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Jennifer's
foundations in classical dressage and natural horsemanship would
at first glance seem to be two very different schools of thought
when it comes to training horses. Classical dressage is a method
steeped in tradition and is currently the standard of excellence
in competitive dressage. Natural horsemanship is as old as the
relationship between horse and man but has resurfaced in recent
years and is considered by many to be the ultimate in creating
a strong and lasting relationship with a horse. Both methods,
however different they may seem, are based on similar concepts
which allow a harmonious partnership without the use of force,
intimidation, or mechanics and teach the rider to work with,
not against the horse. |
"A
horse is a thing of such beauty... none will tire of looking
at him so long as he dispays himself in his splendor".
---
Xenophon, 450 B.C. |
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The
origins of these methods lie in the natural ability of the horse
and its movements in the wild. In fact, most definitions of
both methods state that the goal is to have the horse perform
under saddle with the degree of athleticism, grace and playfulness
that it naturally shows when free. This origin also points out
why Jennifer believes that every healthy horse, regardless its
breed, can be trained to perform these movements and forge trusting
relationships with human beings as strong as those they create
between the members of their herd. The psychological dimension
is all too often ignored or neglected, although it is every
bit as important as the physical one. Understanding how to bring
out this althleticism, grace and playfulness can only be achieved
without force, and thus must employ the use of a greater understanding
of equine psychology, behavior and needs. Jennifer has spent
a great portion of her life studying horse behavior. Jennifer
teaches the mind and the language of the horse, giving students
the tools to become closer and more understanding of horses,
and the knowledge to have leadership with horses like they have
never experienced before. |
"The
beauties of the horse reside in the nobleness, the grace, the
boldness of his movements, their splendid achievement, their
energy. The beautiful horsemanship, in its delicacy and its
good taste, seeks the development of these gifts belonging to
the horse, and not in perverting them. It is nature which we
take as a guide, and not the extraordinary, the eccentric which
we seek."
--- General Alexis L'Hotte, 1895 |
These
philosophies are universal, reaching into multitudes of disciplines
and helping horses and owners from the recreational trail rider
to the highest levels of all types of competition. Not only
has Jennifer produced national-level competitors using these
techniques, she has been able to rehabilitate countless "hopeless"
horses and turn them into safe and reliable partners for a human
that decided to give them another chance. From sour competition
horses, agressive horses, timid horses, the quirky to the extreme,
Jennifer has helped horses and their owners find common ground.
As
oppossed to "breaking" horses, Jennifer's philosophy
of trust, communication, and respect with the horse ensures
far greater results and in a substantially shorter amount of
time. The product of this approach is a horse who wants to be
with you and work for you -- the relationship with your horse
that you always dreamed was possible. |
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Jennifer's Philosophy
