Rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection — in that order.
Rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection — in that order.
My Program
My program is fully developed around each individual horse/rider or pair and follows the classical training scale with a holistic horsemanship twist.
My main goal is always to create confident, trusting horses who genuinely enjoy their jobs and use their bodies to their fullest potential to support health and longevity. I allow the horses to set the pace of progress, and I believe in clear, consistent communication. With each horse I focus first and foremost primarily on tension release, nervous system regulation, and true biomechanic function and physical awareness. I place importance on proprioception, positive posture, understanding of one’s environment, and trust in body and human.
Each horse will learn to regulate their emotional state through the help of the rider, and how to openly communicate and receive information. Riders will learn to listen to their horses and adequately support them with softness and finesse.
The horses will learn how to correctly place their feet and travel in accurate symmetrical balance for their individual conformation, to reach into the full extent of their movement and access suspension and true thoroughness. We will correctly strengthen the thoracic sling and focus on specific musculoskeletal systems that train the body to properly carry itself and the rider. We will find homeostasis and balance with subtlety and accuracy. Bringing horses to their most natural state to build strength and condition for healthy and happy horses that last.
Riders will learn to be soft, correct, and biomechanically functional. You will learn how your body and energy affects your horses and how to properly support without micromanaging. Letting go of control to gain control and allowing trust and honest feedback from the horse in order to truly connect on a deeper and more impactful level.
In whatever discipline or direction you would like to go with your horses, we will fine tune the details that make the difference.
Why this system?
Rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection — in that order.
During my time in Europe I was able to clearly identify the source of so many issues we encounter with horses as tension or stress. I was face to face with a system that was contradicting itself, and have since developed a program that follows the true ideals of classical training without the hypocrisy of pressure.
I believe that riding is hard enough, and the industry has grown to demand an immense amount of pressure from both horse and rider.
I believe in a world where we can achieve upper level success without compromising the welfare or physical/mental state of either partner. If we’re unable to move up the levels without sacrificing correctness, we don’t do it- it’s just that simple!
As a competitor at heart and someone with a passion for horses I would love to see the day where both worlds can blend and we see correct, harmonious, effortless, and fluid riding back in the arena. I think it is possible for pairs to perform well and enjoy the company of one another, even in intense or unpredictable atmospheres.
What does a session look like?
Sessions are completely determined by the horse. I will evaluate each horse on any given day, establish a mental plan of progression, and allow them to steer the direction of progress with mutual respect.
With each horse I have a system for foundational training which includes groundwork and an incorporation of cranio-sacral therapy and acupressure modalities. I first teach the horses to establish positive posture and release tension. From there we transfer the same relaxation and balance into work mode and under saddle exercise and training.
It is important for me that the horses are able to maintain a base level of relaxation through all increased physical expenditure and always go home feeling happy and successful.
Work ethic, behavior and focus ability go hand in hand with a balanced nervous system so we will build strength step by step correctly and accurately, at whatever pace we are presented with.
I set realistic standards and expectations and work towards goals with true systematic intention.
Testimonials
“Sadie is one of those people who is wise beyond her tender young years. She has such a keen intuitive sense of horse energy and, in a way, can read their minds just by her surgically precise way of interpreting each ear twitch, the look of the eyes, the tension in the shoulder, the posture, when they took their last breath and when they’re holding their breath. She can tell where their attention is at any given moment. She has the kind of knowledge of horses that most people work a lifetime to acquire. And it’s all based on the energy of the horse, NOT the human, even though the human definitely has an influence.
She enters into the horse’s world when she works with them, with no agenda or timeline, and definitely no rushing through their sticky spots. She gives them time to process and come to their own conclusion, right or wrong (human judgement). In so doing, the horse begins to manage his own body and emotions, not have it managed by the owner or trainer.
So many people say they do this, but Sadie actually does.”
Janet Bochiccio
“My daughters have been working with Sadie for a little over a year now and the knowledge and experience that they have gained working with her has been remarkable!
Sadie’s methodology and skill in teaching has had such a huge positive impact on my daughters education in not only riding but horse biomechanics and anatomy. When putting all these important factors that she has taught them together, it has exceeded our expectations in not only their ability to ride but for the best working relationship between them and their horse.
We couldn’t be happier with all that Sadie has taught us.”
Alison Dryfoos Mazzie
Get in Touch
Please contact me if you’d like to set up a session or discuss a potential program for you and your horse. I look forward to hearing from you!
803-961-0113
sadie@equestrizen.co
sb_equestrizen
