Horses 'n Hands

24/08/2023

Anke does great work!

When I receive a new horse or pupil, one of the most challenging tasks is to manage expectations - Mine & theirs

When you come to me, I look at your whole horse.
• the frame
• posture
• feet
• the tack

Sometimes you reach roadblocks like your horse has been playing up or doesn't want to go forward, so your journey takes a detour.

⁃ Permit yourself without feeling guilty for not doing what other equestrians are doing.

⁃ Now take the time to get to know your horse and spend some quality time with your horse.

⁃ Come to a walk, the mother of all gaits. Look at your horse’s foot placement & angles: self-carriage and awareness of his own body.

And once you and your horse are ready, you come back to the things you enjoy. You can do them together.

Follow your own journey if it is you or your horses reason why you are not doing what everyone else is doing.

It's OK not to compete, It's OK not to trot, It's OK not to canter

If you are looking for help, please feel free to contact me via pm - Anke 🤎

15/06/2023

Amazing work by Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage

22/05/2023

We were rugged up like eskimos for yet another super Clinic held last weekend with a great group of horses & riders. Some of the key points we worked on were;

Timing the inside hand can assist in maintaining the correct rotation of the chest while allowing for a graceful and fluid movement. By looking into the bridle, one can ensure a harmonious connection with the horse.

The outside hand plays a crucial role as well. However, if it becomes too restrictive, it may hold the chest for too long in front of the outside front leg, which could negatively impact the horse's walk. This restriction can also lead to lateral imbalance, known as "Passverschiebung."

To achieve balance and control, it is essential to have good timing with the reins. This enables the inclusion of shoulder control, further aiding the horse in maintaining its equilibrium within the correct frame.

Moreover, the rotation of the chest and ribcage over the dominant front leg has a ripple effect throughout the entire horse's body. Hence, employing soft, pliable, and well-timed hand aids can make a significant difference in achieving a seamless and harmonious performance.

22/05/2023

Anke does such great work on correcting movement from both a horse and rider point of view!

We were rugged up like eskimos for yet another super Clinic held last weekend with a great group of horses & riders. Some of the key points we worked on were;

Timing the inside hand can assist in maintaining the correct rotation of the chest while allowing for a graceful and fluid movement. By looking into the bridle, one can ensure a harmonious connection with the horse.

The outside hand plays a crucial role as well. However, if it becomes too restrictive, it may hold the chest for too long in front of the outside front leg, which could negatively impact the horse's walk. This restriction can also lead to lateral imbalance, known as "Passverschiebung."

To achieve balance and control, it is essential to have good timing with the reins. This enables the inclusion of shoulder control, further aiding the horse in maintaining its equilibrium within the correct frame.

Moreover, the rotation of the chest and ribcage over the dominant front leg has a ripple effect throughout the entire horse's body. Hence, employing soft, pliable, and well-timed hand aids can make a significant difference in achieving a seamless and harmonious performance.

19/05/2023

What a week! A wonderfully busy time with old and new clients in the mid north coast area! Topped off by a stunning sunrise this morning and hanging out with some foals having a mid morning nap!

If you’d like to add your horse to the list for my next visit, please DM me!

11/03/2023

Clinics are hosted throughout the year on my property in Minimbah, NSW and throughout the greater Sydney region.

Some of these are for riding clubs and some are groups wanting to get together with their horses for tuition in a supportive environment.

The goal is always harmonious lessons in balance and tension-free connection and communication for horse and rider.

Clinics can range from half a day to two full days, and each gives a practical blend of theory, practice and constructive feedback. You can also stay and watch other lessons so you can learn from others and see the new tools and techniques in action.

Prices vary depending on location and numbers so if you would like more information about your specific requirements please get in touch - Anke

28/08/2022

Some lucky customers at Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage getting some attention!

River got some scar tissue release on his front leg after he’d gashed it open a few months ago, and Louis got some Myofascial release around his shoulders and neck.

Thankfully the ground has hardened up some after all the rain - long may it continue!

10/05/2022

🐴 Balanced Dressage: Our Philosophy, Mission and Values

1. Education
2. Compassion/ Empathy
3. Balanced Rider and Horse
4. Passion for the Sport, ethics and longevity

Learn the Art of Horsemanship and Connection through Training for horses, Lessons & Clinics. Like to know more ? Simply follow the link to our website 🔗https://loom.ly/KTqUQfU

07/05/2022

Some happy campers today! (Sorry no pic of you Patrick, you super pony!) Mac got a lesson on my iPhone and Louis was a joy to massage today! Freckle the farm dog had to supervise everything as usual. Topped off by an amazing sunset at Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage

06/05/2022

Always miles of smiles when I visit Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage! Looking forward to a weekend of fun with all the ponies ❤️🦄

28/03/2022

The lucky horses had their favourite visitor
, thank you, Adrienne, for coming and visiting the rainy Minimbah.

The gang truly enjoyed your visit.

And the look on their face says it all.
Love our chats and the feedback my four-legged friends give you.
And the homework that follows.
All nicely back in tune, waiting for some sun and dryer weather so we can come out and play.

Unfortunately or idea of going out for dinner didn't go as planned. A flooded road cut the trip short.

23/01/2022

Great weekend in Minimbah with all the usuals plus a few newbies, including this lovely gent, 4.5yo Mac the Clydie! Loved, loved,loved working on him, even if I had to climb up to do some of it!

Freckle the cattle dog puppy found it all too exhausting and had to snooze under the mounting block 😂