Jo-Ann Fazio, Dressage Rider, CA

"Since riding with Jane, I have gotten a whole new perspective of riding. One that makes sense. I am finally understanding that "less is more." Having your horse understand what you are conveying to him needn't be asked over and over, but needs to be asked quietly and subtlety so that he has a chance to "get" what you're asking.
I am also learning to feel my horse moving and learning to move with him and in by doing so we are developing a strong willing horse and hopefully a strong willing bond between rider and horse. I could write a book on Jane's attitude while teaching. It is her calm manner most of all that keeps our frustrations low, knowing that if we take things one at a time and learn them well, we can do nothing but become better riders and also have strong confident horses.
I look forward to all my lessons with Jane. I have yet to have a lesson where I didn't come away without learning or "getting" something. It could be a major "get" or a very small one, but something always sticks."

Sherry Alexander, OR

One can see it with the dressage horse who appears to be dancing with no commands from the rider.  Just watch the stadium jumping horse lift over the fence with confidence or the eventing horse jumping into water or over a large ditch.  One can see it with the cutting horse ducking and diving to keep the cattle in place. 

Do you want to have that sort of relationship with your horse? 

It starts from having an understanding of the horse's mind and body and then learning to talk 'horse'.  Next comes learning to ride - .that takes a life time!  But it is so worth the effort when you make a connection with your horse.  Riding is one of the few sports that you can continue to get better and better at throughout your life.  It is not a strength sport rather one of building harmony and relationships.

How can you get this confidence and joy?

If you take your time and progress one step at a time you will build a foundation that is secure and empathetic with your horse's needs.  Ask yourself the following questions:    

What are your goals?
You may not want to go to the next Olympics.  Who says you have to compete?  Yet you want to have fun with your horse and know that you are becoming a better rider and your horse is becoming more educated.

1.  Find a compatible horse
This takes time.  Finding the horse that will help you achieve your goals is worth looking out for.  Go and try horses.  Never do anything you don't feel comfortable doing.  Listen to your instincts.,   

2.  Find a compatible trainer
You will need a trainer who can relate to you and your horse.  someone whom you can trust.  Someone who has the knowledge to help you towards your goals without intimidating either yourself or your horse. 

3. Develop a program that works
Develop a program that takes into consideration your horse's mental and physical capabilities as well as your fitness and time constraints.  

4.Evaluate and learn from your mistakes   
Those who never made a mistake never made anything is a well-know saying.  Don't worry when you make a mistake.  Think through why it did not work and formulate a plan for success.  Repeating a mistake will not change the out-come. 

If you would like to ride with Jane Armour or audit a clinic contact Shelly Moore at full.circlefarm@yahoo.com for more details.

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