Friendly Trails

Description

Our program focuses on developing gentle leadership for both horses and humans. This highly effective approach to human/equine interaction is modeled after a long-time Friendly Trails lesson horse named Jeff. As herd leader, Jeff always got the results he wanted - but never used kicking, biting or any aggressive behavior. Instead Jeff clearly demonstrated his intent, and from this he was able to consistently get the reactions he desired. Through learning to communicate clear intent, we are able to practice a gentle but unquestioned leadership role. Obviously we put the greatest emphasis on developing leadership in our human students. We also employ a heavy use of body work, such as feldenkreis and t-touch, to make the horse feel very good while simultaneously requiring him to be submissive. The horse learns he is rewarded for being relaxed, attentive and responsive. Because we use the holistic lens, we are always thinking of all the people and horses in our program. We consider the horses and students as a single herd, looking out for each other and always working cooperatively, with a goal of health and happiness for every member of the group. For example all the horses get out at least twice a day, and are all groomed and handled at least once daily. Another aspect of the holistic approach is to involve the work of a top treatment team. In addition to the trainer, Friendly Trails employs a body worker, a chiropractor, a trimmer and a vet...

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