Our Unique Approach
As long as the student’s whole body can listen the application of one technique can be evolved into a hundred techniques. But if the student cannot listen then even teaching the student one hundred techniques will be fruitless. ~Cheng Man Ch’ingThe model we follow is Listen, Connect, Follow and Influence.
Listening begins with approaching the work quietly so we are able to sense and interpret small signals the horse gives. Then we connect by sensing the horse listening back to us. Following begins as we allow our hands to be led by the horse. As we explore patterns of bracing and restrictions we influence change by waiting for the horse to make the adjustments. This process can be characterized as a feel following a feel. Since the horse makes the changes the results are more enduring and complete. Skillful timing and sensitivity enables each horse to relax, re-align, and seek what’s right for them.
Horses notice what you notice and the more you notice the more interesting horses find you.Rick NoffsingerTo approach massage in this way you must work with a horses attention.
The horses must be intently focused on where we are encouraging them to adjust their alignment. From the moment a horse notices you, getting and holding their attention is the basis for all that follows.
Everything horses do is meaningful to them so we encourage you to notice everything they do and understand what the meaning is to them. Regardless of whether you’re approaching to halter them, asking them to lead up freely, or releasing a knotted muscle, the important thing is to notice what they do and adjust your presentation so the horse knows you notice them. Working this way allows you to sense and follow where movement is restricted. Working this way you earn a horse’s trust and willingness – the first step towards the horse allowing you to help them.
In order to release horses into joyful, energetic, rhythmic movement you need a guiding vision – something you’re striving to create.
Working to a purpose makes the difference between just doing something verses making lasting changes; doing precisely the right thing to adjust how the horse carries himself. Equine Align Academy offers a unique, principles based methodology to assess self-carriage so that you see where refinements are needed and then form a guiding vision to work for the horse to return to natural relaxation, balance, and rhythm.
Continuity of balanced movement is the focus of all the work.
Tightly integrated bodywork modalities, anatomy, physiology, hoof assessment, and saddle fit lessons all focus on how the subject relates to proper alignment and balanced movement. We offer an unparalleled opportunity to study movement, performance, and the penetrating efficacy of this unique approach. Your teachers treat students the same way we treat horses — with patience, kindness, and passion as we guide you step-by-step into this body of work.
