Equestrian Tool Kit

Start your journey by awareness to your Posture.
The Posture you have off the horse is the one you have on the horse!
Although structural issues can sometimes prevent balanced posture and proper body usage, many of us misuse our bodies out of habit. These postural habits can feel like an ingrained part of who we are, making change seem impossible, difficult, or unnecessary. At ETK, we explore how to break these habits and enjoy improved body usage. It's essential to remember that the musculoskeletal system is by far the body's largest energy consumer. Misusing it not only wastes energy but also places a strain on areas like the feet, knees, pelvic joints, spine, and neck. Over time, this strain can lead to fatigue, pain, and dysfunction. As our joints begin to complain, we too may find ourselves becoming tired, pained, and less functional. At ETK, we emphasize functional movement for you at all times.

**Lesson opportunity available! **

Are you interested in taking a private lesson from a Dressage Naturally Licensed Instructor? 🐴

Due to some last minute schedule changes there will be a few lesson spots available next week on July 17th and 18th in the afternoon near Calgary AB at the beautiful Meadowlands Equestrian Centre 🌟. 96163 Spruce Meadows Green, Foothills AB.

Michelle will be offering both foundational horsemanship lessons and dressage lessons. A great opportunity to get some direct coaching for you and your horse. You can learn more about Michelle here: https://michelleyounghorsemanship.com/dressage-naturally/

If you are interested, or would like more information contact Amy at [email protected].

Spots are limited!

Interested? Let Us Know: https://us1.list-manage.com/survey?u=31b8b3fe2eaa553df60a96b56&id=f28243f5fa&attribution=false

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Millarville Classes

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, MARCH 3 & 10

10 TO 11:30 AM
In the Racetrack Hall

STRETCH, RELEASE AND PRE-PILATES

This course will give you a varied and obtainable home practice, help you reduce stress in your body, manage aches and pains as well as improving postural imbalance. Through fascial release, stretch, connection exercises and integrating better movement into your life you will feel the improvement. Learn the basic principles as we add Pilates work into our Tool Kit for you.

There are many benefits of these exercises in riding and general well being.
- Riding position and posture
- Alignment, and ultimately your horse's too
- Core stability and balance
- Flexibility
- The independence of your seat
- How you use your body to reduce wear and tear and injuries

COST: MRAS Arena Members $105.00 priority registration until January 25/24
Non Arena Members $125.00
prices include gst

To register please email [email protected].
Once registered payment instructions will be sent.
Payment confirms your spot.

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🐴🏆 As equestrians, we know that it's the small things that can make a big difference in our training. That's why we focus on microgains - small, incremental improvements that add up over time. 🌟
By focusing on microgains, we can improve our riding technique, our horse's performance, and our overall success in the equestrian world. It's all about taking small steps towards our goals, rather than trying to make huge leaps all at once. 🐎
For example, practicing good posture, perfecting our transitions, or working on subtle cues can lead to big improvements in our riding. These microgains may not seem like much at first, but over time they can make all the difference.
So, let's celebrate the power of microgains in our equestrian training. 🎉 Share your favorite tips and techniques for achieving small improvements and use the hashtag to connect with the community. Let's keep striving for progress, one small step at a time. 🤩

In the ETK, we prioritize the feet as a focal point, recognizing that they serve as the foundation for the kinetic chain and are crucially linked to the spine. The health of our feet is essential as they absorb and balance our weight, keeping us upright, while the spine supports the weight of our entire body. Any malfunction or issue with one of these components can double the load on the other parts and increase pressure, leading to pain in the lower extremities, joints, and feet. For instance, scoliosis can alter weight distribution, affecting gait and global postural control, which underscores the significance of maintaining healthy feet to promote a healthy spine. April was National Foot Health Awareness Month is an opportune time to prioritize our feet's care and attention.

"Did you know that both Pilates and equestrianism heavily rely on proper foot positioning and use? 💪🐎 In Pilates, your feet serve as a foundation for stability and support in movements, while in equestrianism, they're crucial for maintaining balance and giving feedback in your ride. 🐴 By prioritizing foot alignment, engagement, and mobility, you can improve your performance, prevent injuries, and enhance your overall experience. 🙌

Attention all equestrians! 📣 Have you ever found yourself struggling to communicate your intentions to your horse, even though you had a clear idea in your mind? At ETK, we believe that the mind shapes intention, but it's the body that delivers it. 🤔
In other words, it's not enough to have a clear idea of what you want to do with your horse - you also need to communicate that intention clearly through your body language. Your horse is constantly reading your body language and interpreting your movements, so it's important to be aware of how your body is communicating with your horse.
In our clinics, we explore how to align your mind and body to communicate your intentions clearly to your horse. We discuss techniques for improving body awareness, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness practices. We'll also work on developing a deeper understanding of how our body language affects our horse's behavior.
By learning how to use our body language effectively, we can create a stronger connection with our horses and achieve our riding goals with greater ease. So, join us for this exciting work and learn how to communicate your intentions with clarity and confidence. Don't forget to use the hashtag to connect with the equestrian community and share your insights and questions. We can't wait to meet you t and your horse 🐴🛠️

🐴🛠️ At ETK, we understand the importance of horse care and stress management. This April, during Stress Awareness Month, we want to remind all equestrians to pay attention to signs of stress in their horses. 🌟 These signs can often be mislabeled as a "vice," when in reality, they may be symptoms of stress due to management or other factors.
Common signs of stress in horses include an elevated TPR, increased sweat, flared nostrils, cribbing, wind sucking, box walking, weaving, door kicking, wood chewing, refusal to move when ridden or leading, head tossing/shaking, rearing, bucking, or bolting. 🐎
By taking the time to understand and manage stress in our horses, we can help them lead happy, healthy lives. 🌿 Join us in spreading awareness about stress management for horses and make sure to use the hashtag to connect with the community. 💬

Attention all equestrians! 📣 Have you ever found yourself struggling to communicate your intentions to your horse, even though you had a clear idea in your mind? At ETK, we believe that the mind shapes intention, but it's the body that delivers it. 🤔
In other words, it's not enough to have a clear idea of what you want to do with your horse - you also need to communicate that intention clearly through your body language. Your horse is constantly reading your body language and interpreting your movements, so it's important to be aware of how your body is communicating with your horse.
In our clinics, we explore how to align your mind and body to communicate your intentions clearly to your horse. We discuss techniques for improving body awareness, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness practices. We'll also work on developing a deeper understanding of how our body language affects our horse's behavior.
By learning how to use our body language effectively, we can create a stronger connection with our horses and achieve our riding goals with greater ease. So, join us for this exciting work and learn how to communicate your intentions with clarity and confidence. Don't forget to use the hashtag to connect with the equestrian community and share your insights and questions. We can't wait to meet you t and your horse 🐴🛠️

So many ah-ha moments in this clinic!
Participants really felt the effects of the layering process of learning, in their own bodies and in the work with the horses.
There are key principles to follow, in our own body movements and in training our horses. Once the foundation is laid, and the principles are held, progression follows.

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Immense gratitude that our work and passion allow us to work with such lovely humans, ones willing to consider other perspectives or to try out new experiences within their approach to their mind-body connection as well as their approach to horsemanship.
Thank you all for being so receptive to a wide variety of ideas,involving asking questions and actively searching for information that challenges our beliefs at times.
This clinic was all directed at our awareness and through that there are seeds of change now planted that can affect our way of going forward with both our movement and ride.
Gain insight.
Have new experiences.
Achieve personal growth
Become mentally strong
Feel more optimistic
Learn new things

Sometimes new information requires rethinking the things you thought you knew. It requires reevaluating your memories and past experiences in light of what you’ve learned.

Thank all of you that participated this weekend.
Amy & Tracey

There is a huge advantage in the quality and quantity of information you can gain from the Awareness Clinic. Motivational and inspirational! You will want to rush home on completion to put new skills to use both with your horse and in your own body practice. With clinicians that approach you and your horse as unique individuals and inspire you on your journey. .

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Still spaces available in April clinic 😊.