We intend to provide our students with a safe learning environment and positive approach to being with horses and riding. Through our passion for the Icelandic Horse we hope to inspire an appreciation for this unique breed. Our Concept: We believe that it is important to teach people about the nature of horses first from the ground, then in the saddle. Many behaviors of horses seem to be an overre
action or inappropriate to the situation. But the horse is a highly developed survival artist, a prey/flight animal unlike humans, who are from a scientific point of view predators. By gaining an understanding of this reality people acquire the skills to be safe and fair with horses. This means that most of our lessons will include or consist of (for beginner riders the first set of classes) groundwork. Horses have different characters and moods just like humans, and we like to check in with them to simply say: “Hi, how are you doing today?” Groundwork also is a great way to introduce human and horse, who have never met before, to each other. Through this proper introduction we make way for a positive experience on both sides. We intend to teach people how to listen to the horses and respond in an appropriate way. Riding the Icelandic Horse is close to the English riding style, with dressage elements and of course, learning how to ride the Tölt, the unique gait of this breed. We offer a wide variety of topics:
- groundwork, developing a partnership between
horse and person
- basic dressage
- horsemanship principles
- gait training
- competition riding
- obstacles
- trail riding
- personal development with horses
