RIDDEN SEMINARS

The Ride With Your Mind approach has been pioneered over the last 25 years by Mary Wanless, BSc. BHSI. By studying and using knowledge gained from physics, psychology, martial arts, dance, anatomy, among others, Mary Wanless has evolved an understanding of the physical and psychological relationships between the horse and rider. This has led to a unique and extraordinarily effective method of teaching and learning. In many ways it continues on a deeper level from other pioneering teachers such as Sally Swift.

The RWYM approach shows any rider how to organise her mind and body in the same way as the riders we might call ‘talented’. The skills of riding are communicated step-by-step in bite-size chunks. The techniques used in teaching are very streamlined. We increase the rider’s body awareness, and use images which help the rider to understand both what to do and how to do it. Through this approach incredible improvements can be obtained in a very short time, defying traditional expectations.

Elaine Butler has been working with Mary Wanless for 9 years and is a certified coach of the Ride with Your Mind method. We have been running courses with her every year since 2005, (sometimes twice a year) and have always found her inspirational. Elaine would be delighted to explore new ways to solve old problems in your partnership with your horse!

Format of Courses taught by Elaine Butler. (*Maximum of five people per day)
• Everyone receives a private 45 minute lesson in the morning with Elaine + 15 minute debrief with video footage of the salient parts in the lesson.
• Everyone is strongly encouraged to watch each other's lessons.
• Buffet lunch followed by a dismounted workshop / Q & A's for all riders together.
(Please bring pen and paper for making notes plus an exercise ball plus mat for floor exercises)
• In the afternoon 1 hour paired lessons to practise all the new pieces from the morning’s session