The Natural Gait Women's Equine Retreat August 19-20, 2012

Our Annual Womens Equine Retreat

August 19-20, 2012 (Rain or Shine)

You'll love this one, pamper yourself, pamper your horse!

Wine tasting, bonfire with entertainment, massage for you, learn horse massage techniques, trail riding, hiking, horse training demo or just come and relax...

For further Information Contact Linda at 877-776-2208

The Natural Gait

TNG Horse Happenings

TNG Happenings

Don't Miss The Natural Gait's MOONLIGHT Ride August 3, 2012

Nothing better than a peaceful ride on your horse through the night with a full moon shining above.

The Natural Gait hosts music festivals, concerts, family activities,

educational equine clinics, church retreats, family reunions, seminars, plus Ion Exchange Native Wildflower workshops and clinics.  Ion Exchange, Inc.

To register for any of our events or find out more information call 877-776-2208 or visit Our Websites Below

The Natural Gait

TNG Horse Happenings

TNG Happenings

Horses at TNG Playing With Soccer Ball Video

Video of Playing with horses at The Natural Gait in NE Iowa Arena with Equine soccer ball

The Natural Gait

TNG Horse Happenings

TNG Happenings

The Natural Gait - Horse Trainer

Hi Terri,

I just wanted to send a picture of the 3 year old gelding Nieche, that you started and we bought from you when you lived in MASS.  He is such a nice horse.  He is better than most of the older horses we ride with!  You helped a lot of us with our horses. You have a gift!  I feel blessed to have been able have lessons that has totally changed  my horsemanship for the better. I cant not thank you enough,for everything and of course the most important Naiche!   Thank you   Theresa J,  

You can contact Terri at The Natural Gait

Terri Jordan Confidence Clinic

Terri Jordan 's Confidence Clinic held at The Natural Gait. How to deal with fear around your horse or fear of riding your horse. Watch Terr's video on her Confidence Clinic. Check the schedule to see the next date to attend Terri's Confidence Clinic at The Natural Gait Calendar.

Women's Equine Retreat

 The Natural Gait's  

WOMEN'S EQUINE RETREAT 

JUNE 10 -12 

Designed for women who love horses and need a well deserved break from the daily routine to enjoy them! 

Become part of a popular group of women who gather at The Natural Gait for a little Rest and Relaxation! Take part in as much or as little as you want - this weekend is for you!

Wine Tasting · Bonfires with Entertainment · Massage for Women · Trail Riding · Hiking

Horse Massage Techniques · Horse Training Demo with Terri Jordan

Saturday Evening Cave Concert  

Price includes all activities and meals. Cabins, Bunkroons and Camping available.
*Monday 13th - Private Horsemanship Instruction Upon Request/separate fee

The Natural Gait

Howard and Donna Bright

1878 Old Mission Drive

Harpers Ferry, IA 52146

Call NOW and make your reservations!

877-776-2208 · 563-535-7314  

or email us at 

ntrlgait@acegroup.cc 

TheNaturalGait.com · TNGhorsehappenings.com 

  

Horse Confidence Clinic with Terri Jordan

May 14 – 15, 2011 – Confidence Clinic with Terri Jordan
- Upper Gait
Terri Jordan – Equine Foundation Specialist
Howard and Donna wish to introduce Terri Jordin, Equine Foundation Specialist who is taking up residence at TNG.  Terri is the horse developer at TNG’s top of the line equine facility.  Terri’s Get Back To Basics teachings are designed to help owners understand their horses based on where the horse is at in his foundation development.

Riding Dynamics for Riding Down Hills

Don't lean back, push in your stirrups and try to steer your horse to much when riding down a hill!  That goes against everything you've been taught, right? 

Here's why.  When you lean back in your saddle, thrust your feet forward and push into your stirrups what you are really doing is causing your horse to get heavy on the forehand.  You are pushing into the middle of his back and actually blocking him from using his body efficiently to negotiate going down the hill.  As he struggles to carry you down while you are blocking him, he loses his balance and then you try to over steer him.  He could end up rushing down the hill and pushing through the bit because his hindquarters were strung out behind him. 

Try this instead.  When sitting in your saddle, think about tucking your tail (if you had one), rounding your lower back.  (versus hollowing it out and causing you to perch in the saddle) This tucked tail/rounded lower back position will put you on your balance point.  Your rear end becomes an anchor in the saddle.  This will lighten your feet in the stirrups, because you are not bracing.  Your feet should be 'resting' in the stirrups, not pushing.  Your legs should hang against his sides.  Let your hips go with his motion as he moves down the hill.  Think of your hips individually like a slinky.  Each hip moving independently with your horse.  Stay in the middle of the saddle as your position will allow your horse to use his body efficiently.   He too, will be able to round his back, tuck his tail and be able to use his hindquarters to help him.   Focus your eyes straight ahead, not down!  If you look down, you'll hit the ground.  Point your horse down the hill and allow him to bring you there.  He will watch where he is going if you stay out of his way.  The only time you should pick up the reins is if he gets to fast.  Momentum can cause this.  You will raise one rein up, keeping the other rein low, just enough to slow his feet as he picks his way.  Or you could stop him on the way down.  Stop straight, letting you both regroup.  Get your body in position and continue on.  Same thing applies if you are going down the hill at an angle vs straight down. 

Try this body position on a barrel on its side first to get the feel of it.  Feel how your rounded back and tucked tail makes your rear end the anchor in the saddle.  Feel how light your legs and feet are.  In fact, you should be able to pick your feet up off the ground one at a time without coming off of your balance point.  Keep your eyes up and leave the reins alone unless you need to rate his speed. 

If you can arrange your body to stay out of your horse's way, he will be more successful at getting you down the hill safely and comfortably for you both. 

 Be advised that everything you read here are suggestions for different strategies of training and safety tips.  These suggestions and strategies come from experiences and years of learning according to the horse.  These tips are not meant to take the place of professional help when necessary. 

If you are unsure about what you read here or are not experienced enough to try some of them, don't hesitate to email me at ntrlgait@acegroup.cc .  Perhaps a personal session with myself, guiding you with hands on, would be more appropriate.  A simple clarification through email or one on one guidance is always better than guessing. 

Enjoy the tips, stay safe, be smart and put your horse first in your training. 
Terri Jordan

Doc Hammil Holds A Horse Clinic At The Natural Gait

Doc Hammil just finished up with his horse clinic on driving horse teams at The Natural Gait. Doc Hammil is a well know authority on horsemanship throughout the equine world. We are very excited to be adding video to our web site and to our blogs. We wanted to share this video with you right away!