Training Philosophy

“The most important thing is to not stop questioning.”—Albert Einstein
An impetus to the development of our training system is an increasing disillusionment over many years, with some modern training methods, such as "Push and Resist," "Drive and Hold," and the use of coercion, maintenance beating, and gadgets.
That is not just an admonition to be imaginative or creative or whimsical, but also to draw on other areas of expertise—the sciences (particularly physics/mechanics, veterinary science, behavioral science, and physical therapy) and other disciplines (martial arts, dance, Pilates, vaulting, skating, and dog, dolphin, or parrot training).
Layman-friendly publications, such as Nature, Science, and Scientific American can sometimes yield more insight than a dressage treatise titled How to Do a Perfect Half Halt. Much insight can be gleaned from sources written by Dr. Hilary Clayton, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, and other experts in related fields.

Reading List

The following list of books features valuable information that every rider show know. Our list of recommended books includes:
» The Dynamic Horse - Dr. Hilary Clayton» Activate Your Horse's Core - Narelle C. Stubbs and Dr. Hilary Clayton» The Art of Riding - Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke» The Art of Training - Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke» The Truth About Horses - Andrew McLean» Tug of War: Classical Versus "Modern" Dressage - Dr. Gerd Heuschmann» Balancing Act - Dr. Gerd Heuschmann» Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage - Phillipe Karl» Understanding Equitation - Commandant Jean Saint-Fort Paillard» Animals in Translation - Dr. Temple Grandin» Animals Make Us Human - Dr. Temple Grandin» Thinking in Pictures - Dr. Temple Grandin» Short Stories: The Open Window - Saki/H.H. Munro