Welcome to Understanding Tension in the Equine Body!
This is a self-paced mini-focus class designed to help horse owners better recognize how tension can appear in the body before it becomes more apparent in movement, behavior, handling, groundwork, or riding.
Our mini focus classes are taken directly from our in-person program - Grounded, Capable, Confident - and designed for equestrians everywhere to have easy, affordable access!
Each class tackles one topic at a time, so you can build your understanding without feeling overwhelmed, walk away with something useful, and come back to the classes that fit what you and your horse need most!
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It’s so much more than muscles!
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So, if it’s more than bracing through the muscles… what the heck is it?
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What's the Point?
Learn more about why we look for tension. What’s the reason behind it? How does it help?
Learn more about why we look for tension. What’s the reason behind it? How does it help?
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Where Our Equine Friends Hold Tension
Well, they can hold it anywhere, really - just like you. But these are my go-to areas to check before I start a session!
Well, they can hold it anywhere, really - just like you. But these are my go-to areas to check before I start a session!
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Before we observe tension in movement, where can we find it in stillness?
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Tension in Movement
This is where we’re used to seeing tension, and it can truly amplify what we’ve seen in stillness.
This is where we’re used to seeing tension, and it can truly amplify what we’ve seen in stillness.
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How Tension Shows Up Behaviorally
Tension was there long before the behavior began. Horses are masterminds at hiding their discomfort (even the spooky ones).
Tension was there long before the behavior began. Horses are masterminds at hiding their discomfort (even the spooky ones).
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How Much is the Body Managing?
Tension extends beyond what we can see. When you learn to feel, use your hands, and observe the horse or horses you work with - you can see how much they’re truly managing, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Tension extends beyond what we can see. When you learn to feel, use your hands, and observe the horse or horses you work with - you can see how much they’re truly managing, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
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Finding Softness
We hear this term a lot in our industry. What does it mean? Where does it show up? How do we know we’ve found it?
We hear this term a lot in our industry. What does it mean? Where does it show up? How do we know we’ve found it?
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Take a moment to observe. Here’s how…
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I’m Chelsie Brooks, an equine behavior specialist and an IAABC member with over 30 years of experience in the horse world. At the core of my work is a belief that horses deserve a voice. Every behavior is a form of communication, and when we take the time to listen, we uncover what our horses truly need. My role is to help you understand those signals and guide both horse and rider toward trust, relaxation, and balance. The general goal is always the same…creating space for horses to be heard and for real partnership to grow.
Nice to Meet You!
About Your Instructor
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Morrisville State University - 2003
Post University 2023
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Centre of Excellence - 150 hour certification
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Currently putting in hours for Equine Behaviorist Certification for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
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2.5-hour certification led by Debbi Bell + over 50 hours of hands-on experience.
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2 hour certification - Taught by Celine Homan
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Yoga Renew