Holistequine Holistic Horsemanship - Riding with one heart and one mind

Horse Report, June 2007

Owning a horse offers an amazing opportunity for developing personal potential, and by exploring this path we allow for growth and a magical union between horse and rider. The belief is that if one works to improve oneself it will flow onto the horse and have a positive effect on that horse's demeanour and mindset. A horse must be "conscious" at all times; this has meant survival for him. The horse regards a rider's lack of consciousness as dangerous.

Through a series of exercises we take the rider to a "state of conscious awareness" and "heightened communication" we call this state the Metazone. In his practiced state we have a constant connection to our horse and absolute control; we have this not only in the equine world but as an added bonus we have control of, and better communication within our personal lives also.

The "Metazone" is achieved through developing a strong sense of SELF in both horse and rider; here we balance a "comfort zone" based on physical control with creating "independent energy zone" for horse and rider. An inner strength and a powerful sense of self is the only aspect that our horse is really interested in; everything else follows on from that.

Our horse and rider profiling give us a deeper understanding of what makes horse and rider "tick" Knowledge is power and the more we understand the complexities of ourselves and our horse the more we can change the outcome positively.

This technique is established initially through a series of ground exercises and carried over to "dressage training" with bitless riding. This represents the ultimate challenge for and rider, that is to have the mind of the stallion and the heart of the head mare. Men have an advantage here (notice the wonderful male horseman) this is because men are not complicated by a sensitive hormonal/emotional system that women have so can claim their "stallion" half of the equation more readily. However we can now use this "sensitivity" as an asset in our horse related skills.

If a rider does not have a strong sense of self the horse will not "trust" and this will be displayed as behavioural problems.

We cannot fear anything we know; at Holistequine we learn to "know" our horse and through this mirror of our horse we learn to "know" ourselves. This equates to a unique sense of connection and a feeling of riding through oneness. It is the only way to be safe and the only safe way to be.

Past emphasis has been on the physical aspect of what the rider can expect the horse to do with physical aids (bits, ropes whip etc) and boundaries (arenas, round yards) used first and foremost to gain control. This means that primarily we have had "control" through a "mental" approach to our horse. While this is quite correct from a safety aspect we see now how we can build up this safety in "the other half of the equation" that is to build a strong sense of self in the rider.

Our mind carries all our deepest fears and insecurities whereas our visions, dreams and a belief in ourself is housed in a place deep within our core energy centre; i.e. our Solar Plexus. This is the energy centre that gives us the other half of our "powerhouse" and is our energetic seat of will, determination and intuition and is revealed in our quest to know our horse.

The Holistequine method recognises that the power of riding comes equally from the inside OUT. Riders attend clinics to improve their "seat", "core" and balance which are important; BUT just as important is the internal "seat of power". In these programs we learn how the personal energy field and the emotional body of the rider affects the horse's performance. The Holistic technique is continuously evolving and the past few years has seen a dramatic effect on all horses. It is especially valuable when starting a young horse. As a 2 year old my Lipizzaner filly fell in love with this method and is developing into an extremely loving, confident, trusting horse because of it.

"I believe Holistequine and the WBI programme to be the most Powerful and Personally Empowering system I have ever experienced second to none to all other 'natural horsemanship' programmes and teachings I have undertaken and studied so far and this includes clinics with some of the 'greats' in this area. For seekers of truth (through the horse incorporating the WBI programmes principles in action) I believe is the most successful way to achieve true 'partnership' through mind, body and soul and the horse being the perfect medium for this to be accomplished through their pure energy. This experience doesn't seem so unattainable through Holistequine and the WBI system. It has changed my life for the better forever in such a short period of time." (Katie L (student), Yandina)

Holistequine's mission is to help connect the soul of horse and rider; for nothing outside of our self can ever feel as good as something that comes from within.

For riders who wish to find out more about Equine Assisted Therapy with the view to becoming an Equine Assisted Life Coach please call us for details

For more detailed information about our classes, workshops and online horse courses visit www.holistequine.com or call Veronica on Ph. 07 55 78 2697 e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it