My Uberstreichen Exercises are ground schooling to introduce the horse to the bridle for all disciplines to support both beginning and advanced training under saddle. They teach a horse to collect and lengthen from the slightest request from light rein aids, gas pedal and brakes for a bit as well as bitless riding. All exercises are taught with only a halter and short rope.
There are 10 Uberstreichen Exercises, 8 are done at the sides of the horse and 2 standing in front of the horse. 5 Exercises are focused on training the horse to respond to a rein aid to relax and to give at the poll, neck and shoulders and 5 are lateral flexions. Both sets of 5 begin standing still facing your horse and then they advance to walking and trotting in hand.
In a slow and methodical pace, you can create a connection from the ground that well create a centaur ride and aids that are light from a Method that is based in lightness. Utilizing all 10 Exercises you will see significant results in two to four months in producing self-carriage without a contact rein. It might take you longer and it is important to take it slowly. Training horses is like running a vacuum cleaner. If you are in a hurry, the vacuum cleaner is not as effective as it would be if you pushed it slowly.
You and your horse are ready to start with the Uberstreichen Exercises when you have a good working relationship at liberty and your horse has good ground manners and attitude. You should be able to touch and rub your horse anywhere and pick up his feet easily and when you put his foot back down you can set it gently on the ground on a designated spot. You also need to be able to hold his foot off the ground as long as you need without the horse leaning his weight on you. When you can achieve this, you and your horse have an ability to work together well enough to begin to work with the Uberstreichen Exercises. You should also be able to fly spray your horse and he will stand relaxed. When you can do this, you have the skill in changing your horse’s mind and getting him to do something he would rather not do because you will working with resistance to achieve relaxation. Your horse should be respectful and obedient naturally over small matters and enjoy your company. You need to be able to drive your horse forward on a rope from your request because it is something you will be doing with the Exercises. Your horse needs to be able to walk at your side and halt without the influence of the rope.
As part of my continuing effort to support the readers of my blog, Horsemanship from the Ground Up, I will be offering free beginning instruction on my Uberstreichen Exercises each week over the Winter.
If you would be interested in joining us, I would invite you to visit me at Uberstreichen Exercises with Carolyn Resnick. I look forward to meeting you!
yes Mary, i feel the same way!
I can’t recommend Carolyn Resnick’s methods highly enough. I was able to experience her WATER RITUALS training and it was a profound experience. Every way in which Carolyn works with horses is based on respect, leadership and deep understanding of horses as prey/herd animals and as heart companions. There is no one doing the type of trainings she has developed. If you don’t know who she is you should read her book, NAKED LIBERTY. Her story is unique, beautiful and brave.