The Arrow Equestrian Centre is a quiet haven where the high standards of Classical Riding are promoted and maintained alongside a range of complementary techniques and therapies.
Details of onsite accommodation can be found here.
PRIVATE ARROW COURSES
Courses can be tailor made for you with or without your own horse(s).
Programmes can include:
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Equine Simulator Biomechanics Lessons
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Body awareness
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Video feedback
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Dismounted work and theory
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Improving position and aiding
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Ground work and work in hand
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An introduction to lateral work
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Working towards more advanced work
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Accommodation for you and your horse
The Lessons
Sue specialises in rider biomechanics using the Equine Simulator to work on the rider's position and the correct application of the aids. Even the most experienced rider will benefit from this work but once the basics have been mastered, you can transfer your improved skills to your own horse.
Lessons both on the flat and over jumps are on a one-to-one basis with many clients choosing to stay for several days taking 2 - 4 lessons a day.
"Blackberry" the Equine Simulator
A fantastic addition to the Arrow stables is a custom made Racewood Equine Simulator. This model has three speeds and is at a convenient height for "hands on" rider corrections. There are 4 cameras connected to a TV screen so riders can see themselves from every angle. Position corrections can be achieved in a relatively short time and practiced at length without tiring the horse. The leg and rein sensors teach finesse and the realistic movement builds confidence, suppleness and balance.
Another useful feature is its "lateral wobble" which responds to the rider's shift in weight. This enables the rider to simulate left and right lead in canter and to practice weight aids - an essential skill for any rider. All this in the relative security of a warm room!
The Rider
Listening to the horse with your eyes, ears, body and heart is the first step to Classical Riding. To “listen” one must first learn to be “quiet” and this is only possible through a correctly balanced seat. At Arrow you will learn how to master the core skills of body awareness, balance and control so that you can ride with feel and sensitivity.
The rider has the biggest influence on the horse and Arrow Equestrian encourages all riders to work on themselves both on and off the horse. Often when we resolve problems in our own bodies, the perceived problems in the horse "miraculously" disappear.
To quote Erik Herbermann, "The horse already knows how to be a horse: the task of horsemanship lies entirely with the rider."
Your Horse
Your horse will also benefit from what Arrow has to offer, initially because he/she will appreciate your improved riding skills.
However, students who bring their own horse with them enjoy the added benefit of working together with the Arrow teachers. Sue has many years experience working with a variety of horses, some with physical and/or behavioural problems, and has developed simple but effective strategies to help you and your horse.
The Facilities
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The indoor school is approx 50m X 20m with extensive mirrors, a gallery and an excellent sound system.
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There is ample hard parking and stabling for visiting clients and their horses.
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The 4 self-catering accommodation units are finished to a very high standard and provide everything you could want for a relaxing break.
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There is a therapy room which is a quiet, open space for floor work, therapies, dismounted teaching sessions and lectures.
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The library provides an area where you can browse through the large number of books, DVDs and videos or just chat, make a cup of tea or share a meal or a glass of wine with friends.
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And after a hard days riding, where better to relax than in the spa letting the heat of the sauna or the bubbles of the hot tub soothe away any aches and pains.