ELS IS MOVING!!!

New Arena 300 feet long!!

Although we will miss Donnell, David and Nate, we have outgrown the Horse Haven at Bear Creek property.  We will be moving to the new facility over several months in phases that will cause the least amount of disruption to the horses.

The facility is big enough for more human-herd members!

More photos coming. If you have not already volunteered for the move, sign-up at the barn.

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What is “Classical Dressage”

Many students have asked me over the years “What is Dressage?”

Painting by Janey Belozer

The following exerpt by Dr. Thomas Ritter is one of the best descriptions of what “Classical Dressage” is supposed to be. Not what modern-day dressage has become. At its heart, Classical Dressage is the quest to attain the highest level of mental & physical communication between horse and rider. To witness the sheer beauty of horse & rider uniting as one seamless pair is to witness what heaven will be like!  R. Smith

 

From a historical and practical point of view, the purpose of Classical Dressage was to train a horse to be safe, reliable, obedient, and comfortable to ride under all circumstances. Horses also needed to stay sound for many years – for economic as well as ethical reasons, since good horses were always expensive and often hard to find, and because the training takes a very long time.

From a philosophical point of view, Classical Dressage is about training the horse purely for the joy of training – l’art pour l’art. In addition, it should benefit the horse’s well-being. Anything in the training of the horse, that is not in the best interests of the horse’s soundness, happiness, and spirituality is not classical. Classical Dressage is not about the spectacular airs, such as the levade or capriole, or the piaffe and passage, however beautiful and inspiring those are. It is instead about the day-to-day work of the horse. It is the “chopping wood and carrying water” of the equestrian disciplines.

 

At the heart of Classical Dressage is the spirit of establishing a connection with the horse. The horse is not a vehicle, either literally as a means for transportation, or figuratively, as a vehicle for success, prestige, and power. The horse is a living, breathing, and FEELING being, and it is of the utmost importance, in the training, to connect with this essence. This connection involves a careful balance between trust and respect. It would be idealistic to think one could achieve this simply through indiscriminate kindness to the horse, but if such kindness and softness are not balanced by sensible boundaries, the horse will never learn either respect or trust. Both go hand in hand. One is not possible without the other. The horse thrives in an environment of love, fairness, and consistency. It is the human’s responsibility to provide fair and consistent boundaries in the horse’s life. The horse, just like a child, can sense when he is treated with love and respect. He will accept any justified reprimand and even outright strictness, without losing his interest and love for the human, if it is fairly executed and balanced by reward and love. On the other hand, if the horse is treated without love and respect, he will withdraw in order to protect himself, and either become afraid or angry. It is our responsibility, as the caretakers and trainers of our horse, to see that his spiritual and psychological needs are met. If we are to train the horse in the spirit of Classical Dressage, this cannot be ignored, and the horse cannot be treated merely as livestock or assets.

 

   

 

 

True classical training is gymnastic training. It can even become physical therapy. It preserves and prolongs (and in some cases, even restores) the soundness of the horse. Classical training does not teach the dressage movements as tricks without the necessary gymnastic preparation. It ensures that each movement is learned and executed in such a way that the horse uses his body economically and efficiently by minimizing friction and wear and tear through balance and suppleness. In classical dressage, movements are not an end in themselves, but they are gymnastic tools that make specific muscle groups stronger and more supple. Such an approach to training as gymnasticization continually improves the horse’s balance, suppleness, and straightness, which results in smoother gaits, less jarring, less bracing and resistance, and consequently greater soundness and longevity.  Read More… 

  

In developing the ELS “Seamless Riding” Balanced Seat Program I found myself in a dilemma. Most adult humans I enrolled as students had physical and mental (fear-based) challenges. In order for the student to fully realize their potential as a rider, these challenges needed to be addressed first .  It was and still is my intent to prepare riders with the pre-requisite mental & physical knowledge needed to achieve any discipline of riding they may choose. It is through physical & mental awareness that this is achieved. I believe that the vertical balanced-seat, long-leg position of dressage & western is the primary position to learn to ride properly in the motion of the horses’ movements.  Additionally, it is my passionate intent to educate humans “about” horses. How they think, feel & learn. Only then can a human truly connect with their horse to achieve the level of partnership desired.  R. Smith 

 

What’s Coming in 2011

• The new Equine Life Solution Website will be launched in January!
• New Logo by Heidi Page:

Can anyone guess who modeled for the horse head???

• Facebook page for ELS clients is up and will be taking photos, comments, etc. in January.
• Blog updates weekly! I promise!

Congratulations Ellen H. as Gracie’s new partner! I am sure she will be trail ready by June!

"Gracie" (Tennessee Walker)

• Congratulations Deb H. and Erin T. on the lease of “Samson!!”  Deb H. is on a lease-purchase program with Sammy if they make a good team by March. Yeah!!
  

  "Samson" the handsome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• There are some leased ponies in stockings to be announced after Christmas!  Shhh! It’s a surprise!
• Mini-classes offered the last week of December. Sign-up and learn alot!
• Heidi and Ebony will be moving back in Jan 1, 2011!! Welcome back Ebony (and Heidi too)!!     🙂
• Hunter-Jumper Prep Program (TBA)
• New Programs for Summer TBA soon!
• Camp 2011 for 8-12 year olds will open for enrollment in February. The 2 weeks are already part full. We are adding an additional week this year. Dates TBA.

That is all for now! I will post additional information this week about the mini-classes and the January “Horse Ownership” Class series.

Regards & keep horsin’ around!

Robyn

What a Year It’s Been!

I have been remiss in writing the Blog due to the unexpected increase in business over the past several months. An update:

• July & August Equine Explorers Camp was so fun the 2011 year is almost full. We may have to add another week!  Poor Hillary!

Horsin' Around at Camp ELS

• 

  Barn Buddies and Equine Explorers

 

• Sept. 25th Fundraiser was a huge success. We raised over $2,000.00 from pony rides and games! Treehouse Foundation was so happy! Thanks to all the volunteers and staff at ELS that made this event such a huge success! Mongo’s in Clearview catered the event with the best BBQ.  The Whiskey girls taught Line Dancing in the arena. It was hilarious!
• The November Turkey Ride raised $1,100.00 for local family Thanksgiving dinners!
• First 2010 Winter Snow Day! Horses love the snow!

"Rosie" enjoying the snow

Jasmine "human-whispering"

Amazing Photos!

Thanks Barbara from Ritzie Photography! These are amazing! I hope everyone enjoys them as much as I do!

http://www.ritziephotography.com/PhotoSessions/HorseHaven/index.html

June 18 Dinner at Preservation Kitchen

 

Join us for dinner at

PRESERVATION KITCHEN

This Friday, June 18, 2010, 7:00pm. 

We’ll chat about goings on at Horse Haven and next year’s horseback riding adventure to Tuscany, Italy!

17121 Bothell Way NE
Bothell, WA  98011
t. 425 408-1306 info@preservationkitchen.com

Choose your favorite adventure…..

“Discover Tuscany”

Italy – DISCOVER TUSCANY

– The week is based in the Tuscan countryside and heart of the Chianti at a riding center (founded in 1972) which is not only a success as a riding school. During the week there are frequent opportunities to meet the friendly and hospitable Tuscan people. 

8 days, 7 nights and 2 full 3 half days riding.

Group Size: Minimum 2; Maximum 10

"Feast of the Conquerers"

“Feast of the Conquerers”

 

Italy – FEAST OF THE CONQUERORS

–From the lovingly restored suites of this medieval hamlet, which was built on the foundations of a 12th century castle, rider’s have an opportunity to experience the enduring magic of Tuscany.  The itinerary cleverly combines riding with an investigation of the region’s culinary delights.

 

7 days, 6 nights and 3 full and 2 half days riding

Group Size: Minimum-4 Maximum-11

"Seven Castles of Chianti"

“Seven Castles of Chianti”

Italy – SEVEN CASTLES OF CHIANTI

– This ride follows a wide loop through the rolling forested hills, verdant farmland and vineyards, picturesque villages of the Chianti Classico region north of Siena, and begins and ends at the outfitter’s home, a 400-year-old Tuscan farmhouse.

 

8 days, 7 nights and 2 full and 3 half days riding

Group Size: Minimum 4; Maximum 7

"Toscana Cucina Ride"

Italy – TOSCANA CUCINA RIDE

– This ride is a perfect combination of riding, cooking classes with the Chef or Chef Mama, and sightseeing to destinations of cultural and historical interest.

7 days, 6 nights and 2 full and 2 half days riding

Group Size: Minimum-4 Maximum-12

For more information about the Tuscany trips Web go to:  http://www.ridingtours.com/