Riders learn about

·       a natural way of working horses in dressage, jumping, and cross-country riding

·       a safe and comfortable way of riding horses

·       an enjoyable connection between horse and rider

·       simple ways to improve dressage and jump work

·       a clear understanding of the Art of Dressage

This system of training enables horses to be trained in a more effective way than is generally available to horse lovers

This method does not use ‘abusive’ or ‘cheat’ techniques

The ‘resistance’ and misunderstanding/confusion so often seen between horses and their riders disappears

As a functional approach, this method involves simple and direct communication that allows horses to respond comfortably

Riders learn about the physical skills that allow these disciplines to develop in ‘happier’ ways for both horse and rider

Please note:

NATURAL in this system means:

Gaits are developed towards enabling horses to work freely in walk, trot, and canter

Freedom is emphasised in order to allow horses to be uninhibited in this work

Relaxation and comfort is facilitated as stress and resistance is removed.  This allows horses to work with relaxed and effective muscle and mind use

Instinct - the automatic reflex process in horses is understood and worked with to achieve a harmonious state between horse and rider

Fear stimulus is avoided, allowing various negative equine behaviours to cease

Alertness improves, allowing

   - rider’s to see with both their eyes and mind

   - riders and horses to listen to each other and ‘attune’ to signals which inform each other about what they are to do/not do
  -  riders to connect with the feel that exists between horse and rider

HORSEMASTERSHIP in this system means:

That riders and trainers of horses have a duty to the horse to ‘master’ the skill required in these disciplines.  NHDJ aims to assist riders and trainers of these disciplines to develop skills which allow horses to be respectfully and caringly treated while being trained.  Riders and trainers learn about the work involved in these disciplines from the horse’s point of view.

DRESSAGE in this system means:

Horses are ‘trained’ to perform what they do naturally when in the control of riders and their trainers.  NHDJ ‘s initial training revolves around the movement of horse in their basic gaits.  Training horses the more extreme responses, which horses offers naturally when under increased pressure in nature, is then included.  All training involved works towards performing the movements involved in the modern-day sport of Dressage. 

JUMPING in this system means:

The training and development of the horse’s ability to move over jumps is undertaken in a comfortable and safe manner for both horse and rider.

Working with this system allows you to learn how to:

·        develop a horse’s relaxation

·        develop a horse’s obedience

·        work with the pecking-order process which is part of horse psychology

·        work with the horse’s natural way of ‘being’

·        develop a horse’s natural physical and mental responses toward achieving what is required in these disciplines

·        employ a step-by-step training method which helps the horse to perform the required work involved in these disciplines more easily

·        get a required response

·        set goals for working with your horse

·        start and finish a training session

YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT: ¨      how the gaits need to be developed ¨      rider positioning ¨      balanced and comfortable control ¨      a natural aiding system ¨      an artificial aiding system ¨      how horses listen to us ¨      how horses learn to ‘know’ what we want from them ¨      your own response modes while learning appropriate riding skills

YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT: ¨      leading and handling groundwork ¨      lunging groundwork ¨      driving groundwork ¨      riding in either discipline ¨      riding in both disciplines ¨      riding cross-country

¨    The KISS process is employed [Keep It Simple Sweetheart].  Riders learn about basic principles before moving onto more challenging work

¨    Learning the ground-training skill of lunging is recommended - but is optional

¨    The dressage and jumping styles are taught - but jumping is optional

¨    The training of each horse and rider is based upon individual needs or level of development

CONCLUSION

This method works to allow riders to utilize a horse’s natural ability in order

to produce good results in these disciplines.  NHDJ is a training process that

enables horses and riders to ‘attune’ to each other in a comfortable, happy

way.