Ottolina

07/08/2024

When you tag along with Equine Touch friends. . A day at the Ballyrusley Stables (Stable Minds Portaferry).
I was there in a supporting role during the day where horses got a well deserved Equine Touch session. At the end of the day I drummed for the horses in the field.
I love being out with like minded people!

31/07/2024

On the third ride with Molly she is already getting better balanced. Getting stronger and more stable is what we are working on. Molly is of age so this needs time and patience to get her there 😃💚 I have more videos on my YouTube channel - playlist "Riding Molly"

Third ride on Molly. She is getting better balanced when going straight.

15/07/2024

Little Molly, 30+ year old opinionated feisty thoroughbred mare is having the time of her life. I am starting her back into riding and she is loving it.
==> I would like to take you along for our first ride. My approach and reasoning and the "in the moment" decisions. (Link to my blog in the first comment.)

A lovely first session. The biggest problem will probably be to explain to her that she is not strong enough yet to do the things she wants to do.

01/07/2024

Yesterday was a brilliant day of teaching in Derry and Ballymena.

Now preparing for my trip to the Netherlands for a Centered Riding update for instructors. I have been an instructor for over 20 years and these updates are so valuable and fun. There is always more to learn and deep diving for 4 day is a must. And a great way to meet up with friends. Big change for me is not going with my own horse but getting a lovely horse to meet and ride.

24/06/2024

Now I am very excited about Centered Riding, but being a Centered Riding instructor for over 20 years would make that sort of obvious. So, I thought I would share some of the feedback I got from clients!

“With her experience she can help horses and riders in each discipline. She knows exactly how to put her finger on the sore spot. Sometimes literally because Linda is schooled in different body awareness techniques, as well for the horse as for the rider. She is thorough, really tunes in to the horse, has a great feeling to what a horse (and an owner) needs, she listens to what the owner wants and what his or her goals are and finds a way to get there.”

“Aiming for a more balanced and engaged ride. Linda gave me so much advice on helping my horse and I become more balanced. Helping me become much more aware of his body and how it’s working beneath me. I’m really looking forward to our next session but plenty to work on until then. “

“Can’t recommend Linda enough! George and I have benefited so much from our sessions both on the ground and in the saddle learning how to manage and work through both our anxieties and find a calm and healthy way to work and enjoy our time together!”

“I would like to recommend Linda as a great teacher in horse riding. In the Netherlands I met Linda years ago. She made a big impression on me. In her lessons she is very clear and she knows what the riders and the horses needs are. In a short time you can experience a big progress during the lesson and it is so clear you can use it as "homework" later. “

“Linda, she is my best sparring partner as I have to solve many issues with my special horse. She is always willing to listen to my questions and her view and clear answers are such a great help. No big changes in how to approach my horse as she understands the small steps we're taken but just her clear different ideas on how to solve a problem is what makes her a very good instructor. She is very good at taking everything away that is unnecessary and stands in your way and she shows and teach you to concentrate on the issue itself and has a clear bright strategy or answer that instantly gives result. “

On Sunday the 30th of June I will be near Derry!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1550232482195928/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

17/06/2024

If your horse does not do what you want, what do you do?

How about looking at yourself, how did you ask your horse to do something.
Are you aware of your body language, breathing, mindset, technique you use.
Because your horse takes in EVERYTHING: your body language, breathing, mindset, technique you use.
If you are just relying on the technique, but you are tense and stressed out, you horse is not going to be happy to do what you ask. It does not matter how you enforce your question.

This is where Centered Riding can help you. Help you to become more aware of all the information the horse is taking in from you.

I teach in county Down and Antrim. But will be near Derry on the 30th of June.

13/06/2024

On the road again:

Would you love to ride with a lighter contact, but more true connection? Would you like for your horse to be more responsive and a joy to ride? Then come and try out a Centered Riding lesson. Become more aware of how you influence your horse with your position, breathing, body tension and focus.

Jai Hunter of has invited me for another day of Centered Riding lessons.
This is near DERRY on Sunday 30th of June.
==> If you are interested please pm so I can book your spot.

23/04/2024

Last Saturday I was at a fundraiser for the RDA by Desertmartin Horse Agility. The main big arena had all sorts of obstacles people could explore with their horses. And in a smaller arena I would be giving “taster sessions" of Centered Riding to 2- 3 combinations at a time.

All for free and very well organised into a morning and afternoon session with 10 horses each. And everyone would have 30 minutes with me. Now here in Norther Ireland Centered Riding is a big unknown, so this was a great opportunity to show what it could mean for a rider.
On this day we had small ponies, a young horse, two polo ponies, cobs and big hunter type horses. On this day I had 3 kids, one autistic, adults of all ages and sizes and very experienced riders.

This day showed the power of Centered Riding! In that it does not matter what kind of horse, what kind of discipline, what kind of rider you are. I could give literally everybody a new awareness or insight.

17/04/2024

Back from a tailored bootcamp in Cork. We dashed the T’s and dotted the I’s with the “in hand lateral work”. We addressed the struggle the horse had hacking downhill on roads effectively, giving the owner more confidence. Worked on designing a “Equicentral” system to bring the boy home, no more stabling for him in the future!

Looking ahead to this weekend. I will be teaching at Hunter Aromatics near Derry. This can be pure Centered Riding to refine your communication with your horse or a more tailored session to address training issues you are having.
** There are rider spaces open! If interested please message Hunter

Remember to book your spot for van der Horst taster clinic next Sunday 21st April.

You can chose to have a lesson based on the principles of Centered Riding and / or a SURE HOOF session with your horse.

If you have a lesson on the day you are more than welcome to stay for the day as a spectator.

Spectators are welcome at a cost of £10 for the day.

Please reach out to book your space or if you have any more questions.

06/04/2024

Wendy SaundersonWendy Saunderson weeks left before the Desertmartin Horse Agility Open day where I will be to support this good cause: Fun & Fundraising for the RDA

Charity Open Day for the RDA

Sat 20th April. 9.30-4.30.
At: ‘Cindy’s Yard’, 3 Rectory Road,
Tobermore. BT45 5QW

Looking forward to a great day of Learning, Fun & Fundraising for the wonderful RDA.
For Enquires & Booking:
Wendy Saunderson via direct message on our Desertmartin HORSE AGILITY CLUB. Fb group page. Thank you!

05/04/2024

Plans are coming together!

I have very very exciting news.

As many of you are aware I aim to bring extremely knowledgeable and passionate instructors to the yard for clinics and talks etc. These people walk their talk, are authentic and most of all care. They are people I depend on for my yard to thrive and most importantly they WANT to share their knowledge not bottle it up and make it damn hard to access.

I am very excited to tell you that Linda van der Horst will be conducting an introduction to body awareness with centered riding techniques Clinic in the coming months BUT she has offered to give us taster session in April.

Linda came to visit one day and we did a Sure Hoof session with Bob - It was hands down the most amazing thing I have seen. He is a horse who finds it very hard to let go and within seconds he was licking chewing and within half an hour of the session he took himself over to the corner and let out about 6 big yawns. It was very special to witness.

if you are interested in attending this taster session please message to let me know.

Finalized dates will be posted asap.

Linda will be offering the Surefoot sessions and Body awareness with Centered riding techniques lessons on the day.

www.lindavdhorst.com for more information

24/03/2024

Yesterday, in high winds and hard rain I toured Northern Ireland. Now confirmed are my involvement with Desertmartin Horse Agility! How to work with obstacles no matter the level you are at with your horse. Starting from a scratch or an experienced combination. Coming soon in April.
And a workshop Body awareness and Centered Riding lessons are now planned in for May.
Details will follow 😀

27/02/2024

COACHING

With the lengthening of the days and the temperatures slowly going up I get a sense of spring coming. 😎
I am creating new programs for my Coaching practice. Coaching, as a Certified Rewilder Guide! The programs are being created right now! Based on over 20 years working with humans and horses. Finished of with a deep dive into coaching as a Rewilder Guide.

Coaching as a Rewilder Guide means: Awakening and Reconnecting with your inner health and wisdom.
* Rewilding is about reconnecting with the wilder nature within us.
* Rewilding is about trusting yourself and listening deeply to yourself.

Now this might create more questions then give you a good idea of how I will be coaching you. And you are totally correct. The coaching I do is so personal, it is you who will lead me and I will support you 100 %. This is the reason I offer FREE discovery calls to get to know each other and explore.

I you are curious or interested in how I work please reach out to me, I would love to hear from you.

19/02/2024

With the lengthening of the days and the temperatures slowly going up I get a sense of spring coming. With that, ideas start bubbling up and new friends and connections are made.

How about a clinic around body awareness and Centered Riding lessons to put this into practice?
Or a day focussing on working in partnership with your horse during groundwork and working in liberty?

I will keep you posted about locations and dates when things come together 😃

If you are interested let me know, that will add energy to the process. 💚

29/01/2024

DANCING BETWEEN WORLDS

How do you dance between worlds …

How do you dance …

Between what worlds … might be questions that come up.

My dance between worlds is my dance between “my reality” and the “reality of the horse”.

Yes, I am an equine bodyworker, among other things.

My world is the human world and in that my mind and thinking are often very dominant. They like to be the creators of “my reality”. A horse on the other hand lives in the present moment and has a totally different “reality”.

So I dance between worlds, between different realities to connect with a horse.

Quieting my mind and letting go of my thinking. Not that there is no thinking, more that I stop paying attention to my thoughts. So I become still, quiet and finally be present in the moment. Only then can I truly connect with the horse, or any other animal for that matter.

From there my dance consists of being open and follow, fall in step with the horse. Feel his breath, his heart beat and his energy.

My dance between worlds is not really visible. Like I just stand there and do nothing. But doing nothing can be a rich dance, a beautiful connection.

Dancing between worlds, between different realities is a gift to cherish and I am grateful to have horses as my dancing partners.

15/01/2024

Adding play and mentally training your horse is so important!

31/12/2023

11/12/2023

The power of listening

When I work with a horse or a human my starting point is always to listen and find where they are. What I mean by that is tuning in 100%. Leaving any knowledge, expectations and assumptions behind me.

Making sure I am centered and fully present for them when I listen. The first layer is always the story and the behaviour they present to the outside world. And I listen and give them space. From there a journey starts, uncovering the layers that lay under there.

My experience is that this first connection, where I listen to their story, often can be healing on its own.

After this exploration I would form a plan of action for me to take. What to do to help them heal. Where my techniques and abilities would help with healing. Over the years I have delayed my immediate action to create the environment where the horse or human are supported, where their self-healing is supported. Again, that is so powerful and it creates such a beautiful setting to work in. Every horse and human is just a beautiful creation with loads of knowledge and healing within...

Of course, if there still is a need I will follow through with a plan of action.

15/11/2023

Lovely SURE FOOT session with Molly. She has become such a pro! Lifting a foot even before I ask znd rearranging front feet when needed. First time that she is very confident in placing both hind feet on the slant.

03/10/2023

COACHING

This is were I do it for and I am so grateful!

"A couple of months ago I contacted Linda as I needed help. I wasn't happy. At all. Our first session I cried and cried.
Mainly about how I felt like I should be happy, however I was not enjoying life. Linda helped me "tweak" just some small things, how to manage my supervisor at work, how to learn to be in the moment. And the most important thing, how to make my home feel like home and stay. You see, I was raised as a military child. I went to 7 elementary schools and 3 high-schools. I have had 15 addresses in 10 years. Settling down is an unknown but goal of mine. I need to learn how to STAY. I need to learn the same as far as job and relationships go. Linda has helped with that.
I specifically choose to work with a life coach over a "therapist" because of my ADHD, I don't want to take medication anymore. I've been med free for about 4 years, but was struggling. Having her as a support, having Linda just point out the good, the bad and helping me realize what I CAN do to change has been absolutely amazing. Right now I feel I'm at 80% happiness. When I contacted Linda I was having passive thoughts of su***de. I know I generally don't share the bad, I like to give the impression that all is always wonderful, but here we go. All is NOT always wonderful and I've learned that it's not only okay, but also necessary to ask for help. Currently I'm in a ton of pain, my Fibromyalgia is flaring up big time, also something I rarely bitch about, but mentally I'm in a great place again!! Thanks to Angel for encouraging me and Linda for helping me."

22/09/2023

COACHING

I am absolutely loving my journey into coaching and learning along the way. My personal learning this summer has been to really learn to lean into and enjoy my free time. I created this new life with focus on a better work-life balance. I used to be always on the go. But creating this new life does not mean you can just go on and live it. My old conditioning expected me to be very busy and was telling me I was just being lazy! Some inner work was needed to really be able to unapologetically enjoy my free time.
Making changes is often a multi layered process.

If you would be interested to work with me contact me for a discovery call!
more info: [email protected]

17/09/2023

Snippets of feedback and testimonials I got over the years. I am so grateful to be able to make a difference.

“Linda’s coaching sessions proofed to be a life saver.” (The Netherlands, 2023)

“I had a brilliant experience with Linda.” (Northern Ireland, 2023)

“Linda has taught me to leave my fears (very real at times) behind and live in the moment! That has taken some time, but we’re getting there.” (Northern Ireland, 2023)

“Linda helped me overcome my fear of (horse) riding and has been a great coach to me for more than ten years.” (The Netherlands, 2019)

“Linda is very good at taking everything away that is unnecessary and stands in your way and she shows and teaches you to concentrate on the issue itself and has a clear bright strategy or answer that instantly gives result. Well done!” (The Netherlands, 2018)

02/09/2023

AUTUMN OFFER: Lunging package - Advanced

More info: [email protected]

24/08/2023

Ebb and flow. Life is like ebb and flow. There can be a whirlwind of activity followed by calmer days or weeks or month or years. Learning...

22/08/2023

Working in freedom: I am the one working and the horse is the one who has the freedom.

This is what happens when I meet Molly while she is out in the field with her friend for a summer break. They have been out now for a couple of days and settled down together. Her friend is the leader and I have to go to her first. Let her check me out. If I do not do that, I will not be able to approach Molly. I have passed the test and I can approach Molly and have her check me out.

Now picking up her front feet has always been a problem. It was a total NO GO area. Now I have been working on her lifting her own leg on an ask/tap from me. And I have been able to handle the leg. But that was in the stable with grooming and body work easing her into it.

Now we are in a field and no headcollar! After massaging her chest and stroking her shoulders I slide down and tap, can you lift your leg for me? She does. I let her put it straight down before I ask again. Now I pull it slightly forward before I release. She stays in place and does not stamp it down. Then I ask her to lift her leg for the third time and bring the leg up in one smooth movement. This opens up her ribcage. She is totally fine with this, does not pull away, stamp down or walk away! And after doing the same on the other side I let her graze on. All the while she has not moved away which is the best way to know I have her full consent.

More stories in my blog: www.lindavdhorst.com/blog-djarra-travelling-together/

19/07/2023

The power of a Centered Riding lessons:
A client was sitting to one side on her horse and I made her aware of this. Then helped her how to center and have her weight distributed evenly over both seat bones and legs.
Today 14 years! after that lesson we reconnected. She told me she still uses this when ever she is standing for a long time. She becomes aware of loading one leg more and centres herself to a healthy balanced stance.

07/07/2023

This is why I love my work, read this lovely testimonial:

"I have had Molly for 18 years (since 2005) and she is now approximately 30 years old. Molly had had a serious (almost fatal) accident two years before I took her on.
She has always been a very sensitive and therefore reactive, Thoroughbred mare with high adrenaline levels, so managing her has taken a great deal of patience.
This has been challenging but ultimately rewarding - she has taught me so much over the years!

Linda has been working with Molly and myself since Spring 2021.
She has used a range of bodywork techniques/therapies with Molly (TTouch, Guasha and SURE FOOT Pads) and Molly has gone from hyper-vigilance to calm and confident.

In-hand Groundwork has been used alongside this to improve her balance, awareness of her body and increase her fitness. Over time she has improved in all aspects of these, so much so that I have been able to resume riding recently (just walking), which has been so wonderful, after 2 years of ‘retirement’ for both of us!!

Molly has formed a lovely, trusting relationship with Linda and Linda has taught me to leave my fears (very real at times, having a reactive thoroughbred horse!) behind and be like the horse - live in the moment! That has taken some time, but we’re getting there.

28/05/2023

When the horse is NOT standing on the SURE FOOT® pad, but the magic happens anyway.

Rua did not want me to place his foot on the pad, but it flipped up against his leg when he tried to avoid it. Now I know the power and magic of the SURE FOOT pads so I waited.
Rua did not walk away but stayed also. He is starting to figure out that they help him relax. This is a big deal for Rua, since he is always on alert. Twice he re-arranges his foot near/on the pad.
After the second time, finally we see him lick and chew, releasing tension. You can see his eyes becoming softer, but he can not give in yet. Until at the end of the video where you can see him falling asleep, so cute.

For the full 4 min. video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrYoak-aoxw

13/04/2023

I am so Grateful and Proud of my Website. ❤️

15 years ago I designed my website. My business had two parts: a horse focussed part and a human focussed part. The human part was for my practice as an energy healer. I had a beautiful practice room and loved my work.

In 2019 I moved to Northern Ireland and had to start all over again. I decided to focus on my horse related work as a Centered Riding instructor. Combined with my equine bodywork and I added SURE FOOT (SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program® ) practitioner to my list of competencies.

Now it is time to change back to the original setup: a horse focussed part and a human focussed part. This winter I did a deep dive into Coaching as a Rewilder guide, it was a perfect match! So back is the human focused part. This time offering on-line Coaching and again I love this work.

So, now in 2023, I come full circle with my website! With huge thanks to Pam of “Het Paradepaard Webdesign”

Rehabilitation & support When your horse needs rehabilitation or training I can help you. There is a lot you can do but knowing when and what is sometimes difficult to determine. Looking and listening to your horse is very important and I can help you understand your horse better. » Read more

22/02/2023

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱! 🤩🥳
Finally we can share the amazing program of the themed weekend The Young Horse Inside Out with you! We are very proud of all the interesting speakers who will share their expertise about the young horse with you on March 24, 25 & 26. Each of them gives an online webinar about their field of expertise with regard to the young horse. For example, we dive into the training, teeth, growth, fitness, rehabilitation, brain and nutrition of the young horse.
In the coming weeks we will introduce them to you one by one and tell you more about the topic they are going to dive into. We can't wait!
PS. do you want to be there? The sale of the Early bird tickets is going fast. So order quickly to get a ticket with discount. Order your ticket here: https://equinestudies.e-quine.com/en/young-horse-inside-out/

𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐳𝐢𝐣𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝! 🤩🥳

Eindelijk kunnen we het mooie (volledige) programma van het themaweekend The Young Horse Inside Out met jullie delen! We zijn ontzettend trots op alle interessante sprekers die hun expertise over het jonge paard met jullie gaan delen op 24, 25 & 26 maart. Ieder van hen geeft een online webinar over hun vakgebied met betrekking op het jonge paard. Zo duiken we in op de training, het gebit, de groei, belasting, revalidatie, hersenen en voeding van het jonge paard.

De komende weken zullen we ze één voor één aan jullie voorstellen en meer vertellen over het topic waar ze op gaan induiken. Wij kunnen niet wachten!

Ps. wil je erbij zijn? De Early bird tickets gaan onwijs hard. Bestel dus snel om te profiteren van de korting. Op = OP. Bestel je ticket nu hier: https://equinestudies.e-quine.com/cw-jonge-paard/

--- ENG ---

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱! 🤩🥳

Finally we can share the amazing program of the themed weekend The Young Horse Inside Out with you! We are very proud of all the interesting speakers who will share their expertise about the young horse with you on March 24, 25 & 26. Each of them gives an online webinar about their field of expertise with regard to the young horse. For example, we dive into the training, teeth, growth, fitness, rehabilitation, brain and nutrition of the young horse.

In the coming weeks we will introduce them to you one by one and tell you more about the topic they are going to dive into. We can't wait!

PS. do you want to be there? The sale of the Early bird tickets is going fast. So order quickly to get a ticket with discount. Order your ticket here: https://equinestudies.e-quine.com/en/young-horse-inside-out/