January 2013 Newsletter by Dressage Naturally

January 2013

Dressage, Naturally Website “Creating stronger partnerships and healthy biomechanics by combining the principles of natural horsemanship with the art of dressage.”

Karen Rohlf Dressage.Naturally clinics are designed to guide you towards implementing Karen Rohlf’s training philosophy, with the goal being to obtain the most noble results in dressage while actively preserving & improving the relationship you have with your horse.

__________________ UPCOMING CLINICS __________________ May 17-19, 2013 Reno, NV Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics Clinic taught by D,N Endorsed Clinician, Shelby Hume. For more info email: Marie Chance May 23-26, 2013 Embro, Ontario, Canada, taught by Karen Rohlf. For more info, call (519) 644-1656 or eMail Sandy Hushagen For more info about hosting or participating in a D,N clinic, please contact Sally Taylor For full clinic schedule

In this issue: • News & Updates • Classroom Video Links and More! • New Artwork: The Power of Relaxation • Student Comments & Questions • The Problem Is Not The Problem • The “Real Deal” by Janet Manly

Now Available On CD!

CLICK HERE

What is a ‘Temenos’? Temenos is an ancient Greek word. It refers to a sacred space that has no limits, where special rules apply and extra-ordinary events are free to occur. ..

uote of the Month:

“The less effort, the more powerful you will be.” - Bruce Lee

News... ‘Conversations’ Audio Series Relaxation, Energy and Balance, the first recording in Dressage, Naturally’s new ‘Conversations’ Audio Series, is now available in the Web Shop as a Digital Download or CD! Listen to Karen Rohlf discussing her thoughts on the conversations of Relaxation, Energy, and Balance which are vital to her strategies for finding the Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics. These conversations expand on the material in the Book/DVD and give new perspectives. This material stands alone even if you haven’t yet read the book, and is an excellent way to study your Dressage, Naturally practice on the go!

New Art by Karen... ‘The Power of Relaxation’ Taken from a page in Karen Rohlf’s sketchbook illustrating one of the main principles of Dressage, Naturally... The paradox that Relaxation is necessary in order for Power to manifest. This is a sketch in pencil plus a light ink wash, with the title: Power of Relaxation written under Karen’s signature. Printed on archival matte paper, this affordable print is ready to pop into an 11x14 frame, or be custom matted if you like!

Classroom Improvements and Website Updates New improvements are coming to the D,N Video Classroom! We’ve listened to your requests and are beginning the process of making them happen. Starting in January you’ll see new organization of the monthly videos with each month having an overview page, and from there you can get to each video. The high and low speed internet versions of each video will be on the same page so you can easily select the one that will perform the best for you in that moment. As soon as we can, all the older video pages will be organized this way too. You’ll have the ability to bookmark videos and keep your own personal list of faves within the D,N Video Classroom. The website will be “responsive’, meaning playback on mobile devices (ipads,iphones) wlll be much improved, with videos adjusting to whatever size is appropriate for your device which will make it really easy to use on the go. You’ll be able to comment on the same page as videos. We hope this will lead to even more people joining the conversation and learning from each other’s comments. 1

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Q &

Dressage, Naturally is a reflection of Karen Rohlf’s training philosophy, which puts equal importance on the Mental, Emotional and Physical aspects of the horse.

Mental, Physical, or Emotional? Q: Dear Karen, I have been working on the alignment exercises with my horse, but I am not sure about a few things. He looks the other way and throws his shoulder to me. I do get him to stretch but even when he stretches he will still throw the inside shoulder and his hind end comes in also.I saw a video where you kinda of pulled on the head a little, like asking for a inside bend and asked the hind end to move over. Could you recommend a video in the classroom so I can be really sure of how to make the correction. I don't know if this would help you but he does not track up at all in the circle or on the long side of the ring when I let him roll down the long side. Anyway you could direct me would be so appreciated. Warm regards, Joanna B

A: Re: Mental, Physical or Emotional? When horses look the other way it could be an alignment issue or it could be a confidence/attention issue.... or it could be he is 'clinging' to you... thinking he needs to stay close. So I usually want to check out any issues of that nature first... You can ask him to stay out to the wall of the round pen or arena if he thinks he needs to be too close... Like a stay on the rail type exercise, and give him praise and rest out there. (Classroom videos: July 2011 Squares and circles on line, Atomic) If it is more a problem of him not wanting to look at you and he falls in as a secondary issue, you can ask him to go out around barrels and come back, which requires him to stay focused on you. (Classroom videos: Jan 2011 Natilla) I would go to these sort of ‘mental’ exercises first before talking directly to his body. When I am talking directly to the body, I do at times put a limit on the line at the same time that I ask the body to shift sideways. I am conscious to not pull or think of it as a pull, but instead I passively resist if they pull! I also do a technique (I think this is the one you are referring to) where I ask the inside hind to step out/under then after I ask the front end to keep turning on the circle, or even make a little corner. (Since we learned in the December Classroom that alignment has to do with the inside hind stepping out to midline and the outside shoulder stepping in to midline). Even in this moment I don’t like to use the word ‘pull’ but instead I turn my body and expect the horse to come, and if he doesn’t he will end up feeling the line... Or I think of it as him following the feel of the line... Be careful with the term ‘pull’ because humans are so quick to do it and we need to not do it! Classroom video from April 2011 with Duncan on line just shows me playing with a horse who is sort of new at Basic Alignment Exercise, and there is always the DVD that comes with the book... Under the balance section, where I play with a young horse Vaquero on line and you can see that specific maneuver. I hope that helps! Cheers, Karen

Thank You from a student: Hi Karen & Dana, I am so glad I took Dana' s advice & joined the video forum! It is effective to have your teaching format set up as you do. I was looking for something available to me in fairly remote Northern Ontario. The combination of videos & forum seem like they will address difficulties when I try to emulate what you are teaching but the results are totally out there haha....! A few years ago I bought your book & DVD set but was not "focused" on dressage with the horse I had at the time...but did read the book. It seemed I was never quite at the "level" to progress with what we needed to know to get into the DVD's & put into practice the advice in the book. However I have a different horse now & am focusing on developing us to progress with NH & Dressage Naturally. He is a Connemara (although I am older (grey hair haha) I bought a large pony - the process seems to be much more challenging & involved from when I was a kid with my ponies - he can be somewhat "sassy" at times & dominant. After attending NH clinics this summer we are working on progressing to where freestyle is up to your clinic prerequisite levels - so again I wondered what I would get out of the video forum - thinking I would use the winter season to just watch your videos, read & listen to the members of your forum to learn a bit of what I needed to know prior to actually "doing" D,N. I joined a few weeks ago BUT I have found many exercises & valuable lessons from 2010 to date that I can use in developing my horse now as we progress with our relationship, online play, riding....some of which are: • Relaxation & Energy Online & the other online exercises • Basics with Natillia • Beginning Lateral Movements (SiMon is here now for me to actually learn again how to do the movements). Compact, weather proof booklet awesome - I have tried carrying books around with me while riding!....this one I can easily. • Posture... • Basic Alignment..... • Getting attention • Motivating Ovation.....the list goes on..... (oh yes and your comments about what you are using or made up for your equipment are useful) Especially interesting is learning how you handle your different horses' characteristics. and development. Mende is similar to Ovation (anything is fair game for him to nibble or pick up!) and with lower energy & motivation levels but has Atomic moments. I see Mende's balance, agility & fancy moves in the paddock all the time and hope to learn and develop together to be able to do them with him one fine day. Thanks so much for all your time devoted to teaching and sharing inspiring results with your lovely horses ~ (dogs are cute too!) Anne L

Atomic Schooling Piaffe at Liberty! Here’s a new, short video of Atomic doing some piaffe at liberty. I’m so happy with him! Okay, I know this is not the best piaffe in the world (yet). But Atomic is a very hot tempered, flighty horse so I’m very excited that he is allowing me to ask at liberty! It’s been a big challenge to have him accept this much pressure and physical demand. So Proud! Subscribe to Karen’s YouTube Channel! 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkz5rl9S9wI Copyright Temenos Fields, Inc.: January 2013

The Upward Spiral of Success! Dear Karen, I just finished watching the ‘Developing Trot Lengthenings’ DVD and I just thought to myself that I should write to you. I have rode in your upward spiral of success clinic in The Netherlands this past summer. Those three days where really beneficial for me and my horse.

What started as a normal working trot became more and more powerful with every stride.

We were ok with mobility and flexibility but had a lot of work to do as far as collectability was concerned. Since the clinic we really worked on the transitions, making sure they start from the back but that he is able to wait (the last being the main problem). As a free roaming 24/7 outdoor pony he naturally has some problems with staying ‘ inside the box’ and not ‘ pushing through the front door’. Last week I went on a trail ride and had an amazing feeling of pure power from him. What started as a normal working trot (with my Norwegian Fjord horse light in connection with my hands on a rope halter…I can still be in utter awe by this) became more and more powerful with every stride. When I adjusted the connection he even stepped into his front foot footstep with his hind foot (something that is quite a feat for a horse which legs ideally should have been at least 10 cm longer in order to fit his body length). What an amazing feeling, not only for me but also for him; to be able to feel so much strength within himself. And halfway I was thinking to myself…maybe I’m holding the reins a bit too much, so I did a selfcarriage check and he carried himself up. We flew through the forest in a beautiful powerful lengthened trot. So I want to thank you for helping us discover and feel what a good transition should feel like (even though this remains a continuous puzzle at times), for helping my horse to discover the power that he has. And even for making him more spooky (like Ovation in the trot lengthenings DVD) and somewhat ruining our mobility for I know I’ll will get them back with more quality then they had before.

Kind regards, Maaike

Hello Maaike, Thank you so much for your email! I love to hear about progress... I had no doubt you would find what you are looking for, as you and your Fjord are quite good partners! And yes, it can be a challenge to keep the mobility when you get that power... It‘ s not unusual for horses to be much better naturally at one than the other... but practice those exercises separately and then they will combine! And just so it can make sense in your mind... the more he carries behind (thru the collectibility exercises) the more mobile his shoulders can be! With horses who are very mobile, the challenge is to not allow them to 'wiggle out' of the straightness required for the engagement... But this is why often on the trail ride you will find the power... because there is a clear sense of 'going somewhere'! I hope this helps! Cheers, Karen 4

DRESSAGE, NATURALLY... RESULTS IN HARMONY Dressage, Naturally ... Results in Harmony (Book and DVD) Sale Price:

$75.00

A Guide to the Basics of Dressage from a Natural Horsemanship Perspective. A result of Karen Rohlf's combined experience as a dressage professional and her immersion in natural horsemanship, this book/DVD bridges the gap between these two worlds. The material will take every horseman on a practical and philosophical journey to create healthy bio-mechanics and stronger partnerships through combining principles of natural horsemanship with the art of dressage. NOTE: This is currently available in German Translation from Cadmos Publishing, and in Polish from Galaktyka Publishing

2011 Classroom AVAILABLE on DVD! This 6 DVD set includes 12+ hours of lessons! Karen Rohlf’s Video Classroom has gotten rave reviews... from around the world... from D,N students of all levels. The Classroom videos include discussions, simulations, on line, and riding. See a range from basic exercises with young horses to advanced dressage movements. These videos are the best way to keep your D,N practice alive and inspired. The on-line Classroom & Student Forum are on-going. Sign up now to get the most out of your Dressage, Naturally education!

Available to 2011 subscribers at a special discount price! If you were a Classroom member for more than 9 months during 2011, as a ‘Thank You’ for being a long-time member, you can purchase the set for: $55 with free shipping within the USA. ($15 shipping internationally) LOGIN to The Classroom to retrieve your discount code.

Enter that code in the WebShop when you place your order to immediately receive your discounted price.

D, N Video Classroom 5

Non-2011 Subscribers (& everyone else): The full 2011 archive (12+ hours) is:

$450 with free shipping within the USA ($15 shipping internationally)

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D,N Web Store Copyright Temenos Fields, Inc.: January 2013

January 2013 Classroom Videos Bend: Alignment On A Circle (Discussion/Simulation, 18 min) Change Of Direction (On Line, 24 min) Alignment on Circle (Riding, 19 min) JANUARY 2013 VIDEO OVERVIEW: We are going to start 2013 looking at bending! There are many aspect to creating excellent bending. As you will see in these videos, I primarily think of bending as being alignment on a circle... It is a functional dynamic more than a shape. If you think about alignment as being the way to find bend, then later you will more easily be able to create bend during lateral movements such as shoulder in and half pass. Once you have the Basic Alignment Exercise, it is time to start becoming even more precise with your alignment on a circle. These videos are all basic Flexibility exercises on your Upward Spiral Of Success. But remember, Flexibility, Mobility and Collectibility exercises always eďŹ&#x20AC;ect each other. It will be interesting to notice if having true bend (alignment) on the circle will help your ability to do lateral work (Mobility), and transitions (Collectibility)... and vice versa! Please let us know on the Forum!

Never underestimate the potential for harmony & lightness to improve in ways you cannot yet imagine! Bend: Alignment On A Circle (Discussion/Simulation, 18 min) This is a discussion and simulation to help you understand and feel what it means to bend. I hope you do get up and try this one... So many students find this helpful at my clinics! What you will learn about your bodies in this exercise usually directly translates to what you find while riding. This video is excellent for everyone who wants to have a deeper understanding of bending. Change Of Direction (On Line, 24 min) In this video we look at an on-line exercise using a change of direction and bend to help create suppleness in your horses. This is like a coordinated dance move with your horse, requiring several ingredients to be in place, and then that you can lead your horse through it in the right position, with the right timing. It is an extremely valuable gymnastic exercise for the horse that is low impact because it can be done very effectively at the walk. This video is excellent for anyone who is playing on line and wants to develop more suppleness and symmetry in their horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lateral balance. Alignment on Circle (Riding, 19 min) In this video we will watch several horses and riders play with a very specific circling exercise while riding. Some of what I show is pretty subtle but I think you will enjoy hearing what I choose to focus on with each pair; and likely it will be something that you also need to focus on! This video is excellent for anyone who wants to develop better alignment while riding and is ready to have a more precise focus on their circles.

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“The Problem Is Not The Problem...” D,N Endorsed Clinician Shelby Hume has some words of wisdom for anyone who has experienced the challenge of being in a lesson or clinic where you and your horse are learning new things.

Happy New Year!

I have decided to challenge myself with more writing this year. I don’t know what “more” means or will result in, and I don’t even know if my name and writing really know each other. But I always tell myself (and friends) “stretch and grow”! Still, I am fearful; I have always admired great writers (like Karen!) But, how does one start “writing”? What do you write about? How do you write? Talk about paralysis through analysis! So, I have decided to use some of my favorite quotes to shape my writing experience. I find for me, there is nothing like a good quote to help me through the day or an experience. This one seems to match my new challenge. . . “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?” ... and I can picture Johnny Depp’s now infamous portrayal of the all-knowing swash buckling poetic pirate thinking this simple statement is so very applicable to horsemanship, life, relationships anything you can think of! I don’t even really “like” the word PROBLEM. I would rather challenge or opportunity. But since reality may often find our minds creeping there, and in essence of using the true quote, we will stick with it. Let’s look at it in the light of horsemanship alone (knowing the assimilations and applications are endless). How do you approach learning a new “maneuver”? At first is one excited? But then, as we try to proceed, are we willing to keep our attitude about the “problem” surrounded by a light of curiosity, determination, and happiness?

This can be very hard when we are a human learning the maneuver for the very first time. In addition, we are often riding a partner who is trying to learn the maneuver for the very first time. Furthermore we are in front of an instructor who we admire and value trying to do the very best we can and often times we are not comfortable with being uncomfortable in front of them. The complications and challenges are innumerable. In theory this can be understood. In the moment it can be very hard to exercise. I think the following are some steps that would help any of us: • Arrive as prepared as possible. Do your homework! (Both you and your partner) •Choose a mentor that you trust and can have dialogue with. •In the moment try to channel playfulness in response to pressure. Remember learning was HARD when we were in school, things were not always “easy” and it seems the older we get, the less comfortable we are with that, and the greater fear we have of imposing unrealistic expectations on our partners. But, as long as we proceed with what is fair, reasonable and possible (where have we heard that?) don’t be afraid to roll your sleeves up and have some fun!

Dressage, Naturally Instructor Shelby Hume has spent extensive time training with Karen Rohlf and is available to teach the progressive and motivating clinic; “Finding the Sweet Spot for Healthy Biomechanics”. For more information about hosting or participating in a clinic with Shelby, please contact Sally Taylor: clinics@dressagenaturally.net 7

If we have not been down the path of developing a horse to the level of our dreams before, trust that it is not easy! Continued on Page 8 Copyright Temenos Fields, Inc.: January 2013

“The Problem Is Not The Problem...” Continued from Page. 7

Even if someone has had the opportunity to ride amazing “school masters” the process of developing our own horse is a completely different experience and one I WANT to learn. We will be in new and uncharted waters for our horsemanship and as we stated earlier; often times for both you and the horse. So why would we expect this to proceed without a few minor “growing pains?” This seems unrealistic doesn’t it? I know the more I have considered my horse in this journey the more I can be certain of two things: I will make good choices in who helps us, and I always consider his welfare to the best of my abilities. That does not mean I sacrifice believing in what I and my horse can accomplish.

lesson or clinic is often times one of more pressure and exposure then you typically experience in the comfort of your own facilities. Going away from that experience and using the skills that were uncomfortable at that time but making them “your own” upon returning home is what will really build us as individuals. If we want to be the best we can be, the path is not always one of absolute ease and levity. But I think we can find joy, curiosity and happiness there as well. In the end, it will come down to how we want to focus our energy towards our own personal “sweet spot” in the frame of learning new skills. I cannot wait for the new year and what it brings!

Remember, a lesson or a clinic is a moment in time where you are out of your comfort zone, the experience of that

~ Shelby Hume

Fun Video Links! Horsin’ Around... D,N students Heather Baskey, Donna Bigonzi and Christine Pohlkamp, at Rockwood, Ontario, along with a couple special guests, shared this video of their D,N study party and movie night. What a fun idea... CHECK IT OUT! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=579792568714472&set=vb.100000512012586&type=2&theater

Today’s Animal Athletics in The Temenos Watch Dressage, Naturally trained elite athletes compete in... • Kitty Wrestling • Dog Bowling • and Horse Soccer! h"ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1__-PgMugpA 8

Finding the Sweet Spot

of Healthy Biomechanics This clinic is a must for anyone interested in learning about the principles of Dressage, Naturally and how to apply them in practice! You’ll spend 3 days participating in theory, discussion, simulations, on line and riding exercises. This clinic is an all day group format that has proven incredibly successful in reinforcing the concepts by observing many different students and horses, and by creating a supportive learning environment. Dressage, Naturally Instructors Breanne Peters & Shelby Hume have both spent extensive time training with Karen and are available to teach this progressive and motivating clinic; “Finding the Sweet Spot for Healthy Biomechanics”. Breanne Peters fell in love with a pony at the age of 4 and her passion for horses has never ceased. She began her natural horsemanship journey with the horse she bought at age 12. She trained in Western, Reining, Pleasure, Conformation, Barrels and Competitive Trail Riding.

Shelby Hume has loved horses from her first breath and started her work in 4-H where she rode and competed in a wide variety of events. She was drawn to Dressage but her first experiences with it did not match the picture of the ‘happy athlete’ she was hoping for.

Eventually she found Parelli, achieving her Level 1 & 2 in one year. She was working on ‘old’ Level 3 when her horse was diagnosed with a serious illness. At this time she traveled to B.C. to work on a ranch for seven months to gain more horsemanship experience. It was through working for the ranch that Breanne found Dressage, Naturally. In 2007 Breanne moved to Temenos Fields for one year to spend more time learning Karen’s methods. Breanne has since returned for 6 month periods of time for the past two years to continue her education.

She pursued a degree in Business Administration and strengthened her teaching skills in the equestrian world and in Tae Kwon Do. She has spent time in the world of Reining, showing and being a NRHA judge. taught a college equestrian program, and coached Intercollegiate Riding and Judging Teams throughout her years of employment there. She studied and rode in Portugal, fell in love with the Lusitano Horse, and a version of Dressage that was closer to Shelby’s ideal picture (but not quite there yet!)

Breanne has trained her current horse to 2nd Level Dressage in one year and has aspirations of reaching higher levels with quality. Breanne is eager to share and assist others in their horsemanship and Dressage, Naturally journeys.

Her challenging Lusitano stallion caused her to pursue Natural Horsemanship and through this journey Shelby learned of Karen Rohlf. She has studied with Karen over the past several years and considers Karen to be her “true north” and looks forward to sharing her passion for this way with others.

For more information about hosting or participating in a clinic with Breanne or Shelby, please contact Sally Taylor: clinics@dressagenaturally.net

“The Real Deal” Janet Manly, BHSI Instructor and the trainer/ program director at Hy Court Farm in Austin, TX shares her thoughts after participating in a Dressage, Naturally clinic in the end of November.

For those of you who have joined me in this seemingly crazy journey on the quest to find a better path of Horsemanship, I wanted to share with you my recent thoughts after having the privilege of working with Karen Rohlf this past week. My direction took a huge shift in 1996 when I began to realize the missing pieces of my search for a lighter way to ride were to be found in the world of the working cowboys of this country. For these horsemen and women their lives were shaped on the back of a horse out of a necessity to survive. I have come to learn that this element of survival makes excellent horsemanship critical. I grew up in a place and time where the utilitarian use of horses had ended with my parents generation but learned to ride from horsemen who lived in this time. The riding schools in England were formed from strict military teachings with a similar “riding for survival” tone. In this case however, the foundations are based more on battle tactics which involve some precise moves but mostly charging at the enemy across open country on a sure footed horse. In my “unbiased” opinion, the Brits still lead the charge in this area! On the other side of the world during this time, an ever changing America was being formed from the back of a horse. The skills required at the forming ranches across the country were also an essential tool of survival. The “Natural Horsemanship” movement inspired by the Dorrance brothers influence has already changed history and I feel their legacy is the huge missing piece of classical horsemanship. Many classical masters throughout history have touched on this connection with the “inside” of a horse. Riding in lightness, collection on a loose rein, working the Reata - these are some of the things that make up the horsemanship called the Californio Style Horsemanship - how a rider might express the skills of the caballeros that came to the New World. It comes from roots that also spawned the Spanish Riding School and other classical dressage schools of Europe. These skills have been respectfully preserved by the working cowboy and enhanced in our lifetime by the Dorrances. We now are finding these influences touching every equine discipline throughout the world and I am honored to have met many great Horsemen and women who strive to uphold these ideals. I attended a classical dressage seminar several years ago where Paul Belasik gave a very well researched lecture on the history of dressage. He believes that we are entering a new era in the evolution of horsemanship. He went on to say that as with most things, humans have a habit of repeating history yet with each era one new piece is added to our understanding. He believes that the next piece of the puzzle would come from one of the free thinking continents not trapped by tradition and I agree wholeheartedly. As we seem poised on the edge of a new Renaissance era in horsemanship, I had already come to the conclusion that this piece has been preserved by the working cowboys of America. They have taken their skills developed in the quickly disappearing world of ranch life onto the clinic road. Within a relatively short time many people have recognized this national treasure and are becoming aware of a more enlightened and effective way to build relationships with horses. One of the most wonderful things about America is its constant strive to become a melting pot of peoples and ideas. In this case the Horsemen of this country have succeeded beautifully. I have spent the last 15 years attempting to understand and explain the vision I have when someone is able to combine and understand the inner workings of a horse and the art of riding and able to teach this in a way that seems so easy. This person would have to be an artist yet possess the logical skills to teach feel in a method that could be understood and learned. Amongst many other qualities, they would need to be authentic in how they live their lives, interact with horses and people whilst having their ego in check. I believe that I just met such a person. Horses have the ability to read authenticity in a human instantly and I was able to observe Karen and horses that I know well immediately understand each other. 10

The mark of a true Horseman is the awareness and ability to read and adjust to fit the situation. My suspicion that Karen was the “real deal” was confirmed during this session on the first morning

I have learned to observe the body language of horses when they are in the presence of a human as many secrets may be unveiled in that moment that may give us more information about each other. I was able to observe Karen and several horses that I know very well immediately become curious and engaged when she entered their awareness. One very guarded little horse who is very particular about who he lets in could not contain his curiosity. This is a very vulnerable place for this horse to be which showed in his curious yet defensive posturing with Karen. He generally finds security in the place of learned helplessness and appears dull to an outside eye in order to cope with life. He found himself on the teeter of that delicate balance between fear and curiosity in that moment.

As Karen started to move with him on the ground, she was able to flow through all of his questions about her as she calmly allowed the time for them to get to know each other. I have spent a long time encouraging this horse to be confident enough to let down his guard and leave the safety of learned helplessness. In the past this has brought up challenging posturing in the horse causing defensive reactions in the handler. Karen honored this place for this horse with confidence and a lighthearted, calm yet energized session and left him more hopeful that there are now at least three people in this world that “get him”. I believe Karen was, and still is unaware of this horse’s past and long abusive history. The mark of a true Horseman is the awareness and ability to read and adjust to fit a situation. My suspicion that Karen was the “real deal” was confirmed during this session on the first morning of the clinic. The combination of this quality, her artists vision of movement and energy, her in depth understanding of bio mechanics and classical teachings and a unique, compassionate and effective teaching program have pulled everything together for me. Horsemanship is a personal journey and just like art there are many forms that speak to us and touch a special place in our hearts. Karen is able to create a resonating image for me. She has blended this beautiful feel of the “inside” of the horse nurtured by the great Horsemen of America and created a masterpiece in the ever evolving Art of Dressage. During one exercise, Karen asked many questions of the riders to which the only answer could be “Yes”. This particular exercise required clarity of intent, focus on a systematic layering of key foundational elements of relaxation and energy and a positive response. With each layer the rider was asked for conformation that each particular element was still in place sustained only by the rider’s intention and vision. Karen calls this place “neutral” in the rider. In this moment the horse becomes self carried and the partnership clearly more harmonious.

Karen Rohlf teaching at Hy Court Farm

All of my “I think so” moments over the years on so many levels have been validated with a resounding YES!

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