Connection-Based Coaching

Connection-Based Clinic Series

This clinic series is suitable for all disciplines (English, Western, Trail, etc)

clinics 1-3 skill level progression (Beginner to Advanced).

Clinic 1: FEEL Is The Key

Participants will learn fundamentals and the breakdown of the aid and reasoning behind why, when and how to use their aids effectively in order to target specific parts of a horse's anatomy.

• Understand timing and release: Identify the precise moment to apply an aid and, as importantly, the instant of release.

• Elevated (physical) awareness: Improve self-awareness of the riders coordination and proprioceptive abilities. Learn to notice subtleties  in body placement linked to tension or resistance.

• Elevated (mental) awareness: Recognize changes in energy levels and awareness of  a present horse and rider.

• Ride proactively: Confidently observe nuances in body language, sense what the horse is thinking in each moment , and learn to influence the horse effectively.

Clinic 2: Applied FEEL - Demystify concepts of skilled riding

This Clinic is designed to demystify concepts , such as working back to front, self-carriage, and thoroughness. We transition from the Fundamentals of Feel (Clinic 1) to the application of that feel to transform your horse’s entire way of going, by integrating strategic movements and exercises that enable riders to understand what these terms actually feel like and the vital science and biomechanics behind them.

• Vertical flexibility through ridden work: “ Longitudinal suppleness.” referring to the horse's ability to bascule (that is rounding of the back to the withers) , the connection and impulsion from the hindquarters that travels forward through the spine, activating the horse's abdominal and back muscles to support the weight and create true self-carriage."which is crucial for locomotion, balance, correct posture and athleticism.

• Lateral flexibility through ridden work: The sideways bending of the horse's body is linked to vertical flexibility. A horse that is not vertically balanced will not be able to bend sideways correctly. 

• Straightness and Balance: The systematic alignment of the horse's body on the line of travel, the tracking of the hind feet  directly behind the front. Riders will apply vertical and lateral feel to correct asymmetry, enabling the horse to carry the rider's weight symmetrically and achieve balance through both sides of their body, which is essential for true engagement and collection.

• Framing the neck: The frame of a horse's neck in ridden work is a direct result of the horses ability to transfer the energy from the hindquarters to access the areas needed to bascule, engagement of the core muscles as mentioned prior, this directly leads to the neck stretching from the base to the pole in an arch resulting in this desired frame “on the bit.”

Clinic 3: The Pivotal Point

This advanced clinic is the pivotal point of your riding and overall horsemanship journey. It integrates the physical foundation of Feel, Flexion, and Engagement (from Clinics 1 and 2) with the four philosophical pillars of Ariel Boesener's Connection-Based Training: Awareness, Trust Building, Listening, and Adaptability.

You won't just learn techniques; you will learn to feel the precise moment your horse mentally and physically connects, allowing them to move in a truly correct, healthy, and athletic posture.

This type of “training” is how you achieve a truly aligned body and mind.

• Energetic and mental intention: Learn to lead with intention,( not just physical aids) by controlling yourself to maintain a connected, present and engaged horse in any setting.

• Sustaining connection: Sustain and regain connection when facing increased demands, complex maneuvers, or changes in the environment.

• Think from a horses’ perspective: Ultimately prevent long term physical and behavioural issues by recognizing and adapting to your horse's needs at any given moment.

• Athletic Performance: Increase your horses athletic capabilities to your chosen discipline with confidence, precision and harmony.