“Imagine if we could take our bodies apart”, one of us said;
“make each bit perfectly attuned for riding, then put it all back together again”
We laughed.
And thought, with the right tools, guidance and curiosity, we have all the ingredients to make a game-changing difference to our riding partnership with our horse.
This programme is where we explore what is possible when you put the groundwork into the human body; both physically and psychologically, alongside training with the horse.
STUDIO ORCHARD
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ASPIRE EQUESTRIAN
Integrated Movement Training for the Modern Equestrian
A 7-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: Seven in-person workshops (winter series)
1st 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
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This unique rider fitness programme is tailored to the evolving needs of the embodied rider in a new generation of conscious horsemanship.
The programme is inspired by the core principles of functional movement, core integrity, somatic based yoga, pilates, breathwork and nervous system regulation.
As equestrians, we typically invest a huge amount on the horse; on tack, saddle fitting, bodyworkers etc. yet very little on building our own training off the horse, for the horse.
What if we focused more on training our own bodies outside of time in the saddle to create better balance and harmony for the horse?
Movement is led by Kirsten Orchard, a long-standing movement educator + creative mover and shaker.
Kirsten draws on a broad range of mindful movement modalities and healing arts including; The GYROTONIC Method, The Garuda Method, Transformational Breath, somatic based yoga, classical ballet and meditation.
We will be exploring these through the lens of horses and riding in conversation and in collaboration with biomechanics & horsemanship coach, Wiola Grabowska.
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You do not need to be flexible, fit, or ‘good at movement’ to take part.
You simply need to be curious and open-minded enough to explore the role of your own body with its habitual patterns and how they may be influencing your horse.
We will dig into the nitty gritty of rider biomechanics, functional movement, mindset and headspace.
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
Participants can expect to gain greater body awareness, enhanced proprioception, an embodied connection to ‘centre’ and improved form and function.
The Rider Series is a pathway to a more connected, balanced and harmonious partnership with your horse starting with you.
How the Programme Works
The series consists of seven live, in-person, weekly 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
Feet and Ankles - The Foundation of Balance
Explore the principle of grounding for rebound. Finding the root for the rise, improving stability, connection, balance and proprioception to support your entire posture and lower leg stability.
Hips – Mobility and Stability
Build a stable pelvis for efficient force transfer between the lower and the upper body, as part of an integrated core to protect the spine and lower back.
Improve hip function balancing internal and external rotation.
Release habitual tension whilst building deeper support for a secure independent seat and clearer leg aids.
Core – Integration without bracing
Develop an integrated and dynamic core that supports balance and coordination without stiffness or holding.
Upper Body – Shoulders, Arms and Hands
Improve rein feel, softness and stability through better organisation and integration of the upper body.
Spine – The Rider’s Central Axis
Improve posture, suppleness and force transfer through the spine.
Explore fluid, 3-dimensional movement explored through The GYROTONIC Method to support a more following seat and to reduce lower back tension.
Grounding Practices and Breathwork
Learn practical ways to steady your nervous system, support focus and remain present – especially in challenging moments with your horse.
Integration – A whole that is greater than the sum of its parts
Exploring the body as an interconnected whole, enabling efficiency, adaptability and dynamic stability.
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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 7-part (7 WEEKS) Rider Series Programme is £210 for the full course.
Places are confirmed upon payment. The course includes an invitation to stay for tea and studio snacks at the end of each session.
All the sessions take place in our luxurious countryside haven of Studio Orchard @ Mount Pleasant Farm, Andrew Hill Lane, Hedgerley, Bucks SL2 3UW. (5 min drive Junction 2 M40 Beaconsfield)
Private parking on site. All equipment will be provided.
Please wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in.
THE INVESTMENT
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