Kinetic equestrian training has been developed by Ian Stevenson to help facilitate the development of the relationship between horse and rider, encouraging harmony, trust, physical and mental well-being and improved performance.

Ian Stevenson holds a Masters degree in Physical Education and held the position of Professor of Movement Studies at the University of Kent for 7 years. Ian is also an Instructor and Senior practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy, a non-invasive, gentle form of body therapy.
Ian has brought together these aspects of his knowledge and while working with Grand Prix Dressage horses has created this wonder of Kinetic Equestrianism.

Kinetic Equestrian Training is a way of working with horses that encompasses a subtle yet powerful means of communication with the horse as well as addressing rider imbalances coupled with varying forms of work that enhance the bond between horse and rider, developing ease of movement for the horse and greater sensitivity in the rider.
The rider is shown how skillful use of the breath can be a powerful aid when working with the horse, either ridden or from the ground.
These series of ‘breaths’ encourage the horse to be attentive to the aids and create smoothness and balance in all transitions. Using the breath in a skillful way is not about training the horse to respond to a new cue, but rather to train the rider, as horses will naturally respond to the breath. It is as if the horses already know what each different breath means. This is because the breath is a form of energy and horses are very sensitive to energy.

When a rider gets a fright they hold their breath, usually high up in the throat, the horse will react immediately to this by becoming nervous and tense and wondering where the 'danger' is going to come from.
The different forms of breathing in Kinetic Equestrian Training vary from the long drawn out downward breath for halt and downward transitions, to short sharp breaths for flying changes all with their own unique sound and intention.

Whether you are a beginner rider learning the basics of riding or competing at Grand Prix level needing subtlety and precision Kinetic Equestrian Training is invaluable.
The breath however is only one aspect of this work. Another incredible avenue of this form of Equestrianism is Ian’s groundwork sequence. Here the rider is taught a series of hand positions on the horses body and certain ways of working with the horses legs that help re-establish flow between the Neurological and Energetic Systems, thus providing the opportunity for healing and grounding to take place on a physical and/or emotional level.
This groundwork can be used as a preparation for riding to help bring attention, balance and focus to the horse.
Just learning the ‘gut’ connection can be an extremely useful tool to have if you are ever faced with a horse suffering from colic.

Another aspect of Kinetic Equestrian Training is the work in the Round pen. These can be used for ridden training to help the rider feel the horses response to the breath without having to focus to much on ‘where’ the horse is going, at the same time providing a relatively safe area for the rider to work in.
The Round pen is also essential when working with horses in a therapeutic capacity, allowing the horse freedom of movement to help integrate physical changes that the horse can go through during a session.

Working through a ‘Meander Pattern’ is a useful lead up to riding a Labyrinth. The Meander Pattern consists of a number of poles placed on the ground to form a similarity to the bends and turns found in the Labyrinth. Riding this pattern helps the rider attain focus and precision with the breath while creating attentiveness in the horse that leads to improving the horse’s front/hind end connection.
Work in a horse size Labyrinth is one more fascinating part of Kinetic Equestrian Training.
Labyrinths have been used for at least 4000 years by cultures all over the world.
Now riders have the opportunity to experience the magic of this ancient wisdom.
Riding your horse through a horse size Labyrinth provides unique possibilities for both the horse and rider.
On a very basic, yet very enjoyable level, it can be used as a warm up and cool down exercise before and after training. Encouraging bend, focus and harmony between horse and rider.
On deeper levels the Labyrinth has the ability to address things on a physical, emotional and even spiritual level. Again ensuring health, harmony and balance for any being involved in simply walking the pattern of the Labyrinth.

Using some or all of these techniques the Kinetic Equestrian Trainer can work with horses and/or riders on many different levels to further develop the horse rider connection.