Helping you and your horse connect, hear, listen and learn together including personal development
My focus is on helping you strengthen your relationship and confidence with yourself and your horse. A session for you and your horse will be tailored according to the combination of both your needs. We will look at the history, the current situation and also what time, energy and effort you are able to commit to. Sometimes just changing one small thing can make a big difference, so my focus is to
try to understand what is important to you and what is the most problematic for you both. Sometimes, it is not the thing we think it is that needs to change. I will then help you learn the relevant Ttouches and exercises that resonate with you and that will help your horse also. As part of the programme, I offer ongoing telephone and email support to help you in between sessions. I will happily work with your vet, physio, chiropractor and other professionals so please obtain referral/approval from your vet prior to the consultation. You can also have a facilitated learning session with your horse, in whichever location you wish, whether it be in the stable, yard, field or even on a walk. These sessions give you the opportunity to experience another side of your relationship and gain a completely different perspective to your current thoughts.
A little bit of inspiration for you. Though I don't teach riding I do incorporate groundwork/handling Tellington Ttouch work in all my physical and online coaching programmes. I will be running my Love Your Horse, Love Yourself programme again this autumn. If you would like more information or to chat about anything beforehand please do contact me. In the meantime I will be sharing some of the topics we will be covering and offering some tasters nearer the the time.
The first time a foal is haltered will set them up for many expectations about human interactions for the rest of their lives.
The Tellington TTouch Method is interested in creating positive postural habits and reducing tension patterns to help horses be more cooperative as willing partners, without fear, pain or fear of pain.
Many foals learn to lead with force and pressure on a single point of contact which will often cause them to resemble a “fish on the end of a line” until they learn that they have no choice.
When we first introduce the halter, the initial step does not include the halter at all!
Our first step is to use a figure eight body rope to teach foals about containment, rather than restraint and begins to teach stop and go cues without pressure on the head a neck.
Once a foal is comfortable with being gently influenced but the handler, the halter is slowly introduced, never using steady pressure, but instead using a “combing” or “milking” of the line so that the bracing response is not ingrained and the foal first learns to release with relaxation and come forward rather than brace and come forward.
This is done with the halter as well as the figure eight rope to support a good posture and show the foal how to use their body in a functional way when being handled.
Foals, as well as puppies and ponies, often have things done "to them" without being offered much choice or time because of their smaller size. Taking the time to introduce new requests and equipment in small, easily accepted pieces will go a long way to their lifelong impression of human interactions and promotes a more cooperative, willing attitude towards any new skill they are taught.
Here's an old slideshow that demonstrates the step-by-step, low-stress process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co6j4s2klfw
So a little summary of our Tellington TTouch CPD weekend..and what a fabulous one it was too!
Values.... what happens for you when your values are in conflict? Did you know that was even a thing and can affect how you feel? How easily do you navigate conflicting thoughts and feelings, ethical dilemmas and stress that are caused by these conflicts? How bad does it have to be before you take action? Can you implement small changes for you and your horse to alleviate these stressors whilst contemplating a bolder decision or do you need time to ponder for a while before taking any action? My coaching sessions are designed to help you identify what the contributing factors are, where you can make change and what needs to go into a 'bigger plan'. It may be that your horse is already leading the change for you - are you following their lead or does the prospect scare you? I love hearing what the 'bigger plan' is, what your dreams, hopes and aspirations are. Even if you can't implement it right now, very often by getting into the energy of it, the essence of the feeling you can start making decisions in alignment with those feelings. I have some exciting offerings coming later this year.. if you would like to be first in the know and be part of building a community where our horse's welfare, accepting we are doing the best we can as well as striving for better for ourselves, family and horses can all co-exist in the same space, then please come along and join my new Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/366027387270357/edit.
How easy do you find it to advocate for yours and your horses needs? Does the very thought of a conversation cause you to retreat and put the idea off until later? Does it trigger a series of thoughts of how you would love things to be better or different and you feel inspired to look at options but then get distracted and go back to living with what is? Or do you take your thoughts and feelings seriously and take action? How do you decide what to take action on and how bad do things need to be before you are able to speak up? What's the impact of this on you? What's the impact on your horse? Are you so overwhelmed that even though you know what you want for you both that you cannot summon up the energy to even begin to think about it? If any of these scenarios are true for you then perhaps I can help you identify where you can start.
So this is what I was up to this weekend. More learning and more detailed observations. Really recommended if you haven't come across the work already.
Having a fabulous weekend learning from Rachael Draaisma about Scentwork and Calming Signals! Another day today!
So, what happens when things don't go according to plan for you? Do you have enough resources to call upon? The Tellington Ttouch opened up doors for me in a way I had no idea was even possible. If you are feeling stuck or perhaps know you need support for when things don't go to plan, then do give me a call.
This mini online module is currently being offered free of charge through the Tellington TTouch online platform. If you would like to learn a little bit, then this could be a good way to get started! https://learn.ttouch.ca/product/horse-sense-the-tellington-method-for-improving-behavior-performance-relationship/?fbclid=IwAR2uuKekd1zUYCLxUbJCe2EI2RbKMkMLs08gDZci-PHSPtmgOJtZ-dS4CIc
Discover how the Tellington TTouch Method can transform behaviour, performance and connection - regardless of experience, breed or discipline! Is it Natural Horsemanship? –not really since we don’t use the premise of escalating pressure or assume horses will respond to us like another horse, to ...
It's always exciting to learn new skills and knowledge. I went to a talk with Rachael a few years ago so was very excited to see that she is training in the New Forest at the end of February so am booked on! There is so much scope for this kind of work in my experience and I'm having fun learning how to combine it with other approaches.
🇬🇧 “I think scentwork should be an integral part of our lives with horses, regardless of the horse’s level of training. Every horse, owner, handler, trainer, and behavioural therapist can bene¬fit from its many rewards.”
Wondering what the benefits of tracking are anyway? You can read more about it in the article I did for the Horsemanship Journal Magazine:https://calmingsignalsofhorses.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Horsemanship-Journal-Magazine-Scentwork.pdf
🇳🇱 “I think scentwork should be an integral part of our lives with horses, regardless of the horse’s level of training. Every horse, owner, handler, trainer, and behavioural therapist can bene¬fit from its many rewards.”
Benieuwd wat de voordelen van speurwerk nou eigenlijk zijn? Je leest er meer over in het artikel wat ik maakte voor het Horsemanship Journal Magazine:
https://calmingsignalsofhorses.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Horsemanship-Journal-Magazine-Scentwork.pdf
How is January going for you? We've certainly had our fair share of environmental challenges already this year. How does that impact you? Does it hinder your plans or can you and your horse work with whatever comes up? I used to be a 'ride no matter what' (unless it was actually dangerous wind or ice) kind of person ... I don't have the same attitude any more but there is of course an impact on movement and mobility, just like if we sit on the sofa for too long or repeatedly over a length of time if they aren't moving as much. How do you deal with that at this time of year? Do you stop altogether, do what you can or something else?
I'm currently sitting in on the Zoom calls to assist on the current online Introduction to the Tellington TTouch series. Just doing so is always a great reminder to slow down even more and look for what we can do. This week we were discussing observations. It can be especially hard when it is dark, wet, cold or freezing to do anything much more than the basics, especially if the horses are living out and rugged. But, did you know there is so much information you can gain from observing your horse with different eyes and/or your hands in different configurations just with the bits that are visible? Working with the extremities, such as the legs, tails and head means that we can still help our horses release some stiffness and also be able to gain more information around how they are. Even if you cannot do anything other than the basic of management you can still make a difference to how your horse feels. Just imagine being your horse, trolling through the mud in the wet and cold consistently and then along comes their human and just gently moves these parts of the body that are routinely standing in the same positions for much longer than would be in the summer when there is grass to munch. How different their body might feel compared to before you arrived? Just a little bit looser and perhaps more connected. Not only is it an 'in the moment' experience for them, it is an opportunity to spend some time with them whilst also making a difference to how they feel as well helping them release some tightness.
If this is something you would like to explore, or perhaps you have a bigger topic you need to spend some time on, then please do contact me to set up a 'chat spot'. I look forward to hearing from you!
These webinars are such a gift. I really recommend making time for the ones that catch your eye!
Aloha,
On Sunday, January 21, at 11:00 a.m. PT join Tellington TTouch Instructor Robyn Hood as she presents "Empowering Posture: Helping your horse discover their optimal function".
In this webinar Robyn will share simple techniques and exercises that can transform your horse's posture and self-carriage without force or repetition.
Harness the intelligence of the nervous system, by offering your horse new and novel ways of feeling and moving in their body as they explore freedom of movement and their comfortable range of motion.
Using a variety of gentle body work techniques as well as slow, mindful groundwork, you will learn how a few minutes a week can offer your horse new possibilities of long lasting movement and function.
To register for the talk visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8DG1oMalQqyx6S6QHsphiQ
Photo by Karin Oberbichler
For anyone interested in practitioner training, this starts next weekend... I will see you there if you are joining and there is still time to join.
Being present.... Now all the festivities are over and the majority of us are getting back into our routines... how do you feel? Are you noticing a difference to how you felt before Christmas or have you picked up where you left off? Is that something you like or something you would like to change?
The new year can bring a myriad of feelings, not least because if we have been lucky enough to enjoy some downtime, especially with our horses, we have spent more time in the present which as a contrast to what often happens in the run up to Christmas can really give January a different feel. Maybe there is now space to consider what you would like to be different either on a day to day basis or perhaps with a longer term plan for this time next year.
Whatever you would like to change, or if 'stuff' has happened and life has changed in a way you weren't expecting or wanted, or perhaps your horse is telling you they really aren't happy with things as they are, then do book yourself in for a free 'chat spot' this January. These really are designed to give you chance to speak your thoughts out loud - once whatever is on your mind is out in the open you have something to work with. I can help you identify what is your current priority, create a plan or signpost you to additional support.
Contact me on [email protected] to book your spot!
The cutting of slack was a bit of a game changing conversation for me. I had never been asked in any context if I needed some slack. Ironically on my first Tellington Ttouch training I needed more slack than I could have possibly imagined because I had only recently embarked on the deepest grief and change journey without even understanding what that meant or the impact. However when asked, my answer was 'no I don't'. By the end of the week long training, I realised that for the first time in 6 months I had managed to sleep at night and that taking time out of my then painful existence had created space for me to give myself some slack which gave a whole other perspective on my life and how I'd like to spend the rest of it. Since then it has been a continuous journey of learning to release, let go and forgive myself and others..and sometimes I've had to give myself some slack if I was struggling to even do that. Learning to take the pressure off myself and others has been so peace giving.
Where in your life can you give yourself some slack? Or perhaps those important to you or your horse? Where can you remove some pressure? By doing so and allowing yourself to rest even momentarily mentally, can create some space for things to happen. Its so easy at this time of year to keep pushing until the very last minute, being too worried about stopping, worried we're not doing enough, got enough and all the rest that goes with it. Sometimes it's just the mind chatter and other times we do need to force a stop to enable us to catch up with ourselves. Mindfully creating a pause around our horses is so important for them as well as ourselves. If we are busy in our minds focusing on the feeding, picking, navigating the mud and the dark, planning rugs according to the weather, let alone riding, it can be easy to miss the moments of connection that are offered. Can you, or do you already take a pause and respond when your horse invites you to and cut you both some slack?
Extending grace to our animals, others and ourselves can be one of the best gifts you can give! So often in animal training and behavior we are told that there is little room for "mistakes" or "off days".
Remembering that our animals are just doing the best they can given the context (external and internal stressors) and so are we.
Part of any TTouch workshop is the initial introductions. What’s your name? Where are you from? What is your primary interest in animals? Do you have a life outside of animals? (Maybe/maybe not):) What are you goals? – all pretty standard questions that you would expect when getting to know a group. There is one question we ask that is not necessarily present in most “get to know you” chatter – “Do you need any slack?”.
Read more in the link in the comments.
So, little did I know when I wrote my last post about change always happening in October for me, that my father would pass away within 24 hours. It wasn't sudden in that he had been pretty poorly for some while, but it was a surprise that it happened that day, that soon. It has taken me a while to pick up speed again and thankfully the holidays are coming up so I will meander as much as I need until I can retreat again for a couple of weeks. I was also extremely grateful that I 'know' my grief process... I'm not sure whether that is something to be pleased about specifically or not, but it at least gave me the confidence to know that when I was okay, I really was okay because I knew I would know when I wasn't. And it happened exactly like that. I couldn't predict when that time would be or what impact it would have but I did know how it would go. It was reassuring and helped me as I navigated my feelings.
When we start out on a journey of change, we may know what we want as an outcome but it's not possible to predict which parts will actually change. I have learned to much disdain that we are not actually able to control what happens but we can put our energy into how we would like to be as a result of the change.
We may have to say goodbye to situations and circumstances that if we think about losing them cause us great pain, but only the ones that need or have to change will be affected. I've had to learn how it's not been 'my fault' that things didn't work out and that perhaps it was more about developing strength and agility to adapt to changing circumstances rather than adhering to my personality traits of wanting things to stay the same forever - because I'd attached particular feelings with specific situations. I now understand change to just be a trigger of growth to creating new opportunities and circumstances rather than the horrible thing I used to thing it was.
It doesn't mean the triggers aren't painful, it doesn't mean that everything will run smoothly but it does help develop adaptability and agility. Change can still hurt, but it really is the thoughts and beliefs we have about the situation that causes us the emotional pain, not the change itself. A hard one to see when we are in the midst of it though!
So, my invitation is as we head towards the end of the year, what would you like to see different for yourself and your horse in the new year? What needs to change? What is causing you pain? Is it the mud, the dark, lack of time, money, your horses health or even maybe yours? How would you like it to be and and what is the one thing that you don't actually think you can change? Sometimes that is true - and sometimes it is just a story we are telling ourselves based on a set of well-structured, evidenced beliefs.
I am always happy to chat situations and circumstances through. The real work happens when we commit to the change so sometimes talking it through can help loosen some of the knots in order to get clarity over what next. There is nothing more stressful having an unhappy horse in an unhappy environment and there is nothing more joyful than seeing your horse at peace, with all their needs met.
I will be opening my diary in the new year for 'chat' spots, please do contact me to book one in and lets see if we can help you and your horses be happier in 2024.
I look forward to chatting!
2nd October 1996 was an epic day for me.. It was the culmination of a childhood ambition, many many hours of extra work and some bold decisions that brought Basil into my life. Not only that, I had driven to collect him in my own horsebox (which I bought before I had him - obviously!!!) 🤣 and was accompanied by a precious friend to ensure I kept my feet on the ground! I had a week booked off work to ensure I could be around to keep an eye on him as he settled in his new home and had the expectation and intention of enjoying every single moment. This picture really does bring those joyful feelings back so strongly now, even after the enormous hole I fell in after he was put to sleep 11 years later.
What is the purpose of this post? perhaps its about 'follow your heart, follow your dreams'. The journey that we went on together was extraordinary. Even though I'd had several horses and ponies on loan over the preceding twelve or so years, what Basil taught me was deeper than I had ever anticipated and he really has been the inspiration for me even since he passed. I've written before about how many things I would do differently now with what I know now, but thankfully, Basil had such strong boundaries that even though I have those thoughts and have faced some very uncomfortable feelings, I am very thankful he stopped me in my tracks each and every time I over stepped the mark.
If I hadn't had as much conviction then that I was going to 'have' my own horse, my life really would have been much poorer for it. I didn't know it was 'weird' that I wanted a horse not a house 😜, nor that having that level of conviction was even anything other than 'normal'! Thankfully I didn't as I may have listened to all those fears and anxieties that were deep down. That said, they do have to be heard at some point which is perhaps the healing that has ensued ever since.
October is a significant month for me, it holds many anniversaries of change so I now know to 'go with' the energy as it rolls through. The relationship to Autumn, the 'letting go' of leaves and changes in sometimes tempestuous weather, all seem relevant. It allows for a deeper more reflective way of living for a few months which is where I can reflect and make some new plans and decisions.
If you are wanting change and perhaps have a reflective style of learning, maybe ask yourself the question below.... if you want to get in really deep and get below your first answer (because often we can try to talk ourselves out of something that's really important to us when we hear our first response to something).... then you could repeat it up to six times. Write a short answer down each time you ask yourself and see where you end up... it may not be where you expect when you started....
The question comes from David Grove's Clean Language process and is very specifically worded to ensure it touches an innermost part of you... read it carefully and deliberately and maybe even say it out loud, then allow your answer to surface.. You can frame it around your horses, any particular topic or area of your life but give it the time it deserves. It is an incredibly useful question and when asked at times of feeling stuck or wanting change, can open the mind to thoughts and ideas that were not obvious just a few minutes before.
The question is..... What would you like to have happen?
Feel free to message me with your answers if you would like a couple more questions to get a bit more clarity.
And remember to trust the process!
More, more, more ..................
Over the years I have worked with clients who want more of something, more clarity, more confidence or to be more organised, more patient, more motivated. Many come to me when they feel they have exhausted every avenue leaving them overwhelmed and frustrated.
Many spend time reading posts like this one, watching videos, reading books all in search of the answer. And yet often the answer is within them, if only they knew how to listen.
In my first book “Manage your critic - From Overwhelm to Clarity in 7 steps.”
I share how discovering Clean Language listening helped me understand how I went from overwhelmed to clarity. And it has helped me work out where my confidence comes from, my relationship with time and change and so much more. With every iteration I got to know my own processes and patterns.
By having someone asking questions and reflecting your own words back to you and reflecting your gestures you literally get to see and hear yourself from a different perspective.
I love this work. (both as a client and a facilitator)
It is a joy and a privilege to witness and honour the changes as we discover our own unique patterns and processes. I watch us visibly relax as we realise it is easier than we thought, that there is hope and that we have a process to follow to get what we want.
I would love to hear from you today.
What do you love about you and the work you do?
What would you like to be more or perhaps less of?
What helps you change from overwhelmed to clarity?
Though this isn't an Equine webinar there are many crossovers of the work between species...and of course many horse people have dogs too! So, I'm just sharing in case it is of interest.
This is "Balance Matters - Tellington TTouch Leash Concepts" by Tellington TTouch on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
Balance - physical, emotional and mental. Another one of the core elements we work with within the Tellington TTouch is balance. We can start from any number of perspectives, but commonly we look with the posture and balance at rest to ascertain a starting point. Often there is a relationship between a horse's 'ability' to do something, or perform a certain task such as lifting a hoof, walking quietly in hand or even being able to stand still as a result of their posture and balance. It is then necessary to check whether the posture viewed in that moment is a one-off or a habitual pattern which can then give indicators as to where they may be holding tension/pain, compensating or need support to change how they are holding themselves. This can then lead to discussions around handling, training and management methods to ensure that all contributions are working towards a balanced horse, rather than creating an imbalance that then works against both of you in your every day life. It is very easy to apply a 'he/she doesn't like me doing that' approach because of the reaction a horse might give particularly to a day to day task, whereas it could actually be something that is physically difficult for them, but is imperceptible to our human eye. We can then also unknowingly project what we think is happening for the horse onto the situation, stopping us from being open to possibilities of how to help them. The Tellington TTouches can help you to become familiar with your horse's 'normal' and give you some really gentle, helpful ways to improve their balance within your routine. Over time you will notice a softening in their body and possibly your own as you become more conversant with each other. Stepping back from our day to day patterns and spending time just being with each other in a facilitated space can really help with perspective and understanding of the relationship and those interactions that are playing out in day to day life. Are those interactions supporting you both or could they be better and improve on what you already have?
I can tailor all session styles to suit budget and need so if you would like to work through something that is troublesome and you cannot see a way through, then I would be happy to chat it through with you.
Another really useful explanation ..
TTouch Tip!
When it comes to training and working with horses, there are countless methods and techniques that are effective. Many vary in their approach and philosophy but generally they all have one thing in common – how the lead rope is attached to the halter.
The Tellington Method does things a little differently in a lot of ways and you may have noticed that we almost always attach the lead (in various configurations) to the side of the halter. The traditional approach attaches the rope under the chin. We have several reasons for using the side attachment which can make a world of difference in encouraging the horse to respond positively and behave more harmoniously.
The Tellington Method's preference for attaching the lead rope to the side of the halter is primarily driven by the desire to reduce compression between the poll (the area behind the ears) and the atlas (the first cervical vertebra). By doing so, the head is encouraged to remain lowered, which aids in creating a relaxed and cooperative state in the horse.
Conversely, using a rope under the chin, as traditionally done, can inadvertently lock the poll when the chin is lifted upward, making it more challenging for the horse to move forward freely. It also puts the horse more on the forehand and can cause bracing through the base of the neck.
Such a posture becomes evident in various scenarios, such as when a horse is asked to enter a trailer and becomes stuck, when it starts pulling back when tied, or even when a foal is learning to lead. By avoiding the under-chin attachment, the Tellington Method helps prevent such issues and instead encourages a lowered head and forward movement.
This is also true when ponying a horse. You often see horses who are being ponied be dragged forward and they nearly always have their chin lifted up and thorasic sling dropped. Ponying a horse with the rope attached to the side hardware can instantly help a slow, lagging horse be more cooperative and responsive to your requests to come forward.
Attaching the lead to the side can also encourage a more appropriate bend through the atlas axis. When a horse turns away from the handler, a lead rope attached under the chin may cause a tipping motion, locking the neck and bulging the shoulder towards the handler. When the lead rope attached to the side, the horse is encouraged to bend through the neck more functionally, allowing for easier redirection in the desired direction. This is particularly evident when dealing with horses that tend to dive for grass or attempt to leave the handler's side.
The influence of the side attachment doesn't end there. It also proves advantageous in achieving an outside bend. By guiding the head away from you on the side, you can effortlessly create a correct bend through the neck without having to reach your hand across as you would under the chin. This simpler and more direct approach helps to maintain better communication and understanding between the horse and the handler.
Now this is not to say that I NEVER attach the lead under the chin. If your horse is very attuned to your body language and knows you well, this may not make much difference to your everyday handling. However if you are educating or re-educating a horse, or come across a situation where you notice a lack of understanding about coming forward, relaxing the head and neck or turning effectively, this simple change is worth a try!
To ensure the effectiveness of the Tellington Method's side attachment, it's essential to use a lightweight snapped rope and a well-fitted flat halter. This combination allows for precise communication and ensures the horse's comfort during training sessions.
Attaching the lead rope to the side of the horse's halter, instead of the traditional under-chin approach, can be a simple way to enhance training and communication. By encouraging the poll and atlas to be in a freer posture this configuration can promote a lowered head, forward movement, and a more appropriate bend through the body. Moreover, the side attachment allows for greater influence over the horse's outside bend, offering a more functional and straightforward way of redirecting the horse in the desired direction.
As with any training technique, results may vary depending on the individual horse and handler. Therefore, it's essential to be open to trying new approaches and exploring different methods to find what works best for you and your horse. Remember, "you cannot change a habit by doing the same thing over and over again." Dare to be a little different and see how the Tellington Method's side attachment works wonders for you and your equine companion!
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My focus is on helping you strengthen your relationship and confidence with yourself and your horse. A session for you and your horse will be tailored according to the combination of both your needs. We will look at the history, the current situation and also what time, energy and effort you are able to commit to. Sometimes just changing one small thing can make a big difference, so my focus is to try to understand what is important to you and what is the most problematic for you both. Sometimes, it is not the thing we think it is that needs to change.
A facilitated session with your horse enables you to slow time right down and experience the unique space that exists between you both, give you a chance to observe, learn and experience what is contributing to that space. You will discover what exists within the relationship, so getting a chance to see the beautiful as well as clearing out the unhelpful. This can be a transformational space.
I can help you learn some TTouches and exercises that contribute to a deeper level of understanding of how your horse experiences life and for those that are in rehabilitation we can put together a more comprehensive programme. I can offer ongoing telephone and email support to help you in between sessions. I will happily work with your vet, physio, chiropractor and other professionals so please obtain referral/approval from your vet prior to the consultation.
