(An overview - by Cathy)
The 'Holistic Approach' is the name Cathy has given to the multi faceted work that she does with horses. The dictionary gives Holistic as 'philosophy characterised by understanding the parts of something to be intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole'. It is this whole that for Cathy makes up the true identity of each individual horse.
When working with a horse everything that has a bearing on it should be taken into consideration to see what effect it may be having, not only on the psyche but also on the physical health and well-being of the horse.
By looking at everything, the horse soon becomes a 'person' in his own right and a truer deeper understanding of this individual is gained. It is not something that takes a long time and most of us do this when we meet our horse on a daily basis - each owner knows almost instinctively when their horse is under the weather and not on form. It is amazing, therefore, to note that when problems arise the normally observant person can no longer see what is affecting their horse, necessitating him to behave in an 'abnormal manner'. He then becomes labelled as stroppy, stubborn, over reactive or indeed a nutter!
With an holistic approach we look at several different well-proven techniques to work with the horse, and also look at the many pressures and influences that are made on him by life in general.
We consider:
- Hoof care
- The health of the back
- The saddle/bridle/rugs and other equipment
- Feed
- How he is handled - both from the ground and ridden
- How the horse is kept i.e. stabling and pasture
- His past - if we can find anything about it
- How the horse moves
- Stiffness and tightness
- Soreness
Cathy firmly believes that there is no one way to change and work with horses. Every horse is an individual and she often finds that a technique that works for one horse with a specific problem will not necessarily work for another horse with exactly the same problem. (She has loaded two horses who had the same incident happen to them at the same time, in the same trailer, and had to use two different loading techniques - as each reacted differently to each method.)
So if you need help with your horse you cannot go far wrong with Cathy’s help (and you will find that you too, will learn techniques to help your horse with modern day living).
If this all intrigues you, why not come on a course and learn how to help horses in a more harmonious way - broadening your understanding of the equine species.
For more information, click here
We believe that in order to do the very best for the horse that all professionals should work together. We pride ourselves in working along side veterinarians, chiropractors dentists and farriers and many other equine professionals. To this end we liaise with client’s vets and encourage all our students to do the same.
The College has recently moved to new premises in Northamptonshire and has been fortunate in being able to take advantage of the excellent facilities at the Pitsford Centre at Moulton College in the village of Moulton.
It has the following facilities:
Fully Equipped Lecture Centre
For all lectures including OHP, Power Point facilities and white board.
The Lodden Yard
This is a wonderfully light, covered yard in which to work with the various therapies that we look at during the two year course.
Outdoor School
This incredibly large area is split into two and provides an ample safe area in which to handle and work with horses.
The Horses
In moving CNES to the Pitsford Centre we are able to take advantage of the many differing horses that reside there. We are therefore able to work with not only different breeds and sizes but also different temperaments and issues.
We have been able to arrange accommodation for our students at the local, family run, Poplars Hotel. For more information, click here
You can be part of the courses that are run by the College with the added bonus of being able to bring your own horse. For more information, click here
