Teaching themes

Breathing
Did you know that 90% of people breath quite shallowly in the upper part of their body? The horse can feel this and, without even meaning to, riders are often sending a message to their horses that something is about to go wrong. This is because shallow breathing is associated with a low level of panic, not a message we want to give to our horses!

Centering
Good balance when we are riding is really important if we are going to work in harmony with a horse. We tend to get out of balance forwards or backwards, side to side and are often so busy thinking and analysing that we tend to raise our center of gravity as well. In clinics we often spend some time working on balance and finding our center.

Softness
So often in life, attention is placed on the external appearance of things and horses are no exception. Very often we listen to, or read about, work with horses which is focused primarily on the outside of the horse, the muscles or the look of the horse and rider. These things are very important but our performance can be even better if we consider the connection between horse and rider. What we refer to as softness is about the inside of the horse connecting to the inside of the rider and vise versa.

Welcome to my website

My passion is to help riders and horses to understand one another better and to have more fun!

I work with riders to ensure that they are clear and positive about what they want and to help them to become more relaxed and symmetrical in their bodies.

I work with horses using gentle training techniques, originating from a variety of disciplines, either ridden or from the ground, and by paying particular attention to the horse's physical and emotional wellbeing.

More often than not, when a rider softens in their frame of mind and gets clear about their intention, and the horse is free from physical discomfort, it is surprising how quickly the connection can be improved.

The principles I am working with can be applied to any discipline and can help horses and riders of any age. I am happy to work with a wide variety of problems that we experience with our horses or can help an already successful combination to go further.

I enjoy working with riders who wish to build their confidence or overcome fears
such anxiety about hacking, jumping or competition nerves.

Mark Rashid is back in the UK in May 2015 for Horsemanship and Aikido clinics

19 - 21 May - Aikido for riders workshops in Brockenhurst, New Forest
22 - 23 May - Horsemanship clinic at Manor Equestran Center, Ower, Nr Romsey
Click here for more details

Endurance Team for Wessex Classcal Riding Group

We are looking forward to another Endurance season for 2015!

New Forest Hunts Pony Club Mounted Games team

I am having fun running our Pony Club mounted games team. Smiles all round!