Welcome to JN Equestrian
JN Equestrian LLC is headed by Johanna Nattrass, a life long student of the horse. Johanna believes that when we listen to, and really understand the horse, we discover not only many truths about the horse, but everything we do with the horse is simplified. When we strive to be in harmony with the horse, we create a relationship with the horse which truly benefits the horse as well as ourselves.
JN Equestrian LLC provides mobile horse training and riding instruction as well as on-site horse training. We currently serve El Dorado County and the surrounding area.
Philosophy
Johanna places a strong emphasis on classical dressage, which was formed out of true love and honor for the horse by horsemasters of many years ago, dating as far back as Xenophon's time.
Classical dressage is simply the healthy manner of exercising a horse; it is the only true way to train. No matter what tack you put on a horse, the principles of dressage apply. All horses should be taught correct movement and self-carriage-- proper training preserves the health and longevity of the horse. Classical dressage is the perfect foundation for any and all horses and can be carried into every other discipline.
In staying true with classical dressage, all horsemanship work is done in a manner which compliments the horse and creates lightness, balance and self-carriage. Horsemanship is done to teach a horse how to think mindfully. Classical dressage teaches a horse how to move mindfully. When we put the two together, the horse's mind and body are placed in harmony and the horse is able to function well in their overall being.
JN Equestrian LLC seeks to educate not only horses, but riders as well in the ways which honor the horse. This includes education in horsemanship, work out of the saddle and work in the saddle. All riders must learn to have an independent seat and hands and be balanced and light, mindful of their thoughts and bodies. Johanna works closely with riders on their posture and fitness; as we require of the horses, so should we require of ourselves.
What JN Equestrian Offers
Foals and Youngsters
Give your horse the best start in life. Teach them how to live amongst humans in a horse-friendly way. When horses are taught from the very beginning in ways that are light, easy to understand, drama free, and with their comfort and success from a horse's standpoint at front of mind, we help our horses have a life where they will be able to learn anything, get along with everyone, and be loved and cherished.
Starting and Backing
Horses can be, and should be, started at a young age. What does that look like? Ground work, trailer loading/unloading and transporting, work in-hand, liberty work, and introduction to the saddle. Young horses should always have their personal growth be taken in consideration and be allowed to grow and mature properly and without rushing to avoid unnecessary stress on their minds and bodies. Everything we do should ensure we are preserving the longevity and quality of the horse.
Once a horse is has strength, balance, and their body has matured one can start lightly sitting on the horse, introducing the horse to the weight of a well-balanced and educated rider and be asked for the very beginnings of actively going under saddle.
Work In-Hand, Lunging & Conditioning
Proper alignment is everything to a horse. If a horse is not balanced, he will not feel safe. Lunge work, done in a lunging cavesson, as well as in-hand work, gives the horse the ability to become soft, supple, and aligned as well as gain the necessary strength without having to worry about the added weight of a rider or extra equipment. This work is essential in creating a strong and confident riding companion. The journey ahead is so much easier if the horse is set up for success through the proper steps. Lunge work is done on the flat, over varied terrain, and over poles and cavaletti. Hill work can be, and should be, incorporated as well, with the in-hand work. Horses should be properly conditioned to support the weight of a rider and hold up to the demands of riding and avoid injury.
Liberty Work
Learn how to effectively communicate with your horse through body language, posture, energy, and breathing. The communication between horse and human goes way beyond "aids" and "cues."
Riding Lessons
Become educated in the saddle. No matter the discipline or breed, a horse is a horse. Riders must be connected to the horse's mind and body. They must understand proper biomechanics, posture, and movement. Riding should never be a struggle, a fight, or exhausting. Riding should be harmonious and light. When horse and rider are set up correctly, the rider can always find their balance and be centered on the horse, and the horse can carry the rider and be balanced no matter the task.
Body Work & Health
Learn how to read your horse's body and what to do with the information you receive. Learn how to pick up the horse's energy and use it for the horse's own healing. Get your horse to relax, release, and recover. Many difficult behaviors present themselves in horses due to pain, improper nutrition, and environmental stress, and has very little to do with training
Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds & Other Rehabilitations
I have a special place in my heart for OTTBs. I believe most Thoroughbreds never receive the recovery they need. Most racehorses never get to grow up. They are put to work when they are babies and subjected to physical and mental labor which completely goes against their nature. Their bodies hold more stress and trauma than any of us realize or would like to admit. Thoroughbreds have the biggest hearts and go along with so much so it's easy to overlook the pain or brush off the anxiousness and label it all as “that's just the breed.” Thoroughbreds are wonderful horses.
Likewise, after having worked with so many cases of horses who were bred to be top sport horses and trained diligently for performance only to burn-out and succumb to mental and physicall illness and injury, behavioral problems, and be labeled as dangerous and/or untrainable, JN Equestrian LLC enthusiastically welcomes horses in need of rehabilitation and a fresh start.
Contact
Reach out today
No matter what you would like to work on in your equestrian goals, JN Equestrian LLC can give you the education and edge you need.
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