This Course is for riders who have completed our PPT Courses 1 & 2 and/or the Training and Agility Courses 1 & 2. Unlike the previous courses, Course 3 will mostly focus on the horse instead of the rider. A horse has to be balanced in order to travel across the ground easily and perform correctly. It is the same thing for us humans. Imagine how incapacitated we would feel if we could not walk balanced! Course 3 will teach you how to put your horse in balance through learning to control his body position. You will experience how fun and rewarding it is to ride a balanced horse!

For those who ride from 4 to 5 times per week, PPT Course 3 will take you to another level

toward developing a fulfilling partnership with your horse. Whether you compete or not, putting your horse in balance is vital for his health, well being and longevity!

As with all the other courses, stretching will be a very important part of your week with us. In Course 3 we offer daily stretching sessions with specific exercises to target the following areas:

• neck & shoulders to fight tension & contraction
• upper limbs to help promote “giving” arms and soft hands
• lower back to build strength
• upper legs to specifically open the hip joint

Emphasis will be placed on the importance of correct breathing to help increase relaxation and gain greater control of your body.

As with Course 2, Course 3 will offer stretching and balance exercises under saddle. You will be asked to ride without stirrups at all 3 gaits. Emphasis will be put on exercises specifically targeting the loosening of the hip joint in order to deepen the seat and gain closer contact with your horse.

To prepare for Course 3- although not mandatory- we suggest that you consult the following educational material:

Under saddle
*Exercises for Equestrians – Parts 1, 2 & 3
*Dressage Principles for the Western Horse   and Rider – Volume 1 – Parts 1, 2, 3 &4
*Hunt Seat Equitation – Parts 1 & 2
*Private Lessons:
    • Choose a Hunt Seat Performance Horse
    • Choose a Western Performance Horse
    • Natural Balance
    • Balance through Bending – Parts 1 & 2
*Head To Toe Horsemanship

On the ground
* Longevity Training – Parts 1, 2 & 3
* Longevity Training

In Course 3 we will expand your knowledge and advance your ground training skills by adding new subjects:

• 360 turn on the forehand
• Work in hand 3
• Introduction to yielding
• Conformation: form to function for the performance horse
• Basic first aid for the horse

Course 3 will introduce the concept of controlling the horse’s body position. What does it mean? To be balanced while traveling, the horse has to be straight. Straight means that the hind legs always track in the exact direction of the front legs. By doing this the horse can step under himself to take the weight off the forehand thus achieving natural balance. Your duty as the rider is to always control your horse’s body so he can be straight whatever the track you follow.  Course 3 we will teach you the first step toward achieving straightness and balance.

During the week will cover:

In the classroom:

• relation between balance and straightness
• mechanics of balance / common losses of balance
• bending aids for straightness on any type of curve

Under saddle:

• basics of bending / aids sequence for bending
• circle work for suppleness and flexibility
• how to make your transitions smoother and more balanced
• develop a comfortable and slow canter

You will be amazed at how much more responsive and easier it is to ride a balanced horse!

Even though the primary focus of the course will be on the horse’s natural balance, your instructors will also concentrate on techniques to help you become more of a thinking and
self-sufficient rider. What will you practice?

      *Think ahead and anticipate
      * Proper aids timing
      * Self evaluation
      * Positive and assertive thinking 
                   
Q & A sessions will be added to the mix so you have the opportunity to ask all the questions you want! Do not hesitate to “pick your instructors’ brains” as much as you possibly can!
       
In order to graduate from Course 3, you will be expected to perform the following:
             
     Maintain consistent balance at all 3 gaits, especially at the canter
     Sitting trot without stirrups over poles
     Master both rein effects, especially the indirect/neck rein
     Clear understanding of the bending aids and their function
     Correct bending on a 20m circle at the walk & trot
     Controlling the horse from falling in or out on a 20m circle
     Transition sitting trot/ jog to canter/ lope to sitting trot/ jog on a 20 m circle
     Canter over a single pole on a 20m circle
      PPT Training & Agility Courses 3