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Welcome to
Holistequine
Hello and welcome to my site.
I am Julia
Sehgal, a freelance classical dressage, flatwork and jumping trainer with 25 years professional experience.
I also school, work in-hand and work with the horse and rider on the lunge. My philosophy is concerned with natural horsemanship reflected in classical dressage training.
I am currently based on the
Surrey/Hampshire border and also travel to Warwickshire, Oxfordshire,
Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds on a regular basis to give lessons. I teach anybody and
everybody interested in getting the best from their horse or pony. My
teaching approach focuses on balance, flexibility and strength; similar to
that in yoga and Tai chi. I believe that the connection between yoga and
riding are very strong and
hugely beneficial to all horses and riders.
Ethos
In 2003 I went to Sweden
to see an old friend, Birgitta Jarnaker, who gradually enlightened me into the undeniable
benefits to riding and training horses and riders with a more classical
approach.
This slower system known more precisely as the Art of Academic Riding seemed
at first glance very similar, if not the same as how I had always trained.
However I soon realised that this approach had much more depth and
understanding of how the horse is physically put together. When educated to
work in total independent balance with power and strength, this develops
body and mind in a way that is beneficial throughout life. The horse will
therefore be far sounder and happier than if forced to perform in a way that
is not natural to his makeup.
The disadvantage to this approach
is that it does take more time to develop than a more conventional approach.
However, having spent the last few years studying and teaching using more
classical methods, I can now appreciate the result in the long run is far
more concrete and the foundation, the key to an educated horse and rider,
far more secure. I believe that these methods can be used at any level, with
any horse and any rider. One can use this system in its entirety or some of
it to help improve your horse or pony. I do feel that by taking more time to
understand how the horse works and to implement these techniques both you
and your horse will benefit greatly.
The difference between a classical
and modern system is time. It takes more time and patience to educate the
horse and rider to achieve true independent balance, strength and elasticity
which develops a lifelong foundation. This also helps to prevent injury, so
often present in horses that are rushed and forced both physically and
mentally to perform before they are strong enough. I have come to realise
that although a classical approach is slower, the outcome in the long-run is
far more enduring, solid and rewarding.
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Lojo and I training with
Birgitta in Sweden. |
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