Generate and Grow Connection

Lesson Program with Emily (Pelletier) McClure:

Head Instructor Emily McClure is a certified Equine Canada Competition Coach 1 and an EFW trained coach. She created the riding and horsemanship program at Generation Farms. Emily also has a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology with a specialization in Equine Assisted Mental Health. She works in the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness at Generation Farms, both with individual clients and co-facilitating workshops and trainings with Deborah Marshall, MA RCC. See Emily’s bio here.

Emily has a background in dressage, hunter/jumper and horsemanship. She has moved away from the world of competition in riding into a paradigm in which connection, partnership and experimentation are paramount. Combining the traditional disciplines of hunter/jumper and dressage with horsemanship techniques is a way of putting the relationship with the horse first. Emily teaches riders to feel the horses’ physical and mental state in order to communicate clearly and without force. Emily focuses on body awareness through position development/correction, effectiveness and timing. Small changes in position can suddenly improve the connection and communication with the horse. Emily’s knowledge of the intricacies of rider position and aids and the interrelationship between horses and people allows her to help riders fine tune their riding. Often riders find they are able to break through long standing habits and create new, more enjoyable ways of riding. This includes accommodations for physical limitations. 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. Achieving a seamless communication between horse and rider is the ultimate in riding experiences, whether at a basic or advanced level and regardless of discipline. It is wonderful to learn this from the beginning, but it is never too late.

“The atmosphere at Generation Farms is welcoming, supportive, and respectful for both horse and rider. Having been away from riding for many years, Emily’s calm, encouraging teaching style has made the transition back to being around horses positive. Emily has helped me to ride in a more balanced and centered way, creating a better ride for both myself and the wonderful horse I have the privilege of working with.” Yvette

It is important to Emily to offer a program that is not focused on competition but is not solely recreational. People who ride for personal enjoyment often seek progression, education and challenge just as those in a competitive program and can be quite high level riders. There is an assumption that competitive programs alone create high level riding and this is not the case!

Emily enjoys teaching riders of all ages and levels. Mastery and relationship exists in learning a posting trot, feeling truly aligned, jumping a combination, or gaining connection in a shoulder-in.

For Authentic Horsemanship information please click here.

Resolving Rider Fear

For many years, Emily has been combining her counselling background with riding lessons to help riders deal with fear and performance issues. Many riders (including successful competitors) are riding in fear. This is sometimes visible in aggression towards the horse, a lack of decision making while riding, or difficulty learning and progressing. Fear is an important message system. Learn to use it when it is truly needed and how to use the messages from your body to be truly safe.

Emily comes to this work from a gentle place of understanding. This type of challenge is important and can be life-changing. Emily would love to support you through this change process.

If you would like more information or if you would like to receive an information package or price list, please email Emily at genfarmsemily@shaw.ca.