Laura Claman horse training

Training: Let's unlock your capabilities!

My philosophy of training centers around confidence, trust and safety. Ground work is just as important as riding. I use the German National Equestrian Federation principles of riding as a guide for my training for both horse and rider:

- rhythm

- looseness (relaxed and soft)

- contact and acceptance of the bit (I don't use draw reins, tie-downs or any other device to force the horse into a position. Most times I don't even use a cavesson.)

- impulsion (push from behind, torque)

- straightness (this is achieved with lateral work exercises)

- collection - balance, "Collection is achieved only after the horse has mastered and understood the aforementioned concepts." - German National Equestrian Federation

I enjoy the process of training and make the experience pleasant for the horse. When teaching/training there is a line between 'good' stress and 'bad' stress. People and horses learn only in the 'good' stress zone.

There are countless reasons why you reach out to a horse trainer for help with your horse. Call me to set-up a meeting to discuss your and your horse's needs. Together, we set-up goals for you and your horse. I recommend an assessment by a veterinarian or chiropractor to rule out any physical issues that could interfere with the training process. It's important for rider and horse to be physically able to achieve the goals we set. When all physical issues are nullified, we "play" with various exercises and the relationship between rider and horse grows.

Above to the left, I'm working on leading with a horse that likes to cut in front of the leader. She learns that there is my lane and her lane. I never hit the horse with the implement; it is a tool that acts like a wall.

In the picture on the right, I'm discussing the "why", or theory, behind what I'm asking my students to do. This gives context to make the idea easier to understand.