This was my first vlog for Connection Training

Segura was my first rescue horse and she changed my life by taking me on a journey to find Reward Based Traning.

Rescue Horses & Ponies

Hope and Valiente were two severely neglected ponies. They were first rescued by the wonderful horse charity A.R.C.H, without whom they wouldn't have made it.

After their physical rehabilitation was well under way, I took them on as companions for my rescue mare. They were ready to really build trust and help them learn to love life - humans included.

First Hoof lifting Session

Libby is now ready for me to work specifically on lifting her hooves for trimming. Libby actually started the process by offering some nice weight shifts when I was working with a new stationary target, so I decided to follow her lead.

I worked in protected contact as Libby is still anxious about people in her space, especially when they want to touch her.

Claire starts by simply running her hand down Libby's leg and marking for any weight shifts. By the end of the session, Libby is happily lifting her hoof for me.

Revising Rein Cues

Rachel has done lots of work with Manuela at the mounting block and moving off into walk and turning. The behaviours weren't solid enough to transfer to me straight away

.In the video, you'll see me "revising" rein cues with Manuela to help us both stay connected when I’m in the saddle.

Protected Contact

In this video you'll get to see some of the techniques I used in my training, including using protected contact, which is invaluable to keep everyone safe and build trust in situations like these.

Pilates

I have practiced Pilates for many years now after discovering the benefits after a serious riding accident in which I badly damaged the soft tissue in my neck. My body became very stiff and I was carrying a lot of tension because of the inactivity, the feeling was awful as I was only 21 but my body felt much older!When I got the go ahead to start exercising gently by my consultant, Pilates was suggested as the moves are slow and deliberate and would give me time to listen to my body and move accordingly.

I now incorporate Pilates into my work with horses both on the ground and ridden. Consciously being aware of my breath both on the ground and in the saddle creates a 2-way relaxation between myself and the horse.

Being aware of your own postures and by moving in self- carriage influences the horse too even on the ground, when you take this into the saddle it feels like magic. Adding in light cues and reward- based training really gives the horse clarity and understanding, taking your communication to the next level.