Discover What The Natural Connection Inc Offers:

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Ms. Jean has put foundational training on dozens and dozens of horses.

You and your horse will learn 13 ground work exercises and 14 under-saddle exercises.  Your horse will learn to be comfortable on the ground and will eventually ride on a loose rein in an arena setting, which should eventually lead you to the trails as well.

Western recreational horseback riding lessons can include learning to catch, lead, groom, saddle, mount, proper form and contact, warm-up, walk, halt, trot, diagonal, canter and leads, direct rein and neck rein, and one rein stops.  Ground poles and cavaletti's can be included in all gaits as well.

Successfully learning how your form equals functionality is a key to starting your English lesson journey.  With being in closer contact to the horse, and having more physical contact with the reins, riders are encouraged to learn to flow in the walk, be still in the trot and flow in the canter with their arms.  All gaits must be mastered in an arena setting first before moving to the trail.  Students will also learn the value of 2 point and light seat.  They will learn how to adjust the walk, trot or canter upward and forward or downward and forward.  Eventually working to medium trot and canter will be introduced. One rein stops, emergency dismount, working diagonal and canter leads.  Students will also work on balance on a lunge line, over ground poles and cavalettis.

 Ms. Jean has a true passion for putting foundational dressage on certain horses.  She has successfully trained and competed her own horses in USDF tests:

      Introductory ABC, Training I, Training II and Training III and First Level.   These are the only levels she offers to teach in Dressage.

If you have the horse and you have access to trails, we can get you out there to learn how to keep your horse tuned into you and your needs and vice versa.  A solid foundation in the arena is essential before taking your horse out on the trails, particularly alone, so be open to training for the trail in both the arena and on the trail.

Obstacle training is a fabulous way to engage in an open communication with your horse.  They learn how to be brave, how to look to you for guidance, and enjoy the process since we focus on positive reinforcement.

Taking on a new equine family member is truly an exciting adventure!  But for the first time horse/mule/donkey owner, it can seem daunting with all of the responsibilities involved.  Whether you purchased your first horse or adopted a rescue horse, Ms. Jean would be happy to come to your equine’s new home to help with transition needs.

This could include but is not limited to:

• facility needs
• horse care needs, nutrition, shelter, exercise, farrier, veterinarian 
• horse training needs

Ms. Jean has an extensive background in rehabilitating and retraining horses.  She has safely and successfully started colts (ages 4 and up) with no prior handling, OTTB’s, older horses that were out of work for 5-10 years, and horses of all ages that recovered from injuries. She can help you bring your favorite equine partner back under-saddle by teaching your horse the 13 foundational groundwork exercises and 14 under-saddle exercises.   Assuming no new medical issues arise, once foundational training is completed, you should be able to move your horse back into your primary discipline.

Horses are the most delicate yet tough prey animals.  Due to their ever changing needs, living in our human worlds with human schedules, learning all aspects of horse care and management is becoming increasingly more important for the horse owner.

If you are facing unexpected challenges with your horse, and you feel a need for a second opinion from a professional, let Ms. Jean come assess your horse in his/her environment.  Sometimes a different perspective can be helpful in complicated situations.

Ms. Jean has ridden over 750 horses and owned over 70 horses in her lifetime.  Hands on and vast field experience is what she brings to the table.  She can help assess whether other professionals in the horse industry need to get involved with your situation or even if her skillsets in training should be considered.  Don’t throw in the towel yet…frustration begins where knowledge ends, perhaps getting a team on board to help you is what you need!