Horse landlord or Soccerplayer?

A gift for both is showed by Michéle

Already while standing in front of the gate I was filled with enthusiasm but as I entered I was at a loss for words. I have never seen such a beautiful Ranch. The horses grazed on the pasture and they looked content. I was welcomed very nicely and right away I had the feeling that I was included. Every time I saw how happy the horses were I automatically became happier.

I choose to do this practicum because I would like to become horse landlord someday. At the Ranch I wanted to improve my basic knowledge of horses, which was very successful. I learnt so much and I now know more than before, which was very important to me and will surly help me with my schooling later on. For example, I was showed how to train a young horse and how to conduct ground work. The work with the mares and their foals was so rewarding since the development of the young animals could be seen as the week progressed, it was simply inspiring. I was happy to spend so much time working with the horses.

My expectations have been fulfilled thanks to my fabulous leader Gina and my sympathetic boss Petra and of course her husband Tom. I even found the aupair really nice as well as the sport loving children.

Herewith I would like to thank you once again for the wonderful experience I had here. The thanks comes from the heart because you all really did help me so much and I will never forget that.

Love Michéle

The horse – the best judge!

Philippe Karl and Dr. Gerhard Heuschmann

The event started with a presentation by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann about the functional biomechanics of a horse. Even though this topic was very dry and serious Dr. Heuschmann was able to show us; through films and examples; how horses with various types of training are all ridden different and far off from the classical riding principle.

Afterwards Philippe Karl explained the basic meaning of training a horse as a rider from the horses back.

After lunch practical demonstrations were held. To build on the classic presentation Peter Pfister showed us the foundation of ground and communication work.

During the practical part the horses were introduced by their owners and then the problems of the horse / rider were analyzed and solutions were found. For this Philippe Karl rode a horse that had; to that point in time; only been ridden by an 18 year old with spurs on. He showed us the principle horse correct way to ride by turning the horse’s steps into beautiful strides.

For that you most certainly need a lot of work experience and natural instinct.

The last event of the meeting was a commented presentation by the riders from Philippe Karls riding school Légèreté. Here it was shown what different average horses could do when being trained by the use of the riding school philosophy at Légèreté.