To minimize risk of exposure to and spread of the COVID-19 virus, I am temporarily suspending in-person hypnotherapy sessions with me in my office. However, phone, Skype and Zoom consultations ARE and WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE!
(This blog was originally posted on July 13, 2011)
No matter who you are, every equestrian benefits from having someone observe you ride. Ideally, you can train with an instructor or experienced rider who can constructively critique your position, aids, etc. while you work with your horse. No matter how good or experienced an equestrian you are, it is almost impossible to notice every detail about your position or technique that another person’s experienced eye could easily see. There is nothing so valuable for improving your ride as receiving feedback—good or bad—at the precise moment you are asking for a movement. This kind of instruction can truly make all the difference in how you ride.
Many years ago, figure skater Michelle Kwan decided to train without a skating coach. She had previously won a silver Olympic medal, and she owned many national and world championship titles. Surely, these experiences and her talent as a skater qualified her to work without a trainer. However, she did not skate so well on her own; within a year Ms. Kwan re-hired her former coach and started winning medals again.
Even trainers have trainers. At the very least, they acknowledge the philosophies of other horsemen who have influenced their own work with horses. In 2010, I was privileged to audit a couple of Jan Ebeling’s dressage clinics at Equine Affaire (Pomona). In addition to teaching his own students, he competes at Grand Prix dressage competitions around the world. At one point, Mr. Ebeling disclosed that in addition to being coached by his wife (also an accomplished dressage competitor), he sends video of his training sessions to his own instructor…in Germany!
I also rely on my riding instructor’s experience as a trainer and a successful competitor in eventing to help me fine-tune my position and aids during my riding lessons. Darla Opava is my “eyes on the ground” to see, suggest corrections, and encourage and offer praise when I ride Galahad. From her ground’s-eye view, knows what to look for and can quickly spot what is going on in the saddle, often before I have even applied an incorrect aid or lost rein contact. Then, Darla explains what I should (need) do to fix or improve my connection with my horse and improve his movement. Then, when I ride Galahad I can rely on what she taught me and practice what I have learned to show improvement in my riding at the next lesson. Best of all, when I apply this information I am also feeling the subtle differences (improvements) in each ride.
As the tagline for those MasterCard® advertisements might read, “Having a trainer to watch you ride: Priceless.”
Special Discount for First Responders
25 percent discount off the first hypnotherapy session for all active/retired military personnel and first responders (police, fire-fighters, EMT/paramedics, ambulance personnel, emergency dispatchers, ER doctors, ER nurses) plus $10 off a la carte sessions!*
*This promotion may not be combined with any other offer. It is non-transferable and may not be exchanged for cash. Promotion ends on November 30, 2020
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. In July 2019 and in September 2020 she was voted the Best Hypnotherapist in Santa Clarita, California. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
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