I have been working on ways to support students more and to provide some remote learning opportunities.
This has taken the form of :-
- A Facebook page
- Lessons with Mel – Facebook support group for students who have recently attended courses with me.
- Webinar DVD coaching – private coaching sessions
Facebook page
A way to connect students to each other, to provide inspirational quotes and educational savvy tips and to keep people informed and up to date about courses and activites. If you would like to stay connected go and LIKE the page. Louise Campbell has been helping me with this page and took many of the beautiful photographs that are on there. So far we have received amazing feedback, and are inspired to keep going with it, as we we have had posts on there shared and viewed by thousands and are receiving feedback from all over the world. Here is the link.
Connecting with Horses & Riding with Synchronicity.
Lessons with Mel
This a closed FaceBook group for students who have done courses with me. The idea of this group is that like minded and committed students can connect as well as being a supportive and educational group where students can ask me questions. Since most people often have similar questions, sharing the answer among everyone in the group is very helpful.
If you have done a “Connecting with Horses & Riding with Synchronicity” (CHRS) course with me and would like to join the group here is the link . Click the join button and then I can add you in.
Video Coaching
REMOTE LESSONS VIA WEBINAR
There are group or private webinar lesson options available.
In between courses and as a support when I can’t come to you and you can’t come to me there is VIDEO COACHING via webinar !!! This is an INVALUABLE LEARNING TOOL.
Here is how it works.
You send me a video, in the mail or you can send it via Youtube and keep it private (change the setting for that video to UNLISTED then you can send me a link) and then no one else can see it. We set up a time and we view the video together. The feedback from this coaching has been that it was extremely insightful and helpful. Even in some of the live courses I have been using video coaching or even just using still shots of photos to help students and they always comment that it is a very powerful learning tool to be able to see themselves and get feedback. The visual image can really help things click. Seeing the picture and then matching it to the feeling accelerates learning manifold.
The cost is $88 per private session. (4o minute web call and you submit up to 20 mins of video). I will watch the video first and make notes and then we go through it and watch it together.
Group webinar sessions
We can also do group webinars if people are open to sharing their video learning with others and all on the live call can ask questions.
Advantages of webinar lessons
No travelling time and expenses, do it in your own time frame when it suits you, get together with study buddies and film each other and stay focussed and progressive. The webinar coaching is perfect to be used as a support system in between the courses. When I only see people every 6 months or sometimes less, it is a long time in between getting feedback and coaching. Bad habits can sneak in or you are not progressive enough for your horse or yourself and I have heard it said that when we are not going forwards we are actually going backwards, and I think there is truth in this.
Uploading to YouTube:
The default setting for the time length of YouTube videos is 15 mins. Recently students have had trouble up loading videos that are more than 5 mins long. So what I suggest is uploading several short clips. Some students just send me several 2-3 min clips and just from this I can get a picture of what is happening and we can usually discuss things for a good 40 mins or more !!! So I would recommend sending several short clips. But total not more than 20 mins.
On the individual video (as opposed to the general settings) under VISIBILITY change the setting to UNLISTED if you don’t want anyone else to be able to view the video and then you just send me the link.
What you need:-
- You will need a fairly fast internet for our webinar lesson – if you can easily watch YouTube videos you should be fine.
- Phone so we can talk while we are viewing the video.
- Note paper – you may like to take some notes as we are viewing and discussing the video.
N.B.If the YouTube option is too confusing then you can put the video on a DVD disc and mail it to me, or if you are familiar with drop box you could send it via drop box after minimizing the file size a bit which can be done via Quicktime.
*****The better quality the video, the better quality feedback I can give you. This is not about the quality of the camera but about keeping zoomed in on you and your horse so you are not a distant speck in the background and keeping the camera as steady as possible – ideally using a tripod. Make sure the footage is given to me in real time not slow motion, without music and with as minimal editing as possible. This way you will get the best feedback for yourself and from me.
To book a video coaching lesson
Click here to Register online
Video Coaching Lesson $88.00
Phone Consultations
If you would prefer to just do a phone consultation without doing a video of yourself that is also possible. They are $44 per 1/2 hr. Email me to arrange a time.
Email Mel to book a session
For direct deposits make payments to :-
Synquest Pty Ltd Sales Acc.
BSB 082 842
Acc.# 189 434 768
(please put your name in for the details)
Testimonial from Paisley Walker
“Whilst I am very fortunate to have Mel teach at my property twice a year, I still find it very helpful to get video coaching in-between clinics to keep on track and get feedback on any new developments that may have arisen.
Whilst some may find videoing daunting, it is a great way to keep a record of your progress and to watch back and get another perspective on how you and your horse are looking. Often when I have questions or issues and make the effort to get someone to video me, in the process of watching it back I already have a deeper understanding of what is going right, and what might need some adjustment.
The footage can be posted to Mel, or uploaded unlisted onto YouTube, which is what I do. Then through the ‘power of technology’ which I don’t pretend to understand, you can arrange a time with Mel and she will pop up on your screen and talk you through what she can see whilst you watch the video back together. From there you can trouble shoot and make a plan. I am often amazed at how much detail Mel can see from a short video which is sometimes taken at a fair distance. She is still able to pick up on all the subtleties, like if you’re unknowingly blocking, pushing or leaning to one side – and it’s hard to deny what is on the screen 😉
Definitely a valuable resource to help you progress with your horsemanship and riding. “
If you have any questions please contact Mel