Fine Riding and Horsemanship

Riding for advanced and beginners

Our motto 'Understand your horse-ride harmoniously'

We would like to show you how to ride in harmony and without a bit. Our 4 day course is a perfect opportunity for those who would like to discover this method and even for those who already found that pathway. During intensive sessions, you will learn a lot about the horse's way of being.

'Only when you spend endless hours in the saddle, you will learn how to ride'. True - riding is a matter of exercise, the more time you spend in the saddle the more feeling you will develop. Technique can be learned to perfection and practice makes perfect…

'Riding starts before the riding'.

For us riding does not start in the saddle, it starts on the ground. We start with teaching our students the day-to-day handling of a horse and some other techniques that are of paramount importance to establish a real relationship with the horse. They are the foundation and the preparation for riding.

Horses already have an opinion of you the very first time you approach them, based the way you approach them. Gestures and body language allow horses to 'read' you. They judge your competence in a very decisive way and you will have to prove yourself to them. The better you learn their language on the ground, the more successful you will be in the saddle.

You will be surprised how many facets 'learning how to ride' contains.

Beginners and advanced will be divided in separate groups. We will analyse your level before placing you in a group.

Are you a beginner?

Perhaps you have never approached a horse but it has always been your dream to do so? Advisable to people who would like to start again after a long break.

What will you be learning?

It is important for us to teach you the very basics of how to handle a horse. It might look silly, but horses are prey animals and your safety comes first! We will show you how to open the gate to the stable or field, to halter, the best way to lead the horse out of the door, and to attach and groom him. You will have to learn how to behave around him and to read the horse's own signs of relaxation or nervousness.

The first exercises will be on the ground. This will give you time to observe and understand the horse's way of thinking (some theory will help you with this as well). You will be given printouts and together we will analyze your video recordings.

Step by step, we will make you acquainted with the saddle, halter, bridle and rope. We will guide you into the ideal way to mount and dismount, to acquire a proper seat, to exercise balance, to place your weight correctly and what to do with your legs and reins. Most importantly, we will help you to perceive your body as well as the horse's. All these concepts will improve the quality of your riding into fine and 'consistent' riding.

Beginners will learn to ride bareback, with only one rein or with just a neck ring. It might even be fun to ride obstacles or just run beside the horse, and it is a great feeling to ride to music.

We offer you an opportunity to learn easily and we do our best to create a relaxed and stressless atmosphere.

Advanced or proud owner of a horse?

You have been around horses, you know how to walk, jog, trot, lope or gallop? You regularly go on rides? Then you belong in the group of advanced students.

Regardless of your 'riding style' our courses focus on the natural behavior of horses, their way of feeling and thinking. We always keep in mind their specific anatomy and physiology and the bio-mechanical correlations of their bodies.

Together, we will discuss your actual situation, your wishes and goals. Subsequently, we establish an individual program. Our goal is to give an understanding of our teaching concept and the ability for you to practice your newly acquired knowledge at home. This means that you will have to change some opinions and points of view, have the courage to do something different, let go of the old patterns and discover a new way to deepen your relationship with your horse, which will improve the quality of your riding.

Take advantage of our experience with groundwork: liberty in the round pen, handling the rope and halter, gymnastics on the double lunge line or the amazing principle of dual-activation, these are just a few of the highlights which will bring much variety and joy in your daily program.

Do you find it hard to believe your horse can be ridden bit-less? Now it is time to try this out with us! Would you like to give bareback and bit-less riding a try? We will help you!

Do not hesitate to pass by at any time to observe our training sessions and form an opinion on our methods.

You can participate with your own horse or with one of our 'school' horses.

Markus & Andrea Eschbach Tel. +41 (0)78 892 16 22
Mail: info@eschbach-horsemanship.com
www.eschbach-horsemanship.com

Riding Center:

Farmers Place
Gewerbestrasse 111
CH-5314 Kleindöttingen
www.farmers-place.ch