2 DAY RIDING SIMULATOR COURSES

LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 8 PARTICIPANTS

2015 DATES: 7/8 February, 21/22 March

optional ridden lessons available on the Friday and Monday before and after.

Contact karin@overdale-equestrian.co.uk for booking

OR

http://www.overdale-equestrian.co.uk

Arrive Saturday morning for a 10am start. After brief introductions get an initial 'read out' of your riding biomechanics on the simulator. A re-alignment from the coaches, both on and off the horse, starts the learning process. Their hands-on input meshes with the visual feedback of the mirrors and the simulator's computer print-out, making a potent mix! Intersperse work on the simulator with exercises on various pieces of equipment designed to develop balance and core strength. These are enlightening, challenging and fun! As well as a new 'take' on riding skills, you will also have before and after photographs, and a sheaf of computer print-outs to show your friends! The weekend is suitable both for novice and nervous riders and for skilled professional riders. It ends at 4pm on Sunday.
 

Be prepared for an interesting ride! Our new state-of-the-art riding simulator improves skill, and sheds light on the key issues of riding. By illuminating what it is that skilled riders actually do, the simulator breaks through the myths and confusion which surround ‘talent’, making it clear that a horse-friendly, influential seat is based on specific biomechanical patterns that the simulator can help you learn.

The simulator trots and also canters on each lead, with much more life-like gaits than others. These paces can be adjusted in many ways, and can be made more or less powerful depending on the needs of the rider. The simulator contains very sophisticated sensors which it uses to give computerised feedback on each of the three planes of motion. It also measures rein tension and the consistency of the contact.

On the up/down plane, it measures the variations in your weight as you bump (or not!).

On the back/front plane it measures whether you are ahead or behind the horse’s centre of gravity, and whether you are driving or retarding (the equivalent of pushing on the horse from behind or in front).

On the side/side plane, it shows if you are sitting in a way that weights the left or right side.

A skilled rider sits very still, and stays on the ideal balance point, creating the print-out in each gait that defines skilled riding. Working with the simulator will give everyone the opportunity to get a print-out on their initial biomechanics, and to see in further print-outs the improvements they have achieved.

In working with the simulator we also draw on the visual feedback of mirrors placed to the front and side, and we utilize hands-on work to sculpt the body and offer various resistances. This helps to isolate different muscles and build isometric strength, which is the key to precise, effective, rider biomechanics. Working with the simulator gives a clear ‘feel’ of co-ordinations which yield a more horse-friendly seat, and a clearer feeling for riding itself. For some (especially in canter) it has the advantage of removing the fear-factor. It is quite tiring, and is best used repeatedly for short periods of time.

One of the greatest advantages of the simulator is the opportunity for coaches to work hands-on whilst the rider is in motion. The various forms of feedback it offers combine to create a powerful mix, and we add to it some other tools and pair exercises for improving balance and core stability. A static saddle, the Balimo chair, Physioballs, wobble boards, Bodyblades, etc. offer some highly relevant, interesting, and fun challenges that participants can rotate between. As the weekend progresses, more challenging equipment and exercises are added. They will keep everyone not just occupied, but also repatterning their bodies whilst having fun! Both days are spent cycling between various activities, and remarkably it is often the off-horse learnings have the most profound effect on the simulator print-outs. You will come away with answers to the questions that have always bugged you, and to others that you had not even thought of asking, and will leave looking and feeling very different! We also use the Heartmath computer program to help participants discover 'The Zone'.

There is a maximum of eight participants on each weekend. They will be taught throughout by two Ride With Your Mind coaches, who have particular skills in hands-on work, and specific training in the use of the simulator and other equipment. Karin Major will definitely be one of them, and she will be assisted by either Mary Wanless, Dorothy Marks, or Lynda Davey.

Cost: £200, (lunch not included). To book contact Karin@overdale-equestrian.co.uk

Optional extra, Individual Feldenkrais Lessons with Karin Major, £48 each.

Accommodation can be arranged with local families, min 2 nights (£20.00/night); if wanting one night only please use local B&Bs. See Dates, Costs, Accn for more details.

If you wish to stay in the village for an extra night and have a ridden lesson with Karin Major on Monday, the cost is £48. Please indicate interest on booking form. Times and school horses will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis