“As the horse becomes more in tune with our body and how we ask for movements and balance,
the more harmonious the relationship becomes”
Ian Leighton
With a 40-year diversified and extensive equine training background, Ian Leighton is one of Australia’s most experienced full-time educators. Ian works with riders from all disciplines, and is committed to safe and effective horsemanship based on classical values and principles of balance, softness and harmony.
From the novice to the advanced rider, Ian is open to sharing his experience and knowledge to guide progression in training and overcome confidence challenges.
Ian is not one discipline focussed, and believes in having a horse balanced, supple through the body, relaxed and resistance/brace free.
Experience over many years with thousands of horses and horse people enables him to deliver a philosophy and style that is adaptable enough to suit the circumstances arising from a horse’s current view on life and a rider’s ability, experience and ambitions.
Watch the promo for our great Softness Under Saddle Series
In this series of 10 video lessons Ian teaches you how to take a very green off the track thoroughbred and teach it to be soft relaxed and willing. These explicit videos also teach you in detail how to use your seat, energy and balance to work with the horse for a great result.
Learn how to have your horse operate in a classical manner of lightness, softness and self carriage.
Access The Series
“All equestrian disciplines & activities have one thing in common. In order for our horses to perform and maintain physical and mental soundness through progressive work they need to work in a soft, supple, balanced, engaged, energetic and mentally focussed manner, and riders need to learn how to develop and importantly maintain this as they progress with whatever event or activity they choose to undertake.”
Regardless of any competitive pursuit, these are the foundations that Ian believes need to be understood, both in ground/in-hand work and under saddle, and Ian encourages students to develop and just as importantly maintain these.
Ian strongly believes in the concept that allowing a horse to move freely and in a relaxed physical and mental state and not forcing trapped or confined helplessness in training is paramount to good horsemanship and performance.
These include the essential components to achieve relaxation, softness, engagement, energy, balance and other elements of horsemanship for both horse and rider.
His ability and teaching style (with both horses and humans) really shines through in his new online videos.
Online Videos
For a little insight into what goes on at a workshop – here is a snap shot of what we work to achieve.
Ian can help you learn to teach life skills like ground handling, tying up, leg handling, float loading and helping your horse relax in any given situation – lessons, clinics and workshop not only include riding skill development but also fundamental handling skills to make your horsemanship safer and more enjoyable.
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Click on Products to see an educational video on each one.
