Horse Training
Training Horses
Sara Ussher with Horses
"Sara believes that while horses are all different they all learn the same way.  Horses are not born 'bad' - their perceived behavioural problems are usually caused by incorrect training, pain or poor posture.  Over the years Sara has become increasingly aware that a horse's physical condition is linked to behavioural problems."

An insight into Sara's journey and beliefs

Sara has always loved riding and working with horses, and from an early age participated in pony club, hunting, point-pointing, eventing and team chasing.

Parelli Programme of natural horsemanship

Her work with horse behaviour originally began with the study of the Parelli Programme of natural horsemanship and the techniques of Monty Roberts.  Sara then pursued her interests at Haras de la Cense, the Equine Ethology Centre near Paris, (becoming an instructor).  On a return visit to La Cense she met Dr. Andrew Mclean, head of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC) near Melbourne.  During a visit to the AEBC Sara gleaned first hand his concept of understanding the science behind how horses learn and the moderation of the flight response.  These two things underpin Sara's behavioural work.

Sara has been searching for solutions to help riders ride in effective harmony

She has looked at many trainers in this field and was incredibly fortunate to meet Carol Brett.   
Carol Brett, (co founder of Balance Saddles International), has been an endless support and help in Sara's quest to learn more about the importance of correct balance in horse and rider.  Modern training methods and saddles can often upset the horse's natural balance, this can lead to discomfort/pain, soundness problems and behavioural issues.   Balance saddles are now at the heart of Sara's corrective work for horses.     

Carol's introduction to Gavin Scofield DO MRO, one of the leading authorities on biomechanics has given Sara the opportunity to understand in greater detail the importance of postural correctness.  He helps horses who have been damaged in one way or another find a way of releasing tension and regaining the natural balance they were born with i.e. the way nature intended.  This means they can find the most mechanically efficient way of using themselves.    Gavin and his wife Annabelle, a fantastic trainer, make regular visits to Hawks House to treat horses belonging to Sara's clients as well Sara and Daisy's horses. 

Another vital element has come from the help of Vreni Booth, a Feldonkrais instructor.  Vreni  teamed up with Carol many years ago so they could synchronise  the movement and posture of horse and rider.  This efficiency in movement and balance can have a remarkable affect on the horse's way of going.   Feldonkrais has also helped many of Sara's clients who suffer from aches and pains.  Vreni makes regular visits to run courses both off and on the horse.
All these ingredients are now just as important to Sara's work with horses as the behavioural work.  She is now convinced that you cannot separate the mental from the physical.  Many behavioural trainers concentrate on the mental and can desensitise a horse to pain, discomfort or lack of balance.  However, Sara knows this is not the right way to go about training horses and it does not lead to soundness, welfare for the horse, or optimum performance. 

Sara is always keen to learn from every horse, rider and other instructors.  She continually strives to be the perfect trainer for every horse but of course this is never possible!   She has seen through her dedicated clients, that if we have the right intention and a willingness to learn,  we can all be good enough for horses both on the ground and in the saddle.