Author of The Language Of Trust, Marcia Pelon, believes there are common threads in the training philosophies of Classical Dressage and Natural Horsemanship. The beginning of the training scale in both is relaxation. Relaxation of the mind and body of the horse is vital for a relationship of trust to evolve. It is only a relaxed horse that is able to trust the rider and it is a relaxed horse that is willing to be taught. The second common thread is softness or, also commonly called, suppleness. It is softness that unlocks freedom of movement and allows the rider to communicate on levels that are achieved in no other way. Natural Dressage is a system of teaching that acknowledges the oneness of these two worlds. Natural dressage recognizes that relaxation must be gained and maintained at all times and that to ignore the symptoms of a frightened or braced horse is to violate "the language of trust". When one horse speaks to another they speak through body language. It is a language that is spoken with a code of ethics, thus, "the language of trust". Their language is always clear, always consistent, and spoken with great competency. (referred to as the three "C's") When we enter their world, the horse is looking for these three things from us. When we are willing to communicate in a language that they already know, they become instantly willing to respond with respect. Horses always respect the lead horse in the pasture. Whether you are trying to raise the bar, reach the next level in dressage tests, or just hoping to obtain the knowledge that will offer you the ability to stay safe on the trails, relaxation and softness are the answer. |
Marcia Pelon offers private lessons that follow her outlines "Seven Steps To Softness". These outlines focus on relaxation techniques. All problems with horses stem from the same thing. Horses are fearful by nature, so if you are lacking the knowledge and skill to take control of their emotions, the horse will become more resistant and more braced. Marcia is affiliated with equestrian centers in Northern Indiana and SW Michigan. See the Links page. You will be taught the same techniques that she uses to relax your horse. Once you have achieved the beginning level, relaxation of the mind, you will then be able to move on to relaxation and control of the body, and then on to complete softness. |

