Jacquie Billington near Frome / Bruton. She is an EE teacher and also does a lot of ST and in hand work. She has compassion by the bucketload!
 
I think there are worse principles to follow.

My friend was Heather Moffatt's working pupil earlier this year and her riding has really transformed.

It is all very small gentle changes, no real use of force and I like how it focuses on the rider more than the horse. I do feeling that some instructors just want the horse to look pretty and that isn't the name of the game.
 
My instructor is an EE Level 3 instructor, I find the methods make sense and it's transformed my way of riding. Each to their own though, it's probably not for everyone.

ETA - I haven't experienced any of the pushiness, I don't have a HM saddle (tried one out of interest, didn't like it at all, felt very perched) but ended up buying a Solution VSD saddle, which I love.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Not quite on-topic, but I was given a copy of the book that she's written called "Enlightened Equitation". I couldn't get beyond the first page, was totally fuddled by it - perhaps its me, I dunno, but yes appreciate it is different having a lesson as opposed to reading a book LOL!
Click to expand...

Lol did you get the Japanese edition?
 
In which case being in a similar situ I would say I learned a lot by going as a spectator to the straightness clinics and had a good natter and ate cake. They all do travel a fair way and will stop on way to clinics if you can't make a full one too
 
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