Solutions to Your Biggest Riding Challenges
With Simple Exercises You Can Do Anywhere
|
|
Picture someone you know who you’d call an “effortless rider”. It may be someone in your barn, a rider you’ve seen at shows or events, or even someone you've watched in a video.
What does that rider look like, how do they move? How does their horse move?
Now think about your own riding… wouldn't it be a dream come true to feel more like this effortless rider?
Picture yourself riding this way... confident, in rhythm with your horse…
Maybe cantering across an open field, walking down a wooded trail, performing a flawless leg yield, or smoothly jumping a course of fences.
You may have experienced little glimpses of this feeling - moving easily in balance with the horse. It’s a remarkable feeling, and a big part of what makes riding so special.
What does that rider look like, how do they move? How does their horse move?
Now think about your own riding… wouldn't it be a dream come true to feel more like this effortless rider?
Picture yourself riding this way... confident, in rhythm with your horse…
Maybe cantering across an open field, walking down a wooded trail, performing a flawless leg yield, or smoothly jumping a course of fences.
You may have experienced little glimpses of this feeling - moving easily in balance with the horse. It’s a remarkable feeling, and a big part of what makes riding so special.
But so often we lose sight of this feeling. We get confused by the never ending and often conflicting streams of advice and corrections that we get.
"Sit up straighter, heels down, bring your shoulders back, put your leg back, put your leg forward, lift your reins, lower your reins…"
We end up spending our riding time struggling to find the “right” position. The feeling of ease becomes more and more elusive as we strain to hold proper riding posture.
In lessons, we try to do what our instructor asks, but it seems like it's never enough. Or we fix our position only to go right back to where we were next ride.
It’s frustrating! Why can't I get this? Will I ever be any good at riding? Maybe I just need to get stronger, try harder, ride a different horse…
"Sit up straighter, heels down, bring your shoulders back, put your leg back, put your leg forward, lift your reins, lower your reins…"
We end up spending our riding time struggling to find the “right” position. The feeling of ease becomes more and more elusive as we strain to hold proper riding posture.
In lessons, we try to do what our instructor asks, but it seems like it's never enough. Or we fix our position only to go right back to where we were next ride.
It’s frustrating! Why can't I get this? Will I ever be any good at riding? Maybe I just need to get stronger, try harder, ride a different horse…
The truth is that with the right information and a clear understanding of the basic laws of riding, you will be successful!
But a lot of what's taught about riding does not give us this information.
There are these underlying myths and mysteries - things we have been told to do but never really understand.
In addition, many instructors are "natural" riders - they are great at riding but they've never had to stop and think about what they are really doing and how to explain it.
It is difficult for them to relate to a rider who is just starting again and learning as an adult, or to a rider who had an injury and is now returning to riding but finding that their body just doesn't work the same as it used to... or to a rider that is struggling with fear because they never really feel safe and secure when they're in the saddle.
When the instructor can't communicate the change she wants to see, and the student doesn't understand how to make that change, both can become frustrated, and the real purpose of riding - to have fun and connect with the horse - is lost!
Improving our riding is about learning new and better ways of moving so we can feel secure, balanced, and effortless on our horse!
Before we can achieve this, we first need to become aware of our current patterns, understand clearly what we should do differently, and then feel the "new" way so we can change.
It doesn't matter if you just started riding, are returning after having ridden as a child or teenager, or if you've spent decades in the saddle, we are all affected by our habits and movement patterns.
Good riding instruction needs to give us clear information, simple exercises to find our own patterns, and positive support so we can have fun along the way!
But a lot of what's taught about riding does not give us this information.
There are these underlying myths and mysteries - things we have been told to do but never really understand.
In addition, many instructors are "natural" riders - they are great at riding but they've never had to stop and think about what they are really doing and how to explain it.
It is difficult for them to relate to a rider who is just starting again and learning as an adult, or to a rider who had an injury and is now returning to riding but finding that their body just doesn't work the same as it used to... or to a rider that is struggling with fear because they never really feel safe and secure when they're in the saddle.
When the instructor can't communicate the change she wants to see, and the student doesn't understand how to make that change, both can become frustrated, and the real purpose of riding - to have fun and connect with the horse - is lost!
Improving our riding is about learning new and better ways of moving so we can feel secure, balanced, and effortless on our horse!
Before we can achieve this, we first need to become aware of our current patterns, understand clearly what we should do differently, and then feel the "new" way so we can change.
It doesn't matter if you just started riding, are returning after having ridden as a child or teenager, or if you've spent decades in the saddle, we are all affected by our habits and movement patterns.
Good riding instruction needs to give us clear information, simple exercises to find our own patterns, and positive support so we can have fun along the way!
This is exactly how international instructor and clinician Wendy Murdoch has been teaching riding for over 30 years, traveling the world to work with thousands of horses and riders from every discipline.
What makes Wendy unique in her style of teaching is the combination of her background in science along with her broad education, and her own personal experiences.
In her 20s Wendy had a severe riding accident that changed her life forever. In a wheelchair and released from the hospital with no physical therapy, Wendy was determined to return to riding... but because of her injuries she struggled with traditional riding instruction.
Wendy began learning about how our bodies move and function well, and how we can return to comfortable movement and effective riding even after accidents, long breaks from riding, or even years of ineffective practice.
Through achieving her certification as a Feldenkrais practitioner and working with pioneers in the art of riding and horsemanship, such as Sally Swift from Centered Riding, Linda Tellington Jones, and Dr. Hillary Clayton, Wendy developed a unique style of riding instruction. She explains in simple language the often complicated skills of riding and helps her students feel exactly what they need to change to ride better.
She gives her students an education in anatomy and bio-mechanics, unmounted exercises that can be practiced anywhere, and a collection of simple riding "fixes" - easy techniques that help a rider feel and remember a new movement and then take it out to their horse.
In the years Wendy has been traveling and teaching, she leaves an impression with her students, whether they ride western, dressage, jumpers, endurance, or gaited horses - riders who are serious competitors or just in it for fun.
What makes Wendy unique in her style of teaching is the combination of her background in science along with her broad education, and her own personal experiences.
In her 20s Wendy had a severe riding accident that changed her life forever. In a wheelchair and released from the hospital with no physical therapy, Wendy was determined to return to riding... but because of her injuries she struggled with traditional riding instruction.
Wendy began learning about how our bodies move and function well, and how we can return to comfortable movement and effective riding even after accidents, long breaks from riding, or even years of ineffective practice.
Through achieving her certification as a Feldenkrais practitioner and working with pioneers in the art of riding and horsemanship, such as Sally Swift from Centered Riding, Linda Tellington Jones, and Dr. Hillary Clayton, Wendy developed a unique style of riding instruction. She explains in simple language the often complicated skills of riding and helps her students feel exactly what they need to change to ride better.
She gives her students an education in anatomy and bio-mechanics, unmounted exercises that can be practiced anywhere, and a collection of simple riding "fixes" - easy techniques that help a rider feel and remember a new movement and then take it out to their horse.
In the years Wendy has been traveling and teaching, she leaves an impression with her students, whether they ride western, dressage, jumpers, endurance, or gaited horses - riders who are serious competitors or just in it for fun.
"I was ready to quit..." |
"Discipline doesn't matter" |
"The rider always changes" |
"Helped immensely in becoming a better rider" |
"Doing less for lighter and more enjoyable riding" |
Until recently the only way to work personally with Wendy was through traveling to one of her clinics,
but now, Wendy's unique instruction is available outside of traveling to a clinic.
In The Effortless Rider®️ online course, Wendy will help you understand what has been holding you back and discover ease in your riding.
Introducing the Effortless Rider®️ Course
In The Effortless Rider®️ course you will find solutions to your biggest riding challenges through simple exercises that help you understand the mechanics of movement to bring ease to your riding.
This course is taught entirely online through a series of videos - you can access the material anywhere on any device on your own time. The course is delivered over five weeks, but you have lifetime access, so you can work at your own pace because you have access to all the lessons forever. Even if you don't have time to watch the videos now you can return to watch them anytime!
Join The Effortless Rider®️ to understand the laws of great riding and get simple exercises you can do anywhere, whether you are brand new to riding, returning to riding, or have spent years in the saddle.
Throughout the Course you will learn things like…
- How forcing your heels down can make you lean forward and make it harder to control your horse.
- Why focusing on the up phase of the posting trot can completely change how your horse moves.
- What the "sling apparatus" is and why it is so important for a balanced ride and a sound horse.
- How trying to pull your shoulders back will negatively affect your posture.
- The best way to use an exercise ball to improve your riding.
- What to do with a soup can to increase the range of motion of your ankle.
- How to use a foam roller to loosen up your shoulders and make your jumping release more fluid.
- See the difference between three common types of saddles and how they affect your position as a rider.
5 Weeks Towards Effortless Riding...
Module 1 Anatomy for Equestrians
|
Discover how knowing your anatomy can allow you to ride without tension or gripping and use gravity effectively in your riding!
|
Module 2 Riding Mysteries Explained
|
Bust common riding myths and understand the most effective riding position by seeing the function of horse and rider together.
|
Module 3 Unmounted Exercises
|
Change your internal body map by learning new ways of moving that allow you to break out of old habits and find those "I get it!" moments.
|
Module 4 Riding with Ease
|
See the difference in both horse and rider as Wendy demonstrates riding with ease as well as getting "stuck" in old riding myths like heels down or shoulders back.
|
Module 5 See it in Action
|
Now watch as other riders completely change their position, improving their balance, stability, and confidence, as well as the posture and movement of their horse - often with just a simple exercise!
|
Equi-TipsTest your new anatomy skills and learn how different parts of the body function as you ride. You will get Equi-Tips to support each of the 5 Modules.
These simple tips make it easy to remember the most important parts of your body for riding and how they compare to your horse! |
|
|
Live Q&A with WendyGet personal feedback and help from Wendy during the members only Live Q&A session.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and connect with Wendy directly. |
Extra Bonuses
Included for FREE when you join - $261 Value
BONUS Wendy's Most Popular Book
|
Supplement your learning with Wendy Murdoch’s most popular book 50 5-Minute Fixes to Improve Your Riding.
Start or end your riding sessions with Wendy's 5-Minute Fixes, and you'll be amazed how quickly you can: - replace old habits with new ones, - get out of your "riding rut," - and transform what you can't do into what you can do… naturally, capably, comfortably, and consistently alongside a happy riding partner — your horse. $27.95 |
BONUS Personal Course Workbook
|
This Workbook will help you keep track of your progress as you complete the exercises during the course.
You can also use the Workbook to test your new knowledge after watching the lesson videos. The Workbook connects relevant sections of the 50 5-Minute Fixes To Improve Your Riding book with course videos. $39 |
BONUS Saddle Fitting Module
|
The way your saddle fits both you and your horse will have a huge impact on your riding and your horse's movement – good or bad.
In this bonus Module you will learn how to tell if your saddle fits you and your horse. $97 |
Two Options to Join
You have two options to join the Effortless Rider.
You can join the online program for $497 or you can join the online course plus register for Wendy's next two-day in person clinic for $997. *Payment plans are also available for both options*
The next clinic is April 13-14, 2019 and there are just 12 spaces available. Clinics include both mounted and unmounted work and are designed to reinforce what is taught in the online curriculum.
Clinics are held at Honey Brook Stables, in Honey Brook, Pa. You are welcome to bring your own horse (stables are available) or ride one of our school horses ($25 per day).
Clinic spots are available on a first come, first serve basis!
You can join the online program for $497 or you can join the online course plus register for Wendy's next two-day in person clinic for $997. *Payment plans are also available for both options*
The next clinic is April 13-14, 2019 and there are just 12 spaces available. Clinics include both mounted and unmounted work and are designed to reinforce what is taught in the online curriculum.
Clinics are held at Honey Brook Stables, in Honey Brook, Pa. You are welcome to bring your own horse (stables are available) or ride one of our school horses ($25 per day).
Clinic spots are available on a first come, first serve basis!
Here is Exactly What You Will Receive as a New Member
|
Your Course Includes: Five Weeks of Online Course Content
Q&A Session with Wendy (Live plus Recording) |
|
Your Bonuses Include:
|
|
|
|
The Effortless Rider
|
|
Questions?
When Does the Course start?
You will have access to Lesson 1 as soon as you join, and then a new lesson will be released each week. You are free to work at your own pace however, as your access to this course never expires.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered entirely online through digital video you can watch on any device with an internet connection!
The BONUS Saddle Fitting Module and the 5 Minute Fixes Masterclass are available online with the core Course Modules.
The BONUS Saddle Fitting Module and the 5 Minute Fixes Masterclass are available online with the core Course Modules.
I love Wendy’s books and DVDs! How is this course different?
Most of the content in this Course is information Wendy has not published anywhere before. It is a program with a complete lesson in anatomy and the mechanics of movement, taught with horse and human skeletons (and then real horses and humans!).
In addition, through the online Course you ask questions directly in the comments below the videos and in the Q&A session, so you have personal interaction with Wendy Murdoch that is just not available through books or DVDs.
In addition, through the online Course you ask questions directly in the comments below the videos and in the Q&A session, so you have personal interaction with Wendy Murdoch that is just not available through books or DVDs.
What if my internet is super slow?
While most of the Course content is delivered over the internet, the videos can be customized for playback in slow internet areas. Our CRK Training Support Team is always here to help you get the tech side of things going so you can get the most out of your Course.
If you do join and find that you can't participate in the Course as you hoped, we offer a full 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.
If you do join and find that you can't participate in the Course as you hoped, we offer a full 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.
Do I need to be online at Specific Times? What if I'm Busy Right now and Can't ride?
No need to be online at any specific times - you can watch the videos and submit your questions whenever you have time.
Don't worry if you don't have a lot of time right now, you have lifetime access to the Course and can go through at your own pace - you can hit pause and rewind as often as you like to watch and absorb the pieces that are particularly important to you at any given time.
There is a lot of unmounted work included in this Course so even if you can't ride right now, you can still be learning and improving!
Don't worry if you don't have a lot of time right now, you have lifetime access to the Course and can go through at your own pace - you can hit pause and rewind as often as you like to watch and absorb the pieces that are particularly important to you at any given time.
There is a lot of unmounted work included in this Course so even if you can't ride right now, you can still be learning and improving!
I already have Wendy's books and dvds, can I order just the course?
The book is a Free Bonus with this Course, so there is no discount for joining without it. It does make a great gift though 🙂
HAve another Question?
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have - you can email me at [email protected] or scroll down to the contact form below and send us a message!
Testimonials for Wendy
Thank you so much for sharing your passion, learning, wisdom and stories. It is fascinating and has and is making a difference in my riding, my visualization and the connection I have with my horse. I have taken both of the courses offered by Wendy. There is such a wealth of information and it really has added a whole new dimension to my appreciation of the horse and my understanding of the possibilities of flowing together with my horse and how my particular skeleton with my horse's particular skeleton can find our groove together. Every time I go through the classes again, I learn more and have new epiphanies. I am excited to go through the Effortless Riding class for the second time. Thank you both!!! |
Thank you so much for making this course available to us. My horse's movement has changed so much since I started riding with a flat back about two weeks ago. He is now more forward moving and he gives me lots of snorts as we ride. I no longer have what I thought was a lazy horse! This change in my back position has been such a breakthrough for us. Thank you so much. This is an excellent module - very clear, well filmed and helpful. I especially appreciate Wendy showing what happens to the horse when one is in a 'wrong' position. Helps me diagnose what I might be doing. |
Wendy’s visit was a gift that, in so many ways, lasted long after the ride was over. I discovered in the days that followed that the experience has opened my eyes to new perspectives, new possibilities, and new confidence in many areas of my life. |
I participated in a couple of your clinics and I wanted to tell you those lessons have had a profound and lasting impact on my riding. Folding in the middle immediately made my back and my horse’s back more comfortable. |
I love your articles, books and newsletters. You are very easy to understand and I love using some of your ideas on my own students. |
I have only been to one clinic with Wendy, |
You Can Become an Effortless Rider!We would love to have you join us in The Effortless Rider®️ course. Creating positive changes in horses and riders is Wendy's passion, and my passion is sharing the knowledge and wisdom of instructors like Wendy.
Our goal is to help you in your riding. We want you to have fun, to enjoy this program, and to simply feel better when you ride - more relaxed, more confident, more comfortable. If you join the Course and decide it's just not a good fit for you, just let us know in the next 30 days and you will receive a full refund. I have personally experienced the benefits of what Wendy teaches in this Course, which is why I am so confident to offer this full 30 Day Money Back Guarantee - so you can try it out risk free and if you aren't happy... your money back and no hard feelings! See you in the Course! Callie and Wendy |
|
|
|
The Effortless Rider
|
|
|
|
