Leg Handling, Stability & the Horse–Human Relationship
One‑Day Educational Clinic | Theory & Discussion Based
10am - 4pm, Lunch 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Snacks and light refreshments provided.
Participants should bring a sack lunch.
This one‑day clinic explores the role of leg handling, balance, and whole‑body stability in horses, while also examining how the handler’s body, posture, and nervous system influence safety and outcomes. Through guided discussion and simple demonstrations, participants will learn how to better interpret a horse’s responses during leg handling and what those responses may indicate about comfort, coordination, and balance.
What We’ll Explore:
- Why leg handling matters for safety, soundness, and communication
- How leg handling reflects a horse’s balance, posture, and body awareness
- The influence of pain, muscle tension, and nutritional factors (including magnesium and vitamin E)
- Observable signs of discomfort and simple ways to assess when something may be contributing to difficulty
- Bodywork‑informed concepts that support comfort, organization, and stability
- Foundational principles such as weight shifting, rebalancing, diagonal coordination, and limb awareness
- The handler’s role in facilitating stability: posture, vestibular input, body awareness, and sense of safety
Clinic Format
This clinic is theory‑focused and discussion‑based. Demonstrations will be performed by the clinicians only; participants will not handle horses. The emphasis is on developing understanding, observation skills, and practical frameworks that can be applied to a wide range of horses and situations.
Who This Is For:
Owners, trainers, bodyworkers, and equine professionals interested in improving safety, balance, and understanding through thoughtful handling and groundwork principles.
In this one‑day workshop, Leah and Terra will draw from nearly 30 years of combined professional experience to help you better understand why some horses may struggle with balance and leg handling, and how thoughtful observation, handling, and self‑awareness can support greater comfort and stability. This clinic is not intended to resolve every leg‑handling or soundness challenge in a single day, but rather to provide clear frameworks and perspectives you can continue to apply over time—for both your horse and yourself.
Cost - $95 per person
Please contact Leah Astrup directly to sign up.
Also check out other Workshops in Parma, Contests in Parma.
