Achaina
​Holistic Equine Services
​Kathy Ladendecker
Work in Hand - Shoulder-in to strengthen the inside hind leg, and haunches-in to strengthen the outside hind leg:

Classical Dressage and Work-In-Hand

Classical dressage develops the horse both physically and mentally.  Natural horsemanship principles are incorporated, and this work will deeply enhance your partnership, while building flexibility, balance, and strength in the horse.  

Classical movements are used to strengthen and correct natural weaknesses in the horse, such as difficulty bending to one side, heaviness on the forehand, hind legs that don't carry weight, falling in or out on the circle, a flat topline, difficult transitions, halts that are not square, and more.

This work is beneficial for all horse breeds and riding disciplines.  All of the work can be performed without a bit in a classical cavesson, both in-hand and ridden.
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All exercises are started in-hand as groundwork. This makes it easier for the horse without supporting and balancing the weight of a rider, and allows the student to see and access the horse's whole body.  

​We meet each horse where it is at, and honor it's limitations; from there we strengthen them.  All exercises are introduced progressively, in ways that both the horse and the student can understand.  This work can be performed from the ground until the partnership is at a level where the student feels confident riding the movements.  It is also ideal for starting young horses before their body is mature enough to carry a rider. 

Riders will learn classically correct use of the reins, seat, and legs in lightness, and to ride with thought and energy.

​I am forever a student and use the methods of the modern masters Mark Russell and Marijke de Jong; and those of the old masters including Gustav Steinbrecht, François Robichon de La Guérinière, and Nuno Oliveira.​

Instruction is offered in private and semi-private formats.  Custom training programs are offered for the horse.  Please inquire via the Contact page for more information.
I am a Licensed Riding Instructor in the state of Massachusetts, and CHA certified.

For the history of my own journey in natural horsemanship and classical dressage, visit the About Me page.
“Take each thing your horse offers and build upon it.  You can either make coarse cloth in a hurry or weave silk, which takes many threads, laid down layer by layer.” -Mark Russell

​“Take the time it takes so it takes less time.”  
-Pat Parelli

“Slow and right beats fast and wrong.”  
-Pat Parelli​
​"Try to awaken curiosity by the tenderness of your aids."  -Nuno Oliveira

“Anything forced or misunderstood can never be beautiful.”  -Xenophon​​

"Recognize the smallest change, the slightest try."  
-Ray Hunt ​

"It is the release that teaches."  -Pat Parelli