Equestrian Tool Kit

Over the years, my teaching practice has evolved into something much deeper and more specific than simply guiding movement. What began as a physical practice has become a profoundly holistic approach—one that embraces recovery, growth, and sustainable maintenance not just of the body, but of the whole self.

We are born for connection. Without it, we limit our peace, our joy, and the full expression of our potential. This truth sits at the very heart of my work. I’ve come to understand that true healing and transformation cannot happen in isolation. It’s through connection—to ourselves, to others, and to something greater—that we begin to truly expand.

This journey has gifted me the chance to meet and grow close to some extraordinarily wonderful souls. Their presence, trust, and vulnerability have shaped me as much as any training or technique ever could.

For all of it—every lesson, every shared breath, every honest conversation—I am forever grateful.

With love Ax

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the Equestrian in your life? 🐎We’ve got you covered! Give the gift of a 3-day experience, guaranteed to equip individuals with new tools for their toolkit as a rider and trainer. Plus, enjoy the special offer of discounted prices on all purchases made before January 1st! 🎁 Email to book: [email protected] Awareness One: $595 (original price - $650) Awareness Two: $650 (original price - $680) Communication One: $650 (original price - $695) ***50% of deposit down at the time of booking before January 1st 2025

Start your journey by awareness to your Posture.
The Posture you have off the horse is the one you have on the horse!
Although structural issues can sometimes prevent balanced posture and proper body usage, many of us misuse our bodies out of habit. These postural habits can feel like an ingrained part of who we are, making change seem impossible, difficult, or unnecessary. At ETK, we explore how to break these habits and enjoy improved body usage. It's essential to remember that the musculoskeletal system is by far the body's largest energy consumer. Misusing it not only wastes energy but also places a strain on areas like the feet, knees, pelvic joints, spine, and neck. Over time, this strain can lead to fatigue, pain, and dysfunction. As our joints begin to complain, we too may find ourselves becoming tired, pained, and less functional. At ETK, we emphasize functional movement for you at all times.

Dialogue between two bodies🌟 Embarking on a journey of reconnection - these images capture a transformative session where a rider and her horse found harmony after a significant physical and emotional disconnect. Witnessing the immediate and obvious results reaffirms the profound powerful connection between what is happening in the human body and what shows up in the horse. 🐎💖 In this session the only cues given was on how she was to connect to her body not on how to correct the horse 🐎 . . . . . #videoanalisis #riderposition #mindbody #coreconnection #posturecorrection #balancedriding #equestrianfitness #ridewithyourmind #horseriding #horseriding #equestriantoolkit

Addressing the missing component for many riders with fine tuning of the equestrian athlete via a systematic approach to alignment, balance, connection and functional biomechanics . But systematic layering of progression is a key 🔑 Achievable practice for all levels . . . . . #horseriding #balancedbody #pilates #horserider #riderbiomechanicscoaching #corecontrol #equestriantoolkit #correctposture #horsetraining #equestrianlife #equestrianfitness #albertaequestrianfederation

If you seek better connection with your horse, within your own body and would like to connect with other like minded equestrians ETK clinics offers all of that 😊

ETK offer three clinics presently. Connection is #3 working with clients from fundamentals to competitive level . #horsemanship #bodyawareness #correctposture #equestrianlife #horseandriderdevelopment #equestriantoolkit #pilates #equestrianclinics #horseriding #equestrianeducation #balancedbody #ridersalignment

**Lesson opportunity available! **

Are you interested in taking a private lesson from a Dressage Naturally Licensed Instructor? 🐴

Due to some last minute schedule changes there will be a few lesson spots available next week on July 17th and 18th in the afternoon near Calgary AB at the beautiful Meadowlands Equestrian Centre 🌟. 96163 Spruce Meadows Green, Foothills AB.

Michelle will be offering both foundational horsemanship lessons and dressage lessons. A great opportunity to get some direct coaching for you and your horse. You can learn more about Michelle here: https://michelleyounghorsemanship.com/dressage-naturally/

If you are interested, or would like more information contact Amy at [email protected].

Spots are limited!

🐴✨ Just wrapped up an incredible weekend clinic delving deep into the art of riding! 🌟 From contrology to force transmission, pelvic stabilization to the ‘Got it, Lost it’ game – we explored it all! 🏇💫 Here’s a breakdown of some key takeaways: Contrology: Applying Pilates principles for control, precision, and fluidity in movement enhances rider effectiveness. Clear Communication of aids- Understanding the subtle cues and aids for effective communication between rider and horse. Pelvic Stabilization: A stable pelvis = better balance, clearer communication, and improved absorption of your horse’s movements. ‘Got it, Lost it’ Game: Real-time awareness exercise - celebrating success (‘got it’) and addressing challenges (‘lost it’). Hunting the Feel: Actively seeking that sensitive and responsive connection with your horse, feeling their every move and then ours. Beyond the conceptual! Taking the Static Out of the Ride: Say goodbye to a bad wifi connection ! Embrace a fluid and dynamic riding style for better communication and harmony. Interactive Riding vs. Passive Riding: Actively engage with your horse! Provide cues, respond to feedback – it’s all about interactive riding for a deeper connectionNOT being a passive passenger . 🌈 This clinic covered a spectrum of topics, providing riders with a holistic approach to elevate their skills and connection with our four-legged friends. 🤠👏 . . . . . #horseriding #horsemanship #equestrianlife #equestrianfitness #riderbiomechanicscoaching #equestriantoolkit #equestrianathlete #rideinbalance 🐎💖

“🐎✨Your Posture matters ! whatever postion you foster it is highlighted on the horse in your ride.🌟 In the first photo, it’s evident how our rider’s off-plumbline posture can affect her alignment when riding. 🔄 Having muscular balance on the horse is crucial to prevent repetitive and potentially damaging forces ,and to emable you to meet the horses movement forces.While it may feel comfortable initially to be in a negative position, because its what you know ,it’s essential to strive for a neutral rider’s line – aligning shoulder, hip, and heel in a vertical line. 🌈 Notice the hollowing in the back? Let’s work on equalizing the length of front and back body, placing seat bones correctly, and stabilizing the midsection for a stronger, more effective ride! 💪🏇 Photo 2 (in same session) shows a far better connection made, pelvis placed in a better position , front to back body connection made and overall a better stacked body. . . . . #pilates #equestrianlife #ridestrong #ridebalanced #equestrianfitness #posturecorrection #equestriantoolkit #balancedbody #horsemanshipclinic

Interested? Let Us Know: https://us1.list-manage.com/survey?u=31b8b3fe2eaa553df60a96b56&id=f28243f5fa&attribution=false

✨ Unlocking Mobility with the Physio Ball! 🏐✨ Struggling with a tight chest, shoulders pulled forward, or tingling down the arm? Enter the physio ball—your versatile ally for addressing a range of issues! 🌈 Here’s a nerve-flossing move that works wonders on chest tightness, shoulder weakness, and more. 1️⃣ Armpit Bliss: Start with an easy, static move that yields fantastic results. Place the physio ball under your armpit and let your arm hang. Can you feel the instant release and length gained? It’s like magic! ✨ 2️⃣ Half Angel Wall Pec Move: Now, let’s dive into a transformative move. Position the ball on your pecs, lean into the wall, and guide your arm through a specific range of motion. Glide it up and down the wall, feeling the stretch and lengthening sensation into your fingers. 🧘‍♀️ A delightful routine for enhancing front body, shoulder, and neck mobility! 🌟 Benefits Galore: This move is a game-changer for riders dealing with tension in shoulders, arms, and hands. Say goodbye to numbness, tingling, and discomfort during your rides! 🐴💫 🙌 Try it Yourself: Grab your physio ball and give these moves a go. Share your experiences in the comments—let’s support each other in achieving greater mobility and comfort! 🗣️💕 🔗 Stay Mobile, Stay Riding: These physio ball moves are not just exercises; they’re tools for a more comfortable, enjoyable ride. Embrace the release and let your body thank you later! 🌟🐎 . . . . #release #nerveglides #releasetension #functionaltraining #equestrianbody #equestrianfitness #ridestrong #dressagerider #enduranceathlete #mobilitymatters #equestrianwellness #equestrianlife #equestriantoolkit

To lengthen out of compression brings freedom in our movement;theres no freedom if the core is forced in to depths of brace and restriction .

“🌟 Unlock the Power of Your Psoas! 🚀 The Psoas muscle is the hidden gem linking your spine to your legs, and it’s notorious for being hard to locate. It’s the sole muscle connecting your upper and lower body, and when tight, it can wreak havoc. 🏋️‍♀️ Discover the art of releasing this deep powerhouse with a few daily moves, unleashing freedom in your hips and regulating your nervous system. 🧘‍♀️ Emotions and physiology go hand in hand - fear, anger, and worry manifest as tension, often settling in the hips. It’s our instinctual response to threat, triggering the fight or flight mode. Release the tension, find ease in movement. 💥 The Psoas could be the source of your hip, back, and knee pain! When it functions optimally, it’s a game-changer: ➖ Boosts peak performance ➖ Accelerates fat loss ➖ Enhances training capacity ➖ Infuses your mind-body connection with energy and vigor ⚙️ A properly functioning Psoas creates a neutral pelvic alignment, stabilizes the hips, and supports the lower spine and abdomen, providing great mobility and core strength. If your core activity involves this powerhouse, ask yourself: What are you doing to release, work, and nurture it? Static stretching won’t cut it; dynamic stretching, paired with 3D core stability exercises, mobility drills, fascial stretching, and muscle activation movements, as guided by ETK, is the key to your success. 🔑💪 . . . . . . #psoasstretch #unlockyourhips #mindbody #pilates #functionaltraining #hipmobilty #equestrianfitness #corestrength #bodyawareness