Horses of Zachanox

20/09/2024

Our hands symbolize control and empowerment. Violence and tenderness. Creation. Giving and receiving. Holding on and open generosity.
In many ways, we live through our hands.

What does your rider’s hand say about you? Have you ever thought about how every emotion you feel immediately expresses in your hand?
Clench your hand tightly and hold it for a moment. Feel how the tension travels up your arm. What happened to your breathing? How does your chest feel? What about your stomach?

Now, let your hand relax and open, like a flower. What happens to your shoulders now? How do your jaw and tongue feel?

Everything is interconnected. You are connected to your horse, your surroundings, and everything else.
Let’s ride the way we want to live. Let’s live the way we want to ride. 💛🧡

18/09/2024

🐴🐴🐴 Place the poles at a 90-degree angle on a circle, so they’re positioned at, for example, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock. Make sure they are on the open side of the circle with plenty of space away from the fence, giving you room to perform upcoming exercises outside the circle track. You can keep the poles on the ground or raise them to low jumps.

🧡A
Ride at trot or canter on the circle. Find a consistent rhythm that your horse can maintain steadily. Count the number of strides in the space between the poles and ride the rest of the circle as usual. If you achieve evenness in both tempo, stride length, circle size, and shape, you should be able to get the same number of strides between the poles in each lap.

💛B
Trot or canter over the first pole. Keep a straight line before, over, and after the pole. After passing the second pole on your left, make a wide turn to the left so you can ride a straight line over that pole.
This exercise helps you plan your path. Don’t turn too early but extend both the straight line and the loop properly, ensuring a good, straight approach to pole 2.

🧡C
Trot or canter over the first pole. Keep a straight line before, over, and after the pole. Make a circle to the right, finishing on a straight line over the second pole.
This exercise helps you become more aware of where you are and where you’re going. You need to plan your path ahead so that you don’t cut corners, ensuring you create a good circle where the horse has space to maintain balance and rhythm.

💛D
Trot or canter over the first pole, and right after, turn left so you approach the second pole. This exercise can help you practice tight jump-off turns, but your primary focus should be on balance and careful path planning.

🧡💛🧡💛
These exercises come from the printable eBook The Two-Pole Training Guide – 170 Exercises.

Order it today at 30% off and give your training an incredible boost of inspiration!
https://zachanox.com/product/printable-e-book-the-two-pole-training-guide/
🧡💛🧡💛

02/09/2024

I receive many messages and conversations about time and gratitude. 🥰

If you fill each day with gratitude, every day will be filled with gratitude.

If you look back on your past with gratitude, gratitude will be the feeling you remember and carry with you.

14/07/2024

Some days are for action and motion. Others are for pauses. But the thing is, it's not up to you to decide.
You follow the flow.
When training a horse or living your life, always go with what you get. Don't create struggles.
Follow the flow. 🙏🏻💎

24/06/2024

"Your horse is a reflection of you," some say. Here are my two horses because I am a multi-faceted person. 😆

In fact, I have always had one horse that was calm, observing, and stable, and another that was explosive, energetic, and wild in their expressions.
Tiger used to be the explosive one when Kenzo (a previous horse) was the calm one. Now Tiger has taken on the calm role, in contrast to Jeni.

It's fascinating how we find our place in a new group and can expand in the qualities that the group needs.
At the same time, while each individual needs space and the opportunity to thrive in their own area, the whole group is linked by a common thread, a "keynote" that is unique to that group.

As humans, we need to be aware that, in most relationships with horses, we often take on the role of the key tone setter.
The fundamental tone of your personality and the moods you are often in, spread through the horse herd like ripples on water.

So, is the horse a reflection of you?
-He will mirror you, as he will always respond to what you communicate through your being. But that doesn't mean he is your copy. He will always have his own emotions and personality.
He will do what he can to contribute in the best way to the group's well-being and balance, and he trusts that you will do the same.

16/06/2024

Here are 3 exercises from the upcoming ebook The Two-Pole Training Guide: 170 Exercises using 1-2 poles only (link in comments).

EXTENDED CORRIDOR
Place the two poles so that they overlap by 30-50 cm (approximately 12-20 inches). This way, you create a longer corridor than usual without needing more poles. The width of the corridor should be about 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet) or narrower. You can add cones, as shown in the picture, to more clearly mark the corridor.

EXERCISE A
Turn the horse’s hindquarters towards the corridor. (An easier way to start the exercise is to walk through the corridor and halt at the end, with the hind hooves still in the corridor.)
Ensure the horse stands straight, then back-up straight through the corridor.
In this exercise, you have a longer distance to practice maintaining straightness compared to other back-up obstacles.

EXERCISE B
Walk or trot (if the distance suits your horse) over the middle of the corridor. This exercise helps you practice placing the horse where you intend, ensuring he goes over both poles and not just one.

EXERCISE C
Ride at a walk or trot on a diagonal line over the poles. Usually, you should always ride straight over the pole, but it is beneficial to consciously ride at an angle. The horse needs to think and coordinate correctly. Note that the distance is longer at this angle, so the horse needs to take longer strides.

06/06/2024

Brand NEW ebook out NOW for pre-order! 🥳
This is the second in the 170-series, and the theme is spectacular: 170 exercises using only 1-2 poles!

A real game-changer for your everyday training and a must when you want to spend your time riding instead of setting up a big course.

https://zachanox.com/product/e-book-the-two-pole-training-guide/

01/06/2024

We're preparing for the Launch tonight*! 🦄💫
If you haven't joined us yet, click here:
https://zachanox.com/product/online-course-tricks-treats-mastering-trick-training/

Today: €49 💥
Original price: €75

✉️ Login emails are being sent throughout the day.

🌞🐴🥕 Get ready for a great summer, filled with fun new exercises to learn with your horse!!!

*Saturday night in Europe, that is. But don't worry, there are no appointments. Once the course is released, you can login whenever you're ready 💕

26/05/2024

17/05/2024

07/01/2024

Always enter the stable with love, calmness, and an open mind.
Put aside any expectations, whether good or bad, and embrace whatever your horse presents.

Leave behind the history—your own, the horse's, and your shared past—it's no longer relevant. Yesterday was yesterday; today is a new day.

Don't be afraid to try new things. Explore uncharted territories and approach familiar paths with a renewed sense of wonder.

04/12/2023

In my indoor arena, we have these pedagogical pictures for the kids. E as in Enhörning / Unicorn in Swedish.

Jeni posed spontaneously for this shot yesterday. Nicknamed after my favorite figure skater Evgeni, and always in his magical state of being a dashing palomino, it felt like a brilliant setup.

The photos of Jeni could have turned out better. However, this one of his shadow captured something else: the message of any horse.

Every horse is magical. Every horse deserves to be seen as majestic, fantastic, and competent. Every horse is a Unicorn, sharing their own wisdom to those willing to listen.

It doesn't matter if you can translate everything from the horse through your mind or not. In my experience, the most golden insights might not come that way anyway. You can feel it through your heart, or in your body, or maybe it just lingers as a "knowing" somewhere in your subconsciousness, where your intellect has no map?

What does your horse show you? How does he inspire you to be a "better" person, and what does that mean to you?
And most importantly; how do you cherish and treasure your horse, your very own unicorn?

💛🧡 Lina Zachanox

24/10/2023

🐴💛🐴 170 exercises, from basics to advanced!

The book Mastering Your Pole Work is available as printed book or ebook.

CHAPTERS

🧡 Basic exercises – 27 Exercises in which you learn basic pole work, such as adjusting the horse’s stride length to the distance, training halts, transitions and lead changes, and backing between poles.

💛 Warm-up & Dressage – 6 Courses for suppleness and precision.

🧡 Circle & Longeing – 31 Circle exercises you can use in riding or longeing (or long reining).

💛 Pole formations – 94 Exercises where each pole formation has several different exercises, so you won’t have to change the poles and still get a lot of variation in the same session.

🧡 Cavaletti courses– 12 courses to strengthen the horse over pole series, gymnastic jumping, and grid work.

🐴🧡🐴 Order your copy today:
https://zachanox.com/product/mastering-your-polework/

21/10/2023

🐴🐴🐴This pole formation can be used both for longeing, longreining and riding. You'll find these exercises and many more in my book Mastering Your Pole Work, see link in comments!💛🧡

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SET UP
​​​​​​​Place eight poles in an octagon with plenty of space between the poles and the wall. Make the octagon as big as you can, at least 10 meters but preferably about 14 meters in diameter. Keep each pole straight and parallel with the opposite pole.
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EXERCISE A
Longe the horse outside the poles with yourself in the middle. In this exercise, the poles can help the horse understand the circle track better. For example, if he tends to shrink his circles or turns to face you. You can raise the poles to clarify the boundary further.
In riding, the poles support your inner aids.

EXERCISE B
In this exercise, the poles create an outside frame for the horse and thus support your outside aids. You can raise the poles to clarify the border.

EXERCISE C
Practice your signals from the ground by sending the horse in a slalom over the poles while you remain inside the octagon.
You do this by alternately inviting the horse in towards you and showing him the way out. It would be best if you've previously worked with praise and reward when inviting him, as well as practiced the exercise positively and playfully so that the horse does not take the sending-off as a correction. Always finish by completing the invitation.
When the track runs well going in and out, you can fine-tune the direction, so the horse goes as straight over the poles as possible. Experiment by moving yourself to different positions in relation to the horse's field of vision and body in order to understand your influence on the horse.
In riding, this is a suppling exercise where you can work the horse's bending inwards or outwards for different benefits.

EXERCISE D
In groundwork, send the horse in a slalom between the poles while you remain inside the octagon.
In riding, this is a suppling exercise where you can work the horse bending inwards or outwards for different benefits.

MASTERING YOUR POLE WORK FROM BASICS TO ADVANCED is the perfect training manual for all disciplines and all levels! The book contains 170 (!) exercises, and you can vary each exercise to suit different stride lengths, gaits, and levels of education.

07/10/2023

🐴Looking for something fun to do, yet easy to set up?
Here's a course from my book Mastering Your Pole Work!

24/09/2023

Have you ever paused to contemplate how your perception of yourself can shape your riding journey, as well as your horse's experience?

Take a moment to reflect: How do you see yourself on a daily basis? 🤷‍♀️💬

Is your inner voice your most enthusiastic cheerleader, constantly reminding you of your strengths and limitless potential? Or does it sometimes tend to linger on perceived imperfections and limitations?

Today, let's embark on a transformative discussion: Uncovering Your Most Exceptional Abilities and Skills!

Embrace a consistent positive outlook. Elevate your energy, not just for your sake but for your horse's too. 🌈💫

You see, this goes beyond merely boosting your self-esteem; it's about actively sculpting your world, including the profound relationship you share with your equine companion. 🐴🌟

Remember, our thoughts and emotions are the artists of our reality. Whatever you focus upon, expands!

So, here's a gentle challenge for you: Release the habit of self-criticism and abstain from criticizing others, whether online or in your day-to-day interactions.

Embrace the gift of a consistently positive outlook. Elevate your energy not only for your own well-being but also for the sake of your horse.

By recognizing and celebrating your innate strengths, you create a nurturing space for growth, both within yourself and in harmony with your equine partner. Together, you'll reach new pinnacles of understanding and partnership.

Let's exemplify the change we aspire to see in the world. Please share your reflections below on your most remarkable abilities and talents, and let's ignite each other's brilliance!

What are your BEST abilities and skills?
💛🧡

10/09/2023

What's your thoughts on this quote?

For me, it's about staying true to my values and remaining in my chosen energy frequency and mindset.

It's also applicable in your riding: always go back to the basics. If you can't perform a movement slowly and accurately, it's best not to attempt it at a higher gait or tempo.

Stay in a positive mindset, remain calm, focus on accuracy and clarity, stay soft and flexible, and above all, stay in a state of love and kindness.

💛🧡 Lina Zachanox

04/09/2023

This fun course is from my e-book "Strengten Your Horse with Caprilli".

THIS WEEK you'll get 20% OFF when you order this e-book!
Use the discount code FB-C4 in the webshop checkout. 💛🧡
https://zachanox.com/product/e-book-strengthen-your-horse-with-caprilli/

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SET UP
The distance between the cone gates should be 6 meters (19,7 ft). Each cone gate should be 1 meter wide (3,3 ft).
Place the canter poles to fit your horse for 1 stride. (Try 6m/20ft for horses and shorter for ponies, and adjust if needed.)

EXERCISE
Start on the right short side, right rein.

1. Pick up the right lead and jump the combination (green route).

2. At the middle of the short side, do a downward transition to walk (orange route). Ride alongside the first pole.

3. When the horse's front legs are past the pole end, do a 90 degrees turn on the forehand to the left.

4. Walk straight along the poles.

5. When the horse's front legs are past the pole end, do a 90 degrees turn on the forehand to the right.

6. Walk straight forward.

7. Transition to trot (blue route). End the course by riding a serpentine through the cone gates and returning to the beginning along the short side.

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Have fun!
💛🧡
Lina Zachanox

28/08/2023

Here is a series of images featuring me and Jeni performing a halt inside a pole box.

Training transitions and halts from the ground are valuable exercises for enhancing the horse's body awareness, coordination, posture, and balance. Practice with the horse at liberty or on a slack lead rope, avoiding side reins or any constriction. You can use long reins or signals via the lunge line if necessary, but aim to establish a connection with your horse through your body language, reducing the need to rely on the rein.

If you train with a constant contact in the rein, you can micromanage the horse, which can be advantageous in certain contexts. However, if it becomes the sole method of communication, the downside is that the horse learns to solely follow your continuous instructions, potentially missing the opportunity to connect with his own body.

By taking his own responsibility for where the horse places his center of gravity and how he utilizes his body, the training fosters sustainable development. The horse not only learns how to accomplish the tasks you ask for but also how to effectively use his body in all situations, both during training and in the pasture.

Pic 1: My body shows the way forward.

Pic 2: I start to shift my weight backwards, making the horse aware of the change-to-come. It's like an half-halt.

Pic 3: I stop with bent knees...

Pic 4: ...encouraging the horse to bend his hindlegs and stop in the box.

💛🧡 Lina Zachanox

25/08/2023

Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It states that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes.
However, you might find yourself in a situation where 80% of your efforts actually yield only 20% of the results... time to change that!

One of my guiding principles when interacting with horses is to prioritize listening over speaking.
By applying the 80/20 principle to our communication, I've discovered that when I engage with just 20% aids, the horse gains the freedom to contribute the remaining 80%.

This approach allows horses to move and express themselves more authentically, as they aren't confined by the constraints of my aids, or even my opinions.

The magic we can create together with horses is truly breathtaking!

Riding, training, and the bond we share become a harmonious dance, where trust and communication flow in both directions.

💛🧡 Lina Zachanox

19/08/2023

Are you contemplating the relationship between the horse and human? Fantastic!

🌍The equestrian community needs more individuals who think for themselves instead of merely following the status quo.

Dare to question norms, but above all, dare to question yourself!

Skip the aggression, skip the struggle.

Playfully examining your own "truths" can unveil entirely new worlds in your mindset.

🤔Here's a thought:
Instead of choosing how much freedom you want to grant the horse:
View both of you as autonomous, free individuals, each with the full right to express opinions and emotions.

👉From that perspective, how much control do you believe you need, and why?

👉Is it control over the horse, the situation, or just yourself?

👉And...is it really control you need, or is it perhaps something else?
..............
💛🧡 Lina Zachanox

11/07/2023

POLE WORK EXERCISES: The hand-mirror

Use as long poles as you have, a minimum of 3m.

Practice in a gait suitable for your horse's size and level of collection/balance.

A: Ride a circle over the three poles. Focus on a slow, steady, and balanced pace and to make the circle as even as possible. The "trick" here is to keep the horse rounded on the inside, bent around your inner leg.

B: Ride straight over the pole and over the corner. This route challenges you to keep your horse straight and to place him exactly where you planned. When this works, try the other way and ride straight over the corner and then the pole. That direction is a bit trickier.

C: This is a nice one to practice in canter if the distance between the poles matches your horse's stride length. Ride in a short collected canter or a working canter.
(You'll, of course, need to ride a bigger loop than illustrated.)
You can also ride the route in a walk or trot.

💛🧡© Lina Zachanox
Click the link to get my popular pole work books:
https://zachanox.com/webshop/

10/07/2023

Many riders think of the halt as simply stopping the horse's movement, but there is much more to it than that.

The halt is not only about getting the horse to stand still physically. The halt also represents the stillness of the mind and the neutral everything springs from.

The halt is a moment of connection, balance, and harmony between horse and rider. It is a moment of clarity, where both partners are fully present and attentive to each other. And just by standing still, sharing the moment together, and breathing together, you can use the halt as a meditation; a moment of grace, where the horse and rider relax their muscles, releasing any tension or stiffness. Sync your energy level and get the chance to tune in to and explore all the tiny details in your own body, as well as the horse's.

It can also be used as a moment of power, where the horse engages his hindquarters and lifts his back and neck, creating a beautiful outline and a feeling of lightness, ready to move gracefully in any direction.

The halt is not only an exercise, but an art. It is a reflection of the quality of the relationship between horse and rider. It is a test of their skills, their understanding, and their harmony. It is a goal to strive for and a reward to enjoy.

💛🧡Lina Zachanox

26/05/2023

The books have arrived from the printing house! 🤩
Now we are packing as fast as we can to ship them all over the world. Thank you so so much to all of you who pre-ordered! Your copy will soon be in your hands 🥳💜

23/08/2021

Buoyancy starts from within, and is inseparable from pride, freedom, power, joy and awareness.
www.instagram.com/horses_of_zachanox