Tellington TTouch Training offers a gentle approach to the care and training of horses, dogs, cats, domestic and exotic animals. Developed by internationally recognized animal expert, Linda Tellington-Jones, PhD (Hon), a teacher, trainer, and author of 19 books in 13 languages on the Tellington TTouch Method, this method is based on cooperation and respect for all animals and their people. The Tellington Method is comprised of a combination of four components ( TTOUCH bodywork, Playground for Higher Learning Ground Exercises, Tools, Riding with Awareness) and it based on two guiding maxims:
"Change the Posture: Change Your Horse" and "Change Your Mind & Change Your Horse"
It is a training approach that encourages optimal performance and well-being, based on the understanding that behavioral issues are often caused by pain, soreness, fear or tension in the body. This low-stress, logical method of dealing with horses seeks to take horses beyond instinctual reflexes and teach horses how to think and act rather than re-act to stimuli. Its aim is to help horses become more focused, confident, trusting and willing without fear or force. TTouch uses a light touch exploration to find areas in a horse’s body that indicate tension, fear of contact, soreness or discomfort. Specific touches and movements are applied to the horse's body to help release muscle tension, ease discomfort, and improve posture which leads to better mobility and performance. The foundation of the TTouch Method is based on the circle and 1/4, a circular movements of the fingers and hands performed with the intent is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence. The Playground for Higher Learning enable horses to override habitual patterns of posture and movement and to learn without fear or force. Changing postural patterns through movement helps retain the effectiveness of bodywork as well as change behavioral patterns associated with pain or tension. Ground work exercises in the “Playground for Higher Learning”, use a variety of obstacles (including labyrinth, ground poles and plastic) to help improve self-control, focus, self-confidence, cooperation, balance and coordination. Several unique ways of leading a horse provide opportunities for both horse and rider to increase their teamwork, balance and coordination which can then be transferred to work under saddle. Riders can also use Tools and Techniques such as the Balance Rein, Liberty Rein, Promise Wrap, Lindell (a bitless bridle), Line Driving and more to physically help improve their horses proprioception, physical connection and awareness on the ground and under saddle. Riding with Awareness combines Linda’s 50 years of teaching classical riding and her experience as a Feldenkrais practitioner. Riding with Awareness increases the comfort, performance and confidence of horse and rider by using unique tools and exercises. Starting Young Horses
Combining the four components of the Tellington TTouch Method (Bodywork, Groundwork, Tools and Riding with Awareness); we quietly educate young horses from their first interactions with people - to schooling under saddle; in a way that encourages confidence, cooperation, and awareness without jeopardizing the safety of horse and handler. Each year our Starting Young Horse clinics take participants of all levels through the steps of safely and effectively teaching young horses to be ridden, in a low-stress and comprehensive way. With Tellington TTouch training, horses often demonstrate marked improvement in athletic skills and increased willingness and ability to perform. Not only does the horse benefit, but a deeper rapport grows between horse and rider because of better understanding, more effective communication and cellular harmony. The TTEAM Method is used by many world renowned trainers and riders including Klaus Balkenhol (Olympic Dressage Rider); Frederic Pignon (Rider/Trainer of Cavalia); Ingrid Kilmke (Olympic 3-Day Rider/Trainer); Anne Kursinski (US Show Jumper); and Becky Hart (World Champion Endurance rider) and more.. Anyone who shares their life with animals can use the Tellington Method :-)
Check our trainings at:
http://ttouch.com/horseAnnouncements.shtml
