Horses 101 Reframed: Handling, Psychology and Functionality
“There’s a way to train a horse where when you get done you’ve got the horse. On his own ground. A good horse will figure things out on his own. You can see what’s in his heart. He won’t do one thing while you’re watching him and another when you ain’t. He’s all of a piece. When you’ve got a horse to that place you can’t hardly get him to do somethin’ he knows is wrong. He’ll fight you over it. And if you mistreat him it just about kills him. A good horse has justice in his heart.” Cormac McCarthy
We are thrilled to offer the next clinic at EQUUS Buffalo Spirit Ranch, November 15th/16th.
We teach this class for people who care about, keep, and want to help horses. In order to be the best handlers and stewards we can, we need to understand what the horse is trying to communicate, how to be disciplined in our interactions with horses, and recognize where horses are and are not well-resourced. This applies to their physical, mental, and emotional personhood.
Through our varied experiences of teaching, we’ve noticed that a lot of folks who are new to horses (and some who are not new), have never really been taught or been able to discuss how to be with horses. Being grounded with, and being able to witness horses authentically, is the first fundamental step in almost every other process we want to engage them with.
There are many, many opinions and methods in the horse world. Lots of them are contradictory. We want you to find an approach that sits right for you – from a place of both scientific and conscience-led understanding. We personally believe very strongly in a holistic approach to horse care, and being in relationship with horses. This clinic offers practical advice, the chance to discuss answers to questions that have no answer, and an invitation for you to rethink the basics.
There is room, over these two days, to make mistakes, to get messy, there is room for intensity and levity, and everything that goes in to maintaining relationship as a practice. Our group encompasses a range of experience and motivation, and we all have something to offer here. We offer agency and grace to our community, and are a judgement-free container for experience and learning.
TO REGISTER: You have two choices! The full price of the class before September 30th is $575 (after September 30th the full price is $625).
You can pay the non-refundable deposit of $200 now, and the balance on the day of the clinic
You can pay the full price of $575 now, and should you need to cancel, will be refunded $375 (full price minus non-refundable deposit)
“The Horses 101: Foundations Clinic was an outstanding experience. The facilitators, Mary Ann Menetrey and Dr. Siobhán Watkins, brought a wealth of knowledge and created an environment that was welcoming, engaging, and thought-provoking. Their ability to connect practical horsemanship with deeper reflection on psychology and functionality made the clinic both highly educational and personally meaningful.
The sessions offered the perfect balance of hands-on learning and opportunities to pause and consider what true connection with a horse really means. I walked away not only with new tools and techniques, but also with a deeper understanding of how to build trust and communication with my horse.
In addition to the in-person work, the manual provided is an excellent resource. The care and thoughtfulness that went into creating it is evident, and it serves as a valuable guide to continue learning long after the clinic ends.
This clinic will expand your skills, challenge you to think differently, and strengthen your relationship with your horse. It is a professional yet approachable experience that I would recommend to anyone who wants to grow in their horsemanship.”
“As a person early in my learning with horses, I appreciate Siv’s ability to meet people where they are in their level of experience - offering practical skills and knowledge while also calling forward and recognizing many depths of knowing and ways of being in connection. Her deep respect for the dignity of all beings is both an inspiration and a special comfort -making it natural for all participating, horse and human both, to trust the invitation”