“Banyandah” (via Howlong), NSW/VIC border – 2 courses Dec 4-6, 8-12

Connecting & Fundamental Feel in Ground Skills.
Dec 4-6

( The preparatory course for the Postural Development, Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Ground Work Therapy course.)

Three full days to immerse yourself in learning the philosophy and techniques of "Connecting with  Horses and Riding with Synchronicity". This Ground Skills course is the most important of  all the courses I teach. It sets the foundation of concepts and principles from which all the rest is built. It is essential for all who are new to my teaching and whether you are a beginner or had years of experience I believe it will be of great benefit to you. This course will begin to teach you how to understand horse's minds, emotions and their physical bodies. It also goes deeper into the spiritual nature of horses and the spiritual connection between horses and humans.  This course teaches the core principles of centering, breathing, body scanning, energy awareness and body language which are all essential keys to success with horses.  Begin the journey to becoming a "true" horseman. "True" meaning with the qualities that the horses themselves would choose to have in a horseman. Whilst we acknowledge and work with the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of horses this course is very practical. Teaching a quality of FEEL in horsemanship handling that most people never learn in a life time. FEEL  is the HOLY GRAIL of horsemanship, it is the fundamental essence of all great horsemanship. Some believe that it can never be taught but I have found a way.

Here is what you can learn at this course:

Connect with your horse's heart and mind and hear what horses have to say. Learn to listen

Learn the principles and qualities of great leadership

Learn the art of nonverbal communication - thoughts, energy and body language

Learn how horses learn

Learn the ever elusive and commonly unteachable qualities of FEEL - mental, emotional, physical and energetic feel

Learn how to problem solve and understand your horse to resolve any behavioral/training issues that you are having.

Develop safe horse handling skills and habits on the ground to set you up for any activity or  handling that you may need on the ground and which translate into aids and skills needed in riding .

Learn techniques on the ground that all lead to horses using their bodies with healthy biomechanics and developing good posture and hindquarter engagement

Come along with or without your horse. Of course if you can bring your horse along your learning will be maximized as nothing beats hands on experience and having direct feedback from a supportive instructor to accelerate your learning. However the other option for attending these courses is to come and participate without a horse, in which case you would actively participate in all of the theory sessions, Q & A sessions, body awareness and balance sessions, healing sessions and simulations as well as  watch the demonstrations and observe those with horses practice and experiment with the exercises and tasks. All of these "non-hands on" with horses sessions actually make up a big percentage of the course which is why the pricing for those  wishing to come without their horse is approx. 50% of the full course fee. People coming without their horses are not just fence sitters. They get equal value to those bringing horses for at least 50% of the course.

Investment
The cost to come with your horse is $595 for the 3 days.  The cost to come without your horse is $80/day or $240 for 3 days.

Start & Finish Times 9:30-5:30

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a raw beginner and/or feel very unconfident or unsafe in handling or riding your horse please contact me before registering and booking into this course with your horse. No stallions without prior permission.

For questions regarding the course content, horsemanship or eligibility for the course contact Mel mel@melfleming.com Please scroll down for booking forms.

Dec 8-12 Intermediate Level

Participants in this course will have needed to have previously attended an Introductory clinic with me. On some occasions people may request permission to attend by submitting a video of themselves working with their horse on the ground and riding. Please email me for details regarding this.

The content of this course will be based upon the following, but will be adapted to specifically target the needs of the horses and riders that are attending.

We will begin by reviewing, expanding and improving upon the concepts learned in the Introductory course.

Then advance the ground skills with more precision, more responsiveness and with a better understanding of the biomechanics of the horse. Explore transitions, changes of direction, sideways and also using longer lines.

Both you and your horse will develop confidence which means safety and better performance.

Learn exercises to improve rider balance and learn more details about riding dynamics and how to flow with the horse in perfect harmony, this includes learning about trot diagonals and canter leads.

Learn about posture, self carriage, balance and biomechanics for both the horse and rider and how to enhance these through ground work and riding. Start to develop HQ engagement and collection in the horse.

Some more specific areas of learning would be :-

Reading and understanding your horse more accurately.
Deepening your Connection with your horse, developing intuitive communication.
Getting your horse more calm, connected, responsive and athletic.
Developing Feel, Energy awareness and how to use energy.
Becoming clear  and more precise with Body Language.
Using ground skills as a diagnostic tool and for your horse's emotions and  as physical therapy for your horse.
Using obstacles to create visually clear mental pictures and "games" to help your horse learn.
Putting ground skills to purpose eg. trailer loading, crossing bridges, creeks etc.
How to better "go with" your horses movement.
Helping the horse to better follow your focus and line of direction.
Riding from your centre with a unified body.
Refining your aids, by using your body more and the reins less.
Learning meditation techniques to clear emotions and heal your horse and yourself - mentally, emotionally and physically.
Learning bodywork and horse care practices to improve your horse's physical health and well being as well as improve and develop their physical capability, athleticism and performance.

Come along with or without your horse. Of course if you can bring your horse along your learning will be maximized as nothing beats hands on experience and having direct feedback from a supportive instructor to accelerate your learning. However the other option for attending these courses is to come and participate without a horse, in which case you would actively participate in all of the theory sessions, Q & A sessions, body awareness and balance sessions, healing sessions and simulations as well as  watch the demonstrations and observe those with horses practice and experiment with the exercises and tasks. All of these "non-hands on" with horses sessions actually make up a big percentage of the course which is why the pricing for those  wishing to come without their horse is approx. 50% of the full course fee. People coming without their horses are not just fence sitters. They get equal value to those bringing horses for at least 50% of the course.

Investment
The cost to come with your horse is $990 for the 5 days. The cost to come without your horse is $80/day or $400 for 5 days. 

Start & Finish Times 9:30-5:30

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a raw beginner and/or feel very unconfident or unsafe in handling or riding your horse please contact me before registering and booking into this course with your horse. No stallions without prior permission.

For questions regarding the course content, horsemanship or eligibility for the course contact Mel mel@melfleming.com Please scroll down for booking forms.

Private Sessions - Lessons, Saddle fitting & BALANCE saddle test rides, PEMF Bodywork sessions

Private lessons  ($110/hr), Saddle fittings and opportunities to test ride the BALANCE saddles are available on request. Saddle fittings with the BALANCE saddles take 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. cost $150. 

For questions regarding the course content, horsemanship or eligibility for the course contact Mel  mel@melfleming.com.a

Course Venue

Banyandah has wonderful facilities and accommodation for both horse and rider. For more information about the venue and accommodation contact:-

Jane Reid horseheaven@albury.net.au (02) 6026-8800  0428 537 977

Banyandah is a very beautiful horsemanship facility situated on the Murray River with a big variety of riding arenas, open paddocks, bushland  and horse play and riding areas. There is also great accommodation onsite or  the option of camping.  Catering for lunch and dinner is available with extremely delicious gourmet cooking.   I highly recommend staying on site and taking advantage of the catering  so you stay fully immersed in the relaxed atmosphere to support your learning.