When I met Martha ten years ago, I was looking for help in handling my horse
with: Gentleness Mutual understanding Respect. What I quickly found was the very special gift Martha has in observing how one learns, and her ability to adapt the information she is showing you to the way you personally absorb it best. She gave me the cofidence to trust in my own instinct in using my energy and go forward to a place I never thought I would be able to enjoy, one I only dreamed of. I feel privileged and grateful to have been able to progress with Martha’s wonderful communication with horses and I look forward to many more years, there is always so much to learn … especially with my lovely arabian. Alison P Martha has helped me for many years now with my horses. Her understanding of the human body and its relationship to connecting with the horse both on the ground and ridden is outstanding! It is often the smallest thing that she will notice which has a massive effect on both the physical wellbeing and the emotional wellbeing of the horse and human for that matter! She has helped me massively to get in tune with my own body, which has not only helped my riding, but has also helped my relationship with my horses in general. This work has had s massive effect on me in every aspect of my life!
Thank you so much Martha xx Ruthx As well as drawing on the depth of knowledge and experience she has aquired, Martha also teaches intuitively and responsively.I have found that my ability to respond to my horse has improved vastly since Martha has been teaching me. I no longer fight with my body, or my horse for that matter, to achieve a desired result but rather have found comfort and ease of movement by responding to my horse's needs and learning to be softer and more in tune.
Martha doesn't miss an opportunity to explain a concept or remind you of a previous revelation so that your understanding become embedded over time. Above all, lessons are fun and punctuated by moments of joy as you and your horse benefit from a more subtle, balanced and happy partnership. Julie Vaughan Before finding Martha, I always felt that the traditional way I was taught to ride and handle horses never felt quite right. It always felt like there should be more to a fulfilling relationship with horses that didn’t involve squeezing, kicking, pulling and bracing in what felt like a continuous battle of will. I found that riding with brace to ‘help’ the horse in to an outline was aggravating a back issue that meant I could barely stand on dismounting. I took a break from riding to get my back fixed and I was looking forward to getting back in the saddle, but not to the possible return of pain from the traditional way of riding. I was lucky enough for Martha to reach out to me whilst I was searching for a new instructor. I was after a sympathetic person who understood injuries and could teach me a way to ride to avoid being in pain. Little did I know that I had stumbled across a truly honest, kind and passionate lady who has taught me how to ride again pain free and more importantly without brace! It is amazing to feel a horse move so well through being aware of your own body and feel. Being in to body work, as part of my rehab for my back, has made me much more aware of how my body, energy and feel impacts on our relationships with horses on the ground and ridden, and Martha’s knowledge of all of this is really taking me on a journey in a whole new way of being with horses and I love it! Thank you Martha!!
Danni I have been working with Martha for years now; I have tried other trainers just for variety, but they don't appear to have the same expectation of lightness and responsiveness. Martha has developed 'The Art of Feel' over the years. Her way of explaining it is educational, fun and extremely beneficial to horse and rider. Her perception and intuition with horse/person partnership is phenomenal. She is my trainer of choice to help me with my youngster because I want to continue my journey with the 'Art of Feel' and train my horse to the highest level.
Karen H Martha was highly recommended to me by a mctimony practitioner.
My horse was lame, and unable to be ridden. He is a cheeky Connemara, and really needed to be doing something, focusing our minds, learning new things and enjoying ourselves! The added bonus was learning that ground work can be fun :-) and my horse was using his mind and toning his body, helping the lameness issues. Ridden work followed, and I realised he could maintain the lightness, and feel or connection, even thought I hadn't performed certain moves for the duration of his lameness. It was almost as though he was listening to human conversation, or were the humans talking "horse"? Amanda Confident, understanding, knowing and respect is how I feel now about my riding and ground work with my daughters pony. Martha has been an inspiration to me since we met 7 years ago. Her knowledge and understanding of horses and riding are vast, she has a unique way of teaching which allows you to think and feel differently about your relationship with your horse. We had a tricky young pony and no experience! .Martha made us feel comfortable about learning and taught us how to ride using our seat by developing feel and connection. Instead of adding more restricting tack she has shown us you can ride using a rope head collar. Liberty is one of the best things I have experienced with him it allows you to connect and has some wonderful relaxing benefits. We have
the best relationship with our pony he is relaxed and fun to be with and if he has a moment we can deal with it. Martha seems to have the answer to help with all sorts of issues, if she does not know she will find out. She is an excellent trainer for anyone wishing to get far more out of riding and owning a horse. Louise I experience a great deal of fatigue. I take daily medication to keep leukaemia in check. As a result, I am very careful about how I spend my energy.
Martha shows a huge amount of generosity towards learning with such physical constraints. With her insight, I have continued with lessons. This would not be possible in most other contexts. Her interest in physical conditions combined with her extensive experience as a trainer, mean I still develop as a rider. She skilfully works within my capabilities; practically speaking I have twenty minute lessons, and at times this can be only once a month. Similarly, she finds methods that don't have repercussions health-wise. Her horses are responsive to light cues. This means I ride in a minimal way, asking them to work with me, rather than imposing my will on them. I may even spend part of my time with her horses simply sitting with them, waiting for them to get interested in me. Her Art of Feel approach, is therapeutic in a number of ways. It has fostered a huge change in my relationships with horses, I continue to develop, and I do I something I love without putting pressure on my health. I suggest anyone who feels they can't ride due to a health condition to get in touch with Martha. I know she will willingly be able to suggest some options. Gill |
Connecting Moments - students enjoying their horses
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