Seeing is believing.
Want to check out our Classes before committing? You're in the right place.
We completely understand how big an undertaking the holistic horsemanship lifestyle is. Hatha Equus is asking folks to go deep into a new way of being with horses, and that commitment is something we don't want anyone to take lightly.
This is what the Sneak Peeks are for! Please read the class descriptions below to decide which one(s) you'd like to audit!
HATHA EQUUS PLAYGROUNDS
Your weekly support! These 90mins, theme-specific classes are meant to support your and your horse's co-creational growth alongside a small group of horse-human pairs who are just as committed to mutual empowerment!
RIDING FOCUSED PROGRAMS
These classes are focused primarily on precision, especially rider biomechanics and development. They are a 4 week commitment (with one cancellation day option). Participants must lease or own a horse, and have existing riding skills (at a minimum the ability to walk, post the trot and steer).
OFFSITE TRAILRIDES
Slow-Paced Rides will be on easier trails and we will only walk. Participants must at a minimum have the ability to walk, posting the trot and steer.
Fast-Paced Rides will be on more difficult terrain and will have the possibility for trot or canter. Pre-requisites include the ability to canter safely for an extended amount of time.
Here are the classes you Will be available to Audit
Click on the arrow to the right of the class for more info about each offering!
HATHA EQUUS PLAYGROUNDS
Your weekly support! These 90mins, theme-specific classes are meant to support you and your horse's co-creational growth alongside a small group of horse-human pairs who are just as committed to mutual empowerment!
Typically everyone is working at their own station in this class on one or two aspects of our methodology.
The instructor will rotate between participants giving assignments, beta and encouragement! This means she is fairly hands-off- giving you the majority of the time with your horse- but offers you and your horse support through exploration and play!
CONSENSUAL RIDING
Can you imagine that your horse has as much fun being ridden as you do riding? This class is focused on developing a joyful partnership with a horse where the horse's voice truly matters.Riders work with the principles of Intrinzen to offer horse a sense of autonomy and healthy movement, gain the tools of horsemanship so they can keep themselves and their horse safe.At the end of the day, we are practical horsewomen and believe that consent goes two ways. This class balances the horse's voice and the rider's needs which develops a co-creational system of communication where both horse and human are heard in the relationship.
REHAB AND RIDING PREP
Despite popular opinion, horses are not born weight-lifting athletes.They need mental, physical and emotional support in order to learn to carry us on their backs in a way that will enhance - not penalize - their health and longevity. And on a more short term level, their joy and sense of self-efficacy when engaging in this activity.Just as well, joy and a sense of self-efficacy should be the ever-present elements to a rehab journey towards fulfillment from trauma, unsoundness or injuries.This is exactly what we do in this class! We give you science-based tools to transform your horse into a badass weight-lifting athlete, and/or support them on their rehab journey towards fulfillment...co-creationally!
SAFETY & PROBLEM SOLVING
“My horse struggles to lunge, pick up her feet, has separation anxiety, bucks, rears, runs me over, and just doesn't seem to be enjoying herself."We hear these whoas a lot (pun intended)! This class is for folks who have ANY challenges with their horse. It is an amazing space for folks to practice their work on horsemanship and boundaries, as well as getting to the bottom of the "vices" many folks experience and fear with their horses.Students learn how to diagnose, troubleshoot, and work towards better communication and trust with their horses in Problem Solving class.
RIDING FOCUSED CLASSES
These classes are focused primarily on precision, especially rider biomechanics and development.
Participants must lease or own a horse, and have existing riding skills (at a minimum the ability to walk, post the trot and steer).
Each of these classes is 90 minutes and folks should be tacked up and in the arena at the beginning of class!
(Information about Intro to Artful Riding is below)
ARTFUL RIDING
We use simulations to prepare for the feel of the horse under saddle at the beginning of class, then ride as a group so folks can experience how to communicate with a horse when there is lots of arena traffic!
This class is very slow paced with a priority on down-regulating, safety, and artful communication!
ARTFUL DRESSAGE
UGGHHH...Dressage 🙄 What if that could be changed to...AHHHH...Dressage?!!! 😍Most folks dream of the latter but have experienced the former. This class is for folks who have dreamed of doing dressage as it is portrayed in movies, magazines and Instagram, but want the journey of developing a dressage horse to also be artistic and beautiful.This class focuses on rider position & biomechanics while combining principles of natural horsemanship and classical dressage. Whether your goal is to do dressage movements without a bridle or to just have a peaceful ride where your horse enjoys dancing with you, this class aims to get you there!
SUNDAY FUNDAY
Artful riding has many layers. Other classes focus on consent, and co-creation. This class is focus on PRECISION. Precision based classes develop skill, timing, and clarity as your horse's leader-friend. In partnership with consent classes, precision can build a trust, bond, and relaxation in horses and humans that elevates folks to another level of understand. We try to do this in a way where horses and humans still have FUN!This class rotates between Quadrille (drill team), Working Equitation, Trail Readiness, Dressage Tests, and more!This is for Intermediate and Advanced Horse Owners only. Horses may be available to borrow.
HATHA EQUUS HANDS ON!
These classes are set up so that each participant has 30 exclusive minutes with a Hatha Equus Instructor. This is especially great for folks who want Elizabeth or Giorgia to ride or train their horse, or folks who would like individual focused riding instruction with an instructor.
This class is 1 hour and 45 minutes so the group can connect on their individual goals for 15 minutes before breaking off into their 30 minute private time with the instructor.
This is a premium class which means there is a $20 upgrade fee for each class.
Hands on opportunities are also available for folks if they need their horse to be exercised or educated by a Hatha Equus certified senior apprentice. (ie-Silvia and Magdalene)
HATHA EQUUS HANDS ON
This is a premium class which means there is a $20 upgrade fee for each class. Upon booking you will click the upgrade box which will take you to checkout.
HEHO with HE APPRENTICE
Book TWO sessions with an HEA and it will only take one lesson off of your account!
HORSEMANSHIP AND INTRO CLASSES
We work with adult students and children from all experience levels, disciplines, and interests, but the goal for our teaching is always the same: to help our students learn how to better support horses through connection and partnership.
Some of the “languages” we speak and teach humans in communicating with horses (and training them kindly) are cutting edge, different, not well known. This class is aimed at getting folks up to speed on those foundational principles.
HATHA EQUUS ORIENTATION
Orientation is for ALL students new to Hatha Equus regardless of experience level, so this is where your journey will start if you opt to learn with Hatha Equus. Please go to this page to learn more!
HORSEMANSHIP CLASS
The foundational principles mostly cover communication on the ground so folks should not expect to ride.
This class is 3 hours so count as two classes under your membership package.
INTRO TO ARTFUL RIDING
For folks who have consistently attended horsemanship class we offer the opportunity to explore the relationship with the horse under saddle in this group class!
We use simulations to prepare for the feel of the horse under saddle, then do lunge lessons so that riders can develop their seats in a safe and contained way.
Anyone who is invited to attend this class must still attend at least two horsemanship classes per month.
This class is two hours and counts for two classes from your membership package.
CHECK OUT THE CLASS SCHEDULE:
IN OUR STUDENT MAGDALENE'S WORDS...
Consensual riding is so much fun! MY HORSE has so much fun that I can hardly believe it!
He now collects (proudly), engages in shoulder-in and pirouettes without me asking!
I quickly learned what "being present" means. Also, I started to feel so much more in my seat! And so much quicker!
Magdalene Canyon
Frequently asked questions
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR ALL THE CLASSES?
Wildsong Ranch Boarders and horse owners who haul in enjoy the privilege of being able to join any class. That being said, there may be some classes that may not be right for you depending on your horse's training level and fitness, or your riding skills. Please discuss any eligibility questions you may have with Elizabeth or Giorgia.
Newer students must attend two horsemanship classes per month and must have the green light from Giorgia before being allowed to attend Intro to Artful Riding.
WSR Horse Leasers are only eligible for the classes that reflect their experience level.
Please consult Elizabeth or Giorgia if you are unsure where you fit in!
I DON'T THINK MY HORSE IS READY FOR THE CLASS I WANT TO JOIN. CAN I BORROW A DIFFERENT HORSE?
Yes! This is definitely a possibility. The horse fee for a borrowed horse is $10 per class. We have an option to add that fee to the payment when you register. The owner of the horse will then receive a credit for the borrowed horse. Please let Giorgia or Elizabeth know in advance of registering that you are interested in borrowing a horse.
DO WSR BOARDERS GET DISCOUNTS ON CLASSES?
The discount for WSR boarders is built into the pricing of your package. Non-WSR owners pay more on their packages
