Why Balance First?
For the horse
Two of the most common causes of behavioural problems with horses are misunderstanding and natural asymmetry. Unresolved, they cause untold pain and suffering to both horses and riders.
When horses are not properly prepared to be ridden, they do their best to do as we ask, but they very often are literally not able to do it.
When a horse that is not straight is asked to canter in a circle, it may feel as though it’s going to fall over. The horse might struggle to move, bend, or lower its head and neck.
What usually happens then is that the trainer puts more pressure on, uses more equipment, stronger bits, spurs, gadgets and tie-downs.
Instead of harmonious communication, it becomes like a battleground.
The suffering is often unspoken, unheard, or unseen. This is why it is vital to teach the horse to balance first: physically, mentally, and emotionally.
For the rider
Issues frequently emerge when an individual is out of balance in one or more aspects of their well-being—be it physical, mental, or emotional.
Physical imbalance may result from neglecting proper nutrition, exercise, or sleep, while mental imbalance can arise from chronic stress, lack of focus, or negative thought patterns.
Emotional imbalance often manifests through unmanaged stress, unresolved conflicts, or overwhelming feelings.
Addressing these imbalances is crucial for achieving overall health and stability in life.
It is crucial when working with horses.
The Balance First programme will give you tools to help you to become the best possible version of yourself for the benefit of you and your horse.
The Balance First training scale
Balance forms the foundation for the other four elements. When a horse is able to move in balance he naturally becomes more relaxed and supple, and very soon is able to bend equally to the left and right.
He learns to carry himself in a healthy shape, using all four legs equally, and engaging his core muscles.
We add a normal tempo and rhythm only when the horse is able to support himself and stay in balance at slower tempos. This training scale leads to straightness in the horse.
The commonly used dressage training scale
This dressage training scale starts with rhythm and suppleness and finishes with straightness and collection. But when a horse is weak and unbalanced under a rider, it is virtually impossible to find suppleness and rhythm.
In fact, asking a horse that is not even able to carry himself in balance to carry a rider in a normal tempo and rhythm causes stiffness, pain and conflict. The horse simply cannot physically do it and does not feel safe. This in turn causes injuries as well as mental and emotional problems.