2377 East Wellington Rd     Nanaimo, BC     Canada V9R 6V7     info@generationfarms.ca     Philosophy On our program and coaching… I strive to use the language and instincts of the horse to create a harmonious relationship between horse and rider. Combining the traditional disciplines of hunter/jumper and dressage with horsemanship techniques is a way of putting the horse first. As a result, riders discover how to be one with and in tune with their horses - a sure-fire route to success in riding. An interest and strength in my coaching is in the area of position development/correction and balance. Small changes in position can suddenly improve the connection and effectiveness with the horse. Riding in balance and from your core, regardless of your discipline, stops you from blocking your horse. Riding becomes easier and more comfortable for you and your horse and progress will follow. It is wonderful to learn this from the beginning, but it is never too late. Some of my early lessons in correct position were from my first coach, the late dressage rider and instructor Gail Pellizzari. Emphasis is placed on riders becoming well-rounded horse people. Riders need individualized approaches in order to reach their personal riding goals. All riders need varied experiences and challenges in a safe environment. George Morris (Olympic medalist and renowned trainer) says, "As teachers, we must continually present solvable problems or challenges for the student to grow." Riding involves determination and hard work, developing responsibility, having respect for the sport and the horse, and bringing enthusiasm. And riding should be a lot of fun! Open communication is encouraged, and questions are always welcome. "I ride with Emily and she is a very knowledgeable, friendly teacher. She has GREAT horses and gives you a lot of opportunities." – TL On competition… Riders at Generation Farms may enjoy the excitement of competition, or they may ride solely for enjoyment. There is no pressure to compete if that is not your interest. I believe that competition should be a pleasurable experience and we strive to make it that way for everyone, including the horse! In competition, rather than comparing ourselves to the other riders we must look at our own performance and how personally successful we feel. Your personal goals should be the focus. Competition is a small part of the experience of riding and owning horses. The daily lessons you learn from your horse and about yourself are far more important than any competition. Riding should be about the process, because there is no "end result" - you can never know all that can be learned about horses and riding. "Emily asks the right questions and seems to know just what to say to me to help me feel confident. She is an awesome teacher!" - SB On horses… Our motto is "putting horses first". We believe that the relationship with the horse is extremely important. The horses' well-being and health, physical and emotional, is at the top of the list. Understanding your horse is key to a positive experience, regardless of what you wish to accomplish. We believe that horses are intelligent, sensitive and caring creatures that desire relationships with people. They deserve respect, and they get it here. Riders are taught to be sensitive to the horses' experience, emotions and personality. No two horses are alike and they should not be treated as such. Horses try very hard to please the rider, and we must respect that and avoid punishment, which horses do not understand. As horse people, we need to interpret undesirable behaviour in the horse as a communication, and ensure we find a way for the horse to understand our intention. At Generation Farms, horses and riders work together and learn from each other. "The school horses are so much fun - there's one for every level of rider!" - JP “Horsemanship” vs. “Natural Horsemanship”… Natural Horsemanship is a phrase that has become very common over the last few years. Awareness of a different way of working with horses is sweeping thorough pleasure riders and competitive riders alike. Natural Horsemanship is loosely defined as a way of working with horses that uses the body language of the horse, so the human relates to the horse in a way that the horse understands. That said, there are many different “methods” out there. Some methods, such as Parelli Natural HorseManShip are very systematic and concrete. Some are more flexible and philosophical than a “program”. I prefer to simply use the term “horsemanship” to describe the work I do with horses. Yes, I am relating to the horses using body language. However I have taken from various methods as well as my own ideas rather than following a specific model. I encourage my students to do the same. My focus is on the horse maintaining his sense of self worth and confidence, while at the same time respecting me and partnering with me so that we may work together. It is not about dominance, it is about mutual understanding and respect, and trust. I do not desire a horse who goes through the motions of his life like a machine, but rather one who has a twinkle in his eye, a free spirit and an open heart. I do not teach a system of horsemanship that can be used on every horse in the same way, I encourage people to look at the horses as individuals and treat them accordingly. I also encourage my students to try different things and discover what works best for them. I strive to keep my ego in check and allow my students and horses to also be experts. We all have special gifts. Sometimes openness to experiment and share insights is what help us realize our gifts and unique ways of relating to horses. Doing horsemanship can be extremely humbling, as it brings out our “true selves” and quickly shows us both our strengths and weaknesses. Becoming proficient at horsemanship can be a journey of personal growth and increased self-awareness. Some people are not ready for this experience, but when you are, a whole new realm of connection and sensitivity is made available to you. It can be a leap of faith, but the rewards are endless. You will find more information about the mental fitness benefits of horsemanship in the HorseEmPower section of this website (under HorseWisdom for Humans). Home || About Us || Events & News || Photo Gallery Copyright © 2005 Generation Farms - All rights reserved - Version 1.0 Minimum screen resolution of 800x600 and browsers 4.0 and above are required