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About Tammy
Video Analysis
The Science & Art of Dressage HOME
Contact Info.

Lessons and Clinics

I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR LESSONS AND CLINICS... JUST EMAIL ME FOR INFORMATION ABOUT HOSTING A CLINIC IN YOUR AREA.



UPCOMING EVENTS:

I have several clinics coming up in late Spring through Summer & Fall.

Some will be KDA (Kentucky Dressage Assoc.) sponsored and held in Lexington, and the others will be held in or just outside Louisville.

All of them are dressage-based, but with different themes. Please email me for any interests or ideas.

All Clinics will be posted when confirmed!



PHILOSOPHIES & METHODS: ENYA

I offer lessons in Centered Riding techniques to help people ride dressage in a more efficient way. Sally Swift created Centered Riding many years ago. It is the art of learning how to ride the horse in accordance with the horse’s movement and biomechanical makeup. The premise is that the horse will mirror the rider’s body. If the rider has imbalances, the horse will begin to manifest the same issues. If the rider can put her body in the correct posture, then the horse will move more correctly. Yet, if the rider has her back arched and stiff, the horse will drop and stiffen his own back. This will not allow the horse to move correctly, making him harder to ride and possibly develop training, body, and behavioral issues.

It matters not what style of riding, Centered riding techniques will help you become in harmony and move more balanced with him, thus allowing him to move more freely and correctly. Centered Riding techniques are based on the principles of Tai Chi: by first becoming aware of what your body is trying to tell you, only then can you learn balance and harmony within yourself. Only when YOU can become flexible, supple, and balanced can your horse carry you in a correct manner and frame. It is not good enough to sit pretty, but you have to follow your horse correctly while in motion, maintaining that balance. Hanging onto the horse with your hands or legs is not the answer. And that is important in ANY riding discipline you choose. Riding a horse correctly will not only help his balance, but his training, attitude and conformation as well.

In summation: He will be happier, and you will be happier knowing you are BOTH having fun. It is important for the horse to move correctly, but he only can when the rider, as well, is moving correctly.

I have had over 15 years of personal and private lessons with a certified Centered Riding (CR) instructor Betty Lindquist. I have also been fortunate enough to have had wonderful clinics with two of Sally Swift 's Senior CR instructors, world-renowned Susan E. Harris and Wendy Murdoch.

Although I had been teaching, training, and showing for many years before these ladies came into my life, this became the time when I truly learned how the rider affects the horse, and how to become, "One with the horse". I developed the skill to analyze the rider’s body issues and how to fix them. I can correctly position and teach people how to ride in motion, in accordance with the horse’s own movement. Riding well, without resistance, is the key to good horsemanship. Learning how to affect the horse positively with your body is the key to great riding.

I offer lessons in any discipline, but Centered Riding techniques will be used for everything. It does not matter if you ride dressage, jump, go western, pleasure or trail . . . Through Centered Riding you will gain the balance and finesse you need to be a great rider.


Training . . . "Teaching" -- I prefer the word "teaching" as opposed to "training". Horses are intelligent and sensitive beings. "Teaching" implies 2-way communication, feed back, and understanding. When teaching a horse, as with anyone human, it is vital to use positive reinforcement as opposed to fear, pain, and intimidation. The word "training" has always had a negative connotation to me. I have always felt that "training" implies "by–any-means", rigid, and one-way-communication or bossiness. In thinking of training, most people tell horses what "not" to do; whereas, when reinforcing the progressive steps of good performance, the horse can begin to understand what you "want" them to do . . . teaching! They will pick up things much faster, feel more confidant, and learn in a calmer and respectful manner.

Consequently, I do not believe in body-manipulating gadgets. Educated "trainers" should really never need "head-setting" devices, such as tie-downs, running martingales, chambones, and severe bits. If they truly know what they are doing, then there is no need for these things. Gadgets were made to give a temporary "help" to riders to control their horses until a trainer could be found to analyze the root of the problem and then, through correct training, help the horse along to proper movement.

Yes, some wonderful trainers often use side reins, and if these aids are used correctly and tactfully, then they become a "helping-hand". Unfortunately, most riders (as well as some"trainers") do not realize that they do not know how to use them correctly. They create a trap for the horse, and a crutch for themselves, creating damaging problems to their horse’s neck, back, and joints. And then, often, behavior problems result or exacerbate. Gadgets can ruin a horse’s body, character, behavior, movement, and create a false sense of security for the rider. It is a downward spiral oftentimes.

Sometimes, getting the horse out of the contraptions can take an "act-of-god". I can help you train your horse without these things. And if you are "stuck" with these devices, I will help you get rid of them and get you both back onto the road to proper movement and happiness. It does not matter what style you want to ride; classical dressage (the French word for training) will help your horse develop proper muscles, teach him how to carry himself in a comfortable frame, and help him to communicate with you on a higher level.

Once the basics are achieved, I can teach your horse any style of riding you wish, according to his conformation and willingness. You will learn how to properly ask for his movements, gaits, and frames, whether you want him to move more upright or level, go show-hack, or western pleasure (but only in a sound, correctly-moving way) . . . For instance: My trainer’s retired Grand Prix Morgan missed the show ring. She decided to take him to the World Morgan show, entering him in western pleasure classes. She asked for collected trot and collected canter (instead of the dogged jog and 4-beat lope), and won every class! Everyone thought he was phenomenal and wondered where he came from. She just replied, "The dressage ring."

You do not have to demoralize your horse to fit into the "fads" of what is "hot-moving" right now. If he is truly moving correctly within the chosen discipline, the judges should see it and reward him for it. If they do not, then shame on them.

I would never sacrifice my horse’s good movements or soundness for a ribbon or money. Although money is a great motivator for most people, you have to decide where YOU stand on the issue. I will NOT teach with gadgets, force, or take shortcuts. If you are looking for that, then go elsewhere. But if you truly want to learn how to work WITH your horse and achieve brilliance and joy in his movement, then let me help you.

Note: I ride my Arabs (green horses as well as my upper level horses) bareback with a bitless bridle. They are soft, correct, and responsive. I love riding them that way, and I feel that they love it as well! And it is not "hacking or plodding" around -- they are working in a correct frame because I am communicating with my body and breathing, not my hands.
Email me for availability in my schedule to meet your needs.

CIRCLESOFHORSES@GMAIL.COM