Horse trainer Mark Langley is returning to the Border to run a three-day trail riding clinic from November 18 to 20.
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A full-time horse trainer during the week and clinician at weekends, Mark has worked with thousands of horses over 14 years – from brumbies and camp drafters to dressage horses, Arabians and thoroughbreds.
He believes this diversity of working with such an array of Australian horses has helped form his successful methodology.
“I consider every single horse and the needs of that horse when I am teaching – I don’t give people a set of instructions to follow because horsemanship is not about methodology but understanding horses and their needs,” he said.
Mark teaches from an angle where he recognises the horse’s mental position – where their focus is and how they are feeling.
He says everything he does is thoroughly explained as he works; using techniques which clearly calm horses and reduce tension.
“I try to get people to understand their horse’s intentions; where their main focus is and how much tension their horse is carrying,” Mark said.
“I help them to work gaining connection and releasing any unwanted tension.”
Mark has had a busy year teaching people across NSW, Queensland and internationally in Germany.
Horses have been a constant companion in his life – “probably even before I could walk my parents put me on the back of a horse”.
For a long time he said he “never quite appreciated the wonderful animal that they are and the animal that I have come to love”.
Now he works with each participant at his clinics to ensure they fully understand his methods.
His aim is to provide specific help, while also adapting lessons to suit individual riders and horses.
What’s most important to him is seeing happy horses.
“Seeing horses more relaxed and calmer and feeling better about being around their owners gives me a lot of satisfaction” he said.
- The clinic will be held at Banyandah Naturally, on the Murray River at Howlong. Contact Mark Langley on 0417 200 411 or visit www.equineability.com.au