The Well-Carried Rider for Therapeutic Riding Programs

The Alexander Technique is a simple and effective experiential form of somatic education.

Somatic education has been very successful in releasing contractures, improving body tone, and restoring physical mobility for people with MS, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, partial paralysis, ataxia and other movement conditions. The principles of postural state and movement patterns learned in Alexander Technique lessons have a long history of helping people improve body awareness, spatial literacy and effective movement. 

The Well-Carried Rider workshops begin on the ground with awareness exercises, movement games and (if desired) hands-on guidance to facilitate release of contractive posture and muscle tone.

Activities that encourage grounding and expansion prepare the student for the riding section of the workshop. These explorations help students feel secure, relaxed and comfortable within themselves, which they take onto the horse.

Students take turn in the mounted section, on a quiet horse, who is good on the longe line. These mounted turns are about 10 or 15 minutes, and all participants can watch and learn from each other. Riders are practicing expansion, from the inside out, that they explored on the ground.

There is always an assistant on hand to continue movement games when attention span is limited.

After riding, the group comes together to review, reconnect and practice the resources they can use in future riding, when reminded of the cues that their instructors and assistants are provided with.

A Well-Carried Rider makes a happy horse!

Programs are designed for teens and young adults OR for smaller children, with stories and song to facilitate relaxing and enjoying.