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Connected work improves everything we do with horses.
It takes you from a language of concepts, to sensations of feel.
Editor's Note
Hello, Are you new to Connected Riding
®, or do you teach it to others? Click "Newcomers Start Here" above, for a first edition of the new Newcomer's document. If you have questions, comments or improvements, we would love to hear from you:
goodj@peak.org.
Happy Holidays,
Judy Good
Our cover photo:
Classico will be 24 in the spring. He is an Appaloosa/Andalusian cross.
Sue Falkner-March
bought him when he was 14, and he became her "lab" for learning the Connected work.
With Peggy's encouragement he has developed into a more responsive and lovely fellow who has learned to use his body better every year.
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Inside
Susan's Notes 2
What's Hot!
Holiday Special
Coming Events
Rider Position
Quiz 3
Language
Less is more 4
'Tis the season to remember to remember, caring for each other, our equine partners, and ourselves.
Peggy
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Hello Connected Riders
2016 has been a year of contrasts and choices.
This was a year that called me out on how much more I can learn about the art of rebalancing. The challenge of overseeing the future of the horses I was asked to care for, as well as other unforeseen losses and changes, reminded me that, although I teach others how to rebalance, it is something, I too, must continually practice.
Being humbled is part of being a teacher, and I was humbled this year. I am in awe of what it takes to release, what it takes to make difficult yet necessary decisions, and what it takes each of our students, human and equine, to change a habit and do something differently. Every time I wonder what I am going to teach, the stream of information is sparked when I put my hands on a horse, watch a horse move, observe riders or hear their questions.
When I wonder what effect the work is having, all I have to do is speak to one of our instructors, practitioners, or practitioners-in-training, and listen to their stories, and I remember how powerful this work is. I feel the gratitude because I love what I do and I love being of service.
I urge each of you to check out the Newcomer information, so beautifully crafted by Judy Good, our newsletter editor, and share it with someone who is seeking Connection! Also, please invite your riding instructor or others you know to join us for our February riding instructor workshop gathering. It promises be a very special kick off event.
Peggy
Take your time
"I know it takes thought and will to overcome old habits and establish newer, healthier ones. But the rewards are so great. Just take your time. There's no timetable for success. By allowing both you and your horse to progress at a comfortable pace, you'll have a much greater chance of forming a rewarding partnership that lasts.
"
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What's Hot
Holiday Special
School of Connected Riding 101 Course
Workshop for Instructors
Northwest Horse Show and Expo
"This year, let your winter solstice celebration be an occasion to look deeply at small things, to feel at home in the world and to be just where you belong."
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From the desk of
Susan.
Reflections 2016~
It has been both an intense and exhilarating year. The unexpected responsibility for five horses, strenuous preparation for the CR horse expo and event, and running our membership organization as well as beginning the new non-profit school, brought many insights and lessons along the way.
For me, as 2016 draws to a close, the brightest light shining is the strength of our CR teaching team, such talented and amazing individuals! I am heartened by their commitment to each other, connected work, and the evolution and integration of Connected Riding through each of them.
I am also very excited for Peggy and me to be receiving the gifts and benefits of having such committed help with our mission; especially our business manager and "wonder woman" Stephanie Jacobson, our newsletter editor-in-chief Judy Good and the new CEI task committees who are helping with improving our message and our delivery of services to horses and riders worldwide.
2017 promises to bring some new upgrades to Connected Riding, beginning with our brand new workshop offering for all riding instructors.
Blessings to all for more peace, tolerance, and understanding in the New Year. Thank you to the horses and all of our animals for giving us the awareness of being more humane.
Susan
Holiday Special
(see coupon below)
We are offering a $5 discount on our medium sized halters, if purchased before December 31st, 2016. See the Coupon (below) for a link to the Web store to read about the uniqueness of this halter.
Enjoy!
We are also happy to announce we have fixed our shipping issues and have lowered the shipping costs.
We have re-tooled our SCRT 101 course to be just a bit easier for
folks to access, both time and money-wise. It is very different than a regular riding clinic type of learning, because it is much more intensive, step by step specific sequence.
This is designed for people who want to know why and how Connection works, and how to take it back to their horses and students and have a place to start making changes.
Open to all riders wanting more for themselves and their horse.
Oregon 101 ~ January 13-16, 2017 Limited Space
Spain 101 ~ January 27-30, 2017
England 101 ~ 2017 ~ Let us know if you are interested.
Workshop for Riding Instructors 2.17.17 in Oregon
Riding instructors - this workshop will help you enrich your program! Two things that we'll be highlighting in 2017 will be a specific workshop for all riding instructors and a targeted invitation for all riders at the intermediate and advanced levels.
Instructors will learn tips for supporting your students' balance and position, among many other things.
Riders will have an opportunity to see what Connected Riding has to add to their performance. This coincides with the development of our SCRT 200 level curriculum.
March 24,25,26 Albany, Oregon
Peggy is a keynote clinician doing 3 lectures and 2 arena presentations with Diane Sept, senior CR instructor and a team of practitioners from Oregon. Look for her presentation topics in our January newsletter!
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Rider Position quiz
Connected Rider
Pelvis is neutral.
Pelvis is tilted forward.
yes to - 1,3,4,5,7,10,12,14, 15,17,20,22,24
Pocket Sitter
Pelvis is tilted backward.
yes to - 2,5,8,13,18,19, 21,23,24
Pelvis is hyper-mobile.
yes to - 6,9,11,16,24
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What Kind of Rider Are You?
[Editor's note: this is an excerpt from the new
"Most people find that feeling harmony for the first time is a moving experience. It's like dancing a waltz with the perfect partner - you don't want it to end." Peggy
Number 1-24 on a piece of paper, and answer yes or no
t
o each question.
- Do you hollow your back?
- Do you ride with a fairly straight arm?
- Does your leg go back to cue?
- Do you put weight on the stirrup to get your heels down?
- Do you clench your jaw? Do you hold your breath?
- Does your pelvic position vary from front to back?
- Do you have low back pain
- Are your feet placed in front of your hips?
- Is it difficult to get your horse to listen to your cues?
- Do you have pain in your shoulders or discomfort between your shoulder blades?
- Do you slump or arch in different situations?
- Do you squeeze your hands or bend your wrists?
- Is your pelvis positioned back?
- Do you separate your hands to get the horse to round?
- Do you constantly lose one stirrup?
- Do your hips rock back and forth trying to absorb the horse's movement?
- Do you ride "chest up," shoulders back?
- Do you sit against the movement, especially in transitions?
- Do you slump your sternum and rib cage when you sit?
- Is your pelvis positioned forward?
- Do you press in stirrups, especially in transitions?
- Do you have discomfort in your hips, knees or ankles?
- Do you ride with long stirrups?
- Do you have any muscle pain when you ride?
If you answered "no" to more than 20 of the questions,
you're probably a Connected Rider. Congratulations!
Visit www.Connected Riding.com to find books, tools,
instructors and practitioners to help you understand your
riding position.
"...everything flows from
or is restricted by your seat."
Peggy
(From
Connected Riding®- An Introduction
.) 3.
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The Language of Connection
"When you've had a successful session, remember to show yourself and your horse some appreciation - a hug or a nice neck rub for him and maybe a relaxing bath or a few chapters of a good book for you - anything that reminds both of you that life is better when it's lived without stress." PC
Defining words and phrases is critical to the understanding of the work.
Less is More
"Once people feel the connection with the horse and then lose it again (we all do and often), the natural tendency is to push to get it back. This is the time to think, "Let go, release." If you become frustrated, remember your mind may be getting in the way more than your body. Take a minute to just sit there, put your knees up on the pommel, tune into your breathing and buoy. After a few minutes you may be able to go on. If not, just stop. These frustrating times are not failures - they're stepping stones. Just relax and accept the value of where you are at the moment. You are in the process of releasing old patterns."
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