Equestrians Learn in One Day, No Horse Required, Workshops

The Rider Project announces it’s newest program to the riding public, the Whole Rider Workshop. This one day (or entire weekend) curriculum brings equestrians indoors to educate them on the best way to communicate with their horse(s).

The Rider Project is the creation of founder, Lisa El-Ramey. Ms. El-Ramey’s experience and knowledge as a United States Equestrian Federation Senior “S” dressage judge, professional horse trainer, nationally successful competitor and successful riding instructor/coach led her to create The Rider Project to assist equestrians seeking a better and more harmonious relationship with their equine partners.

Photos: Riders working horseless on balance and feel in the USDF University Accredited Whole Rider Workshop (Photo: courtest of The Whole Rider Workshop)

The Whole Rider Workshop program evolved from Seat Retreats offered at Oak Hammock Farm, Inc in Loxahatchee, FL. The Seat Retreat is a one day, no horse required, clinic. The day begins studying riding theory, methodology and examining biomechanics and physiology of the rider and horse. Additional activities include yoga, work with a personal trainer, and evaluation by a massage therapist. The yoga, exercises and massage are tailored specifically to areas benefiting riders. Lastly, participants ride on a lesson horse on the lunge line. While on the lunge line riders apply concepts learned earlier in the day. The benefit of being on the lunge is the freedom riders have to focus completely on themselves as the horse is controlled from the ground by the instructor. Here they clarify how issues specific to their bodies can be improved with the new concepts and insights gleaned throughout the day.

The 2019 Seat Retreats were so effective at accelerating improvement in participants, the demand to expand the concept nationally sparked the Whole Rider Workshop. Whole Rider Workshops continue incorporating the foundation established in the Seat Retreat format, but augment the participant’s experience with the addition of a wellness/ nutrition expert and a performance coach. These individuals bring the benefit of improving your body from the inside out with better health, nutrition and exercises to overcome mental blocks.