When looking for a few words that describe Ian's style of horsemanship we chose the above.

This could easily be changed to "Gentle Methods People Understand"...

Ian's ability to create understanding between horses and their owners has been successful in helping hundreds of horses overcome their people problems and vice versa. 

Ian combines what he has learned from both traditional and "natural" horsemen over 30 years with what he has learned from thousands of horses to create a system that all horses and riders will benefit from.

His style of training is easy to understand with a focus on the comfort and safety of both the horse and rider.

"Most behavioural problems are caused by confusion or a lack understanding between horse and rider.

If a horse finds relief from pressure, by a reaction, it will repeat the reaction when ever it encounters the same pressure.

If the horse is punished for responding incorrectly, it will panic.

Humans call this bad behaviour. Horses learn from the relief of pressure, not the pressure itself.

Our aids, body language and gadgets are pressure to a horse. Use them with empathy."

Ian Leighton

He calls this Commonsense Horsemanship.  

This is a combination of groundwork and ridden exercises that promote respect, softness and calmness in your horse without taking away its energy or willingness to perform.

Commonsense Horsemanship has been succesfully used to help horses for dressage, western, showing, eventing, stockwork and pleasure.

Ian works with people at all levels of horsemanship from experienced competitors to nervous beginners.

In addition to clinics Ian also offers Private Lessons. For details contact us.

Private lessons are available at our new facility in Forcett Tasmania.

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