Mindful Horsemanship and Riding Vision
Mindful Horsemanship is an experiential development process aimed at balancing the students body, mind and spirit using mindfulness principles and techniques to develop more meaningful relationships, with our horses and in the process, develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of ourselves and others.
To offer curious minded students beginners to advanced, riders and non-riders alike the opportunity to enhance their confidence, connections, communication, performance, perceptions, empowerment, health and well-being through mindfulness techniques, while building on horsemanship and life skills.
Traditional horsemanship and riding lessons, typically focus on the rider’s body and mind. However, the spiritual aspect of horsemanship and riding is often neglected. Spirituality is about being the best possible versions of ourselves, operating from a place free from fear and acting out of pure love. Considering what arises in the body and mind throughout a ride, we will begin to identify some of our limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns so we can start to cultivate a sense of compassion.
Horses are amazing guilds for finding an inner harmony by being fully present and engaged in the present. Mindfulness is an ancient eastern practice that has gained popularity in the west as a way to decrease stress and find balance in one’s life.
Mindful Horsemanship can help balance a student’s mind, body and spirit to improve and promote life skills; for education, professional and personal goals.
It is the merging of horsemanship and spiritual discovery for personal transformation and growth. The horse is our inspiration. He will lead us towards our vision of a better world through positive shifts in the lives of our students.
“I have always been fascinated with the mental, emotional and spiritual side of riding and training horses. I believe that to become, not only the best rider we can be, but also the best human being, we must develop within ourselves the characteristics that allow us to be free from our limiting beliefs….compassion, empathy, kindness and non-judgment not only to others but also, and possibly more importantly to ourselves.”
~ Jenna Arnold
Benefits of Mindfulness Practice
Mindful Horsemanship-Riding Lessons
The goal of a mindful horsemanship is to begin to balance the student’s mind, body and spirit. We aim to incorporate body awareness exercises, groundwork, lunging, long lining, obstacles-challenge courses, ground poles, small cross rails, round pen work with standard arena riding and horsemanship. Instruction will emphasize, what the rider is feeling throughout a lesson, both physically and mentally. With practice, students will start to identify when their inner voice shows up and begin to identify patterns that are helpful or keeping them stuck. Together, we will develop a plan to work through some of these self imposed limitations so that you can fulfill your potential as a horseman and rider.
The emotional and mental side of riding horses can make or break a performance. Elite athletes and performers understand that there is more to a peak performance than just physical training and working out. Are you nervous? Do you have anxiety? Do you struggle with negative self talk, self doubt? Do you have great rides/performances at home only to freeze up when it’s show time, test time? Do you want to have better communication skills? Looking for a deeper connections and relationships? Horses are great teachers and have a wonderful way of guiding towards and inner harmony.
We offer beginner to advanced lessons for all ages, you are never too young or old to start a relationship with a horse. Our youngest student is 18 months – Our Wisest is 80.
English (Balanced Classical Seat), Cross Rails, Dressage, Long Line, Ground Work, Join Up, Showmanship, Equitation, Obstacles, Pleasure, Driving, Side Saddle, Western, IEA Youth & Adult Teams, 4H, Pony Club …
Check out our Wellness & Educational Programs
Contact Us to Schedule a Ride Time Liz@WB-Farm.com