|
|
Post by carol on Sept 11, 2008 14:30:54 GMT
I just came across this website. I was introduced to "natural horsemanship" at Festina Lentes Opening Doors to Learning conference in 2007 when Chris Irwin spoke and did demonstrations. I was delighted to learn that there were people in Ireland who worked with horses the way I had always wanted to, but had never quite known how. I have been riding since I was 8 years old, and studied Equine Science in UL. Dissatisfied with my education there I went to Colorado to study equine massage (and am now open for business  www.equinemassageireland.com). I am still learning so much about horses from this new perspective...very exciting!! I feel like a novice all over again. |
|
|
|
Post by Elaine on Sept 11, 2008 14:40:40 GMT
*waves* hiya  nice to meet you!! Colorado sounds fab!! |
|
|
|
Post by intouch on Sept 12, 2008 21:52:00 GMT
Hi Carol and welcome - I'm really interested in what you are doing, your website is great, hope to hear more about you.
Lesley
|
|
|
|
Post by carol on Sept 15, 2008 14:26:16 GMT
Hey Lesley...I see you were also at the last EAL conference at Festina Lente - what a great place. I try to get out there once a month to massage a couple of the ponies. Chris Irwin will be there all weekend, I'm wondering if anyone will be going along to watch on Saturday? I find the EAL fascinating and have partaken in it a couple of times myself - definitely an area I want to become more involved in somehow.
|
|
|
|
Post by intouch on Sept 15, 2008 23:37:06 GMT
Yes, if I was starting my career over again, I would want to ttrain at FL, I love it. We were at the last Chris Irwin course, I have to admit I think I like his wife better than him, tho he is amazing with body language.
I'm playing with te idea of going to James French's ACT1 course in November, tho I have his CDs of the course which are great. He and his partner are lovely too.
Then there is the EAGALA conference in Scotland next month - I wish I had as much money ad Elaine (is there a smilie for tongue in cheek?) so I could do all these courses!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Elaine on Sept 16, 2008 7:43:37 GMT
Its alright, I'm broke now |
|
|
|
Post by carol on Sept 16, 2008 15:40:08 GMT
I am getting lessons at FL too and I have to say they are fantastic. I am saving up to go to Rick Noffsinger again for a 3 month course (http://www.gladefarm.com/) in a year or 2. I have never seen anyone like him - taught me as much about myself as the horses - the most humble and confident man I have ever met. Guess I better go check my lotto ticket... I always wondered why his horsemanship classes were included in the massage course until one day Rick made an offhand comment about feeling the horse and making the right thing obvious - there was something about the way he turned the phrase and the context of what he was on about. It suddenly became clear to me that when massaging I cannot say I know best for the horse according to a "conformation template" and the muscle should conform, rather I have to make the right thing obvious to the muscle and the resistance will melt away - feel of the muscle. Each body does have its own natural alignment which must be respected. Kind of makes me think of when riding it is the muscles we are really feeling and working with as much as the horses mind, as in the capability and willingness of each muscle. It can be said that a massage is like training with your hands - open this shoulder here, bend through the neck here, lift the back here, give to pressure here. Its all creating muscle memory, for want of a better term. I love massaging! End of rant |
|
