Groundwork in the Round Pen

 Groundwork in the Round Pen
We offer this clinic in the whole world!
The basis of Freestyle is the very particular body language of the human: clear commands and very
precise aids must be given to the horse. Any well trained horse will react extremely sensitively to the
human’s instructions. In this course you will be taught how to build this balanced relationship through
fine signals of body language: you will learn to speak ‘horse’!
This workshop will be an ideal contribution and complementation of your horse’s training, whether you
prefer dressage, jumping or if you are riding just for fun.
This is the clinic according our new book (in German):
Here you see a tv programm (in german) about our training in the round pen.
Here you see a part of our DVD "round pen training" (in german).
The round pen is a circular, fenced in arena of approx. 18m in diameter. It is a tool used in horsemanship
training methods by indigenous people such as the mongolian Nomads and Native American Indians
whose culture and way of life is deeply connected to the horse. From these tribes, the round pen concept
has been passed down to us by the American cowboys.
The round pen is used to build up a horse-human relationship or partnership based on trust and harmony.
Both horse and human move freely in the round pen and establish a ‘conversation’ through body
language. With the human as leader, the horse is invited to swiftly and accurately accomplish tasks,
following fine signals indicated by the human.
Two things are of paramount importance: respect and clarity. Clear and well-functioning communication
is the groundwork for a good and fair conversation and basis to a solid relationship. Communication and
respect are intrinsically related to one another, the first is the condition for the latter and vice versa.
The ground rule is that ‘A horse is a horse’. Respect, dominance, leadership, communications are all
concepts that we will have to learn to see from a horse’s point of view. Our wish is to be successful in a
harmonious relationship with our horse. Key to establishing this kind of partnership is firstly to observe
and understand the horses’ world, their natural behavior, instincts and signals and to use their ‘language’
actively on a daily basis in our communication and training. The horses will teach us what is ‘normal’ to
them. The foundation will be laid in this arena, called the round pen which is the ideal environment and
tool to learn and practice. Patience and consistency are required and every detail makes the daily routine
much easier, from taking the horse out of the field or into the stable, haltering, grooming, riding, jumping
or going on trail rides.
Round pen training is the ideal preparation on the ground for riding, no matter which style you prefer. You will learn the basics that will support you all along: controlled forward movement, changing gait and
direction, turning outwards or inwards, leading without rope etc.
The seminar ‘Communication with Horses’ was developed by Andrea and Markus Eschbach-Kindler; the
focus is on learning the language of the horse, a first step in the discovery of how human and horse can
improve their relationship through proper communication. Much time is invested in ‘reading’ the horse’s
body language, but more importantly, an awareness is raised for the impact of the human’s body language
on the horse. Horses are extremely sensitive animals and pick up on the slightest change in position and
emotional state of the human, as they are very alert and susceptible to the tiniest shift in their
environment. This course will be an eye-opener to those who have never realized that these great
creatures are capable of ‘reading’ our movements, breathing and the emotions that are deep inside us.
Anything a human does or feels results in an immediate reaction in the horse. This course will also
improve your connection with your horse when riding.
Venue: see website, we offer this clinic in the whole world! Groups: Markus teaches a maximum of 8 participants. This course is held exclusively on the ground in 1
or 2 round pens.
Who can participate?
Anyone who desires a harmonious relationship with a horse; beginners, horse owners or non-horse
owners, riders or non-riders, owners of ‘problemhorses’, horse trainers, social workers, managers, parents
and many more.
The seminar is tailored for anyone who really wants to understand a horse from a horse’s point of view.
Do I have to have/bring my own horse?
Your horse is welcome. It can be stabled at Farmers’ Place at an extra cost. There is also a possibility to
rent one of our school horses.
If you are interested to organise a clinic, contact us. © Eschbach Horsemanship
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