Arlyn DeCicco Media Report by Diana De Rosa

ARLYN DECICCO’S BALANCED EQUINE TRAINING

“Turning Tragedy Into Triumph”

Media Report

Arlyn DeCicco Photos - BET-SSS

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Arlyn DeCicco

Turns Tragedy into Triumph From A Traumatic Fall to Balanced Equine Training by Diana De Rosa If something good can come out of something tragic then for Arlyn DeCicco revelation came after her 1997 fall. That was when she was forced to find another way to work with horses. Instead of using force, she needed to use a soft touch. She no longer had the strength or the ability to do anything more aggressive. Fate had solved that problem. Yet, fate was what opened Arlyn’s eyes to the fact that there is a kinder and easier way to ride our horses. Arlyn calls her method BET-SSS for Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen. BET combines aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the horse’s musculature. The end result is the most balanced, relaxed, capable, willing, adjustable and healthy horse possible. A Little About Arlyn Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and Toby B. Lampie. Despite the fact that she lost her dad from complications after surgery in 1984 and her mom to cancer in 1997, her parents left a strong imprint. Arlyn learned her work ethic, determination and dedication from her parents and often refers to her mother’s favorite quote, "you can do anything you want to do as well as any man if not better." Horses entered Arlyn’s life when she was nine years old. “Hennie Bordwin, one of my mother's friends, took me to Pepperell, MA where I got to ride a friend’s pony. I was hooked.” “After I started riding, my brother Mark began to ride. Eventually, he discovered cars and marathon running. I kept riding.” She grew up riding hunters and equitation in Massachusetts with Brian Flynn. She took clinics with Ronnie Mutch and George Morris. Later she trained with Dottie Morkis, Kathy Connelly, Ernst Bachinger and Belinda Nairn. During the 1970s Arlyn added Eventing through the Preliminary level to her list of disciplines. Arlyn’s teaching was transformed after she suffered two traumatic accidents. In 1972 Arlyn was thrown from a horse and suffered a back injury.

“One week after graduating high school I was bucked off in the morning while competing at a horse show. I continued to ride but later that day fell off again from the pain. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and x-rays showed I broke my back (L3 and L4). I spent the summer in bed staring at the ceiling, which is why I can't ever sit still today. Every moment is important,” explained Arlyn. Through her strong determination she survived that ordeal and in 1979 she and her husband Alfred started their first business called Woodlock Farm based in Massachusetts. In the early 90s dressage was added to her riding and in 1995 she had success on a horse name Sedona who she rode to third place in the NEDA High Score Award at Fourth Level. In 1996 she competed in Prix St. Georges. The year 1997 was a turning point in Arlyn’s life. She mysteriously fell off a horse when no one was around and was found lying on the ground with what was later diagnosed as a head trauma. “She was unconscious and was medi-flighted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston,” explained her husband. “The left side of her body was compromised as well as her vision - eyes not in sync as I looked at her - double vision. After undergoing a battery of tests the doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn doesn't remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been dragged, suggested she must have passed out and fallen off.” Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let her come home just three days later. “Unfortunately, I couldn't get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation,” continued Alfred. “They still could not find anything and the doctors said there was nothing they could do. “She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in the morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck's Java Chip ice cream which was her staple. The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranial-sacral therapy and physical pool therapy. She wasn't able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she tied reins to our treadmill and performed her own physical therapy.” While Alfred worried “my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother's determination.” One Determined Lady Figures Out A Way to Go On “My goal was to continue to ride,” commented Arlyn emphatically. “Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians.” Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle therapists and horse chiropractors in her quest for knowledge. She also benefitted from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses.

As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. “All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse’s movement.” She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse’s energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BET–SSS). This philosophy likens the rider to a man in a dancing partnership and the horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse’s movement, rather than force or demand it, creating a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for the body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering with their movement. Arlyn’s philosophy is “less is more” and her goal is to have the rider “guide” the horse’s energy so that they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around the arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn’s attitude and teaching. “For Arlyn it is always about the horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable with itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she has the ability to explain new exercises clearly.” Understanding the Anatomy Understanding the horse’s anatomy is crucial in training. A horse’s body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse’s musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In understanding these four different areas, a rider can understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact with one another to create the whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respectively to the muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of the legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression “riding from back to front” or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse’s musculature. If a rider does not encourage a

horse to work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch the anterior and posterior muscles correctly, the horse’s movement and performance will be inhibited and its performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability and possible injury. The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple them. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to open up and breathe. Once the horse’s muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse will be able to more easily complete the rider’s requests. If a rider begins strengthening prematurely, the horse’s range of motion will be severely restricted. This will result in stiffness, resistance to the rider’s aids, and inability to perform. BET-SSS in Layman’s Terms Arlyn’s Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BET-SSS revolves around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. Stretch is the beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure the head is not behind the vertical. Once the horse is comfortably swinging in the walk, they begin to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on the horse’s muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, the horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correctly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of this phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Strengthen. In the Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen the outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alternatively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse’s neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using the suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Strengthen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work with cavalletti and trot poles. For more advanced exercises, horse and rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or the collected, medium, and extended gaits. Each horse’s physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account when developing a Strengthen program.

On The Scene Now that you are armed with the concept the question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstration and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Arlyn starts by assessing the situation. “She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities,” explains Brittany Bazeley. “Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout the day, it ends on a positive note for everyone. “She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of the saddle on the horse’s back among other things,” adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in motion, Arlyn assesses the horse’s range of motion and rideability. She also takes into consideration the rider’s level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate them on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider’s imbalances are also corrected so that they do not interfere with the horse’s range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Strengthen, the horse’s musculature can be developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn’s method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. “I observed how Arlyn’s recovery from her injury enhanced her ability to teach and ride horses,” commented Martha Weckel. “After the injury, her ability to ‘feel’ for what the horse needed was that much more amazing. She could no longer ‘make’ the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide them as their ‘dance partner.’” Dr. Heather Mack added, “I have learned to be a solid dance partner with my horses whereas before I was mostly just trying to stay out of their way.”

“What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both directions,” explained Holly Scapa. “Arlyn’s extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse and rider along with her unique training methods has helped put many struggling horses and riders on the road to successful balanced riding. Aryln doesn’t just teach you how to sit on a horse; she takes the time to teach you how to really ride,” commented Julie Weisz, winner of the 2003 Onondarka Medal Finals. “Arlyn is deeply committed to improving the physical and mental state of the horse. Her method works,” noted Sally Black, owner of Blackland Farm. “When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn’t need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse,” commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. “Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn’t force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She’s like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly,” noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. “You can already walk, trot and canter. You don’t need me to do that. I’m here to help you and your horse do it better,” is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan. Miniature Horse owner Susan Hopmans of LaVista Farm added, the fact that this program allows horses to be all they can be and never forces makes my heart soar. It has such a calming and centering effect on the horses. The end result is a relaxed horse that understands and enjoys what is being asked.” Jumper rider Joie Gatlin’s former stable manager Darren “Dagwood” Roberts is a fan as well. “She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal’s King’s many successes.” Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, “Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse.” Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, “Arlyn was the first person that did not try to teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride.” “She has given me the skills to tap into my horse’s physical and emotional potential. They are so content and confident in their bodies and my riding of them,” concluded Dr. Heather Mack. And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Arlyn now resides in Southern California. For more information about Arlyn, visit her website at www.arlyndecicco.com. Arlyn can be contacted at wudlokfarm@sbcglobal.net or at (760) 535-3352.

ARLYN DECICCO

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Who was/is the best trainer you eve...

Monday, February 01, 2010

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Chronicle Forums > Discussion Forums > Hunter/Jumper > Who was/is the best trainer you ever had?

View Full Version : Who was/is the best trainer you ever had? faraway46

PDA

Aug. 2, 2006, 06:23 PM

You know that being a great rider doesn't make you a great trainer. Some are BNT, others are not, but are worth their weight in gold. I guess the key is to be able to explain not only tecnical things simply, but also being able to convey a feeling in such an explicit way that you can almost feel it yourself. And they also must have great timing when to say things, or when to push and when to stay put.. Who do you think is one of the best trainers you have ever had? The one you most learned from?

Texan By The Grace Of God

Aug. 2, 2006, 06:33 PM

Kate Worsham without a doubt. I still ride with her =) ... I was a very timid and nervous rider due to a previous trainer who wasn't the nicest person in the world. From day one Kate has made a HUGE difference in my self confidence!! I love her even though she can be an equitation natzi at times haha

Hucklebug

Aug. 2, 2006, 06:35 PM

I'll play Only considering past trainers and not present, Ginny Sorkin. She imparted in me the greatest amount of my "horse philosophy" that i use to date; she is the most ethical person I've ever met, and even though she's an ammy herself now, she always makes time to answer all the questions I throw her way, be it horsey, non-horsey ethical, or crying to her like a mommy when my heart gets broken. I think what made her the best was her ability to explain things in ways that made sense so they were easier to apply and understand the purpose. She is very much into flatwork and taught me a great respect for the benefits of lateral work and other basic dressage/flatwork and I use it all to this day. She also made sure I knew how to thoroughly take care of a horse/tack/set course etc. so my practical knowledge dates to her.

2 tbs

Aug. 2, 2006, 06:37 PM

Who do you think is one of the best trainers you have ever had? The one you most learned from? The one I ride with now and have been riding with for the last almost 12 years! :yes: I have had 7 other instructors and truthfully, I'd call them just that, instructors. My very first one, I still think of as a good horsewoman. She knows her stuff but she taught me when I was 8 and then moved on to have a family when I was 10. I learned a lot but she didn't have the time to teach me beyond w/t/c/jump 2ft on packer school horses. My current trainer is randomly threatened, er, reminded gently ;) , that she's not allowed to stop teaching me! I hope some day to be half the rider/horsewoman she is. She knows her stuff, has been there done that but you'd never know it to look at her. She's spent her time in the big rings, she's shown and won at the Garden, rode with some of the biggest BNT's but can still start a kid w/t and take them as far as she went - she has the most peaceful manner and has patience of a saint! She is a wonderful person and a fantastic gift to horses. She's one of those naturals-she touches the reins and horses just respond...it's amazing to watch! :yes: :sadsmile: My retired horse would literally change his body language and over all expression when he heard her voice. He knew the "smart one" was there to help his poor mother figure out what the heck she was doing! :lol:

Just My Style

Aug. 2, 2006, 06:40 PM

I had two that I would consider "great". The first is Arlene Orr Amery (Windy Top Farm, Chester NJ) who taught me as a pony kid. She laid a good foundation in riding AND horsemanship. She was a Frank Chapot student and passed on a lot of Franks wisdom. She encouraged us to hang out at the horse shows to just watch and learn. She took us on field trips to USET finals and Maclay finals, so we could see how the "big kids" did it. She didn't put up with any garbage and ran one of the tightest barns I have ever seen. She also taught me that you can do anything that you believed you could, even if that meant buying an old retired lesson pony, cleaning her up and going to A shows. She told me that I could win if I wanted to and I won Middlesex and Monmouth on that $500 pony- all because Arlene said I could. :) The second was Maxine Best who trained me as an older junior. She helped me with style and got me a lot of great rides that I would have never gotten without her help. She was very honest and outspoken. You knew exactly what was expected of you and she didn't settle for anything less. Always ride your best. I was a limited budget kid. She always said that lessons were for learning and that we went to the shows to win. No wasting time. No wasting money. Simple as that. :D

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13:22:33 PM

Who was/is the best trainer you eve...

Monday, February 01, 2010

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derived on words he said: "The key is to keep it small. If your business is too big you can't be considering every horse and rider. Focus. " For the most part Michael didn't have students so I was and am grateful for the opportunity. Arlyn Decicco- My flatwork truely came into it's own working with Arlyn. I stretched my mind. I also leased a Dressage horse and learned up to 3rd level movements. She gave me a clear picture that a horse is an athelete and that our programs should be geared around treating them like an athelete. As a rider too I learned to change some of my routines to help me physically. My Former Students- Having to teach made me a better rider. I had to think about how to convey the message. My students taught me prospective. They were invaluable! I take all these lessons with me everyday in riding and life in general... What a lucky person I have been to have touched all of these people and a few others- I am grateful for them all!

BridalBridle

Nov. 5, 2006, 02:40 PM

The horse, PLAY WITH FIRE. If you missed a lick he GOTCHA. He didn't allow for errors and expected perfection. Nothing like an animal being the instructor. He didn't even yell at me, just GOT ME when I got it wrong.

CleoBella

Nov. 5, 2006, 02:43 PM

BridalBridleHahaahaha- So true. Very funny!

DepartRight

Nov. 5, 2006, 03:31 PM

It's a 3-way tie, though the ladies are proteges of Major. Major Robert Borg, Christine Koch, Sandra Elwood.

La Gringa

Nov. 5, 2006, 03:34 PM

Victor Hugo-Vidal. Absolutely, positively the best. Victor was also one of the best judges around. He gave really tough workoffs in the medal classes. He loved to make you counter canter forever! RIP Victor.

Whip 'n Spur

Nov. 5, 2006, 04:25 PM

John Turner. I love just putting his name here, an expecting people to know my thoughts on this. He is my favorite trainer, he's tought me so much, it's hard to find a place to start.

MGA828

Nov. 7, 2006, 02:17 AM

My old trainer Jamey Prettyman, he is great!!! I used to train with him and loved him, I thought he was amazing, could ride anything and make it look like a million bucks, and always made me feel like we accomplished something. I no longer train with him only because he is a good 2 hours away from me, however 2 summers ago I did send my greenie to him for more instense training and had some more lessons with him and was very happy. My greenie is now doing wonderful and I couldnt be more happy with the work Jamey did with my youngster. I miss training with Jamey, but we are just to far away now for me to train with him consistently. I am now training and working with Ann Zinsser who also boards her horses at the farm I do and love her. She is a great trainer and knows her stuff. She is amazing! Jamey and Ann are both amazing trainers, not to mention amazing people.

Just My Style

Nov. 7, 2006, 07:58 AM

In the mid to late 80's I rode with Arlene Orr and Maxine Best doing the pony hunters. I was fortunate enough to be able to show ponies for other people in the barn, so I learned early on how to ride many different types of ponies. They both taught me how to learn from my mistakes, how to be proud from my success and to lose with grace, not always the easiest thing for a young kid to do. And since I was training with Mrs. Best when she got sick, she taught me a lot about life in general, things that had nothing to do with what happened at the show that weekend. I still think about her and miss her! Me too. :sadsmile: She was a wonderful "life teacher"- not just riding coach.

mst

Nov. 8, 2006, 01:26 AM

i rode with maxine as a wee little one. she yelled at me all the time. remember her blue vw bug?

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Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph ~ EquestrianMag

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A Little About Arlyn Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and Toby B. Lampie. Despite the fact that she lost her dad from complications after surgery in 1984 and her mom to cancer in 1997, her parents left a strong imprint. Arlyn learned her work ethic, determination and dedication from her parents and often refers to her mother’s favorite quote, "you can do anything you want to do as well as any man if not better." Horses entered Arlyn’s life when she was nine years old. “Hennie Bordwin, one of my mother's friends, took me to Pepperell, MA where I got to ride a friend’s pony. I was hooked.” “After I started riding, my brother Mark began to ride. Eventually, he discovered cars and marathon running. I kept riding.” She grew up riding hunters and equitation in Massachusetts with Brian Flynn. She took clinics with Ronnie Mutch and George Morris. Later she trained with Dottie Morkis, Kathy Connelly, Ernst Bachinger and Belinda Nairn. During the 1970s Arlyn added Eventing through the Preliminary level to her list of disciplines. Arlyn’s teaching was transformed after she suffered two traumatic accidents. In 1972 Arlyn was thrown from a horse and suffered a back injury. “One week after graduating high school I was bucked off in the morning while competing at a horse show. I continued to ride but later that day fell off again from the pain. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and x-rays showed I broke my back (L3 and L4). I spent the summer in bed staring at the ceiling, which is why I can't ever sit still today. Every moment is important,” explained Arlyn. Through her strong determination she survived that ordeal and in 1979 she and her husband Alfred started their first business called Woodlock Farm based in Massachusetts. In the early 90s dressage was added to her riding and in 1995 she had success on a horse name Sedona who she rode to third place in the NEDA High Score Award at Fourth Level. In 1996 she competed in Prix St. Georges. The year 1997 was a turning point in Arlyn’s life. She mysteriously fell off a horse when no one was around and was found lying on the ground with what was later diagnosed as a head trauma. “She was unconscious and was medi-flighted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston,” explained her husband. “The left side of her body was compromised as well as her vision - eyes not in sync as I looked at her - double vision. After undergoing a battery of tests the doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn doesn't remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been dragged, suggested she must have passed out and fallen off.” Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let her come home just three days later. “Unfortunately, I couldn't get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation,” continued Alfred. “They still could not find anything and the doctors said there was nothing they could do. “She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in the morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck's Java Chip ice cream which was her staple. The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/arlyn-decicco-tragedy-triumph-05-09.html

5/29/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph ~ EquestrianMag

Page 3 of 8

regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranial-sacral therapy and physical pool therapy. She wasn't able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she tied reins to our treadmill and performed her own physical therapy.” While Alfred worried “my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother's determination.” One Determined Lady Figures Out A Way to Go On “My goal was to continue to ride,” commented Arlyn emphatically. “Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians.” Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle therapists and horse chiropractors in her quest for knowledge. She also benefitted from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses. As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. “All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse’s movement.” She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse’s energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BET–SSS). This philosophy likens the rider to a man in a dancing partnership and the horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse’s movement, rather than force or demand it, creating a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for the body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering with their movement. Arlyn’s philosophy is “less is more” and her goal is to have the rider “guide” the horse’s energy so that they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around the arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn’s attitude and teaching. “For Arlyn it is always about the horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable with itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she has the ability to explain new exercises clearly.” Understanding the Anatomy Understanding the horse’s anatomy is crucial in training. A horse’s body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse’s musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/arlyn-decicco-tragedy-triumph-05-09.html

5/29/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph ~ EquestrianMag

Page 4 of 8

understanding these four different areas, a rider can understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact with one another to create the whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respectively to the muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of the legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression “riding from back to front” or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse’s musculature. If a rider does not encourage a horse to work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch the anterior and posterior muscles correctly, the horse’s movement and performance will be inhibited and its performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability and possible injury. The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple them. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to open up and breathe. Once the horse’s muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse will be able to more easily complete the rider’s requests. If a rider begins strengthening prematurely, the horse’s range of motion will be severely restricted. This will result in stiffness, resistance to the rider’s aids, and inability to perform. BET-SSS in Layman’s Terms Arlyn’s Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BET-SSS revolves around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. Stretch is the beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure the head is not behind the vertical. Once the horse is comfortably swinging in the walk, they begin to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on the horse’s muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, the horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correctly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of this phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Strengthen. In the Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen the outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alternatively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse’s neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using the suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Strengthen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work with cavalletti and trot poles. For more advanced exercises, horse and rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or the collected, medium, and http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/arlyn-decicco-tragedy-triumph-05-09.html

5/29/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph ~ EquestrianMag

Page 5 of 8

extended gaits. Each horse’s physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account when developing a Strengthen program. On The Scene Now that you are armed with the concept the question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstration and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Arlyn starts by assessing the situation. “She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities,” explains Brittany Bazeley. “Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout the day, it ends on a positive note for everyone. “She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of the saddle on the horse’s back among other things,” adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in motion, Arlyn assesses the horse’s range of motion and rideability. She also takes into consideration the rider’s level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate them on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider’s imbalances are also corrected so that they do not interfere with the horse’s range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Strengthen, the horse’s musculature can be developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn’s method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. “I observed how Arlyn’s recovery from her injury enhanced her ability to teach and ride horses,” commented Martha Weckel. “After the injury, her ability to ‘feel’ for what the horse needed was that much more amazing. She could no longer ‘make’ the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide them as their ‘dance partner.’” Dr. Heather Mack added, “I have learned to be a solid dance partner with my horses whereas before I was mostly just trying to stay out of their way.” “What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both directions,” explained Holly Scapa. “Arlyn’s extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse and rider along with her unique training methods has helped put many struggling horses and riders on the road to successful balanced riding. Aryln doesn’t just teach you how to sit on a horse; she takes the time to teach you how to really ride,” commented Julie Weisz, winner of the 2003 Onondarka Medal Finals. “Arlyn is deeply committed to improving the physical and mental state of the horse. Her method works,” noted Sally Black, owner of Blackland Farm. “When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn’t http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/arlyn-decicco-tragedy-triumph-05-09.html

5/29/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph ~ EquestrianMag

Page 6 of 8

need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse,” commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. “Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn’t force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She’s like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly,” noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. “You can already walk, trot and canter. You don’t need me to do that. I’m here to help you and your horse do it better,” is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan. Miniature Horse owner Susan Hopmans of LaVista Farm added, the fact that this program allows horses to be all they can be and never forces makes my heart soar. It has such a calming and centering effect on the horses. The end result is a relaxed horse that understands and enjoys what is being asked.” Jumper rider Joie Gatlin’s former stable manager Darren “Dagwood” Roberts is a fan as well. “She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal’s King’s many successes.” Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, “Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse.” Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, “Arlyn was the first person that did not try to teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride.” “She has given me the skills to tap into my horse’s physical and emotional potential. They are so content and confident in their bodies and my riding of them,” concluded Dr. Heather Mack. And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Arlyn now resides in Southern California. For more information about Arlyn, visit her website at http://www.arlyndecicco.com. Arlyn can be contacted at wudlokfarm@sbcglobal.net or at (760) 535-3352.

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Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy Into ...

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Joint Health for Horses That Work All Natural Powerful Supplements Springtimeinc.com Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and Toby B. Lampie. Despite the fact that Bomb Proofing Your Horse she lost her dad from complications after surgery in Natural Horsemanship Training Desensitizing Horses 1984 and her mom to cancer in 1997, her parents left NaturalHorsemanshipNow.com a strong imprint. 1 tip of a flat belly

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Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy Into ...

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double vision. After undergoing a battery of tests the doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn doesn't remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been dragged, suggested she must have passed out and fallen off." Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let her come home just three days later. "Unfortunately, I couldn't get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation," continued Alfred. "They still could not find anything and the doctors said there was nothing they could do. "She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in the morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck's Java Chip ice cream which was her staple. The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranial-sacral therapy and physical pool therapy. She wasn't able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she tied reins to our treadmill and performed her own physical therapy." While Alfred worried "my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother's determination." One Determined Lady Figures Out A Way to Go On "My goal was to continue to ride," commented Arlyn emphatically. "Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians." Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle therapists and horse chiropractors in her quest for knowledge. She also benefitted from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses. As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. "All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse's movement." She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse's energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BET-SSS). This philosophy likens the rider to a man in a dancing partnership and the horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse's movement, rather than force or demand it, creating a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for the body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering with their movement. Arlyn's philosophy is "less is more" and her goal is to have the rider "guide" the horse's energy so that they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around the arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn's attitude and teaching. "For Arlyn it is always about the horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable with itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she has the ability to explain new exercises clearly." Understanding the Anatomy Understanding the horse's anatomy is crucial in training. A horse's body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse's musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In understanding these four different areas, a rider can understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact with one another to create the whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respectively to the muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of the legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression "riding from back to front" or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse's musculature. If a rider does not encourage a horse to work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch the anterior and posterior muscles correctly, the horse's movement and performance will be inhibited and its performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability and possible injury. The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple them. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to open up and breathe. Once the horse's muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse will be able to more easily complete the rider's requests. If a rider begins strengthening prematurely, the horse's range of motion will be severely restricted. This will result in stiffness, resistance to the rider's aids, and inability to perform. BET-SSS in Layman's Terms Arlyn's Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BET-SSS revolves around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. Stretch is the beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure the head is not behind the vertical. Once the horse is comfortably swinging in the walk, they begin to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on the horse's muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, the horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correctly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of this phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Strengthen. In the Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen the outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alternatively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse's neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using the suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Strengthen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work with cavalletti and trot poles. For more advanced exercises, horse and

http://ezinearticles.com/?Arlyn-De...

12:59:25 PM

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy Into ...

Monday, February 01, 2010

Page 3 of 5

rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or the collected, medium, and extended gaits. Each horse's physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account when developing a Strengthen program. On The Scene Now that you are armed with the concept the question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstration and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Arlyn starts by assessing the situation. "She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities," explains Brittany Bazeley. "Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout the day, it ends on a positive note for everyone. "She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of the saddle on the horse's back among other things," adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in motion, Arlyn assesses the horse's range of motion and rideability. She also takes into consideration the rider's level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate them on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider's imbalances are also corrected so that they do not interfere with the horse's range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Strengthen, the horse's musculature can be developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn's method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. "I observed how Arlyn's recovery from her injury enhanced her ability to teach and ride horses," commented Martha Weckel. "After the injury, her ability to 'feel' for what the horse needed was that much more amazing. She could no longer 'make' the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide them as their 'dance partner.'" Dr. Heather Mack added, "I have learned to be a solid dance partner with my horses whereas before I was mostly just trying to stay out of their way." "What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both directions," explained Holly Scapa. "Arlyn's extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse and rider along with her unique training methods has helped put many struggling horses and riders on the road to successful balanced riding. Aryln doesn't just teach you how to sit on a horse; she takes the time to teach you how to really ride," commented Julie Weisz, winner of the 2003 Onondarka Medal Finals. "Arlyn is deeply committed to improving the physical and mental state of the horse. Her method works," noted Sally Black, owner of Blackland Farm. "When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn't need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse," commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. "Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn't force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She's like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly," noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. "You can already walk, trot and canter. You don't need me to do that. I'm here to help you and your horse do it better," is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan. Miniature Horse owner Susan Hopmans of LaVista Farm added, the fact that this program allows horses to be all they can be and never forces makes my heart soar. It has such a calming and centering effect on the horses. The end result is a relaxed horse that understands and enjoys what is being asked." Jumper rider Joie Gatlin's former stable manager Darren "Dagwood" Roberts is a fan as well. "She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal's King's many successes." Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, "Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse." Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, "Arlyn was the first person that did not try to teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride." "She has given me the skills to tap into my horse's physical and emotional potential. They are so content and confident in their bodies and my riding of them," concluded Dr. Heather Mack. And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Diana DeRosa is a veteran equestrian photo journalist, who has traveled the world and has recorded equestrian history for close to 30 years. An accomplished rider herself, De Rosa understands the horse world from many different angles. A language major in college, De Rosa went on to run a riding school, then was editor of an equine magazine for 13 years and eventually focused on her writing and photography. She has over 1000 published stories and photos to her credit. A long time member of The International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists, De Rosa has been one of the few journalists to be credentialed to cover the past six Olympic Games (including being on assignment for USA Today for the 1992 Olympics). She has also covered or been on staff at every World Equestrian Games, numerous Pan American Games and World Cups. Besides being a writer and photographer, De Rosa also owns her own PR firm called Press Link. Some of her past and present clients include the Washington International Horse Show, The Manhattan Mortgage Company, DreamWorks, the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, and 20th Century Fox. For ten years De Rosa co-hosted the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show for the local Hamptons' TV Station WVVH. She also does some radio reporting and voiceovers. De Rosa enjoys bringing life to her many equestrian stories through her camera lense and keyboard. For eight years until his death on October 11, 2004, she also worked with Christopher Reeve. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana De Rosa

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by Diana De Rosa Posted: Monday, June 1, 2009 If something good can come out of something tragic then for Arlyn DeCicco revelation came after her 1997 fall. That was when she was forced to find another way to work with horses. Instead of using force, she needed to use a soft touch. She no longer had the strength or the ability to do any hing more aggressive. Fate had solved that problem. Yet, fate was what opened Arlyn's eyes to the fact that there is a kinder and easier way to ride our horses. Arlyn calls her method BET-SSS for Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen. BET combines aerobic range of mo ion exercises with a system hat develops all four phases of the horse's musculature. The end result is he most balanced, relaxed, capable, willing, adjustable and healthy horse possible. A Little About Arlyn Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and Toby B. Lampie. Despite he fact that she lost her dad from complications after surgery in 1984 and her mom to cancer in 1997, her parents left a strong imprint. Arlyn learned her work ethic, determination and dedication from her parents and often refers to her mother's favorite quote, "you can Click thumbnails to enlarge do anything you want to do as well as any man if not better." Horses entered Arlyn's life when she was nine years old. "Hennie Bordwin, one of my mother's friends, took me to Pepperell, MA where I got to ride a friend's pony. I was hooked." "AfterI started riding, my brother Mark began to ride. Eventually, he discovered cars and marathon TOP CLASSIFIED ADS running. I kept riding." She grew up riding hunters and equitation in Massachusetts wi h Brian Flynn. Featured Item REAL ESTATE $899,000 She took clinics with Ronnie Mutch and George Morris. Later she trained wi h Dottie Featured Item 3 $0 Morkis, Kathy Connelly, Ernst Bachinger and Belinda Nairn. Featured Gelding Quarter Horse During he 1970s Arlyn added Eventing hrough the Preliminary level to her list of Featured Item SADDLE $2,900 disciplines. Arlyn's teaching was transformed after she suffered two traumatic Featured Item REAL ESTATE $367,900 accidents. In 1972 Arlyn was thrown from a horse and suffered a back injury. SPECIAL DEALS "One week after gradua ing high school I was bucked off in the morning while competing at a horse show. I continued to ride but later that day fell off again from the pain. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and x-rays showed I broke Horse Joint Health my back (L3 and L4). I spent the summer in bed staring at the ceiling, which is why I Natural Supplements That Work! Joint Health can't ever sit still today. Every moment is important," explained Arlyn. Through her For Sore Joints strong determina ion she survived hat ordeal and in 1979 she and her husband Springtimeinc.com Alfred started their first business called Woodlock Farm based in Massachusetts. In he early 90s dressage was added to her riding and in 1995 she had success on a horse name Sedona who she rode to third place in the NEDA High Score Award Tennessee Walking Horses at Fourth Level. In 1996 she competed in Prix St. Georges. The year 1997 was a Gaited Trail/Pleasure Horse Sales turning point in Arlyn's life. She mysteriously fell off a horse when no one was Smooth/Gentle/Fun and Easy to Ride around and was found lying on he ground with what was later diagnosed as a head www.eveningshadefarm.com trauma. "She was unconscious and was medi-flighted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston," explained her husband. "The left side of her body was compromised as Solving Horse Problems well as her vision - eyes not in sync as I looked at her - double vision.After Horse behavior expert speaks out Proven undergoing abattery of tests he doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn results, Affordable prices doesn't remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been www.RyanGingerich.com dragged,suggested she must have passed out and fallen off." Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let hercome home just hree days later. "Unfortunately, I couldn't get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation," continued Alfred. "They still couldnot find anythingand the doctors said there was nothing they could do. "She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in he morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck's Java Chip ice cream which was her staple.The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranial-sacral therapy and physical pool herapy. She wasn't able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she ied reins toour treadmill and performed her own physical therapy." While Alfred worried "my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother's determination." One Determined Lady Figures Out A Way to Go On

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"My goal was to continue to ride," commented Arlyn emphatically. "Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians." Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle herapists and horse chiropractors in her quest for knowledge. She also benefitted from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses. As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. "All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse's movement." She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse's energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BETSSS). This philosophy likens he rider to a man in a dancing partnership and he horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse's movement, rather han force or demand it, crea ing a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. Page 1of 3

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by Diana De Rosa Posted: Monday, June 1, 2009 Continued: The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for he body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering wi h their movement. Arlyn's philosophy is "less is more" and her goal is to have the rider "guide" the horse's energy so hat they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around he arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn's at itude and teaching. "For Arlyn it is always about he horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable wi h itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she hasthe ability to explain new exercises clearly." Understanding the Anatomy Understanding the horse's anatomy is crucial in training. A horse's body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse's musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In understanding these four different areas, a rider can understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact wi h one ano her to create the Click thumbnails to enlarge whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respec ively to the muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of he legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression "riding from back to TOP CLASSIFIED ADS front" or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse's musculature. If a rider does not encourage a horse to Featured Item MISC $0 work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch he anterior and posterior Featured Mare Quarter Horse muscles correctly, the horse's movement and performance will be inhibited and its Featured Mare Quarter Horse performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability Featured Item REAL ESTATE $55 000 and possible injury. Featured Item REAL ESTATE $367,900 The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the SPECIAL DEALS horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple hem. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to Horse Joint Health open up and breathe. Once the horse's muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse Natural Supplements That Work! Joint Health will be able to more easily complete the rider's requests. If a rider begins For Sore Joints streng hening prematurely, the horse's range of motion will be severely restricted. Springtimeinc.com This will result in s iffness, resistance to the rider's aids, and inability to perform. BET-SSS in Layman's Terms Tennessee Walking Horses Arlyn's Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BET-SSS revolves Gaited Trail/Pleasure Horse Sales around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of Smooth/Gentle/Fun and Easy to Ride motion exercises wi h a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. www.eveningshadefarm.com Stretch is he beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure he head is not Solving Horse Problems behind the vertical. Once the horse is comfortably swinging in the walk, they begin Horse behavior expert speaks out Proven to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on he results, Affordable prices horse's muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more www.RyanGingerich.com completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, he horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correc ly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of his phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Streng hen. In he Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen he outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alterna ively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse's neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using he suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Streng hen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work wi h cavalletti and trot poles. For

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more advanced exercises, horse and rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or he collected, medium, and extended gaits. Each horse's physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account when developing a Streng hen program. On The Scene Now that you are armed with the concept he question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstra ion and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Page 2 of 3

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by Diana De Rosa Posted: Monday, June 1, 2009 Continued: Arlyn starts by assessing the situa ion. "She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities," explains Brittany Bazeley. "Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout he day, it ends on a posi ive note for everyone. "She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of he saddle on the horse's back among other things," adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in mo ion, Arlyn assesses the horse's range of mo ion and rideability. She also takes into considera ion the rider's level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate hem on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider's imbalances are also corrected so hat they do not interfere with the horse's range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Streng hen, the horse's musculature can be developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn's method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. "I observed how Arlyn's recovery from her injury enhanced her ability to teach and ride horses," commented Martha Weckel. "After he injury, her ability to 'feel' for what the horse needed was hat much more amazing. She could no longer 'make' the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide hem as their 'dance partner.'" "What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both direc ions," explained Holly Scapa. "When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn't need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse," commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. "Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn't force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She's like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly," noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. "You can already walk, trot and canter. You don't need me to do that. I'm here to help you and your horse do it better," is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan. Jumper rider Joie Gatlin's former stable manager Darren "Dagwood" Roberts is a fan as well. "She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal's King's many successes." Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, "Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse." Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, "Arlyn was the first person that did not try to teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride." And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Arlyn now resides in Sou hern California. For more information about Arlyn, visit her website at www.arlyndecicco.com. Arlyn can be contacted at wudlokfarm@sbcglobal.net or at (760) 535-3352. Page 3 of 3

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Arlyn DeCicco Balanced Equine Training

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph If something good can come out of something tragic then for Arlyn DeCicco revelation came after her 1997 fall. That was when she was forced to find another way to work with horses. Instead of using force, she needed to use a soft touch. She no longer had the strength or the ability to do anything more aggressive. Fate had solved that problem. Yet, fate was what opened Arlyn’s eyes to the fact that there is a kinder and easier way to ride our horses. Arlyn calls her method BET-SSS for Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen. BET combines aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the horse’s musculature. The end result is the most balanced, relaxed, capable, willing, adjustable and healthy horse possible.

Arlyn riding Liberte 2

http://www.horsenpony.com/news/huntjump/equinews_display.asp?id=3934

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Balanced Equine Training - Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 2 of 7

During the 1970s Arlyn added Eventing through the Preliminary level to her list of disciplines. Arlyn’s teaching was transformed after she suffered two traumatic accidents. In 1972 Arlyn was thrown from a horse and suffered a back injury. “One week after graduating high school I was bucked off in the morning while competing at a horse show. I continued to ride but later that day fell off again from the pain. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and x-rays showed I broke my back (L3 and L4). I spent the summer in bed staring at the ceiling, which is why I can't ever sit still today. Every moment is important,” explained Arlyn. Through her strong determination she survived that ordeal and in 1979 she and her husband Alfred started their first business called Woodlock Farm based in Massachusetts. In the early 90s dressage was added to her riding and in 1995 she had success on a horse name Sedona who she rode to third place in the NEDA High Score Award at Fourth Level. In 1996 she competed in Prix St. Georges. The year 1997 was a turning point in Arlyn’s life. She mysteriously fell off a horse when no one was around and was found lying on the ground with what was later diagnosed as a head trauma. “She was unconscious and was medi-flighted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston,” explained her husband. “The left side of her body was compromised as well as her vision - eyes not in sync as I looked at her double vision. After undergoing a battery of tests the doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn doesn't remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been dragged, suggested she must have passed out and fallen off.”

Arlyn DeCicco.

Arlyn riding Lafayette.

Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let her come home just three days later. “Unfortunately, I couldn't get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation,” continued Alfred. “They still could not find anything and the doctors said there was nothing they could do. “She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in the morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck's Java Chip ice cream which was her staple. The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranial-sacral therapy and physical pool therapy. She wasn't able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she tied reins to our treadmill and performed her own physical therapy.”

http://www.horsenpony.com/news/huntjump/equinews_display.asp?id=3934

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Balanced Equine Training - Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 3 of 7

While Alfred worried “my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother's determination.” One Determined Lady Figures Out A Way to Go On “My goal was to continue to ride,” commented Arlyn emphatically. “Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians.” Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle therapists and horse chiropractors in her quest for knowledge.

Arlyn riding Summer. She also benefitted from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses. As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. “All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse’s movement.” She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse’s energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BET–SSS). This philosophy likens the rider to a man in a dancing partnership and the horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse’s movement, rather than force or demand it, creating a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for the body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering with their movement. Arlyn’s philosophy is “less is more” and her goal is to have the rider “guide” the horse’s energy so that they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around the arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn’s attitude and teaching. “For Arlyn it is always about the horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable with itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she has the ability to explain new exercises clearly.” Understanding the Anatomy Understanding the horse’s anatomy is crucial in training. A horse’s body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse’s musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the

http://www.horsenpony.com/news/huntjump/equinews_display.asp?id=3934

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Balanced Equine Training - Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 4 of 7

use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In understanding these four different areas, a rider can understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact with one another to create the whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respectively to the Arlyn doing Isometric Stretch. muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of the legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression “riding from back to front” or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse’s musculature. If a rider does not encourage a horse to work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch the anterior and posterior muscles correctly, the horse’s movement and performance will be inhibited and its performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability and possible injury. The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple them. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to open up and breathe. Once the horse’s muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse will be able to more easily complete the rider’s requests. If a rider begins strengthening prematurely, the horse’s range of motion will be severely restricted. This will result in stiffness, resistance to the rider’s aids, and inability to perform. BET-SSS in Layman’s Terms Arlyn’s Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BET-SSS revolves around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. Stretch is the beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure the head is not behind the vertical. Once the horse is

http://www.horsenpony.com/news/huntjump/equinews_display.asp?id=3934

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Balanced Equine Training - Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 5 of 7

comfortably swinging in the Arlyn riding Sun Cal's King. walk, they begin to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on the horse’s muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, the horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correctly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of this phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Strengthen. In the Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen the outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alternatively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse’s neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using the suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Strengthen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work with cavalletti and trot poles. For more advanced exercises, horse and rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or the collected, medium, and extended gaits. Each horse’s physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account when developing a Strengthen program. On The Scene Now that you are armed with the concept the question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstration and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Arlyn starts by assessing the situation. “She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities,” explains Brittany Bazeley. “Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout the day, it ends on a positive note for everyone. “She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of the saddle on the horse’s back among other things,” adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in motion, Arlyn assesses the horse’s range of motion and rideability. She also takes into consideration the rider’s level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate them Insert the caption on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider’s imbalances are also corrected so that they do not interfere with the horse’s range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Strengthen, the horse’s musculature can be

http://www.horsenpony.com/news/huntjump/equinews_display.asp?id=3934

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Balanced Equine Training - Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 6 of 7

developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn’s method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. “I observed how Arlyn’s recovery from her injury enhanced her ability to teach and ride horses,” commented Martha Weckel. “After the injury, her ability to ‘feel’ for what the horse needed was that much more amazing. She could no longer ‘make’ the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide them as their ‘dance partner.’”

Arlyn with Ximite.

Dr. Heather Mack added, “I have learned to be a solid dance partner with my horses whereas before I was mostly just trying to stay out of their way.” “What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both directions,” explained Holly Scapa. “Arlyn’s extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse and rider along with her unique training methods has helped put many struggling horses and riders on the road to successful balanced riding. Aryln doesn’t just teach you how to sit on a horse; she takes the time to teach you how to really ride,” commented Julie Weisz, winner of the 2003 Onondarka Medal Finals. “Arlyn is deeply committed to improving the physical and mental state of the horse. Her method works,” noted Sally Black, owner of Blackland Farm. “When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn’t need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse,” commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. “Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn’t force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She’s like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly,” noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. “You can already walk, trot and canter. You don’t need me to do that. I’m here to help you and your horse do it better,” is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan. Miniature Horse owner Susan Hopmans of LaVista Farm added, the fact that this program allows horses to be all they can be and never forces makes my heart soar. It has such a calming and centering effect on the horses. The end result is a relaxed horse that understands and enjoys what is being asked.” Jumper rider Joie Gatlin’s former stable manager Darren “Dagwood” Roberts is a fan as well. “She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal’s King’s many successes.” Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, “Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse.” Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, “Arlyn was the first person that did not try to

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6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Balanced Equine Training - Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

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teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride.” “She has given me the skills to tap into my horse’s physical and emotional potential. They are so content and confident in their bodies and my riding of them,” concluded Dr. Heather Mack. And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Arlyn now resides in Southern California. For more information about Arlyn, visit her website at www.arlyndecicco.com. Arlyn can be contacted at wudlokfarm@sbcglobal.net or at (760) 5353352.

http://www.horsenpony.com/news/huntjump/equinews_display.asp?id=3934

6/19/2009

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Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph If something good can come out of something tragic then for Arlyn DeCicco revelation came after her 1997 fall. That was when she was forced to find another way to work with horses. Instead of using force, she needed to use a soft touch. She no longer had the strength or the ability to do anything more aggressive. Fate had solved that problem. » Read More SHOWING & EVENTS »Two-Time Olympic Gold Medal Winner McLain Ward & Phillipa Win the $25k HITS G. P. »Karen Healey Stables Earns Top Honors at Showpark Ranch & Coast and Gold Coast Horse Shows »PhelpsSports.com Brings You Complete Coverage from the 2009 Devon Horse Show »View More

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Home Âť Headlines Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph By: Newsroom Associate Last Modified: 5/22/2009 11:00:57 AM

From a Traumatic Fall to Balanced Equine Training

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If something good can come out of something tragic then for Arlyn DeCicco revelation came Print Article after her 1997 fall. That was Email to Friend when she was forced to find another way to work with horses. Instead of using force, she needed to use a soft touch. She no longer had the strength or the ability to do anything more aggressive. Fate had solved that problem. Yet, fate was what opened Arlyn's eyes to the fact that there is a kinder and easier way to ride our horses. Arlyn calls her method BET-SSS for Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen. BET combines aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the horse's musculature. The end result is the most balanced, relaxed, capable, willing, adjustable and healthy horse possible. A Little about Arlyn Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and Toby B. Lampie. Despite the fact that she lost her dad from complications after surgery in 1984 and her mom to cancer in 1997, her parents left a strong imprint. Arlyn learned her work ethic, determination and dedication from her parents and often refers to her mother's favorite quote, "you can do anything you want to do as well as any man if not better." Horses entered Arlyn's life when she was nine years old. "Hennie Bordwin, one of my mother's friends, took me to Pepperell, MA where I got to ride a friend's pony. I was hooked."

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"After I started riding, my brother Mark began to ride. Eventually, he discovered cars and marathon running. I kept riding."

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5/23/2009

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She grew up riding hunters and equitation in Massachusetts with Brian Flynn. She took clinics with Ronnie Mutch and George Morris. Later she trained with Dottie Morkis, Kathy Connelly, Ernst Bachinger and Belinda Nairn. During the 1970s Arlyn added Eventing through the Preliminary level to her list of disciplines. Arlyn's teaching was transformed after she suffered two traumatic accidents. In 1972 Arlyn was thrown from a horse and suffered a back injury. "One week after graduating high school I was bucked off in the morning while competing at a horse show. I continued to ride but later that day fell off again from the pain. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and x-rays showed I broke my back (L3 and L4). I spent the summer in bed staring at the ceiling, which is why I can't ever sit still today. Every moment is important," explained Arlyn. Through her strong determination she survived that ordeal and in 1979 she and her husband Alfred started their first business called Woodlock Farm based in Massachusetts. In the early '90s dressage was added to her riding and in 1995 she had success on a horse name Sedona who she rode to third place in the NEDA High Score Award at Fourth Level. In 1996 she competed in Prix St. Georges. The year 1997 was a turning point in Arlyn's life. She mysteriously fell off a horse when no one was around and was found lying on the ground with what was later diagnosed as a head trauma. "She was unconscious and was medi-flighted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston," explained her husband. "The left side of her body was compromised as well as her vision - eyes not in sync as I looked at her - double vision. After undergoing a battery of tests the doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn doesn't remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been dragged, suggested she must have passed out and fallen off." Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let her come home just three days later. "Unfortunately, I couldn't get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation," continued Alfred. "They still could not find anything and the doctors said there was nothing they could do. "She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in the morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck's Java Chip ice cream which was her staple. The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranial-sacral therapy and physical pool therapy. She wasn't able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she tied reins to our treadmill and performed her own physical therapy."

http://horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=6834

5/23/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph - HorsesintheSouth.com

Page 3 of 7

While Alfred worried "my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother's determination." One Determined Lady Figures Out a Way to Go On "My goal was to continue to ride," commented Arlyn emphatically. "Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians." Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle therapists and horse chiropractors in her quest for knowledge. She also benefited from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses. As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. "All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse's movement." She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse's energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BET-SSS). This philosophy likens the rider to a man in a dancing partnership and the horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse's movement, rather than force or demand it, creating a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for the body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering with their movement. Arlyn's philosophy is "less is more" and her goal is to have the rider "guide" the horse's energy so that they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around the arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn's attitude and teaching. "For Arlyn it is always about the horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable with itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she has the ability to explain new exercises clearly." Understanding the Anatomy Understanding the horse's anatomy is crucial in training. A horse's body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse's musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In understanding these four different areas, a rider can

http://horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=6834

5/23/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph - HorsesintheSouth.com

Page 4 of 7

understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact with one another to create the whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respectively to the muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of the legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression "riding from back to front" or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse's musculature. If a rider does not encourage a horse to work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch the anterior and posterior muscles correctly, the horse's movement and performance will be inhibited and its performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability and possible injury. The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple them. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to open up and breathe. Once the horse's muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse will be able to more easily complete the rider's requests. If a rider begins strengthening prematurely, the horse's range of motion will be severely restricted. This will result in stiffness, resistance to the rider's aids, and inability to perform. BET-SSS in Layman's Terms Arlyn's Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BETSSS revolves around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. Stretch is the beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure the head is not behind the vertical. Once the horse is comfortably swinging in the walk, they begin to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on the horse's muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, the horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correctly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of this phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Strengthen.

http://horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=6834

5/23/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph - HorsesintheSouth.com

Page 5 of 7

In the Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen the outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alternatively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse's neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using the suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Strengthen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work with cavalletti and trot poles. For more advanced exercises, horse and rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or the collected, medium, and extended gaits. Each horse's physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account when developing a Strengthen program. On the Scene Now that you are armed with the concept the question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstration and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Arlyn starts by assessing the situation. "She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities," explains Brittany Bazeley. "Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout the day, it ends on a positive note for everyone. "She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of the saddle on the horse's back among other things," adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in motion, Arlyn assesses the horse's range of motion and rideability. She also takes into consideration the rider's level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate them on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider's imbalances are also corrected so that they do not interfere with the horse's range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Strengthen, the horse's musculature can be developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn's method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. "I observed how Arlyn's recovery from her injury enhanced her ability to teach and ride horses," commented Martha Weckel. "After the injury, her ability to 'feel' for what the horse needed was that much more amazing. She could no longer 'make' the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide them as their 'dance partner.'"

http://horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=6834

5/23/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph - HorsesintheSouth.com

Page 6 of 7

Dr. Heather Mack added, "I have learned to be a solid dance partner with my horses whereas before I was mostly just trying to stay out of their way." "What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both directions," explained Holly Scapa. "Arlyn's extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse and rider along with her unique training methods has helped put many struggling horses and riders on the road to successful balanced riding. Aryln doesn't just teach you how to sit on a horse; she takes the time to teach you how to really ride," commented Julie Weisz, winner of the 2003 Onondarka Medal Finals. "Arlyn is deeply committed to improving the physical and mental state of the horse. Her method works," noted Sally Black, owner of Blackland Farm. "When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn't need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse," commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. "Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn't force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She's like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly," noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. "You can already walk, trot and canter. You don't need me to do that. I'm here to help you and your horse do it better," is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan. Miniature Horse owner Susan Hopmans of LaVista Farm added, the fact that this program allows horses to be all they can be and never forces makes my heart soar. It has such a calming and centering effect on the horses. The end result is a relaxed horse that understands and enjoys what is being asked." Jumper rider Joie Gatlin's former stable manager Darren "Dagwood" Roberts is a fan as well. "She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal's King's many successes." Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, "Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse." Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, "Arlyn was the first person that did not try to teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride." "She has given me the skills to tap into my horse's physical and emotional potential. They are so content and confident in their bodies and my riding of them," concluded Dr. Heather Mack.

http://horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=6834

5/23/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph - HorsesintheSouth.com

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And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Arlyn now resides in Southern California. For more information about Arlyn, visit her website at www.arlyndecicco.com. Arlyn can be contacted at wudlokfarm@sbcglobal.net or at (760) 535-3352. Newsroom Associate Staff Writer support@horsesinthesouth.com

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5/23/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triump : Hunter Jumper News

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Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triump June 17, 2009 From A Traumatic Fall to Balanced Equine Training

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triump : Hunter Jumper News

Page 2 of 12

Yet, fate was what opened Arlyn’s eyes to the fact that there is a kinder and easier way to ride our horses. Arlyn calls her method BET-SSS for Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen. BET combines aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the horse’s musculature. The end result is the most balanced, relaxed, capable, willing, adjustable and healthy horse possible. A Little About Arlyn Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and Toby B. Lampie. Despite the fact that she lost her dad from complications after surgery in 1984 and her mom to cancer in 1997, her parents left a strong imprint. Arlyn learned her work ethic, determination and dedication from her parents and often refers to her mother’s favorite quote, “you can do anything you want to do as well as any man if not better.” Horses entered Arlyn’s life when she was nine years old. “Hennie Bordwin, one of my mother’s friends, took me to Pepperell, MA where I got to ride a friend’s pony. I was hooked.” “After I started riding, my brother Mark began to ride. Eventually, he discovered cars and marathon running. I kept riding.” She grew up riding hunters and equitation in Massachusetts with Brian Flynn. She took clinics with Ronnie Mutch and George Morris. Later she trained with Dottie Morkis, Kathy Connelly, Ernst Bachinger and Belinda Nairn. During the 1970s Arlyn added Eventing through the Preliminary level to her list of disciplines. Arlyn’s teaching was transformed after she suffered two traumatic accidents. In 1972 Arlyn was thrown from a horse and suffered a back injury. “One week after graduating high school I was bucked off in the morning while competing at a horse show. I continued to ride but later that day fell off again from the pain. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and xrays showed I broke my back (L3 and L4). I spent the summer in bed staring at the ceiling, which is why I can’t ever sit still today. Every moment is important,” explained Arlyn. Through her strong determination she survived that ordeal and in 1979 she and her husband Alfred started their first business called Woodlock Farm based in Massachusetts. In the early 90s dressage was added to her riding and in 1995 she had success on a horse name Sedona who she rode to third place in the NEDA High Score Award at Fourth Level. In 1996 she competed in Prix St. Georges. The year 1997 was a turning point in Arlyn’s life. She mysteriously fell off a horse when no one was around and was found lying on the ground with what was later diagnosed as a head trauma. “She was unconscious and was medi-flighted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston,” explained her husband. “The left side of her body was compromised as well as her vision - eyes not in sync as I looked at her - double vision. After undergoing a battery of tests the doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn doesn’t remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been dragged, suggested she must have passed out and fallen off.” Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let her come home just three days later. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation,” continued Alfred. “They still could not find anything and the doctors said there was nothing they could do. “She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in the morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck’s Java Chip ice cream which was her staple. The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranial-sacral therapy and physical pool therapy. She wasn’t able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she tied reins to our treadmill and performed her own physical therapy.” While Alfred worried “my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother’s determination.”

http://www.hunterjumpernews.com/?p=7189

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triump : Hunter Jumper News

Page 3 of 12

One Determined Lady Figures Out A Way to Go On

“My goal was to continue to ride,” commented Arlyn emphatically. “Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians.” Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle therapists and horse chiropractors in her quest for knowledge. She also benefitted from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses. As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. “All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse’s movement.” She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse’s energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BET–SSS). This philosophy likens the rider to a man in a dancing partnership and the horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse’s movement, rather than force or demand it, creating a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for the body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering with their movement. Arlyn’s philosophy is “less is more” and her goal is to have the rider “guide” the horse’s energy so that they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around the arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn’s attitude and teaching. “For Arlyn it is always about the horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable with itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she has the ability to explain new exercises clearly.” Understanding the Anatomy Understanding the horse’s anatomy is crucial in training. A horse’s body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse’s musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In understanding these four different areas, a rider can understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact with one another to create the whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respectively to the muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of the legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression “riding from back to front” or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse’s musculature. If a rider does not encourage a horse to work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch the anterior and posterior muscles correctly, the http://www.hunterjumpernews.com/?p=7189

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triump : Hunter Jumper News

Page 4 of 12

horse’s movement and performance will be inhibited and its performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability and possible injury. The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple them. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to open up and breathe. Once the horse’s muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse will be able to more easily complete the rider’s requests. If a rider begins strengthening prematurely, the horse’s range of motion will be severely restricted. This will result in stiffness, resistance to the rider’s aids, and inability to perform. BET-SSS in Layman’s Terms Arlyn’s Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BET-SSS revolves around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. Stretch is the beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure the head is not behind the vertical. Once the horse is comfortably swinging in the walk, they begin to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on the horse’s muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, the horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correctly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of this phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Strengthen. In the Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen the outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alternatively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse’s neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using the suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Strengthen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work with cavalletti and trot poles. For more advanced exercises, horse and rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or the collected, medium, and extended gaits. Each horse’s physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account when developing a Strengthen program. On The Scene Now that you are armed with the concept the question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstration and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Arlyn starts by assessing the situation. “She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities,” explains Brittany Bazeley. “Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout the day, it ends on a positive note for everyone. “She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of the saddle on the horse’s back among other things,” adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in motion, Arlyn assesses the horse’s range of motion and rideability. She also takes into consideration the rider’s level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate them on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider’s imbalances are http://www.hunterjumpernews.com/?p=7189

6/19/2009

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triump : Hunter Jumper News

Page 5 of 12

also corrected so that they do not interfere with the horse’s range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Strengthen, the horse’s musculature can be developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn’s method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. “I observed how Arlyn’s recovery from her injury enhanced her ability to teach and ride horses,” commented Martha Weckel. “After the injury, her ability to ‘feel’ for what the horse needed was that much more amazing. She could no longer ‘make’ the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide them as their ‘dance partner.’” Dr. Heather Mack added, “I have learned to be a solid dance partner with my horses whereas before I was mostly just trying to stay out of their way.” “What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both directions,” explained Holly Scapa. “Arlyn’s extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse and rider along with her unique training methods has helped put many struggling horses and riders on the road to successful balanced riding. Aryln doesn’t just teach you how to sit on a horse; she takes the time to teach you how to really ride,” commented Julie Weisz, winner of the 2003 Onondarka Medal Finals. “Arlyn is deeply committed to improving the physical and mental state of the horse. Her method works,” noted Sally Black, owner of Blackland Farm. “When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn’t need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse,” commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. “Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn’t force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She’s like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly,” noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. “You can already walk, trot and canter. You don’t need me to do that. I’m here to help you and your horse do it better,” is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan. Miniature Horse owner Susan Hopmans of LaVista Farm added, the fact that this program allows horses to be all they can be and never forces makes my heart soar. It has such a calming and centering effect on the horses. The end result is a relaxed horse that understands and enjoys what is being asked.” Jumper rider Joie Gatlin’s former stable manager Darren “Dagwood” Roberts is a fan as well. “She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal’s King’s many successes.” Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, “Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse.” Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, “Arlyn was the first person that did not try to teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride.” “She has given me the skills to tap into my horse’s physical and emotional potential. They are so content and confident in their bodies and my riding of them,” concluded Dr. Heather Mack. And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Arlyn now resides in Southern California. For more information about Arlyn, visit her website at www.arlyndecicco.com. Arlyn can be contacted at wudlokfarm@sbcglobal.net or at (760) 535-3352.

http://www.hunterjumpernews.com/?p=7189

6/19/2009

Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

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Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph From A Traumatic Fall to Balanced Equine Training If something good can come out of something tragic then for Arlyn DeCicco revelation came after her 1997 fall. That was when she was forced to find another way to work with horses. Instead of using force, she needed to use a soft touch. She no longer had the strength or the ability to do anything more aggressive. Fate had solved that problem. Home Search NWHS

Yet, fate was what opened Arlyn’s eyes to the fact that there is a kinder and easier way to ride our horses. Arlyn calls her method BET-SSS for Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple

Strengthen. BET combines aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the horse’s

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musculature. The end result is the most balanced, relaxed, capable, willing, adjustable and healthy horse possible. A Little About Arlyn Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and

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1997, her parents left a strong imprint.

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Arlyn learned her work ethic, determination and dedication

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from her parents and often refers to her mother’s favorite

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Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

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Horses entered Arlyn’s life when she was nine years old. “Hennie Bordwin, one of my mother's friends, took me to Pepperell, MA where I got to ride a friend’s pony. I was hooked.”

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“After I started riding, my brother Mark began to ride. Eventually, he discovered cars and marathon running. I kept riding.” She grew up riding hunters and equitation in Massachusetts with Brian Flynn. She took clinics with Ronnie Mutch and George Morris. Later she trained with Dottie Morkis, Kathy

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traumatic accidents. In 1972 Arlyn was thrown from a horse and suffered a back injury. “One week after graduating high school I was bucked off in the morning while competing at a horse show. I continued to ride but later that day fell off again from the pain. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and x-rays showed I broke my back (L3 and L4). I spent the summer in bed staring at the ceiling, which is why I can't ever sit still today. Every moment is important,” explained Arlyn.

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Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

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“She was unconscious and was medi-flighted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston,” explained her husband. “The left side of her body was compromised as well as her vision - eyes not in sync as I looked at her - double vision. After undergoing a battery of tests the doctors could find no reason for the fall. Arlyn doesn't remember the horse bucking and prints in the arena, which had just been dragged, suggested she must have passed out and fallen off.” Being a strong and independent woman, Arlyn convinced the doctors to let her come home just three days later. “Unfortunately, I couldn't get her up the next morning and had to take her back in for two more days of observation,” continued Alfred. “They still could not find anything and the

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doctors said there was nothing they could do. “She would sleep a lot, but would then wake up in the morning. She lacked taste, except for Starbuck's Java Chip ice cream which was her staple. The head trauma had compromised her left leg and hand. Before she got back on a horse, which was about six weeks from the fall, she regained enough use of her left leg and arm to drive herself to cranialsacral therapy and physical pool therapy. She wasn't able to keep her left fingers closed to ride so she devised a system where she tied reins to our treadmill and performed her own physical therapy.” While Alfred worried “my attitude was that she would get better. She had her mother's determination.” One Determined Lady Figures Out A Way to Go On “My goal was to continue to ride,” commented Arlyn emphatically. “Thus I began my quest to obtain knowledge about the body starting with my treating physicians.” Arlyn already had some knowledge because her mom was a registered nurse who was always asking questions of trainers, vets and farriers. As a curious child, Arlyn would always be sure to glean every word that was said. Arlyn continued asking questions and has added horse muscle therapists and horse

http://nwhsnews.blogspot.com/2009/05/arlyn-decicco-turns-tragedy-into.html

5/29/2009

Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 4 of 11

chiropractors in her quest for knowledge. She also benefitted from courses she took just a few months prior to her accident in August 1996. Arlyn became certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The ACE training manual includes human anatomy and bio-mechanics. Little did she know then how valuable that education would become later when she intuitively transferred that over to horses. As Arlyn assessed her situation with an attitude of not letting anything stand in her way she also realized that she could no longer ride at her previous level. She further realized that she could not MAKE a horse do what she wanted. “All of my organizational skills and talent were of no use to me. I needed a new approach and I had to figure out how to direct my horse’s movement.” She looked for a way to naturally guide the horse’s energy. The answer came in bits and pieces until it evolved into the philosophy that Arlyn has coined Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen (BET–SSS). This philosophy likens the rider to a man in a dancing partnership and the horse to a woman. The rider needs to learn how to lead the horse’s movement, rather than force or demand it, creating a willing partnership. After having been stretched and suppled, the horse wants to dance. The concept of BET is to ride the neck as the counter-balance for the body. The goal is to educate riders to have the tools they need to lead their horses without interfering with their movement. Arlyn’s philosophy is “less is more” and her goal is to have the rider “guide” the horse’s energy so that they are a dancing couple effortlessly maneuvering around the arena. Alfred has always been impressed with Arlyn’s attitude and teaching. “For Arlyn it is always about the horse first. If the horse is properly developed then it will perform better because it is comfortable with itself. I have heard many students tell Arlyn that she has the ability to explain new exercises clearly.” Understanding the Anatomy

http://nwhsnews.blogspot.com/2009/05/arlyn-decicco-turns-tragedy-into.html

5/29/2009

Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 5 of 11

Understanding the horse’s anatomy is crucial in training. A horse’s body is extremely complex, and a rider must understand the horse’s musculature in order to know how to supple, stretch, and strengthen each muscle group properly. By training a horse incorrectly, one muscle might unknowingly be developed to inhibit the use and movement of another muscle. There are four phases of the musculature: anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral. In understanding these four different areas, a rider can understand how to develop a horse correctly and how the four phases interact with one another to create the whole horse. The anterior and posterior phases of the musculature refer respectively to the muscles in front and back. These muscles include those along the top and bottom lines of the horse, muscles in the front and back of the legs, and any muscles that work in a swinging motion. While many riders may have heard or used the expression “riding from back to front” or allowing the horse to move forward from the hind end, few understand how this relates to the horse’s musculature. If a rider does not encourage a horse to work forward from the hind legs or refuses to stretch the anterior and posterior muscles correctly, the horse’s movement and performance will be inhibited and its performance and ability to flex will be limited. This will result in lack of adjustability and possible injury. The medial and lateral phases of the musculature refer respectively to the middle and outside muscles of the horse. These muscles are located on the sides of the horse and are used when the horse is asked to bend or move laterally. In order to optimize the medial and lateral muscles, a rider must supple them. This can be done through lateral and bending exercises where the horse is asked to open up and breathe. Once the horse’s muscles are supple and relaxed, the horse will be able to more easily complete the rider’s requests. If a rider begins strengthening prematurely, the horse’s range of motion will be severely restricted. This will result in stiffness, resistance to the rider’s aids, and inability to perform.

http://nwhsnews.blogspot.com/2009/05/arlyn-decicco-turns-tragedy-into.html

5/29/2009

Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 6 of 11

BET-SSS in Layman’s Terms Arlyn’s Balanced Equine Training Stretch Supple Strengthen or BET-SSS revolves around creating well balanced horses and riders by combining aerobic range of motion exercises with a system that develops all four phases of the musculature. Stretch is the beginning phase when the horse is asked to lengthen its stride in the walk and stretch its neck as long and low as possible making sure the head is not behind the vertical. Once the horse is comfortably swinging in the walk, they begin to breathe and function aerobically. This aerobic exercise puts less stress on the horse’s muscles, joints, and heart and allows the horse to use itself more completely in a relaxed manner. By allowing the neck and head to stretch down, the horse can lift its back and propel itself forward more correctly from the hind end. Once the horse has experienced the rewards of this phase, they will be asked to repeat these movements in every gait and stage of work. The Stretch phase of SSS helps to relax the horse and prepare for the upcoming phases of Supple and Strengthen. In the Supple phase the horse is asked to move on a circle. The horse may then be asked to lengthen the outside muscles and shorten the inside muscles or, alternatively, to shorten the outside muscles and lengthen the inside muscles. Other, more complicated suppling exercises involve leg yields or asking the horse to move away from the inside leg and rein. By shaping the horse’s neck and body through these movements, the horse opens up its rib cage. This will allow the horse to breathe more easily. After using the suppling exercises, the horse will be free to stretch and use itself more properly. Strengthen is the final phase and should only be attempted after the other two phases have been completed. Here the object is to build muscle and strength in the horse. This phase can involve riding on varied terrain and work with cavalletti and trot poles. For more advanced exercises, horse and rider can work with gymnastic grids and jumps or the collected, medium, and extended gaits. Each horse’s physical development and mental acuity must be taken into account

http://nwhsnews.blogspot.com/2009/05/arlyn-decicco-turns-tragedy-into.html

5/29/2009

Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

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when developing a Strengthen program. On The Scene Now that you are armed with the concept the question remains as to how Arlyn would proceed to use all of this knowledge. When giving a clinic, she begins with a demonstration and follows that with individual sessions. She has found the best timing is to have a minimum of three days in a row. Arlyn starts by assessing the situation. “She analyzes the horse and rider as a pair and bases each exercise on their physical and mental abilities,” explains Brittany Bazeley. “Her understanding of anatomy and physical fitness is applied to both horse and rider to stretch, supple and strengthen and no matter what happens throughout the day, it ends on a positive note for everyone. “She looks at everything from the ground up. She looks at the horse in the stall and the placement of the saddle on the horse’s back among other things,” adds show jumper Holly Scapa. While watching the horse in motion, Arlyn assesses the horse’s range of motion and rideability. She also takes into consideration the rider’s level. Armed with this information she then works with the rider to educate them on what they can do to help improve these aspects. The next step is to watch the combination. The rider’s imbalances are also corrected so that they do not interfere with the horse’s range of motion. Through various aerobic exercises and the philosophy of Stretch Supple Strengthen, the horse’s musculature can be developed to create a more balanced and adjustable horse. Her Students Speak Her Praises Few words speak louder than from those who are on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out. The success of Arlyn’s method is repeatedly echoed in the words of her students and clients. “I observed how Arlyn’s recovery from her injury enhanced her

http://nwhsnews.blogspot.com/2009/05/arlyn-decicco-turns-tragedy-into.html

5/29/2009

Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

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ability to teach and ride horses,” commented Martha Weckel. “After the injury, her ability to ‘feel’ for what the horse needed was that much more amazing. She could no longer ‘make’ the horses do their jobs; rather she had to guide them as their ‘dance partner.’” Dr. Heather Mack added, “I have learned to be a solid dance partner with my horses whereas before I was mostly just trying to stay out of their way.” “What I learned is that you have to ride both sides of the horse. What we tend to do is ride whatever direction we are going and you need to ride both sides going both directions,” explained Holly Scapa. “Arlyn’s extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the horse and rider along with her unique training methods has helped put many struggling horses and riders on the road to successful balanced riding. Aryln doesn’t just teach you how to sit on a horse; she takes the time to teach you how to really ride,” commented Julie Weisz, winner of the 2003 Onondarka Medal Finals. “Arlyn is deeply committed to improving the physical and mental state of the horse. Her method works,” noted Sally Black, owner of Blackland Farm. “When horse and rider are both balanced you have a willing partnership. The horse doesn’t need to be forced or manipulated. You have a happy horse,” commented Diana Yeater, owner/trainer. “Watching Arlyn ride is classical. She doesn’t force; she flows with the horse. She is able to get a horse to soften and collect. She’s like watching poetry. She teaches the horse how to use its body properly,” noted Dino Fretterd, Equine Body Worker. “You can already walk, trot and canter. You don’t need me to do that. I’m here to help you and your horse do it better,” is how Sally Haddon explained what she heard when Arlyn helped her son, Gatlan.

http://nwhsnews.blogspot.com/2009/05/arlyn-decicco-turns-tragedy-into.html

5/29/2009

Northwest Horse Source News: Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy into Triumph

Page 9 of 11

Miniature Horse owner Susan Hopmans of LaVista Farm added, the fact that this program allows horses to be all they can be and never forces makes my heart soar. It has such a calming and centering effect on the horses. The end result is a relaxed horse that understands and enjoys what is being asked.” Jumper rider Joie Gatlin’s former stable manager Darren “Dagwood” Roberts is a fan as well. “She has an intuitive knowledge of how their minds and bodies work. She was a huge part of Sun Cal’s King’s many successes.” Show Jumper Mandy Porter who competed at the 2009 Las Vegas World Cup remarked, “Arlyn considers the wellbeing of the whole horse and the reward is a whole horse.” Amateur-Owner jumper rider Mia Beckham noted, “Arlyn was the first person that did not try to teach me how to win. She taught me how to ride.” “She has given me the skills to tap into my horse’s physical and emotional potential. They are so content and confident in their bodies and my riding of them,” concluded Dr. Heather Mack. And there you have it. Aryln has turned tragedy into triumph and our horses thank her. Arlyn now resides in Southern California. For more information about Arlyn, visit her website at www.arlyndecicco.com. Arlyn can be contacted at wudlokfarm@sbcglobal.net or at (760) 535-3352. LABELS: EQUINE WORLD NEWS

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Adolfo Cambiaso - The Greatest Polo Player

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Sometimes when one stands far above their contemporaries, detractors will try to label them as selfish players, not about the team. The problem with that statement comes when these supposedly selfish players are on teams that win. Such is the fate of Argentina's greatest polo player, Adolfo Cambiaso, Jr, also known as Adolfito and Dolfi in admirable tones. Cambiaso has won many team championships while maintaining the highest level of skill and professionalism that polo has ever seen. He is... Category Interviews Visitor Rating (0)

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An Interview With Senor Fernando Grana H. Curry: It seems to be a consensus of breeders in this country that you are one of the most knowledgeable and perhaps the premier contemporary expert on the Peruvian Paso Horse. For the benefit of our readers, would you be kind enough to trace the highlights of your involvement as a breeder, exhibitor and judge of this horse? Sr. Grana: It starts way back. In the first place, I belong to a family of old time ranchers in Peru and we have owned and worked for five generations in the same... Category Interviews Visitor Rating (0)

Arlyn DeCicco Turns Tragedy Into Triumph A Little About Arlyn Arlyn DeCicco was born on May 2nd, 1954 to William D. and Toby B. Lampie. Despite the fact that she lost her dad from complications after surgery in 1984 and her mom to cancer in 1997, her parents left a strong imprint. Arlyn learned her work ethic, determination and dedication from her parents and often refers to her mother's favorite quote, "you can do anything you want to do as well as any man if not better." Horses entered Arlyn's life when she was nine years old.... Category Interviews Visitor Rating (0)

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