Relaxation and Movement Training for Improved Performance in ALL Disciplines
Help Your Horse Move and Feel Better
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Have you ever struggled with your horse being crooked and stiff?
Leaning in their corners, unable to keep a correct bend, or moving very hollow and anxious?
Perhaps being spooky, often seeming tense or tight, or displaying behavior problems such as head shaking, biting, or bucking?
These problems all have one factor in common – Tension.
Tension can affect your horse in many ways, from causing him to move poorly, creating an uncomfortable ride and putting increased stress on his back, legs, and joints, to affecting him emotionally, causing stress, anxiety, and behavior problems.
Regardless of our riding discipline or activity, we want our horses to feel good and to move with ease and grace. A well-balanced horse is a pleasure to ride and will be able to better maintain his soundness and longevity.
A balanced, soft, and supple horse is also able to be more responsive to our riding aids and to remain calm, even in stressful situations.
When we ride, it is our responsibility to teach our horse how to use his body to best carry our weight and perform the athletic movements we ask for. Even if all you want is to amble down the trail on the weekends, a soft and supple horse is a pleasure to ride.
The downside to ignoring tension in the horse is at best slowly developing soundness issues or at worst, a behavior problem that may appear to be unpredictable but in reality was likely building for months.
It is often thought that poor movement, even poor conformation, cannot be corrected, or that behavior problems are the result of a stubborn or difficult horse.
The truth is that these horses can be helped and these challenges solved, all while creating a better relationship with your horse and practicing skills that will help you become a more confident and effective rider.
This method is known as In Hand work, where the horse is guided through a series of progressively difficult exercises, building strength, suppleness, and balance in their body, while promoting relaxation and calmness.
Leaning in their corners, unable to keep a correct bend, or moving very hollow and anxious?
Perhaps being spooky, often seeming tense or tight, or displaying behavior problems such as head shaking, biting, or bucking?
These problems all have one factor in common – Tension.
Tension can affect your horse in many ways, from causing him to move poorly, creating an uncomfortable ride and putting increased stress on his back, legs, and joints, to affecting him emotionally, causing stress, anxiety, and behavior problems.
Regardless of our riding discipline or activity, we want our horses to feel good and to move with ease and grace. A well-balanced horse is a pleasure to ride and will be able to better maintain his soundness and longevity.
A balanced, soft, and supple horse is also able to be more responsive to our riding aids and to remain calm, even in stressful situations.
When we ride, it is our responsibility to teach our horse how to use his body to best carry our weight and perform the athletic movements we ask for. Even if all you want is to amble down the trail on the weekends, a soft and supple horse is a pleasure to ride.
The downside to ignoring tension in the horse is at best slowly developing soundness issues or at worst, a behavior problem that may appear to be unpredictable but in reality was likely building for months.
It is often thought that poor movement, even poor conformation, cannot be corrected, or that behavior problems are the result of a stubborn or difficult horse.
The truth is that these horses can be helped and these challenges solved, all while creating a better relationship with your horse and practicing skills that will help you become a more confident and effective rider.
This method is known as In Hand work, where the horse is guided through a series of progressively difficult exercises, building strength, suppleness, and balance in their body, while promoting relaxation and calmness.
Help Your Horse Move and Feel Better
To Unlock Their Athletic Potential
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In Hand exercises help the horse both physically and mentally, developing them to be more strong, supple, and balanced in their body as well as calm and focused in their mind.
Through In Hand work, we teach the horse to be aware of his body, to bend evenly to both sides, and to move forwards, backwards, and laterally smoothly and softly. |
In Hand work is the next step beyond simple groundwork in teaching the horse skills for movement and correct responses to the same aids we will use while riding, encouraging stretching across the topline, lifting the back, and maintaining tempo and rhythm in movement.
This In Hand work is important for all disciplines, including trail riders and gaited breeds, and will improve the skills of any experience level rider – refining those of an experienced rider and teaching the feel of concepts such as a “half halt” or “moving from center” to a novice rider.
Learn how to use In Hand work with your horse in the new course with Patrick King, Developing Balance In Hand.
>> Discover the exercises that are most important for your horse and learn to recognize when your horse is tense and feel when they are calm and in balance.
>> Find the solution to the persistent problems you have been having in stiffness one direction, a difficult canter lead, head shy behavior and more.
>> Develop a deeper relationship with your horse, paying attention to their most subtle responses to understand where they are stiff, uncomfortable, or unsure, and find the confidence to guide them through, helping them find relaxation and softness.
>> Finally, feel the difference in your riding as the coordination and partnership to move through the In Hand exercises on the ground transfers into the saddle!
Keep reading to learn more about your instructor, Patrick King, and this new course Developing Balance In Hand.
This In Hand work is important for all disciplines, including trail riders and gaited breeds, and will improve the skills of any experience level rider – refining those of an experienced rider and teaching the feel of concepts such as a “half halt” or “moving from center” to a novice rider.
Learn how to use In Hand work with your horse in the new course with Patrick King, Developing Balance In Hand.
>> Discover the exercises that are most important for your horse and learn to recognize when your horse is tense and feel when they are calm and in balance.
>> Find the solution to the persistent problems you have been having in stiffness one direction, a difficult canter lead, head shy behavior and more.
>> Develop a deeper relationship with your horse, paying attention to their most subtle responses to understand where they are stiff, uncomfortable, or unsure, and find the confidence to guide them through, helping them find relaxation and softness.
>> Finally, feel the difference in your riding as the coordination and partnership to move through the In Hand exercises on the ground transfers into the saddle!
Keep reading to learn more about your instructor, Patrick King, and this new course Developing Balance In Hand.
About Your Instructor Patrick King
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In 18 years of teaching clinics around the world and starting over 3,000 young horses, Patrick has refined the in hand work he teaches to a simple progression of exercises.
Patrick has a unique breadth of experience, riding in varied disciplines, and studying with many other master horsemen, including Ray Hunt, Mark Russell, and Master Luis Valenca. He specializes in teaching the principles of classical dressage to riders from ALL disciplines. In this training, Patrick King is going to take you through a series of fun exercises that will help your horse find relaxation, to both move and feel better. |
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Patrick is engaging and clear in how he teaches. I love that he gives the horses confidence and allows them to have some expression in the process. ~ Dani Henry |
I just want to say thank you and let you know how much this is helping both my horse and me. We’re really making progress with position 1 and 2. I think my horse is really enjoying this ground work and the thoughtful yet quietness of it. ~ Amy |
Thank you! I have 3 rescue horses and they raced and each has a different issue. Your explanations are easy to understand! I'm very happy because I know I'll be able to help my mares with your guidance. ~ Anne Testa |
What You Will Learn in the Course
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Each Lesson is broken into manageable videos so you can watch as little or as much as you have time for - and review specific lessons quickly and easily.
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Lesson 1 › Building Blocks
The Benefits and Essential Components of In Hand Work
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In this first part of the course, you will learn why in hand work is important for any horse, and the essential responses your horse will need to understand before getting started with this work.
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Lesson 2 › Beginning the Dance
Learning and Practicing the Basic In Hand Position
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Once you've gone through the preparation work with your horse, you’re ready to work on basic in hand exercises.
Regardless of the discipline you're riding, these in hand exercises are going to help your horse to achieve better alignment of his body, better engagement of his haunches, and more freedom through the shoulders.
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Lesson 3 › Building Strength
Through Progressive Exercises
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We began with exercises to develop mobility in your horse’s body as well as rhythm in his movement. Now we progress to exercises that lead us further on the path to collection and build strength in the horse’s body.
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Lesson 4 › Progressing to More Advanced Work
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We are now moving on to exercises in the bridle, where we have an outside rein to connect and collect the horse.
In this section, we ask our horse for more engagement and connection to the hindquarters. From here we can change position and do more lateral work, affecting the position of the haunches, the engagement, and ultimately the degree of collection that we get from our horse. This is where it starts to get really fun!
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Lesson 5 › Pattern Work
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Now that you have gone through the first steps of the positions, it is time to practice patterns. These patterns will encourage you to move through the transitions more fluidly from one position to another.
In this section, you will work through several of the patterns with your horse, plus watch Patrick coach several other horse/rider pairs through the patterns.
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The Online Course WorkbookGo through each Lesson in your personal workbook, answering questions about you and your horse, and recording your thoughts and ideas while you are in the moment.
The workbook reinforces your learning by having an easy to access manual to follow along with during the course videos and to refer back to. |
Bonuses You Will Get When You Join
›› NEW BONUS ‹‹
Along For The Dance Audio Lesson with Callie
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Now you can enjoy an Audio Lesson to guide your In Hand work!
Be guided through a basic In Hand lesson with your horse that will help you become more aware of what you are doing with your body and what to notice in your horse. Get simple reminders of what to look and feel for in yourself and your horse. You can download the Lesson and listen wherever and as often as you like - just plug in your headphones and listen along as you practice your In Hand work! |
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BONUS › Anatomy of Collection
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BONUS › One on One Video Coaching with PatrickAs part of this In Hand program, you get to work one on one with Patrick through video coaching.
Send in two videos with you and your horse - one as you begin the course to get Patrick's expert feedback on the fundamental positions, and then another video any time you would like feedback on your progress to more advanced work. |
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BONUS › The Pattern PackThe Pattern Pack contains 5 additional patterns to keep your In Hand work focused, interesting, and challenging for you and your horse.
The Patterns provide direction and purpose to your practice. If you ever go into a training session and feel as though you get stuck now knowing what to work on next, practicing the patterns keeps you focused and moving ahead! |
Messages from Students
Grace Has Come A Long Way... |
Our Bond Has Improved... |
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Detailed explanation, clear videos, builds relaxation, balance and most interestingly improved our relationship by having quiet quality slow work time together instead of always working on forward. Also great for off weather practice when the ground prohibits riding. ~ Ro Wellmaker |
I loved the flow of the course, the short segments, along with the written (digital) content I can print and study from. Viewed all, but still working on position 1 and 2... Grace has blossomed from this in hand work and it has given me more confidence to handle her. Looking forward to seeing how she will respond under saddle. ~ Christa Page |
A real a-ha! moment for me with the description of what is likely going on when I hear people say 'dropped shoulder' on the circle. This is the first completely understandable description I've ever heard of what is going on and why it's a balance problem. Thanks for communicating this in a way that I can understand! ~ Deborah H |
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced rider?
Nope! Riders of all levels are welcome! Practicing In Hand work will help your riding in many ways, developing your sense of feel and ability to discern good movement from your horse.
Do I need to be a dressage rider?
We have riders of all disciplines in the course! In Hand work is not about simply performing the exercises, instead it is about using the exercises to strengthen and supple the horse for better movement, which can also change posture and behavior! This is just as important for a trail horse, gaited horse, western horse, or jumper.
Does this work for gaited horses?
Yes, Patrick regularly works with all types of horses, including gaited breeds! The foundational exercises performed at walk are beneficial for developing the strength, balance, and coordination to successfully maintain the horse’s gait.
I have a young horse who is not being ridden yet, can I do this In Hand work?
Yes! In Hand work is an excellent way to prepare a young horse for riding.
How long will it take to see results from my horse?
The answer to this is “it depends.” Results will vary according to many factors, including the age of your horse and their current fitness level. It is not uncommon to notice a big difference in your horse’s responses and softness in only one session, physical changes in posture may be evident after a few sessions or a few weeks, depending on the horse and the nature of other work being done with the horse.
How can I learn this without someone looking at me and my horse?
This is why we offer video coaching! You can send in two videos, one during the course and another anytime this year for Patrick’s feedback. You may be surprised how far you can go being slow and aware and listening to the feedback from your horse and your own body as you work through these exercises from the instructions in the videos.
Do I need to own my own horse?
This course is very hands on. The theory may be interesting, but you will not get the true benefit of the work without practicing with a horse. If you lease a horse or are able to do groundwork with school horses, there is no need to own your horse. Your lease horse or the school horses will thank you!
When does the class begin?
Lesson One is available as soon as you join! The other lessons will be released each week, so you have time to study and practice before moving to the next lesson.
How long is each module of the course?
Plan for 1-2 hours of “study time” each week, watching the videos and reading your workbook. You want to have at least practice session with your horse each week, 3-4 practice sessions would be ideal.
Do I need to be online at a certain time?
No, the videos are pre-recorded, edited, and posted, so you can watch at your convenience.
When you invest in an online course, you are investing in the future of you and your horse. You are making an investment that will never expire and that you can return to again and again as you continue to learn and improve.
It is difficult to put a value on seeing your horse transform, and of knowing that you have a better sense of feel and a better relationship with your horse than you ever thought possible.
Imagine the feeling of taking up your reins or putting your hand on your horse’s halter and feeling them relax and soften, trusting your contact and your cues.
Think of the feeling of trotting off in balance and relaxed, of going down the trail and knowing you can easily ask your horse to position their body to move past a tree or open a gate. Or the feeling of going into your dressage test and doing the 20 meter circle evenly both directions!
For less than the price of going to most clinics, you can get all the resources of this course, plus Patrick’s one on one feedback for you and your horse, all the bonus patterns and lectures of the course - and return to these resources as often as you need!
We would love to have you join us in Developing Balance In Hand!
Choose a payment option below and Get Started Today!
We also offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you are unhappy with the course for any reason.
It is difficult to put a value on seeing your horse transform, and of knowing that you have a better sense of feel and a better relationship with your horse than you ever thought possible.
Imagine the feeling of taking up your reins or putting your hand on your horse’s halter and feeling them relax and soften, trusting your contact and your cues.
Think of the feeling of trotting off in balance and relaxed, of going down the trail and knowing you can easily ask your horse to position their body to move past a tree or open a gate. Or the feeling of going into your dressage test and doing the 20 meter circle evenly both directions!
For less than the price of going to most clinics, you can get all the resources of this course, plus Patrick’s one on one feedback for you and your horse, all the bonus patterns and lectures of the course - and return to these resources as often as you need!
We would love to have you join us in Developing Balance In Hand!
Choose a payment option below and Get Started Today!
We also offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you are unhappy with the course for any reason.
Yes, I want Lifetime Access to Developing Balance In Hand!
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30 Day Full Money Back Guarantee
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As with all of our CRK Training programs, I want you to be completely confident and comfortable joining. If you are not satisfied with the course for any reason, return it for a full refund within 30 days of joining.
I would love to have you join this session of Developing Balance In Hand! 
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You can also give me a call at 484-364-9579