AERA
FOUNDATION
PROGRAMME
Build your confidence, know-how, and horsemanship skillset—before you ride.
It’s been a long-standing passion of mine to offer a programme that teaches the foundations of horsemanship to those who truly want to understand horses—not just ride them.
Over the years, I’ve included foundational work in various programmes, but inevitably, those offerings would become centred around ridden lessons.
This standalone, off-horse programme was created to give the foundations the space and attention they deserve—without the pressure to ‘get on and ride’.
Whether you’re a first-time owner, a novice handler, or a returning rider, this programme is designed to prepare you for mindful, confident horse ownership.
You’ll learn how horses think, feel, and move, and how to handle and communicate with them in a way that supports trust, clarity, and partnership from the ground up.
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Henley on Thames, RG9
Marlow, Buckingamshire
West London, UB5
what can you expect to learn
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🌱 A Lifelong Learning Path
These foundations are just that—a beginning, not a checklist. Each topic opens the door to a rich and rewarding journey of understanding horses more deeply. Even the most experienced horsepeople revisit these principles again and again, refining their feel, timing, and connection over a lifetime.
My Foundation Programme is designed in 3-month learning cycles, so you can grow at a sustainable pace. After each cycle, you’re welcome to continue, take a break, or carry what you’ve learned into your own exploration elsewhere. Whether this is your first step or a fresh start, you’ll build knowledge and confidence that lasts far beyond the programme itself.
1. Understanding the Horse’s Nature
Learn how horses communicate through body language—tension, relaxation, curiosity—and how they learn through feel, timing, and reinforcement.
2. Awareness of Self - First
Develop awareness of your emotions, breath, posture, and intention before interacting with your horse—so you show up with calm clarity.
3. Safe & Mindful Handling Skills
Explore the basics of respectful approach, leading, grooming, and using your body language—not just tools—to guide movement.
4. Pressure, Release & Energy Awareness
Discover how to use light, fair cues and how the timing of your release teaches more than the cue itself. Learn to understand your horse's need for feeling your space and intentions.
5. Building Emotional Resilience (for You & Your Horse)
Support your horse through worry or distraction while staying grounded yourself. Learn when to pause, adjust, or simplify.
6. Developing a Curious Mindset
Shift from “fixing” behaviour to understanding it. Is your horse’s response about learning, comfort, or connection?
7. Connection-Based Groundwork
Explore clear groundwork that builds trust: transitions, direction changes, awareness of space, and walking in sync.
8. Introducing Healthy Movement
Learn how horses move and feel when relaxed. Use simple in-hand exercises to support balance, strength, and freedom of movement.
9. Enrichment & Joyful Interaction
Add liberty work, games, and scentwork to bring variety and emotional engagement into your horse’s life—ridden or not.
10. Planning & Reflecting
Use journaling, notes, or mindful reflection to track progress, spot patterns, and celebrate small steps forward.
What's Included:
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Weekly off-horse lessons focusing on handling, groundwork, horse behaviour, and building partnership
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Help acquiring a part-loan/share horse for guided practice
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"A Horsewoman Journal" for women or AERA Workbook for men to support your learning and reflections
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Supportive coaching that honours where you’re starting from
Duration & Commitment:
3-month structured programme
Minimum 4 sessions/month, up to 8
Monthly payments
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