Equine Assisted Counselling for Horse Riders

~ claire ballardie

Equine Assisted Counselling for Horse Riders

As an equestrian professional for many years, and a psychotherapist, I offer my unique approach to counselling for horse riders.

I can work with you and your own horse to develop your relationship, and to work with any issues you may have. Most importantly, we will  focus on gaining a better understanding about your horse and about yourself.

Sessions will include ‘talking therapy‘ without the horse, to gain understanding about yourself, and issues going on for you. We will also work with your horse, to improve how you function together.

Claire and Heinrich

Time will be spent on common issues that can turn horsemanship from a pleasurable experience into a nightmare!

How it works

6 sessions are recommended, for example, starting and finishing with you on your own to notice and understand the change in your relationship with your horse before and after therapy.

Sessions, lasting up to an hour, cost £45 each.  (travel costs may apply)

Sessions also available online via Zoom using video footage of you and your horse.

Find more news and information about horses and Equine assisted Counselling  by clicking here

Long-reining and in-hand work: summer exercise

~ claire ballardie

Too hot to ride? Long-reining and in-hand work require minimum equipment, and can be done in walk as summer exercise. You can dress cooly, but be sure to wear stout shoes and gloves! (A hard hat too is recommended.)

Schooling your horse from the ground calmly in walk gives you time to assess his way of going. It also gives you time to improve your body language and application of your aids, to make sure he/she understands what is required.

For more details, please see my book and accompanying DVD, Lungeing, Long-reining and in-hand schooling. 

 

lungeing book an ddvd
Lungeing, Long-reining and In-hand work book and Lungeing DVD

 

 

The Equestrian Counsellor

~ claire ballardie
The Equestrian Counsellor

With many years of experience as both a rider and coach, and as a  psychotherapist  with an equestrian background, I combine many years of experience into my unique approach to help you to get the best out of your relationship with your horse.

Past traumatic experiences, such as falling off, being injured, or losing a beloved horse can have a profound effect on confidence, and self belief.  We can work through such experiences together, to help you to gain a better understanding of how these can impact  on you, and your horse.

Team Work

Building a better relationship with your horse is about how you work as a team. . Sessions will include ‘talking therapy‘ without the horse, to gain self-awareness  and to explore issues going on for you. We will also work with your horse, to improve how you function together.

Understanding your Horse

Horses are very aware of non-verbal communication- our body language, how calm and confident we are, or not. This applies to all aspects of horsemanship – whether we are riding or handling them, or simply in their presence. They pick up things, such as our fears,  about ourselves we are not even aware of!

What happens in sessions?

Time will be spent on coaching, talking about coping strategies. I aim to help you to work through problems before putting them into practice with your horse. Working on-line, we can discuss a short video of you and your horse in action together.

Details

Personal sessions (up to an hour) without the horse can be on-line, using Zoom. Coaching sessions with your horse are available in person, subject to distance. (Travel costs and a minimum number of coaching hours may apply)

Prices