“Imagine if we could take our bodies apart,” one of us said,
“Make every part brilliant for riding… and then put it all back together again.”
We laughed.
Then realised — with the right tools, guidance, and curiosity — it’s actually possible.
This programme is where we try.
STUDIO ORCHARD
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ASPIRE EQUESTRIAN
Integrated Movement Training for the Modern Equestrian
A Six-Part Winter Series at Studio Orchard
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Programme Details in a nutshell
📍 Location: Studio Orchard @ Mount Pleasant Farm, near Beaconsfield (just five minutes from Junction 2 of the M40)
📅 Format & Dates: Six in-person workshops (winter series)
STARTS: January ?? 2026
👥 Group Size: Limited for quality and individual attention
🎯 Suitable For: Riders of all levels and disciplines
A Different Kind of Rider Development
Inspired by the core principles of yoga, mindful movement therapy, functional movement + nervous system regulation, this unique rider fitness programme is tailored to the evolving needs of the embodied rider in a new generation of game-changing conscious horsemanship.
As equestrians, we spend a huge amount of time focusing on the horse, the riding and the environment and very little on preparing our own body, balancing strength and flexibility, managing asymmetries.
Movement training is led by Kirsten Orchard, a long-time movement educator + creative mover and shaker. Kirsten draws on a range of movement modalities including; yoga, Garuda pilates, The Gyrotonic Method, Classical Ballet, Conscious Connected Breathwork + Meditation.
We will be exploring these through the lens of horses and riding in conversation and collaboration with a horsemanship coach, Wiola Grabowska.
Who This Programme
Is For
This series is designed for riders who:
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want to improve balance, symmetry, and ease in the saddle
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recognise that their own body influences their horse’s way of going
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feel stiffness, tension, or asymmetry when riding
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want to develop a calmer, more grounded presence with their horse
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value thoughtful, relationship-centred horsemanship
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are curious, reflective, and open to learning
You do not need to be flexible, fit, or “good at movement” to take part.
You simply need to be willing to explore your own foundations as a rider.
Building time away from the yard to focus on our own groundwork encourages us to show up and ‘do the work’.
And in so doing, we can expect to build a stronger, more connected and balanced body, mindset and practice that will help us stand in our greatest power for a balanced and productive partnership with our horses.
How the Programme Works
The series consists of six live, in-person workshops, each focusing on a key area of the rider’s body and its influence on the horse.
Each session includes:
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guided movement training
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practical discussion and reflection
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clear links between rider movement and equine response
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simple take-home practices you can apply at the yard
The approach is experiential, supportive, and grounded in real riding contexts.
Programme Overview
Across the six sessions, we explore the rider’s body in parts before integrating everything into a more balanced whole.
Spine — The Rider’s Central Axis
Improve posture, suppleness, and force transfer through the spine.
Fluid, three-dimensional movement inspired by Gyrotonic principles supports a more following seat and reduced back tension.
Grounding & Breath
Learn practical ways to steady your nervous system, support focus, and remain present — especially in challenging moments with your horse.
Hips — Mobility and Stability
Release habitual tension while building deeper support for a secure, independent seat and clearer leg aids.
Core — Integration Without Bracing
Develop dynamic strength that supports balance and coordination without stiffness or holding.
Upper Body — Shoulders, Arms & Hands
Improve rein feel, softness, and stability through better organisation of the upper body.
Feet & Ankles — The Foundation of Balance
Explore grounding, balance, and proprioception to support your entire posture and lower leg stability.
Integration - where ‘The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts’
Why Invest in This Work?
Because your horse feels everything you bring into the saddle.
When you move with more ease, clarity, and steadiness, your horse does too.
This programme offers a meaningful way to invest in your foundations — so your training, communication, and relationship with your horse can grow with greater harmony and understanding.
THE COSTS
£.....PER SESSION PAYABLE UPFRONT FOR THE WHOLE COURSE.
FULL COST: £....