Chance to learn new skills with your horse

NEW skills and building a connection with your horse will be central to a horsemanship session held at Lethbridge Equestrian this Saturday.

The event is aimed at building confidence and helping riders better understand horse behaviour.

Host, Sally Wilson, said the day is all about helping riders be one with their horse.

“Horsemanship is getting in touch with the horse, learning to be as one and trying to think like a horse,” she said.

“It’s about asking rather than telling, so it’s kind of like parenting.”

Participants will need to bring their own horse along on the day and Ms Wilson will teach new techniques to handling the animals.

“They will be working on groundwork skills, so how to lead the horse and feel the horse and everything that happens on the ground should relate into the saddle so the horse is with you,” she said.

“You’ve got this big beast that can way 500 kilos and kill you, so you don’t want to do something that you’re telling them to do.”

The skills taught in the clinic will differ from more historical methods of horse training and safety underpins Ms Wilson’s teachings.

“Old ways are making it fickle for the horse and making the horse do things whereas now it’s more of partnership,” said Ms Wilson.

“If you ask them in a different way, they respond a lot better and want to be with you.

“I focus on safety and reading your horses signs so if the horse doesn’t look happy or tell you it doesn’t like what you’re doing, people can read that a whole lot better.

“I coach people that there’s a different way to expand your knowledge and skillset when riding horses.

“It’s great to do it with likeminded people in a safe clinic environment.”

The clinic is suitable for all riders and disciplines beginning at 10am on Saturday 10 June. To book tickets visit tessandleo.com.