Focus Training & Flower Essences 
with Diana Thompson

There are many reasons horses have trouble performing in a relaxed, willing manner. They may have anxiety when separated from other horses. They could have fear, nervousness or anger caused by rough handling in the past, or they may be an individual with a sensitive nervous system. These horses require a style of training that helps them relax yet directs them to focus on the handler and follow training cues.

Focus Exercises: Diana will demonstrate how to evaluate and improve a horse’s ability to mentally focus on the handler and calmly follow training cues. The physical aspects of a horse’s ability to focus include relaxed posture, proper eye movements, flexibility of the poll joint (the joint between the horse’s skull and first cervical vertebrae) and diagonal coordination. The emotional aspects of focus include the attitude of the horse toward the handler and the level of fear, anger, and other emotional states the horse holds in his or her body due to past events. Students will learn how to direct the horse’s eyes and body in a way that helps relax the horse and improve mental focus and partnership.

Acupressure and Massage: Students will learn acupressure points that calm the horse and massage and movement exercises that improve motion of the poll joint. These methods increase the horse’s ability to relax and focus on the handler. 

Ground Training: Students will learn ground handling methods which bring about safe, effective partnerships with horses. The methods direct the horse to move forward and stop, quietly stand still, back up and maintain appropriate space from the handler. Students will take the horses through ground training obstacles to refine their skills.  

Flower Essences: Diana will lecture about the flower essences developed by Dr. Edward Bach. She will teach students how to use the essences to increase mental focus, calm the angry or frightened horse and heal those who have been traumatized.  She will share formulas that help horses emotionally cope with trailering, competitive events, training situations, farrier and veterinary work.  

 Paid registration guarantees your participation in this clinic.  Space is limited to ten students. Registration is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Questions?  

Call Diana Thompson • Phone: 707/542-4646
email: info@dianathompson.com