Heather Moffett's Method

[Maisie]

I read the pages by Heather Moffett and some parts of them really contradict what I've read in a book by Mary Wanless (wonder if any of you've heard about her), a trainer I respect a lot.

Mary Wanless' method is very good and has helped me considerably, but her technique takes time. I'm sure it's correct, but Heather's method sounds like a shorter way to good riding. (I've tried it and it feels weird, especially the sitting trot stuff.)

I know I should be patient with myself, but I'm wondering if I should go on and follow Mary's method, or go onto Heather's.

Thanx.

[Vicky]

Hi Masie

I haven't heard of Masie Wanless, but I have read Heather's book. So much of what Heather writes makes sense to me - so much so in fact, that I have decided to book myself onto one of her residential courses, as well as attending the week she is hosting in July.

I guess some of Heather's methods do contractic existing trends and thoughts around riding, but I think it is intentional that Heather is contradicting them. She believes there is a better way to ride, in true harmony with your horse, and so questions previous more traditional methods.

All I can suggest is that you read Heather's book, Enlightened Equitation, and make up your own mind. I certainly think it's worth the read, as it makes you start to question how you have been taught.

Good luck.

Vicky :cool:

[Maisie]

Thanks!

Mary Wanless' method isn't really using that much force either, well, not so much in the hands and legs, but I'll certainly have a go at Enlightened Equitation. :)

[cynthia]

Vicky, if you haven't heard of Mary Wanless, i'd suggest getting yourself to a bookstore, and quick. her books are excellent. and maisie - i think the contradiction is something that's been brought up before, but as i haven't read Heather's book as yet, i won't comment. ;)

-cyn

[Karin]

Hmmmm. When I first started riding I bought Heather's book and it helped me visualize what my instructor was barking (yes barking) during the lessons. I'd go home after the lessons look at the photos and diagrams and say oh that's what she meant. As a complete beginner, it was invaluable

It just so happens that I received one of Mary Wanless' books Ride with you Your Mind for Christmas - and it's superb, but I haven't run into many contradictions. I wonder if we have the same book, the "Masterclass".

I think the two books compliment one another. I found Heather's book helped me get started while Mary's book says "okay now that you've been riding for a while let's take a look at you and see how we can make some improvements..."

Don't you find the themes similar? Ie. if you removed the horse out from under the rider, would she still be standing or would she topple over"?

In any case, perhaps the styles differ, but I guess we can learn a little bit from everyone.

Happy reading Maisie.

[Maisie]

Come to think of it, there aren't really that many contradictions, now that I've read Heather's book.

However, I still don't feel comfortable with Heather's method of moving the lower back in sitting trot and canter. I find it much different from Mary Wanless' method of the 'pinch' and 'bearing down', and especially 'bottom-walking'.

So what I'm trying to do now is to sort of sieve through both methods and find which one suits me the best.

P.S. It's a mite confusing, having 'Ride With Your Mind' and 'Ride With Your Mind Masterclass', but I've ordered both and they're on their way now. Happy riding and good luck, everyone!

[Heather]

HI Maisie,


The methods of using your lower back that I describe are no different to the movement that you make when walking or running, so you make the movements every daywithout even being aware of them. The movement is very small indeed, almost imperceptible unless when riding a very big moving horse, and is essential to establish first so that you are synchronising with the movements of the horse.

I find that many of the students who have been to me after either going on Mary's courses or reading the books tighten the seat all of the time, which prevents the horse from going forwards because you will impede the back muscles from moving softly underneath you.

I use the pinch technique too, but only when collecting the horse or in downward transitions, when it is a very subtle and invisible aid. If used all of the time, it can negate the horse's susceptibility to the seat aid, because he does not feel any difference. My own horses will go canter to halt with a strong 'pinch', canter walk, with slightly less and anter trot with less still. It really is that subtle.

I think that what Mary is trying to stop is excessive wobble of the lower back. This has nothing to do with the small controlled 'spring' which students feel when I ask them to place their fingers on my sacro-illiac joint. Control comes through toned abdominal muscles and the ability to synchronise the movemenets with those of the horse.

I have taught hundreds of people to ride in this way in a thirty year teaching career, and teach and lecture all over the world, as does Mary. My methods do vary considerably from hers. My video showing the precise techniques that I use is now on sale, and also shows footage of a rider who had been going for two years to eight BHS schools around the country, trying to achieve her stage 3 exam, and then footage of her after 3 hours of instruction here.

I just find that many people prefer a simple approach, and find that all of the images and analogies are too complex, but if Mary's methods work for you, and your riding is improving very quickly ( she also had some training with the teacher who most influenced my own riding, and with whom I worked for several years, Capt. Desi Lorent, a student of Maestro Nuno Oliviera's)then by all means stick with it.

Heather

[Maisie]

Thanks, Heather!

I do use the pinch the whole time, but I wonder if Mary's description of 'bottom-walking', the lifting of alternate seatbones, is the same as your way of moving the lower back.

I did use the pinch when I did sitting trot, and I found that it was a pretty good improvement over my past work. However, after I read your reply, I'm a little muddled. Still, I will work at using the lower back - I admit that my back's very stiff and that's one of my common faults. My instructor always points that out to me but he doesn't tell me how to correct it.

At any rate, thank u so much for your reply!
:D